My Birthday Tribute to Victims of Boat Mishaps in Hydroelectric Dam Affected Communities
My Birthday Tribute to Victims of Boat Mishaps in Hydroelectric Dam Affected Communities
Birthdays are moments of gratitude, reflection, and renewed hope. They remind us of the gift of life and the responsibility to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As I celebrate another year today, my thoughts and prayers are with the men, women, and children who have lost their lives in boat mishaps, particularly in communities affected by the operations of hydroelectric dams across Nigeria.
I remember the families left behind, the children deprived of parental care, and the communities whose lives have been forever altered by tragedies on waterways they depend on for their daily survival.
For me, this birthday is more than a personal milestone. It is an opportunity to honour the departed, sympathise with bereaved families, and renew my commitment to promoting safer waterways and the preservation of human life.
In many riverine communities, water transportation is essential for accessing markets, schools, healthcare facilities, farms, and neighbouring settlements. Yet, the waterways that sustain livelihoods can also become dangerous when boats are overloaded, life jackets are unavailable or not worn, boats are poorly maintained, and submerged tree trunks obstruct navigation.
Every boat mishap represents more than a tragic headline. Behind every incident is a human story: a father returning home, a mother travelling to the market, a fisherman pursuing his livelihood, or a child travelling to school with dreams of a better future.
When tragedy strikes, those dreams can be extinguished in moments, leaving families and entire communities to grapple with grief and uncertainty.
In 2021, barely a few weeks after assuming my role as spokesperson for the then HYPPADEC, devastating boat mishaps occurred in Warra, Kebbi State, and Shiroro, Niger State. These incidents presented a difficult introduction to the challenges confronting my Boss, the pioneer Managing Director of the Commission, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa.
As the Commission's spokesperson, I issued press releases and facilitated media engagements to communicate the circumstances surrounding these tragedies and the need for practical solutions. What particularly impressed me was the Managing Director's responsiveness and determination to translate concerns into action despite the challenges associated with the Commission's early operations.
Those experiences reinforced my conviction that every preventable death should strengthen our resolve to protect human life.
At the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) an institution established to address the developmental and environmental challenges confronting communities affected by hydroelectric dam operations in its member states, its broader mandate covers improving waterway safety and enhancing the welfare of riverine communities.
Among the Commission's interventions has been the clearance of obstructive tree logs and other hazards from waterways, particularly within the Kainji and Shiroro lake systems. Working with the National Inland Waterways Authority and other stakeholders, including boat owners and operators, these efforts have sought to improve navigation and reduce risks to water users.
The water-snags clearance exercise covered more than 300 kilometres, extending from the Dole-Kaina area near the Nigeria-Niger-Benin border in Kebbi State towards Gbajibo in Kwara State.
The Commission has also distributed over 40,000 life jackets across riverine communities in its member states to encourage safer boating practices and improve public awareness. In addition, it has provided fibreglass boats to support transportation in communities where waterways remain essential to daily life.
These interventions demonstrate the importance of translating institutional responsibilities into practical measures that respond to the needs of affected communities. However, their effectiveness depends on sustained public education, proper maintenance, responsible operation, and compliance with safety regulations.
Despite these efforts, the persistence of boat mishaps reminds us that more must be done. Preventing avoidable deaths requires stronger collaboration among government agencies, boat operators, passengers, traditional institutions, community leaders, and development partners.
Boat operators must avoid overloading vessels, observe weather conditions, maintain their boats, and comply with applicable safety regulations. Passengers must insist on basic safety precautions, particularly the use of properly fitted life jackets.
Community leaders can support public awareness and encourage responsible behaviour, while relevant government agencies must strengthen waterway hazard identification, enforcement, emergency preparedness, and access to lifesaving equipment.
Safety must become a culture rather than a response to tragedy. A life jacket saves lives only when it is available, serviceable, and worn. Similarly, clearing navigational hazards must be complemented by responsible boating practices and sustained public education.
No journey should be considered complete until its passengers arrive safely at their destinations.
As I celebrate another birthday, I am reminded that the value of life lies not merely in the number of years we live but also in the positive difference and impact we make in the lives of others.
I therefore dedicate this birthday to the memory of those who have lost their lives in boat mishaps in hydroelectricpower producing communities across Nigeria. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to their families and communities, whose grief is a reminder of the human cost of unsafe waterways.
I also acknowledge the efforts of N-HYPPADEC and other stakeholders working to improve the safety and welfare of riverine communities. These efforts must be sustained and strengthened through practical interventions, effective collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting human life.
While I wish myself many happy returns in sound health and Allah's continued protection, I also promise to rededicate myself to the service of the people and my country.
I sincerely thank my boss and mentor, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, FCNA, FNIS, FNIM (Katukan Yauri), for the trust and confidence reposed in me.
I also thank my colleagues at N-HYPPADEC, my colleagues in the media, friends, family and well-wishers for their kind words, prayers and goodwill messages.
Nura Tanko Wakili, MNIPR, AfCPN, FIPMA
Head, Press and Public Affairs, N-HYPPADEC
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