Commissioner stresses making children champion of water transport

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that the need to make children understand the importance of safety on water and champion of commuting via water transport is why the Water Savvy Kids programme for pupils in Somolu and Bariga areas of the state.

Speaking at the grandfinale of the 4th edition of the Water Savvy Kids Programme, Osiyemi stated that children could be used to communicate how to commute safely on water, helping to remove the phobia in themselves and that of adults.

According to him, the programme was created deliberately as an awareness measures. “To put our people on water, we need to get people to know that it is safe to use it to move from one point to another.

He urged the children not to abandon the skills learnt but improve on it.

In his welcome address, the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Damilola Emmanuel, said the agency is proud about the progress in raising awareness about the waterways’ transport system’s vital role in the ecosystem and the crucial importance of protecting them.

“This programme has educated our children and empowered them to become ambassadors of water conservation, safety, and sustainability. Throughout this programme, we have witnessed young minds face the challenges and opportunities of managing our inland waterways resources. Their enthusiasm and commitment prove that our inland waterways’ future is safe.

“Lagos is a city surrounded by water, so our inland waterways are one of our most valuable assets. They provide transportation, support commerce, and are essential to the well-being of our environment. But with this gift comes great responsibility, and programmes like Water Savvy Kids instill in our younger generation the sense of duty needed to protect and maintain these resources.”

He congratulated the participating pupils for successfully completing the training. “You have shown resilience, passion, and leadership. Your dedication and passion have inspired us all. From the skills gained to your commitment to safety, you have proven that no one is too young to make a difference.

“I also extend my most profound appreciation to my LASWA team and Dolphin Swim School, our partners, facilitators, and swimming instructors from their swim school who have worked tirelessly to bring this program to life. Your dedication and expertise have been invaluable in equipping our children with the knowledge and skills to become responsible stewards of our inland waterways.”

Mrs. Abimbola Aderogba, representative of Somolu Local Council, applauded the initiative saying she was initially apprehensive when she got the letter asking that pupils within the council should be nominated for the training.

“When we were told about this training, we were apprehensive but the training has taken away the phobia. And we are open to more of this opportunity in the future,” she stated.

There were exhibition swimming exercises by some of the pupils with the commissioner saying two of the children are talents that could be developed to world stars though the programme was not about talent hunt.