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By correspondent in Lokoja.
Members of the Federated Chapel of Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have forged a new partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) aimed at improving waterway safety in the state.
During a familiarization visit by members to NIWA’s Lokoja headquarters on Thursday,their Chairman, Mike Abu, expressed the chapel’s commitment to utilizing its platform to educate the public on waterway safety.
He promised that the 18-member chapel would continue to engage local communities to raise awareness on the importance of safe practices on the water.
Abu praised the NIWA management for its effective implementation of the 2023 Water Transportation Code, noting the agency’s acquisition of 15 new boats of varying capacities to enhance both safety and operational efficiency.
He also commended the agency for its increased grassroots safety campaigns, pointing out that the NUJ’s platform would make these efforts even more accessible to the public.
The Chairman also lauded the expansion of NIWA’s Water Marshal Program, noting the growth in the number of water marshals within a few months of the program’s launch.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration between NIWA and the NUJ would help reach a wider audience across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State, ensuring accurate information about the agency’s activities is effectively communicated to the public.
Abu also recognized the leadership of NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bolaji Oyebamiji, for the agency’s progress over the past year.
Abu hoped that the partnership would strengthen the relationship between the journalists and the agency, supporting NIWA’s goals in Kogi State.
Receiving members of the chapel, NIWA’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, acknowledged the positive strides the agency has made under Oyebamiji’s leadership.
He emphasized the critical role of the media in supporting NIWA’s efforts, particularly in enhancing security and safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
Makama also urged the media to help counter misinformation, citing a false report about a boat mishap that had caused unnecessary panic.
Makama,who stressed the importance of professional journalism, encouraged reporters to verify their information before publishing to avoid sensationalism and promote national progress.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
