The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Oyo State Directorate has expressed its commitment to the Safer Roads Campaign of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State Command ahead of the Eid el Kabir celebration.
This commitment was made by the NOA, Oyo State Director, Olukemi Afolayan Ph.D at a press conference at the State Command of the FRSC, Eleyele, Ibadan yesterday .The press conference brought together key stakeholders who are committed to road safety.
Dr. Olukemi Afolayan who delivered a goodwill message at the Press Conference commended the FRSC for their proactive efforts. “I want to commend the Road Safety Corps for this timely intervention targeted at safer roads during the Eid festival,” she stated. “I am glad to be here among angels. Your work is similar to the work of angels – saving lives and preventing untimely deaths. We must all recognize the critical importance of using the roads responsibly. If possible, as an additional layer of safety, individuals should consider avoiding travels except when necessary, to ensure their safety and that of others.”
Dr. Afolayan further emphasized the role of NOA officers in the campaign. She stated that NOA officers across the 33 Local Government Areas of the state will actively participate in the campaign to promote safer roads and responsible driving. “Our collective efforts are essential to instilling a culture of safety and accountability among road users during Eid-el-Kabir celebration and even after.”
The FRSC Sector Commander, Mrs Alo Rosemary Ukpong, provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies associated with ensuring road safety during the celebration.
Challenges:
Use of trailers and trucks for passenger transport,
Night trips, driver fatigue, speed violations, driving
under the influence of alcohol or drugs and
overloading.
Safety Initiatives:
– Collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association and State Judiciary for the prosecution of traffic offenders
– Partnership with the Beer Sectorial Group for the deployment of breathalyzers at motor parks and highways
– Launch of the Inter-Agency Joint Task Force to enforce compliance with the prohibition of using trailers for passenger transport – Intercepting 222 trailers and redirecting over 2400 passengers
– Aggressive sensitization campaigns for road users, extending to loading bays, transit camps, and trailer ports
Special Patrols and Operations:
Special patrol operation from June 14, 2024, focused on reducing road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries
Deployment of mobile courts, patrol and administrative vehicles, ambulances, low trucks, motorbikes, control camps, and crash clinics
In conclusion, the Sector Commander emphasized courtesy and consideration among drivers, urging commuters to report reckless driving to ensure a safe celebration.
The NOA State Directorate and the Sector Commander called upon all residents and travellers within the state to join hands in this vital campaign for road safety, to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration that is marked by joy and not tragedy.
E signed
Dr Olukemi Afolayan, NOA state director, Oyo
