In a bid to enhance safety along Nigeria’s waterways, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, has donated 30 lifejackets and 20 life rings to water transport operators in the Ibaka community of Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The donation, which took place on Friday, was part of the Navy’s civil-military relations initiative aimed at safeguarding lives and promoting peaceful coexistence in its host communities.
Speaking at the event, the Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the gesture was in line with the Navy’s commitment to improving survivability at sea, under an outreach tagged: “Personal Survival Techniques for Improved Survivability at Sea.”
“Today, we have donated a total of 30 life jackets and 20 life buoys to boat operators, fishermen and marine transporters,” Abdullahi said.
“This exercise is to enlighten water transport users within FOB Ibaka area on the need to be safety conscious while traveling. There are safety measures to be observed in order to prevent accidents, this measures will help to prevent loss of lives and property,” he added.
Capt. Abdullahi emphasized that water transport required strict adherence to safety measures and urged members of the community to support the Navy with credible intelligence to combat crime and insecurity.
“We are stakeholders, we need to promote cordial relationship, we should also work together to promote peace, security and development,” he said.
A beneficiary of the donation, Mr. Victor Ntuen, a boat operator, lauded the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward promoting safety on the water.
“We promise to use these gadgets to protect our lives and that of our passengers. We shall uphold the highest level of safety precaution,” he said.
The outreach underscores the Navy’s non-kinetic approach to operations, prioritizing the safety and welfare of communities within its operational areas.
