By Rotimi Odofin and Yemi Balogun.
Worried by the alarming rate of road accidents on the major highways in Kogi State, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon Kingsley Fanwo, paid a working visit to the Sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Solomon Aguye in Lokoja as part of measures to proffer lasting solutions to the menace.
The Commissioner who decried the high rate of accident-related deaths in the state, lamented that the frequency of road mishaps, especially those involving trucks of Dangote Cement Company, has become a serious source of concern to the state government and people of the state.
He called on the Sector Commandant of FRSC in the state to join hands with his Ministry in carrying out statewide sensitization and awareness, saying serious attitudinal change is required from members of the public, especially in areas like Felele where people sell their wares by the roadside on market days, thereby exposing themselves to unnecessary dangers.
“The Governor is concerned about the terrible and despicable rate of accidents on our highways. We have witnessed a trend in which trucks carrying cement or coal are largely responsible.
“The administration of Governor Yahaya Bello wishes to condemn this trend. But he knows that condemnation alone won’t save the lives of our people. He has given my Ministry a directive to collaborate with the FRSC to massively sensitize the drivers and other road users on their responsibility to ensure lives are not lost as a result of their recklessness.
“The State Ministries of Environment and Transport are currently working hard to ensure people no longer sell by the roadsides. They are currently working with the office of the State Security Adviser to ensure compliance.
“Our people must recognize the sacrosanct nature of life. Only the living can struggle to make ends meet. Let us cooperate with the enforcement authorities to save lives,” he said.
Fanwo also called on transport employers to insist on working only with “disciplined drivers”, saying “many of the drivers drive under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs”.
While responding, the Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Solomon Aguye thanked the Commissioner for his visit, pledging the cooperation of his organisation to work with the State Government at ensuring that the rate of accidents on roads is reduced.
He also harped on the use of the Call Centre to report cases of reckless driving. Both the Sector Commander and the Commissioner agreed on a state-wide campaign to enlighten road users on their responsibilities.
