The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Tuesday called on stakeholders to collaborate in order to tackle road crashes in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
CRC Oriyomi Savage, the Unit Commander, Iba Unit of FRSC made the call during a Town Hall Meeting organised by the command on Tuesday.
The theme of the 2024 ember months is entitled “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Passengers Die in Crashes More Than Drivers”.
She said the meeting was aimed at raising awareness about reckless driving, promote community engagement, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to reduce road crashes, advocating for a robust road safety culture that prioritises the safety of all road users within the state.
Savage emphasized the importance of speaking up against dangerous driving, saying FRSC as the leading agency in road traffic management and safety administration is charged with the responsibility of averting road carnage using all clinical and enforcement strategies to create safer road environments.
The Unit Commander, however, called on members of the public to embrace the new campaign method, emphasising the need for the public to take ownership of the campaign for safer road environment.
She said that massive participation of everyone especially the commuters that were most vulnerable in case of crashes would definitely have positive impact in road traffic crashes reduction.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of attendees which includes traditional rulers such as Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, Oba Mohmodu Afolabi Ashafa and Kuyamiku 1, Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Josiah Olanrewaju Ilemobade Aina, ably represented by the Secretary Oba Oloto-In-Council, Hon Ajayi Olagoke Olaosebikan Michael.
Other dignitaries at the event were Lagos State Sector Commander, CC Ganiyu Kehinde Hamzat, Executive Chairman of Oto Awori Local Council Area (LCDA) Prince Musibau Adekunle Ashafa and His Exco Members, representatives of all sister agencies, community leaders, Local Government Chairman and Special Marshals.
Delivering his keynote address, CC Hamzat highlighted the Corps’ efforts to reduce road crashes.
He noted that road safety was a matter of life and death, hence a collective duty to ensure the roads were safe for all users.
He said the Corps was worried about motorists’ flagrant disobedience to traffic rules, hence the need for rigorous sensitization campaigns and enforcement.
“Promoting a road safety culture through stakeholders’ engagement is a shared responsibility, it requires concerted effort from all segments of the society.
“FRSC is committed to safer road Initiatives, but our success depends on the active participation of all stakeholders.
“Together we can build a culture of safety that will save lives,” CC Hamzat said.
In his lecture, the Unit Commander of Ota Unit of FRSC, CRC Wasiu Ogunmefun, advised motorists on Safety Tips and Best Practices for Passengers and drivers during the ember month.
The meeting provided opportunity for questions and answers focusing on strategies for reducing road traffic crashes, promoting passenger safety, and encouraging community participation in road safety initiatives.
The meeting culminated in a set of recommendations from the Communique team, including: “Sustaining community engagement and participation in road safety initiatives.
“Enhancing collaboration among sister agencies and stakeholders. Developing and implementing effective road safety strategies. Encouraging passengers to speak up against reckless driving.”