The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has declared it’s readiness to collaborate with other relevant agencies towards ensuring that boat operators work within the act establishing the commission by ensuring enforcement.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of N-HYPPADEC , Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa disclosed this over the weekend at the 6th edition of Lokoja Boat Regatta Festival held in Lokoja, Kogi State.
He called on boat operators across the country to be guided by conduct and rules of engagement, pointing out that, enforcement will now be made stricter towards protecting the lives of users of the nation’s waterways.
According to him, N-HYPPADEC towards making the waters safe, has provided several boats, life jackets, carried out series of training for commercial and boat operators, lamenting the recent boat mishap that occurred in Ibaji Local Government Area, that claimed some lives.
While pointing out that N-HYPPADEC is collaborating with other security agencies, tasked users of the nations waterways particularly boat operators to maintain safety protocols.
He disclosed further that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring safety on the nation’s waterways, congratulated Lokoja Forum of Patriots in conjunction with Lokoja Traditional Council.
In his welcome remarks, Barr. Naseer Ahmed, the Dandarma of Lokoja, who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, described the Lokoja annual Boat Regatta as an annual event used to showcase the cultural heritage of Lokoja people and it’s environs.
The Chairman called on other well meaning Kogites both within and in the diaspora, corporate institution and organization to partner with the Lokoja Boat Regatta to showcase their products and to give it a national outlook.
In his welcome address, Alhaji Idris Baba’ango, Chairman Lokoja Forum of Patriots, said the goals of the boat regatta is to reawaken and promote the culture heritage of Lokoja riverine communities.
The regatta he adds is to enhance local economic development through tourism and entrepreneurship as well as to foster unity and social interaction among diverse ethnic groups in Lokoja local Government area.
End
