Water transportation remains an essential means of movement in our riverine communities. However, safety must always remain our top priority, stated Captain S.K. Haruna, Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, during the Free Boat Transportation and distribution of Free Life Jackets to host Communities in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on May 26 as part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary Celebration.
The Commanding Officer emphasized that the distribution of life jackets was intended to promote safe boating practices and mitigate preventable accidents on the waterways. He highlighted that this initiative underscores the shared commitment of the Nigerian Navy and relevant stakeholders to ensuring the safety of lives on inland waterways.
Captain Haruna further reiterated the necessity of strict adherence to safety measures when traveling by water, referencing recent boat mishaps in Brass that resulted in fatalities. He remarked that such unfortunate incidents could potentially have been averted had proper safety precautions been observed.
According to the Commanding Officer, these recent mishaps significantly influenced the decision to provide free life jackets to members of the host communities, aiming to enhance safety awareness and encourage the use of safety equipment during water transportation.
The event was attended by CSP Okifo Peter, Divisional Police Officer of Brass; Chief Emmanuel Jacob, Chairman of TWON Brass Council of Elders; Mr. Yusuf Ahmed, Station Security Officer at OANDO Brass Terminal; alongside other dignitaries and community representatives.