Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state has donated 30 lifejackets and 20 lifebuoys to boat operators’ unions for improved safety of maritime workers in its area of operations.
The Commanding Officer (CO) of the base, Capt Aliyu Abdullahi, made the donation during a Civil/Military Relations Outreach (CMRO) at Ibaka Beach on Saturday tagged, “Personal Survival Techniques for Improved Survivability at Sea.”
The FOB explained that the exercise was conducted as part of their commitment to maritime safety to the host community in line with their non-kinetic operations and civil military relations under Operation Delta Sanity II.
Abdullahi stressed the importance of the outreach as a means to reminding the users of the waterways on the need to imbibe adequate safety measures while using the waterways.
“A total of 30 lifejackets and 20 lifebuoys were donated to various boat operator unions which included the fishermen and marine transporters,” Abdullahi explained.
He said the outreach was intended to enlighten users of the waterways within FOB Ibaka area of operations on safety measures to be observed at sea to prevent occurrences of maritime accidents which often lead to loss of lives and property.
He reminded the beneficiaries that the use of safety equipment while on the waterways was a requirement by law, adding that the base would not hesitate to arrest defaulting boats and their operators for safety infractions.
Abdullahi used the opportunity to engage the community youths and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of synergy and collaboration in driving development and progress in the area.
“This interaction underscored the commitment to fostering a positive relationship between the community and the base, with a focus on mutual understanding and collective growth,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Victor Ntuen, commended FOB for donating the life jackets and lifebuoys to the people in the area, pledging to observe the highest standard of safety on the waterways.
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