Prohibited Abuja power-bikers turn to Jabi lake for Jet ski

What appears to be a growing culture of power-bikers in Nigeria’s federal capital had barely taken root before government pronouncement grounded it to a halt, frustrating  executives, young and middle-aged bikers and mostly children of the affluent in Abuja who  had resorted to biking as  favourite pastime

Residents of Abuja have become accustomed to  seeing  a former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Charly Boy Oputa,  leading a group of riders on power bikes on Abuja roads and their presence was mostly felt during the anti-subsidy withdrawal protests when they rode in groups at top speed.

With the growing numbers of people expending huge sums on this speed-craft to join the thrill, the FCT administration in 2011 banned power motorcycles and car racing in the Federal Capital Territory with immediate effect and subsequently directed security and law enforcement agents to arrest and prosecute those who fail to comply with the order.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, only recently re-iterated the ban following the recent bombing at the EMAB Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja where a suspect was seen on a power bike.

Determined to reincarnate the feel, bikers sought alternatives with personal watercraft to relieve the boredom of living in Abuja due to the apparent near absence of recreational activities

Popularly referred to as Jet Ski ( the brand name of a personal watercraft manufactured by Kawasaki), it was the “first commercially successful” personal water craft in America, having been released in 1972. The term is often used to refer to any type of personal water craft

They’re small, maneuverable, fast, and seemingly simple to use. You just climb aboard, start it and twist the throttle. The next thing you know you’re flying across the water throwing spray every time you shift your body but they are not toys and it can be a big mistake to assume they are.

A personal water craft is a motorboat under the laws of some countries. It must be registered, and must abide by all the rules that other boats must follow. You are required to carry safety equipment which include life preservers and fire extinguishers. So clearly, a jet ski is not a child’s toy.

Jet skis are highly maneuverable, faster than most speed boats and can provide fun and good times when used safely. These tight high-speed craft have been described by some as motorcycle for the water. One of the reasons for their popularity is that they are much less expensive than boats

Argo Raigo, the individual behind the emerging jet ski culture at the Jabi Lake  is an Estonian, who is married to a Nigerian from Imo State and blessed with two kids. He has lived in Nigeria for 13 years. He has worked and lived in Jos, Enugu and Abuja.

He said,  “Jet ski  has  been a part of my life since  I was a small boy.  In Europe, between the months of  June, July and  August, they practically  live in the beach, that’s what they do for fun. it’s more like an exercise for me  after which am  fully exhausted like going to gym and have trade meal for 40-45 minute.” What is today transforming into a Jetski club started when Argo organized his group of power bikers to the Jabi Lake for jet ski. The stunt performed by his friends attracted lot of passersby, who would stop over to catch a feel of how  they  ride and enjoy the sea breeze that accompanied it.

“So we said to ourselves let us call a meeting of bikers and introduce them into jet ski so that on a weekend like this we all gather for jet ski because everybody seem to be complaining about what to do with their pastime in Abuja,” Argo narrated.

They obviously concurred and went ahead with plans for the first bikers clinic on the January 3, which drew about 50 bikers to the Jabi Lake.  They had  a Mobile food Van (food revolution), the mobile kitchen  owned by  Argo, where  everybody approached for snacks and drink,  while adoring the beautiful scenery of jet ski

Argo hinted that to encourage mass participation, especially for those interested,  all they need do is  coming along with some  petrol  and they will  be taught how to maneuver the water craft.

He said, “We hope to develop this fun into a regular activity so that every weekend we can all gather and have fun. As you can see because of our activities, hawkers are already doing their business,  go to Lagos, that’s how most business people survive in the beach.

The world all over knows that governments are not good businessmen but they provide good facilities, they give enabling environment for  business to thrive, the best thing they can do is if the government can encourage a Public Private Partnership (PPP) that will  put basic infrastructure just  the way we have it in beaches  abroad.

In a bid to ease the discouragement that will arise from interested persons over the cost of acquiring a water craft, which cost between 10 thousand to 30 thousand dollars to get one, Argo said, “why spend much money on it when we already have it, that’s why we are trying to form a jet ski club such as the Ikoyi Club where with a little token, you jump on it and ride.

“Currently we jet ski every Sunday because bikers ride on Saturday, so we assemble on Sunday, relax and socialise with one another. It starts by 2pm,” he said.

Argo and his friend also provide safety jacket that ensures you remain afloat when you fall off the water craft.