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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Calabar Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority has appointed 20 ambassadors to help spread the message of waterway safety in Cross River State.
In addition, 200 life jackets have been donated to beaches, boat owners and other stakeholders operating within the Calabar Area office of the agency.
Engr Stanley Onuoha, the Calabar Area Manager of NIWA, presented the life-saving items during a quarterly sensitisation engagement with maritime stakeholders at the Safe Journey Beach in Calabar South, Cross River State.
According to Engr Onuoha, “The ambassadors comprise the chairman of the maritime workers union, councillors representing the place, traditional rulers, House of Assembly people.
They are to help us carry this message to the grassroots and make sure that every passenger wears a life jacket while on board,” he said.
He further disclosed that the sensitisation is the third quarterly engagement within the year and is in line with the mandate of the CEO/Managing Director of the authority as well as the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
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He expressed optimism that the gospel of safety is on track and they will continue to do this until everybody completely complies with safety standards.
He added that NIWA is happy that the stakeholders are embracing the message and we have had little or no boat mishap within the area.
The life jackets were gratefully received by beach operators and boat owners, who acknowledged the critical role they would play in preventing water accidents.
One of the ambassadors, Hon Effiong Ekarika, member representing Calabar South one in the State Assembly, welcomed the appointment saying they will help take the message to the grassroots.
Beaches within the area which received the life jackets include Safe Journey Beach, Henshaw Town Beach, Nsidung Beach, Abitto Ferry and Sea Express, Afikpo Beach, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria including other dedicated operators.
