Delta bans water travel without life jackets

The ban comes on the heels of the death of popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, who died in a recent boat accident on the River Niger.

According to a condolence message by the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnamdi Ijeh, to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, the ban became necessary in order to safeguard the lives of water travellers

In the letter dated April 11, 2024, and made available to newsmen Asaba, the state capital, Ijeh commiserated with the the creative industry in the .
state on behalf of the government.

‘’On behalf of the State Government, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the entire creative family in the state, I sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives in the process of expressing their creative talent on their way from the location of shooting a movie on April 10, 2024, and the entire Nollywood family,” the statement read.

‘’It is with a heavy heart that I want you to know that we share in your pain. At the time the news got to us, we arrived at the scene and discovered that the few ones who were saved from the boat accident were on life jackets.

‘’It is therefore very expedient that, at this time of grief, to say that henceforth, such journeys should not be embarked upon without life jackets, expert divers and other safety precautions.

 ”The Delta State Government takes the life of every citizen as a priority and therefore warns against water journeys without the required safety gadgets, especially those within the entertainment industry.”

The letter was copied to Dr Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN.