The Kwara State Government on Tuesday presented boats and life jackets to the residents of Patigi and Lafiagi in Patigi and Edu local government areas of the state.

The gesture came nine months after 107 persons died in a boat accident while returning from a wedding ceremony in neighbouring Kogi State in June last year.

In response to the incident, the governor pledged to collaborate with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to standardize water transportation in the state.

Speaking during the presentation, yesterday, Shehu Ndanusa Usman, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, noted that the donation was made on the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He said the boats and life jackets were for the entire communities of Patigi and Lafiagi to facilitate safe water travel, especially as the rainy season approaches.

Ndanusa said the gesture would significantly reduce boat accidents in riverine areas and enhance the state’s disaster management efforts.

He urged all beneficiaries to strictly adhere to safety rules and regulations when using the boats to prevent accidents.