The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has celebrated the retirement of one of its longest-serving and most revered officers, Captain Claudius Adeleke Afotan, popularly known as Baba Ilaje, after 28 years of meritorious and incident-free service.
Captain Afotan, a seasoned boat captain, was lauded for his exceptional professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to safety throughout his career.
With over 500 hours of sailing time on various government patrol boats across Lagos waterways, Captain Afotan retires with a spotless record, zero mishaps and no single case of boat damage.
In a tribute delivered during a brief ceremony held at LASWA’s headquarters, General Manager Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel described Afotan as “a model of excellence in maritime safety and a hero of the waterways.”
“Captain Afotan’s legacy is one of commitment, caution, and care. For nearly three decades, he safely conveyed top government officials, federal ministers, state commissioners, celebrities including Burna Boy and Wizkid, LASWA staff, and marine guards during enforcement operations, monitoring activities, and official events,” Emmanuel noted.
Colleagues and LASWA staff gathered to honour Afotan, praising his calm demeanor, in-depth knowledge of Lagos’ complex waterways, and his unwavering dedication to duty.
His retirement marks the end of an era, but officials say his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of boat captains working within Lagos’ rapidly evolving water transport sector.
