Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
July 29, 2015 – Total Nigeria Plc., on Wednesday donated 2, 400 life jackets to the Lagos State Government as part of efforts to reduce carnage on the Lagos waterways.
At least 20 people have died in Lagos waterways this year alone while trying to move from one area to the other on speed boats.
The items were presented by Deputy Managing Director, Total Exploration & Production, Mr. Charles Ngoka to the Lagos State Government during the 2015 World Safety Day in Lagos. Ngoka said that out of the 2, 400 Life Jackets, 1, 800 were specifically designed for children.
“We are pleased to announce that the current drive is aimed at children as Total Exploration and Production Nigeria ltd is donating 2,400 life jackets with 1,800 jackets for children ranging from ages 3-15. It only takes 60 seconds for an adult to drown and 20 seconds for a child to drown”, he said, adding that children’s life jackets are specifically designed for their weight with adjustable crotch strap to help prevent riding up when worn with padded collar to support the head by keeping the body vertically and tilting the head above water.
He said that it has tie cords at the top and bottom, zipper, quick release buckle, whistle and reflective tape as required to meet international standards approved for all EU market.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode re affirmed the determination of his administration to strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations and laws in order to reduce to the barest minimum incidents of loss of lives and property arising from negligence and non-compliance with the safety measures put in place by the state government.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule noted that in recent times, incidents of building collapse, fire disasters, boat mishaps and other avoidable accidents are becoming rampart across the country because of disregard for safety regulations and guidelines in their daily activities.
He called on stakeholders in public safety including relevant government agencies to rise up to the challenge of avoidable dangers in work places by ensuring a total compliance with safety regulations and measures put in place to avert dangers.
‘’I believe that time has come for all stakeholders in public safety including relevant government agencies to rise up to this challenge because it is not enough to have regulations and standards , they must be enforced and complied with to prevent avoidable loss of lives and properties’’ , the governor stated.
He warned that relevant provisions of the laws will be applied against erring individuals and government officials implicated in any identified case of negligence or compromise that may result in avoidable injuries or loss of lives.
He described the theme, “Safety Day Celebration: Building A Culture of Prevention on Occupational Safety and Health”, as appropriate and timely, adding that though accidents are realities of life, safety consciousness will reduce their frequency and degree of fatalities.
He called on all stakeholders in health, environment, safety as well as all enforcement agencies to partner with the state government by ensuring total compliance with appropriate safety measures.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi noted that there has been a significant increase in public awareness for safety as a result of vigorous sensitization and advocacy in all the five administrative divisions of the state.
She said that there has been constant review of the state government programmes and policies on safety which she noted has helped to reduce accidents in work places.
She called on other stakeholders in construction and manufacturing industries to partner the state government on safety campaign advocacy by waking up to their safety obligations and to ensure strict compliance with safety measures in their work places.
