Boat Mishaps: MAN Donates Life Jackets To Operators

The Marítime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Akwa Ibom State, has donated live jackets to operators at Oron beach to safeguard the lives of passengers and users so as to curb incessant boat mishaps on the nation’s inland waterways
Speaking at a two-day Safety Awareness Workshop For Boat Operators and Users titled: ‘Harnessing the Opportunities of Marine and Blue Economy with Safety of Inland Waterways Transportation in Perspective,’ the acting rector of MAN, Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna, said the operators should work directly with the academy to train boat skippers and operators on Power Driven Small Craft (speed boat) Operation and Outboard Engine Maintenance, among others.
According to Okonna, the academy will make more life jacket donations to the operators in future when the institution is encouraged to make good use of the sets donated.
“This workshop is organised by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in line with Mr. President’s directive and as part of the programme of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure safety on our inland Waterways.
“As you may be aware, in the recent past, so many Nigerians have lost their lives and properties on our inland waterways, including the popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, due to ignorance and possible non-adherence to safety practices as required by the NIWA and contained in approved guidelines for safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
“This is why the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the NIWA are embarking on a nationwide Inland Waterways Safety Awareness Campaign. The campaign has already been taken to several jetties in Nigeria to sensitise citizens on government laws/guidelines and necessary safe practices to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s inland waterways transportation system and also donate approved lifejackets to promote the safety practices,” he noted.
The academy boss, however, stated that, the sensitisation and awareness campaign approved by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy had led to a drastic reduction in boat accidents.
“We are encouraged by the drastic reduction in the incidents of boat accidents on our inland waterways since the campaign began. Today, we in the Maritime Academy of Nigeria are happy to collaborate with the NIWA to bring this workshop to Oron Beach with the same purpose as the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, that is the engagement of the people for the promotion of safety on Nigeria’s Inland Waterways and prevention of boat accidents as well as boosting trade and industry in our riverine and coastal areas,” he stated.