Towards its preparation not to be cut unaware by this year’s flood as predicted by Nigerian Metrological Agency, the Kogi State Government has procured some boats and sea worthy vessels for rescue operations.
Capt. Idris Wada, stated this when he received in audience, the Assistant Director, Maritime Safety and Nautical Survey of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Capt. Kunle Olagunle Olayiwola, in his office.
Capt. Wada noted that the purchase of the boats and vessels followed NIMET’s prediction for 2013 and to avoid the self help approach made by some boat owners to move people during last year’s flood.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, noted that several contrapments called boats and ferries that were not sea worthy were used during last year’s flood by commercial operators.
He however thank God that in all the period the flood lasted in the State no life was lost in the cause of moving persons and vehicles.
While noting that the State has establish a Maritime Safety Committee on the advice of the Nigerian Navy Lugard, promised to give support to policies and programs of NIMASA that is geared towards safety regulation.
Earlier in his speech, Capt. Kunle Olagunle Olayiwola, disclosed that he was in the State to educate Maritime Sea farer’s on the need for safety, prevention, and types of equipments needed by their vessels.
He added that the sensitization exercise included the types of certificates and training needed by operators as well as how to construct boats to enable for safety of life and properties.
Also speaking, the Commandant Nigerian Navy Lugard Lokoja, Commander Timothy Dakwat, said the NIMASA visit was also aimed at seeking ways of collaboration with the State Government, commended the cordial relation existing between the State Government and the Nigerian Navy Lugard Lokoja.
