Waterbird Inaugurates Ferry Services

The Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1, on Saturday at the Old Slave Port, inaugurated the Badagry –CSM Ferry Services owned by Waterbird Limited.

The Oba described the ferry service as an alternative means of transportation in Badagry.

“The ferry service is new, innovative and it will save the people in Badagry from the hustling and bustling of travelling to Lagos by road,’’ he said.

The ferry had multiple engines and could accommodate 26 passengers on board.

The monarch, therefore, prayed for the safety of passengers using the ferry service and wished the owners prosperous business transactions in the area.

Mr Tony Osareren, the Managing Director of Waterbird Ferry Services Limited, told newsmen that the company introduced the ferry to beat road traffic, avoid congestion and stress.

“The ferry services run four major routes: Marina-Badagry, Mile 2-Badagry, Badagry –Mile2 and Ebute -Ero –Badagry,” he explained.

He said the company, owned by Mr Itsume Tamaoka, a Japanese, had three boats in its fleet, adding that the boats were locally-made in Port Harcourt.

“On safety measures, we have life jackets for all the passengers, good navigation system and First Aid Box,” he said.

Reports says that passengers travelling to CMS from Badagry Waterside boarding point would pay N1, 500, while those travelling to Mile2 would pay N1, 000.

Osareren also said that the Marine Division of Nigeria Police and Customs Marine Unit were on ground to protect passengers against sea pirates.

He said that passengers travelling with the ferry services would enjoy side attractions such as cool breeze from mangrove and Coconut trees among others.

Osareren, however, said that the ferry services were also meant to promote tourism business in Badagry.

He said that fun seekers sometimes hired the boats to visit sites like Ibese, Ilase, Ikare and Gberefun, “Point of No Return on weekends”.