By John Ikani
Former Lawmaker representing Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Dr. Dawari George has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to confer a posthumous national honour on Joe Blackson.
Blackson was a 39-year-old Rivers State indigene and father of two who drowned in a boat accident on the Port Harcourt-Bakana waterways on July 28, 2018, after saving 13 co-passengers and attempting to save more.
George made the call on Saturday during a swimming competition organised by Joe Blackson Foundation in commemoration of the deceased third death anniversary held at the National Stadium swimming pool arena in Abuja.
The former lawmaker and Chairman of the occasion ably represented by the Chairman of Nigerian Young Professional Forum (NYPF), Moses Siloko Siasia, described the late Blackson as “a young man that truly understood the essence of life which is service to humanity.”
According to him: “We live in a world where selfishness and wickedness reigns. It is a world where people exhibit ‘I don’t care attitude’.
“The reason why we are all gathered to commemorate Blackson’s third death anniversary is because of the value that he left behind. Many have lost their lives and are not being remembered but Blackson lost his life and he is being remembered for his sacrificial exit”.
George, therefore called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, name one of the national swimming pools in the country after Joe Blackson to improve the culture of swimming, as well as remind posterity of the deceased rare service to humanity.
He went on to commend Blackson’s wife, Blessing for her commitment to promoting the legacy of her late husband, stressing that her act should be an example to all women.
“We live in a society where married women are quick to forget their late husband after a year or two of the man’s demise. They start doing whatever they like.
“But she was committed to promoting the cause that her husband died for. Her character and attitude is worth emulating,” he added.
George also urged the children of late Joe Blackson to uphold and promote the significance of their father’s sacrifice by promoting selflessness and service to humanity.
Present at the event were guests from all walks of life, sports lovers, families and friends of the late Blackson.
Support for Joe Blackson Foundation and his legacy
The Chairman of the occasion, George as well as his representative, Siasia supported the Joe Blackson foundation with the sum of #500,000.
Siasia and his family also pledge to annually support the education of Blackson’s children up to university level with the sum of #500,000 Annually.
For the swimming competition that took place, the NYPF under the leadership of Siasia supported the first prize winner with #20, 000, second prize with #10,000 and third prize with #5,000.
More about the Joe Blackson Foundation
The Foundation founded in 2019, is dedicated to teaching children and adult residents of Rivers State and Nigeria swimming techniques to prevent drowning from boat and water accidents.
