Ambode saves 2,400 students' lives as 5 schools get free life jackets

The life jackets were supplied by the Akinwunmi Ambode-led Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

According to the LASWA Managing Director, Abisola Kamson, the jackets were specially made for the pupils who will use them.

She noted that the government hopes to safeguard the lives of pupils, hence its efforts to ensure that all those who use water transportation wear life jackets to prevent drownings.

"Drowning is a major problem among children living in riverine areas," Kamson said.

"Our goal is to reduce the number, if not eradicate it completely.

"We are here as part of the government’s concentrated efforts to encourage and improve water safety in the state.”

READ: 6 pupils dead, 8 rescued ...govt laments failure to use life jackets

The Executive Secretary of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Modupeola Ajibola-Ojodu, thanked the government for the life jackets and urged the beneficiaries to use them.

Also present at the occasion was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Oluseyi Whenu, who said the donation was made as part of the government's integrated inter-modal transportation system

There have been several mishaps on Lagos waterway in the recent past.

In July, six pupils died after a motorized boat hit a fibre boat that was conveying about 12 children and an adult to school within the Ebute Ojo waterways in Ojo LGA of Lagos.

The deaths were blamed on failure to use lifejackets.