SWAAADO Intensifies Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign to Waterfront Communities in Lagos State.

By Oghenewoke Onoriode, Waterways News Correspondent, Lagos

130 Persons, Including Boat Drivers, Fishermen, Community Leaders and Everyday Waterway Users, Participate as Organization Plans Free Training and Licensing for Boat Skippers

*Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State* – The Sustainable Waterways Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Organization (SWAAADO) has expanded its ongoing waterways safety sensitization campaign to three communities on Onisiwo Island in Onisiwo Kingdom, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The comprehensive safety awareness program, which covered Ilufemiloye Community, Irede Community, and Igbayilola Tie-Gate Community, attracted 130 participants comprising boat users and boat skippers who engaged in robust discussions on waterways safety understanding and knowledge.

Chief Emmanuel Omotayo, the Baale of Ilufemiloye Community, who attended the occasion, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting the visible joy on the faces of community participants. “We need more of this sensitization campaign in our kingdom,” the community leader stated.

Comprehensive Safety Education

Chief Raymond Gold, SWAAADO’s Head of Desk, Corporate Communication and Strategy, took participants through an extensive waterways safety sensitization program, educating them on critical safety measures required when boarding and disembarking from boats.

Gold unveiled SWAAADO’s ambitious plans for waste management in waterways, emphasizing the detrimental effects that the dumping of household waste on our waterways, could have on aquatic life. He also announced the organization’s groundbreaking initiative to provide free training and licensing for boat skippers while listing them on SWAAADO’s Nigeria Waterways Directory platform – a move designed to bring boat operators into the oversight framework of maritime regulatory agencies.

Partnership for Seamless Training

Mrs. Ada Okpanige Agbo, representing SWYRE Marine, a NIMASA-accredited training institution, gave details on the need for every boat skipper to be trained and licensed urging participants to avail themselves of the opportunity that SWAAADO provides. She confirmed that SWYRE Marine has partnered with SWAAADO to ensure seamless training and licensing of boat skippers.

Engr. Shittu Oladimeji of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) stressed the importance of constant safety consciousness while highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts in sensitizing waterways users about safety compliance. He announced LASWA’s readiness to support community waterways safety volunteers and requested the compilation of names for official registration and training in preparation for engagement

Industry Stakeholders Endorse Initiative

Comrade Osaweren O. Larry, representing the Lagos Commercial Private Boat District of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, described the SWAAADO’s Nigeria Waterways Directory concept as “a game changer” in the nation’s waterways industry. He noted that the platform would would instil discipline in the sector by listing all stakeholders with verifiable data and providing mechanisms to blacklist erring participants.

“The burden of safety on our waterways is a shared responsibility,” Larry emphasized, calling on regulatory agencies to partner with SWAAADO in addressing major challenges facing the maritime sector.

Engr. Gimada of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) delivered what observers described as a fantastic safety message, further reinforcing the importance of waterways safety education.

Chief Femi Alade, the Baale of Irede Community, also addressing the gathering, advising both passengers and boat skippers to maintain safety consciousness at all times.

Life Vests Distribution

The sensitization campaign ended with the distribution of life vests to the two jetties serving the three communities, providing essential safety equipment to enhance passenger protection on the waterways.

SWAAADO’s waterways safety campaign is supported by Simtop International Limited, Best-Time Global Logistics and Solutions Ltd., Waterways Integrated Synergy Limited, and SWYRE Marine, whose collective commitment continues to drive safety awareness across Lagos State waterfront communities.swaaado

The organization’s multi-faceted approach – combining education, free training, licensing, and regulatory integration – represents a comprehensive strategy to enhance safety standards and formalize operations in Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.

For more information about SWAAADO’s waterways safety initiatives and upcoming training programs, community members and boat operators are encouraged to contact the organization through its official channels.