 |
| Engr. Ben Akak talking a walk along the Calabar Beach |
Ukorebi Esien | 25th June 2023
CALABAR – Engr. Ben Akak (Otuekong Ukwa Eburutu), the Chairman/CEO of Bengies Group of Companies/Ben Akak Foundation, has issued a passionate plea to the rescue agencies operating within the Calabar Waterways. In response to the recent capsizing of a boat within the Marina Waterways in Calabar, Cross River State, Engr. Akak has called on the agencies to exert all efforts to rescue the missing passengers and ensure their safe return.
Expressing his concern over the news that three passengers from the capsized boat are still unaccounted for, Engr. Ben Akak emphasized the need for urgent action by the Navy, the Marine Police, and Native divers. Their combined efforts and expertise are crucial in ensuring that all passengers are rescued alive from the incident.
Furthermore, the business mogul urged both the State and Federal regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing waterway operations to implement effective checks and balances. These measures are vital in preventing similar occurrences in the future and ensuring the safety of passengers.
The governorship aspirant in the just concluded elections, voiced his dismay at the current state of affairs, where passengers are often transported in unsafe conditions. He highlighted the lack of life jackets on rickety boats and instances of overloading, driven solely by financial motives without due consideration for the associated risks. Engr. Akak stressed that regulatory agencies should deploy their personnel at jetties to closely monitor the activities of both private and commercial boat operators and users.
The safety and well-being of passengers using the waterways are of utmost importance to Engr. Ben Akak. His call for immediate rescue efforts and improved safety measures reflects his commitment to preventing future incidents and ensuring the protection of all waterway users
