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Niger State boat safety crackdown after fatal mishap

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2025

Niger State boat safety rules get tougher as government vows to prosecute operators ignoring life jackets after fatal mishap

Niger State boat safety is now at the heart of a strict government enforcement drive after a tragic boat mishap claimed 13 lives in Zumba.

Also read: Niger Boat Mishap in Shiroro Claims 13 Lives, Search Ongoing

The state government has vowed to sanction and prosecute boat operators who fail to ensure passengers wear life jackets, a rule meant to prevent recurring water accidents.

Commissioner of Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, expressed dismay that passengers in the recent tragedy refused to use the 150 life jackets her ministry had earlier provided to Guni boat operators.

She appealed to traditional leaders and the boat operators’ association to enforce compliance, warning that defaulters will face stiff penalties.

During a condolence visit, Commissioner of Lands and Survey Maurice Magaji and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mairo Mohammed Mann, urged the community to accept the loss while stressing better supervision and waterway maintenance.

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to saving lives and properties, calling for community collaboration in ensuring safer waterways.

The bereaved families received N200,000 each, alongside 50kg of rice and maize.

Also read: Tragic Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway Accident Kills Child, Injures 14 Others

An additional 50 life jackets were distributed to the boat operators’ association, reinforcing the government’s resolve to turn this tragedy into a wake-up call for lasting change.

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Sanwo-Olu Surprises Wife Ibijoke With Flowers at Women’s Conference

Published

9 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Sanwo-Olu surprises wife Ibijoke with flowers and shares a kiss at COWLSO’s 26th Annual National Women’s Conference in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, with flowers before sharing a kiss with her at the opening ceremony of the 26th Annual National Women’s Conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

Also read: 37 Miners’ Deaths: Panel Finds Fatal Asphyxiation in NSCDC Custody

The event was organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) under the theme, “Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint.”

Sanwo-Olu presented the flowers to his wife during his speech at the conference, which brings together women and leaders for discussions and activities focused on women’s empowerment and leadership.

“On behalf of COWLSO and everything that is decent, we want to appreciate you, we want to honour you,” the governor said.

The couple subsequently shared a kiss as Nigerian singer 2Baba’s song, “African Queen”, played at the event.

The conference aims to inspire women, empower leaders and promote a purposeful future through discussions and activities centred on women’s development.