Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Thursday announced a N100 million support for the victims of the recent boat mishap involving about 200 persons from Kaiama Local Government Area (LGA).
The governor made the announcement of the donation during a visit to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Omar Mu’azu, the Kiyaru IV.
While commiserating with the Emir and the people of Kaiama, AbdulRazaq said the incident again underscored the reason for more institutional checks on water travels.
He also conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the monarch and the people of Kaiama, saying a delegation sent by the President could not proceed to Kwara State on Thursday.
The governor said this was because of the bad weather which affected the flight arrangements of members of the delegation.
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He said: “We have come to again register our condolences over the sad incident.
“May God forgive our compatriots who died in the mishap.
“The government is supporting the people affected with the sum of N100 million.
“We feel very sad, but it is also important that no one who is embarking or disembarking from a boat in Kwara is allowed to do so without a life jacket.
“Anyone who does so will have to face penalties.
“We also call on the National Inland Waterways Authority to, as a matter of oversight, ensure that people who board boats must use life jackets.”
The Emir commended the governor for his visit and for earlier sending a delegation to the affected community in Gwajibo, led by the State House of Assembly’s Speaker, Yakubu Danladi.
He said while the incident was an act of God, as no soul can die without His knowledge, it was important for people to respect safety rules.
“These rules include using life jackets and avoiding overloading and night journeys,” the Emir said.
He thanked the Governor for the donation and his constant support for the people, including efforts to hire teachers from the grassroots.
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