Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has concluded the 4th edition of its Water Savvy Kids program, a week-long training initiative that equipped pupils with essential skills in swimming and water safety.

At the closing ceremony held earlier today, Friday, 13th of September, participants were awarded certificates of completion, marking their transformation into ambassadors of water conservation, safety, and sustainability.

This year’s edition featured 50 pupils from five public schools in the Bariga/Somolu axis, who participated in the training.

In his speech, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, highlighted the program’s crucial role in educating young minds about the vital role of inland waterways in their lives and environment.

He emphasized the importance of catching them young to avoid water phobia and stressed that waterways are essential to daily activities, especially in a congested city like Lagos.

Osiyemi praised the program for inspiring young minds to take action, demonstrate responsibility, and learn how to conserve and protect water transport systems. He congratulated the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for their dedication and creativity in improving the waterways transport system.

He also acknowledged the students as the present and future of the city, whose lessons learned will contribute to a more sustainable inland waterways transport system. Osiyemi thanked Dolphin Swim School and its instructors for their instrumental role in the program’s success.

As Commissioner of Transport, Osiyemi emphasized the interconnectedness of inland waterways systems and transportation networks. He noted that sustainable inland waterways transport management contributes to better infrastructure, safer channels, and cleaner cities.

The Water Savvy Kids program has set a strong foundation for future leaders to build a more resilient and sustainable society, and its impact will be felt for generations to come. Commissioner Osiyemi urged continued collaboration and wise choices that benefit present and future generations.

According to Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the program has educated children about the importance of water conservation, safety, and sustainability, empowering young minds to become ambassadors of water protection.

He noted that the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants demonstrate a bright future for the management of inland waterways resources. Highlighting the significance of Lagos’ waterways, he emphasized the need for responsible stewardship to protect and maintain these vital assets.

LASWA GM congratulated the participating students, praising their resilience, passion, and leadership. Appreciation was also extended to the LASWA team, Dolphin Swim School, partners, facilitators, and swimming instructors for their dedication and expertise in making the program a success, as acknowledged by Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

Reiterating LASWA’s commitment to creating a safe, sustainable, and efficient inland waterways transport system, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel emphasized the importance of education and awareness in achieving this vision. He said, the Water Savvy Kids program is a cornerstone of this shared goal, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.

He reaffirmed LASWA’s unwavering commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and thriving waterways for future generations, with a call for continued collaboration towards this noble cause.

Hon. Temitope Adewale, Chairman House Committee on Transportation emphasized the importance of education and awareness in ensuring the sustainable use of waterways, congratulating the Lagos State Waterways Authority and facilitators for organizing the program. He also commended the school children for their dedication, declaring them ambassadors of Lagos waterways.

He highlighted the crucial role of waterways in Lagos’ transport policy, noting that programs like Water Savvy Kids will eliminate phobias of water and ensure sustainable and inclusive development of inland waterways. He assured that the House Committee on Transportation will continue to support initiatives prioritizing safe and sustainable practices.

Hon. Temitope concluded by congratulating all participants and urging them to carry the lessons learned into the future. He expressed gratitude to all for their participation and support, solidifying the committee’s commitment to promoting sustainable waterways management.

In his closing remarks, Maroof Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, hailed the Water Savvy Kids Program as a “beacon of sustainability, awareness, and transformation”.

Musa commended the participants for their active participation and dedication, which he said made the program a resounding success. He also shared a personal anecdote, revealing that he had a phobia of water and wished he had a similar opportunity when he was younger.

The Permanent Secretary encouraged the participants to encourage others to learn swimming, Congratulating their parents for providing them with this opportunity. His remarks emphasized the program’s impact on promoting water safety awareness and sustainability among young minds.

Sopulu Chukwu Onuegbu, Manager and Head of School for Dolphin School, expressed her gratitude and honor for the impactful partnership between the school and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) through the Water Savvy Kids Program.

Onuegbu highlighted that the partnership, which has been ongoing for four years, aligns with the school’s goal of training young children. She commended Mr. Emmanuel and the LASWA team, as well as the Lagos State Government, for their support and collaboration.

Mrs. Aderogba, representing Somolu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), expressed her appreciation to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for bringing the Water Savvy Kids Program to their community.

Mrs. Aderogba stated that the training has been beneficial in helping both teachers and pupils overcome their phobia of water. She acknowledged the importance of the program in promoting water safety and sustainability, and commended LASWA for their efforts in educating young minds.

Mrs. Ekpe Azukaego, Director of Bloomgrey Swimming Pool in Soluyi, Gbagada, expressed her gratitude to LASWA for utilizing their facility to train children in the Water Savvy Kids Program.

Mrs. Azukaego described the partnership as “one of its kind” and highlighted the significance of LASWA choosing their pool for the program. She expressed her hope that LASWA will return to use their facility again in the future.

Mrs. Gbadamosi Morufat, a teacher from National Primary School Gbagada, expressed her appreciation to the Lagos State Government for the Water Savvy Kids Program, which she described as an eye-opening experience for her pupils.

Mrs. Gbadamosi was impressed by the enthusiasm of the trainers and the comprehensive training provided to the pupils on water safety and waterways. She noted that the program has exposed the children to various aspects of waterways, revealing great talents among them.

She advised the Government to expand the program to more schools in Lagos, emphasizing its potential to make a positive impact on water safety awareness among young minds. Mrs. Gbadamosi also thanked the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for the opportunity to participate in the program.

Chidebere Chukuwu, a pupil of Modupe Primary School Fola Agoro, She highlighted the importance of wearing life jackets while in a boat or engaging in water sports, stating that it can save lives in case of an emergency.

Umar, who had never been in a pool before, proudly shared that he can now boast of knowing how to swim, thanks to the program.

Umar also commended the trainers for their patience and dedication, saying that they would repeat lessons until everyone understood.