The Managing Director, National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa FCNA, FNIIS, Abeneche Attah Igala, represented by the State Coordinator, Kogi Office, Mr Michael Omeiza Ajayi, today paid a courtesy visit to HRM John Egwemi, the Ejeh Ibaji, to express the Commission’s condolences over the tragic loss of lives that occurred as a result of a boat mishap.
He added that the visit is to also demonstrate empathy and solidarity with the Ibaji community, Government and the people of Kogi State.
Recalled that the boat mishap occurred on Tuesday, resulting in recorded deaths, with several bodies still missing. The incident happened when the boat, traveling from Onugwa Community in Ibaji to Ilushi market, capsized, leaving many fatalities.
During the visit to the Chairman Ibaji LGA Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh, to Commiserate with him over the boat mishap, Hon Emmanuel
highlighted key measures taking to address such disaster from reoccurring again.
He disclosed of the setting up of a Task Force Committee to Enforce and monitor the use of life jackets at water sites, and to partner with the Maritime Union for Regular inspection at jetties on market days towards ensuring compliance.
The State Coordinator disclosed that N-HYPPADEC’s effort align with the Kogi State government’s response, which includes providing support to affected Communities and improving safety measures on waterways.
During the visit, the commission donated life jackets to maritime operators as part of its efforts to enhance water transportation safety.
The State Coordinator explained that the Commission had earlier donated 2,500 life jackets to maritime operators in Kogi State, 60 life jackets donated to the Ibaji maritime Union during a visit to the National Inland water ways Authority (NIWA) Area Office Idah.
N-HYPPADEC’s Kogi State Coordinator Mr Michael Omeiza Ajayi, also made a visit to the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), discussed strategies for enforcing life jacket use on waterways. The meeting aimed at developing modalities for promoting water safety and reducing accidents.
Engr. Isaac Williams (Station Engineer) at the NIWA Idah Office applauded N-HYPPADEC for their timely visit, expressed delight working with serious minded Commissions like N-HYPPADEC, disclosed that the are focused on service delivery, and living up to her mandate.
He added that NIWA plans to continue sensitizing water users about the importance of wearing life jackets, while also enforcing regulations through arrests and warnings for non-compliance.
Similarly, The State Coordinator met with Nigerian Safety investigation Bureau at the NIWA office, where they discussed on possible areas of Collaboration and partnership.
Mr Michael Omeiza further reiterated that N-HYPPADEC and NIWA will continue to collaborate and partners to enhance water safety measures, building on existing efforts to support communities and promote development, which disclosed is part of the mandate for which the Commission was created to achieve.