Photo Caption:
National president of ATBOWATON and managing director of Tarzan Marine Engineering Services, Mr. Gani Shekoni Balogun presenting the two refurbished engine boats to the officer in charge of Lagos Marine Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Ben Ogubure at Tarzan Jetty in Lagos on Wednesday October 17.
The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) on Wednesday October 17 handed over two refurbished 200 Horse Power boat engines to the Lagos state Marine Police to help in safeguarding the waterways.
Speaking while presenting the engine boats to the Lagos Marine Police at Tarzan Jetty in Lagos, the national president of ATBOWATON and managing director of Tarzan Marine Engineering Services, Mr. Gani Shekoni Balogun, applauded the enormous task and notable role the Nigeria Police Marine division is playing in combating crimes and their valour in dislodging sea pirates from Lagos state water ways.
Mr. Balogun pledged the support of ATBOWATON in assisting the command in refurbishing their damaged engines, including other necessary assistance to boost their crime fighting and surveillance on the water ways.
He explained that: “As at December 2017, two of the engines had been fully repaired while we place order for the major spare parts required for the 3rd engine. One was returned to them to assist during festival period surveillance patrol. Am happy therefore to present the remaining two engines to them, having perfectly carried out the mechanical repairs and refurbishment of the engines”.
He observed that despite all the constraints, their impact is still felt, adding that they can still perform far much better if given all necessary support.
The body unanimously agreed that there is urgent need to collaborate with command in securing the Lagos water ways.
The urged the the Presidency, stakeholders like (NIMASA, NIWA, Shippers Councils, the state government, boat operators, ship owners, all Nigerians, philanthropies, companies, water users and others to support the Nigeria Marine Police for the security and safety of the water ways.
In his remarks, the area general manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Lagos, Mr. Sambo Muazu, who was represented by Mr. Stanley Onuoha, an engineer with the Authority applauded ATBOWATON for their support to Lagos Marine Police.
He pledged the continuous collaboration of NIWA with the boat operators association in promoting safety of water transportation in the state and country.
Mr. Muazu also lauded the Nigerian Police for the safety of the Lagos waterways and for also collaborating with ATBOWATON.
Speaking also, the secretary to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Mr. Falase Pekun promised that the agency will continue to partner with the Association and the state Marine Police to keep the waterways safe.
Pekun also commended ATBOWATON, Marine Police and NIWA for their continuous support and collaboration.
