Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara on Thursday handed over 1,000 life jackets to the people of Patigi, headquarters of the Patigi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The life jackets were meant to help prevent cases of drowning and deaths in the event of boat mishaps during water travel in the area.

Shortly after meeting with some first-class traditional rulers, Mr Abdulrazaq handed over the jackets to the Etsu Patigi, Umar Bologi II.

The traditional rulers had briefed him on some security issues and the general well-being of the area’s people.

While addressing them, the governor said a similar gesture would be extended to the Edu LGA of the state and other riverine areas to promote safe water travel in the state.

“It is a continuous process, and health and safety issues of all concerned are being addressed,” he said.

The Etsu thanked Mr Abdulrazaq for taking “wonderful steps” to protect his subjects, adding that this would go a long way to avert a recurrence of boat mishaps in the area.

“On behalf of myself and the entire people of Patigi Emirate Council, we sincerely thank you for this wonderful donation to our people in the riverine areas, who are mostly farmers and fishermen.

“We pray God to guide and protect you and continue to uplift your government and see you succeed,” he added.

The state government recently sent a team to the Lagos Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Its officials said this was part of ongoing efforts to boost water travel and safety.

(NAN)