By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, weekend, distributed 6,000 life jackets and cleared critical waterways across the riverine communities in the state, to safeguard water transportation and ease businesses.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Transport, Akogun Olugbenga Omole, said at the flag off of the initiative, that it reflects the administration’s proactive approach to preventing boat mishaps and ensuring safer water transport.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Ebute Irele in the Okitipupa council area of the state, the governor, said that that the projects would be carried out in the four riverine council areas of the state,which include  llaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa and Irele.

Aiyedatiwa said “It gives me great joy to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion of the flag off of the handing over of life jackets to beneficiaries in the riverine LGAs in Ondo State.

“This year activity will be carried out in the four affected LGAs of llaje, Ese-Odo. Okitipupa and Irele. Permit me to reiterate the fact once again that today’s activity would not have have been possible if not for the kind approval of our loving Governor who in his characteristic grace has provided every support needed for the success of the two programmes

“The event  is quite significant when viewed from the background of several unfortunate incidents in kebbi, kogi, Niger and Kwara states in the last few months that led to unnecessary loss of lives. Once again we sympathize with the people and government of the affected states.

“It is our firm belief that water transportation can be safe and at the same time smooth devoid of any barriers nor obstacles on our waterways.

“That is why the event of today is not only about making life jackets available for travellers on our waterways but also to commence the clearing of Water Hyacinth from our waterways so as to facilitate hitch free commuting thereby promoting commerce in these communities and enhancing sustainable livelihood.

Appreciating the governor  and the Special Adviser for the clearing of the water ways and distribution of the life jackets, the chairman of Oluwa Boys, Tosin Adebusoye and Sunday Ijitade, Chairman of Idepe/ Okitipupa branch, said the gestures will go a long way to safeguard lives and empower the youths in the four council areas.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Youth Empowerment & job creation, Gbayi Semore Orioye, lauded the people of the communities for their massive support to the governor during the last governorship election in the state.

Orioye, assured them that the riverine communities and the entire state would continue to benefit more dividend of democracy from the governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.