FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Niger State government has lauded N-HYPPADEC for providing fibreglass boats for communities in riverine areas in the 10 HYPPADEC states.
Commissioning the 33 fibreglass boats on Thursday in Minna, Governor Umar Bago represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, said the gesture will not only save lives, but give a sense of belonging to the communities.
Garba said it is a laudable effort, which is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the safety and security of our people.Â
The governor pointed out that the gesture will contribute immensely to improved livelihood of the people, particularly those in riverine communities who depend on maritime activities.
In his address, the Managing Director of N-HYPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, said the commissioning of the fibreglass boats is in commemoration of the World Maritime Day.
He appreciated Governor Bago for his visionary leadership, commitment to infrastructural development and the transformation of the state capital, and other major cities.
According to him, World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the International Maritime Organisation and the theme for this year aligns perfectly with the vission of N-HYPADEC.
He said the commission has taken cognizance of the painful instances of boat accidents that have claimed many lives in riverine communities.
“To safeguard riverine communities, the commission has procured and distributed 10,000 life jackets across the N-HYPADEC states to save lives during accidents.
“The challenges of marine transportation in our communities persist due to traditional wooden boats often prone to accidents, it is against this backdrop that we have taken a bold step to procure and distribute 33 modern fiberglass boats,” he said.
