The Ibassa Ijegun Egba Youth Association has inaugurated a passenger boat to provide safer and easier transportation for pupils and students living in riverine communities in Lagos.
The initiative is aimed at reducing transportation challenges faced by children travelling through waterways to access their schools.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibassa and Ijegun Egba are riverine communities under Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, Mr Kareem Idowu, Chairman of the association, said the boat represented more than a means of transportation, describing it as a symbol of hope and dignity for the beneficiaries.
“Today is not about a new boat, water bottles or lunch bags. It is about hope. It is about dignity.
“It is about creating a safer passage to education and, most importantly, empowering futures through education because education brings a brighter tomorrow,” he said.
Idowu said the boat was not a luxury but a commitment by the association to ensure that transportation challenges did not prevent children in the communities from receiving education.
He urged the pupils and students to take their education seriously, respect their parents and teachers, remain disciplined and avoid drugs, cultism and other harmful influences.
He also encouraged them to dream big, work hard and believe in themselves.
Idowu expressed appreciation to individuals, organisations and community members who contributed to making the initiative possible.
He particularly acknowledged the Nigerian Ports Authority, Ijegun Egba Tank Farms Association, Medlog Transport and Logistics Nigeria Ltd., AKT Lighting and ATBOWATON for supporting the project.
“To our sponsors, donors, volunteers, parents and every individual who contributed financially, materially or through prayers, your support has made a difference in the lives of the students of the area,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the late Alhaji Shafideen Kareem, Baale of Origerigan Zone 2, whose support included the provision of lunch bags and water bottles for students in the communities.
Mr Folasayo Olukosi, Director, Ministry of Youth Development, Lagos State, who represented Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth Development and Social Services, commended the association for addressing a challenge affecting young people in the area.
Olukosi said youth development was about creating opportunities for young people, adding that the association had demonstrated this by identifying a community problem and providing a solution.
Similarly, Mr Adewale Ojewusi, Supervisor for Agriculture, Oriade LCDA, who represented the council chairman, Mr Rasak Olojede, commended the youth for supporting pupils with the boat.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the facility.
Alhaji Rauf Age-Sulaiman, lawmaker representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, advised the pupils to uphold good morals and comport themselves responsibly.
“Always behave like a student and somebody that is taught by your parent in your house.
“Let the moral of what you are taught, let the moral in you distinguish you,” he said.
In his keynote address, Mr Olalekan Adigun, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, called for greater cooperation among community leaders, youths and government at all levels to promote educational and community development.
Adigun commended Idowu and his executive council for the initiative and urged the students to take proper care of the boat.
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He appealed to them not to damage or misuse the facility, stressing that it was provided to support their education.
NAN reports that the inauguration was attended by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Abdul Olayinka; Iyaloja General of Ijegun, Ibassa Egba, Alhaji Tawakalitu Balogun; as well as parents and guardians from the communities.
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