News

Boat Mishaps: LASG Cautions Boat Operators Against Alcoholism

Published

5 years ago

October 19, 2020

The Lagos State Government has urged boat operators on its waterways to avoid drinking alcohol while on duty to stem the rising occurrence of boat mishaps.
The state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Ladi Lawanson, gave the advice during the third Annual Stakeholders Forum, held in collaboration with the Badagry Chambers of Commerce in Badagry on Sunday.
Our correspondent reports that the Theme of the forum was: “Stakeholders Engagement on Operational Guidelines for Boat Operators”.
Lawanson, who was represented by a consultant on Marine Affairs, Mr Gbenga Omotoso noted that not all the boat mishap “are attributable to engine failure’’.
He added that excessive drinking of alcohol also caused accidents on water.
“Avoid taking alcohol on the water; if you are intoxicated, you may endangered the lives of passengers as well as yourself.
“The Lagos State Government has put various policies in place to ensure the safety of lives on the sea,’’ Lawanson said.
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel said that despite the ravaging effects of the pandemic, the use of water transport in Lagos State has witnessed a tremendous transformation.
Emmanuel said that there was increased in ridership figures on the waterways in the state.
The LASWA boss said that with over two million riders monthly, the state waterways was able to withstand significant pressure shifted from the road traffic.
He noted that “yet the potentials were endless’’.
LASWA boss said the safety of all waterways users in the state was one of cardinal objective of the authority.
He added that LASWA management would not shy away from its primary responsibility.
Emmanuel said that engaging stakeholders in the water transport sector were to deliberate on issues bothering on safety guidelines and improvement on water transport operations, especially on the ÌjÍ-Badagry axis.
He said that LASWA management was “saddened and worried by the unfortunate incidents of boat mishaps recorded on this axis in recent past’’.
“We pray to the Almighty to grant the families of departed souls the fortitude to bear the loss.
“To forestall reoccurrence of such regrettable incidences, today we are issuing out new operational guidelines for ferry operations in the state while restricting the usage of jetties across the entire Badagry axis.
“LASWA has also donated 500 life jackets of different sizes that will be distributed to all boat users and participants here at the forum.
“We have also commenced a massive safety awareness campaign across all jetties and terminals in order to educate and sensitize ferry passengers and boat operators on safety procedures,’’ Emmanuel said.
Adding a royal voice at the forum, Oba Akran of Badagry, Aholu-Menu Toyi 1, urged the government to intensify efforts on enlightenment programme for boat operators to enhance safety on water transportation in Badagry.
Toyi, who was represented by Baale of Topo, Chief Michael Avose, commended the efforts of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce for facilitating the enlightenment programme.
The royal father also advised boat operators to avoid taking alcohol when on boat.
In his remark, the Secretary, Lagos State Private Boat Operators, Mr Owolabi Omotayo, commended the LASWA for organising prompt rescue operations during the last boat mishap in Badagry.
Omotayo said that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUA) had been working with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure that boat operators are trained and certified.
Also, Lt. Commodore Dan Nehemiah, Base Operator Officer Badagry, pleaded with LASWA management to regulate indiscriminate erection of jetty in the area.
Nehemiah also alleged that boat operators usually engage in late-night operations and they had relaxed on the COVID-19 guidelines.
The President, Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) Fatai Shokunbi, appealed to LASWA to ensure that Badagry is not left behind on development drive in the state.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”

She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.

As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.

Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.

The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.

By John Bibor

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.

On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.

Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.

It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.

The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.

Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.

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News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.

The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.

The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.

Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.