The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is on a mission to make Nigerian roads safer, and they’re not doing it alone. The Corps Marshal recently visited Ondo State, seeking the government’s support to enhance road safety measures. This partnership aims to reduce accidents and save lives, especially during the busy festive season. Here’s a quick rundown of what this collaboration entails:
- FRSC’s Mission: The FRSC is working hard to reduce road crashes.
- Ondo’s Role: The state government is being asked to collaborate on road safety initiatives.
- Key Focus: Special attention is being given to the end-of-year ‘Ember Months’ campaign to reduce accidents during the holidays.
- Shared Responsibility: Road safety is everyone’s business, and working together is crucial for success.
FRSC Corps Marshal Visits Ondo: Why It Matters
Malam Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, recently paid a visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in Akure. This wasn’t just a courtesy call; it was a strategic move to strengthen the FRSC’s efforts in the region. The visit underscores the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities to tackle road safety issues.
The Dual Purpose of the Visit
The visit had two main goals:
- Congratulatory: To congratulate the governor and the people of Ondo State on the successful gubernatorial election.
- Operational: To kick off the ‘Ember Months’ campaign focused on reducing road traffic accidents during the end-of-year festive period.
Ondo State is particularly important for this operation due to the numerous critical road corridors within the state. The FRSC is committed to reducing crashes in line with the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Injury Prevention.
Why Ondo’s Support is Crucial
The FRSC Corps Marshal has requested that the Ondo State Government expedite the establishment of the Ondo State Road Safety Advisory Council. This council would work with the National Road Safety Advisory Council, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to ensure a coordinated approach to road safety. A functional council is deemed essential for creating awareness and implementing effective road safety programs in the region.
Ondo’s Response: A Commitment to Collaboration
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the FRSC’s initiatives and pledged to support the FRSC in its mandate. The state government acknowledged the importance of Operation Zero Tolerance and the traffic monitoring of federal highways, and indicated it would collaborate to address the challenges of road safety in the state.
It’s worth noting that while the FRSC is a federal agency, its effectiveness relies on state-level partnerships and the collective efforts of local communities. This visit is a step toward building such partnerships, ensuring that road safety is a shared concern that every Nigerian can contribute towards. The FRSC’s dedication to road safety in Nigeria is undeniable, and this visit highlights the importance of multi-level collaboration to make roads safer for everyone, especially during the busy end-of-year period. With the support of the Ondo State Government, the FRSC aims to achieve significant strides in ensuring safer roads, thereby protecting lives and property.