In line with its renewed zest to prioritise safety in Nigerian waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) through a strategic partnership with the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) has donated life-jackets to fisherwomen in Epe riverine communities.
The President of OAF, Hon. Olaitan Williams, disclosed this on Sunday when she celebrated the feat at the Afuye Jetty in Epe as the fishing community received the life-jackets.
Recall that as part of efforts to enhance food security through the blue economy, OAF initiated a partnership with Bank of Industry (BoI) and inaugurated a Cooperative Society for Fisherwomen in Epe, Lagos.
The Cooperative Society which enlisted several ladies from coastal communities in two groups to manage fish ponds in the Epe riverine area.
Speaking with the News Diet after the receipt of the life-jackets at the weekend, Williams thanked the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the inland waterways regulator -NIWA for the kind gesture even as she stressed the importance of safety and life-jackets to all categories of stakeholders in riverine communities.
While emphasising that the fishing venture underscores the Foundation’s commitment to food security, sustainability of coastal communities and value-chain addition for fisheries; she noted that the provision of life-jackets created an enabling environment for artisanal fishing to thrive.
Good one