Veteran Boat Captain Afotan Bows Out After 28 Years of Meritorious Service at LASWA
Kathy Kyari
After nearly three decades of exemplary service, Captain Claudius Adeleke Afotan has officially retired from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), drawing the curtain on a 28-year career distinguished by an impeccable safety record.
Fondly known as "Baba Ilaje," Captain Afotan was widely admired for his discipline, professionalism, and calm demeanor. Over the course of his career, he captained various government patrol boats for over 500 hours across Lagos waterways without a single recorded mishap or incident of boat damage.
At a brief ceremony held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the LASWA office, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, while highlighting the veteran’s legacy of caution, care, and commitment, commended the retiring captain for his unwavering dedication to duty. "Captain Afotan is a model of excellence in maritime safety,” Emmanuel stated.
Throughout his years of service, Captain Afotan ferried high-ranking government officials, federal ministers, state commissioners, celebrities such as Burna Boy and Wizkid, as well as LASWA staff and marine guards during official events, enforcement exercises, and monitoring operations.
“Captain Afotan’s legacy is one of commitment, caution, and care. For 28 years he moved safely, high-ranking Government officials, Federal Ministers, State Commissioners, Celebrities including Burna Boy and Wizkid, LASWA staff and Marine Guards during events, enforcement and monitoring across our waters. He is the kind of hero our waterways need and will remember.”
Colleagues at the farewell event praised his deep knowledge of Lagos’ inland waterways and his consistent focus on safety.
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