Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced a financial support package of N100 million for the victims of the recent boat tragedy, which involved up to 200 people from the Kaiama Local Government Area.

The Governor made this announcement on Thursday during his visit to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Omar Mu’azu (Kiyaru IV).

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his sympathies to the Emir and the people of Kaiama, stressing that the unfortunate incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulatory measures on water travel.

He also delivered condolences from President Bola Tinubu to the Emir and Kaiama residents, explaining that the President’s delegation was unable to visit Kwara on Thursday due to adverse weather conditions that prevented their flight.

AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, commiserated with the Emir and the people of Kaiama, saying the incident underscored the reason for more institutional checks on water travel.

He also conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the monarch and the people of Kaiama, saying a delegation of the President could not proceed to Kwara on Thursday because of the bad weather that prevented them from flying.

“We have come to again register our condolences over the sad incident. May Allah forgive our compatriots who died in the mishap,” he told the Emir.

“The government is supporting the people affected with the sums of N100m. We feel very sad. It is also important that no one who is embarking or disembarking from a boat in Kwara is allowed to do so without a life jacket.

“Anyone who does so will have to face penalties. We also call on the National Inland Waterways Authority to, as a matter of oversight, ensure that people who board boats must use life jackets,” he added.

The Emir said it was important for people to respect safety rules such as using life jackets and avoiding overloading and night journey.

He thanked the governor for the donation and his constant support for the people, including efforts to hire teachers from the grassroots.