CFAO Yamaha, LASWA push for safer water transport

…distribute lifejackets

In a proactive move to enhance safety on Lagos’ inland waterways, CFAO Yamaha, in collaboration with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), has launched the first phase of its “King of the Waterways” safety campaign.

The initiative kicked off with the distribution of over 100 lifejackets at Liverpool and Ebute jetties, two of the busiest water transport terminals in the state.

The campaign aims to foster a culture of safety among boat operators and passengers, particularly as water transportation continues to gain popularity in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Sylvia Omlenyi, managing director of CFAO Yamaha, emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying, “This campaign is about saving lives.

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“We are proud to partner with LASWA to ensure that every journey on our waterways is a safe one. Lifejackets are not just accessories, they are essential,” Omlenyi said.

Also, at the event was Denis Martin, group managing director of CFAO Mobility, who said that safety is not just a priority but a responsibility at CFAO.

“Through our ‘King of the Waterways’ campaign, we are reaffirming our commitment to the communities we serve by ensuring that every journey on our waterways is safer and more secure.

“Our partnership with LASWA is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for the greater good,” Martin said.

LASWA officials echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing waterway accidents and fatalities.

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In the same vein, local boat operators welcomed the gesture with enthusiasm and gratitude, as Babatope Fajemirokun, chairman of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), said that this initiative is a powerful reminder that safety on our waterways is a shared responsibility.

“At ATBOWATON, we are proud to support efforts like the ‘King of the Waterways’ campaign that not only provide essential safety gear but also foster a culture of awareness and accountability among operators and passengers alike,” Fajemirokun said.

According to CFAO Yamaha, the campaign will continue in phases, with more distributions and safety awareness programmes planned across other key jetties in Lagos and surrounding regions.

As Lagos continues to embrace water transport as a solution to urban congestion, initiatives like this are vital to ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of development.