BY JULIET EKWENUGO Kaduna
Three volunteer water rescuers in Kaduna State have been honoured for their commitment to saving lives during floods and preventing drowning incidents as part of activities marking the 2026 World Drowning Prevention Day.
The recognition was bestowed by Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, recipient of the United Nations International Interfaith Week and Harmony Award, who commended the volunteers for their years of selfless service in rescuing flood victims and preventing suicide attempts along the Kaduna River.
Speaking during a visit to the river on Friday, Buru said the award was aimed at appreciating the sacrifices of the volunteer divers and drawing public attention to their humanitarian efforts.
According to him, World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25, was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/75/273, titled Global Drowning Prevention, adopted in April 2021.
He said the global observance seeks to raise awareness of the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities while promoting practical measures to reduce drowning-related deaths.
Buru noted that an estimated 236,000 people die from drowning each year worldwide, making it one of the 10 leading causes of death among children aged between five and 14 years.
He added that more than 90 per cent of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage facilities and swimming pools in low- and middle-income countries, with children and adolescents in rural communities among the most affected.
He said the 2026 theme focuses on advancing the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention and called on governments, humanitarian organisations and philanthropists to support volunteer rescuers with life jackets, rescue boats, ropes and other lifesaving equipment.
“We came here specifically to honour these divers and let the world know that we appreciate their exceptional service and commitment to saving lives in Kaduna State,” he said.
“We sincerely appreciate your dedication to rescuing flood victims and protecting vulnerable members of society.”
Buru said the volunteers deserved national recognition for their rescue operations in communities along the Kaduna River, including Kigo Road, Kabala and Tudun Wasa on Batsama Road, where they have rescued flood victims and prevented suicide attempts by handing affected persons over to relevant authorities for care.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, veteran volunteer diver Dattijon-Gada thanked Buru and his delegation for recognising their humanitarian service.
He said the honour would encourage the volunteers to remain committed despite the challenges they face in carrying out rescue operations.
According to him, the divers have continued to rescue victims of floods and other water-related emergencies, as well as individuals attempting to take their own lives by entering the Kaduna River.
He appealed to government agencies, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to provide volunteer divers with life jackets, rescue boats, ropes and other essential equipment to enhance their operations.
Dattijon-Gada also commended humanitarian Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani for previously donating life jackets to volunteer divers in Kaduna and Zaria, saying the intervention had strengthened their capacity to respond to emergencies and save lives.
