
The Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in Niger State, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe has distributed 1,000 life jackets donated by the Hydro Power-Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to riverine communities
The Etsu Nupe commended HYPPADEC for the gesture, describing it as the first of its kind.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar said that the gesture will go a long way in saving further loss of lives of residents of the riverine communities in the area.
Yahaya Abubakar added that the protective items will become handy in the event of any unexpected boat mishaps.
“The provision of life jackets to communities around riverine areas will help reduce the casualty rate of incessant boat mishaps of the riverine areas,” said the first-class traditional ruler.
He also advised all waterway users to always wear their life jackets, adding that the effort will stem recurring deaths from boat accidents.
Abubakar warned boat operators to always drive with caution and ensure all passengers put on their life jackets before boarding.
He charged District Heads and Village Heads in the emirate to ensure that the life jackets are shared fairly amongst the beneficiaries.
The traditional ruler explained that the items will protect the lives of passengers who mostly cross rivers in search of their daily needs.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar also enjoined the beneficiaries to judiciously use the jackets and warned them against selling the land savers.