Bayelsa: Oyetola Distributes 35,000 Life Jackets To Promote Safer Waterways
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has distributed 35,000 life jackets to water transport users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Oyetola who spoke at the event on Friday
emphasized the critical role that water transportation plays in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
TheFactDaily noted that the minister
had on April 29 in Niger Sate, flagged off the distribution of life jackets across 12 coastal and riverine states as part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
He described the life jacket distribution campaign as “strategic, proactive, and long overdue,” noting that it reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple,” Oyetola declared. “With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users — fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators — with the basic tools to survive and be safe.”
Highlighting Bayelsa’s vast network of rivers, creeks, and its strategic maritime position, the Minister said the state was a natural priority in the campaign.
He also used the occasion to commend Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola particularly hailed Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport — a project he described as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, creating jobs, boosting investments, and accelerating development in the Niger Delta,” the Minister said. “The Federal Government remains fully committed to its realization.”
Calling for collective responsibility, Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety cannot be compromised.
“They are not for decoration — they are for your protection,” he said. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Speaking earlier when the Minister paid a courtesy call on him at Government House, Yenagoa, the governor commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
He also praised Minister Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps,” Governor Diri said. The message was reiterated in an address delivered on his behalf at the event by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, noted that the life jacket distribution was approved by the Minister as part of urgent relief measures to curb incidents on the nation’s waterways.
He echoed the Minister’s call for consistent use of safety gears on the waterways.
The event was well attended by dignitaries and stakeholders, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Also in attendance were ; the former Military Governor of Rivers State and the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff; Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin; representatives of law enforcement agencies, the maritime workers union, boat commuters, and local community leaders.
