Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has pledged N100 million in assistance to the victims of the recent boat accident that claimed the lives of up to 200 residents of Kaiama local government area.
The support was revealed by the Governor on Thursday during a visit to Kaiama Alhaji Omar Mu’azu, the Emir of Kaiama (Kiyaru IV).
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his condolences to the Emir and the people of Kaiama once more, stating that the incident further demonstrated the need for additional institutional controls on water transportation.
Additionally, he expressed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies to the monarch and the people of Kaiama, stating that the inclement weather on Thursday prevented the President’s delegation from traveling to Kwara.
We’ve returned to offer our sympathies for the tragic event. “May Allah pardon our fellow countrymen who perished in the accident,” he said to the Emir.
“The government is providing N100 million in support to the affected individuals. We’re depressed. It’s also crucial that nobody in Kwara be permitted to board or exit from a boat without a life jacket. If this is done, there will be consequences. We further demand that life jacket usage be mandated for anyone boarding boats as a matter of oversight by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
The Governor’s visit and the previous dispatch of a strong delegation, headed by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, to the impacted community, Gwajibo, were both praised by the Emir.
Although the incident was a divine act, according to the Emir, people should nevertheless abide by safety precautions including wearing life jackets, avoiding overloading, and avoiding traveling at night. After all, no soul can perish without God’s knowledge.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for the gift and his ongoing assistance to the populace, which includes his attempts to appoint teachers from the local community.
