Oyetola,has initiated a campaign to distribute life jackets and raise awareness

Winnipeg police suspect that the incident on Sherburn Street on Monday, which resulted in two fatalities, was a case of murder-suicide.

In a significant step towards protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians reliant on the country's inland waterways, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has initiated a campaign to distribute life jackets and raise awareness across 12 states.

This initiative, executed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), aims to provide 42,000 life jackets to users of the waterways in the selected riverine states. In the first phase, each state will receive 3,500 life jackets, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable riverine communities. The Minister emphasized that this intervention demonstrates the Ministry's steadfast dedication to ensuring safety in water transport and the well-being of Nigerians living and working along the waterways. The Minister also pointed out the alarming increase in boat accidents, many of which result from human error and the lack of essential safety gear. To address this issue, he highlighted a comprehensive approach that includes not only the distribution of life jackets but also the enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Code 2023. Furthermore, a Special Committee on Boat Mishaps has been formed to implement long-term safety reforms. "This is a collective responsibility," stated the Minister. "We must collaborate across all levels of government to guarantee that our waterways are safe, secure, and contribute to economic growth and national development. Safety is not optional; it is a duty we owe to every Nigerian."