…Encourages Passengers on Safety Standards
By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has inaugurated the first ever marine transportation services in the state, with the call on passengers and boat crew to maintain high standards of safety and security.
Inaugurating the services at Kupto of Funakaye Local Government Area along Upper River Gongola, the governor charged passengers and boat crew to stick to safety measures for the protection of lives and properties.
Represented by the Commissioner Ministry of Works Housing and Transportation Engineer Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, the governor advised passengers not to board any boat without life jacket, while encouraging boat crew to avoid night travels.
While calling on the people of Kupto to judiciously utilize the modern boat provided by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) to facilitate safe travels on the waters, Governor Yahaya assured that more boats will be provided to Kupto and other river bank communities in the state.
The governor stressed his administration’s commitment to utilizing all available means of transportation in the state for the benefits of the citizens.
In his goodwill message, the State Coordinator N-HYPPADEC Office, Gombe Dr Ibrahim Baba Ibrahim represented by Abdullahi Muhammad, said the modern boat was provided to ensure safety of passengers on Gombe State water ways, adding that the commission has provided the state with over 700 life jackets to promote safety on the water ways.
Addressing the citizens on safety protocol tips in waters, the Manager Nigeria Inland Water Authority (NIWA) Gombe – Yola Areas Office Nana Asma’u Jika represented by the NIWA officer in charge of Gombe Ɗahiru Inuwa, highlighted standard safety protocols and how best to use the life jackets while in waters.
He said “In case of boat mishap, passengers wearing the life jackets can stay up to six hours on water without drowning, while waiting for rescue”.
Also in their remarks, the chairman Funakaye Local Government Alhaji Shuaibu Abdulrahman represented by his deputy Hon. Umaru Busum, the District Head of Kupto Alhaji Sambo Adamu represented by Yarima of Kupto Hassan Sambo as well as the representative of the District Head of Mainoma, Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State Alhaji Usman Ahmad appreciated Gombe State Government and all other stakeholders for making water transportation easier and safer in the area.
They assured to take ownership and custody of the new boat, as well as maintain safety provisions on the waters.
Malam Usman Ali Sarkin Ruwan Kupto, described the development as a turning point in water transportation in Gombe State history, maintaining that the new initiative will go a long way in ensuring safety and preventing boats mishaps.