Federal Government Donates 1,000 Life Jackets to Kwara State for Water Safety

The Federal Government has donated 1,000 life jackets to Kwara State as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety and prevent mishaps on inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities. This initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to mitigating risks associated with water transportation and safeguarding lives.

The donation was confirmed on Friday, June 20, 2025, with the life jackets intended for distribution across various riverine areas in Kwara State. While the specific federal agency that delivered the items was not explicitly detailed in all reports, such donations are typically facilitated by agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) or the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has been active in distributing safety equipment across littoral states.

This gesture is particularly significant for Kwara, a state frequently affected by boat mishaps, especially during the rainy season. Reports from the state have highlighted challenges such as overloading, non-compliance with safety regulations, and the persistent neglect of basic safety measures, including the mandatory use of life jackets, which often contribute to high casualty figures in boat accidents.

While the current donation is from the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has also previously made similar efforts. In August 2023, Governor AbdulRazaq personally handed over 1,000 life jackets to the people of Patigi, a community heavily impacted by boat accidents, reaffirming the state’s commitment to ensuring safe water travel. The state government has also acquired and donated boats and life jackets to other riverine communities and the State Fire Service to bolster emergency response capabilities.

Both federal and state governments continue to advocate for strict adherence to safety protocols on waterways and urge residents to utilize the provided safety equipment to prevent avoidable loss of lives. The combined efforts aim to foster a culture of safety and preparedness among water users in Kwara State.