As part of its efforts to ensure safety on roads, the Oyo State Government has approved the construction of two unit commands of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state.
The Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin, made the disclosure when he received the management team of the FRSC and Staff College Senior Course 2, who were on a study tour to the Oyo State Ministry of Works and Transport.
Sangodoyin stated that when the construction of the Ibadan Circular Road is completed, the FRSC unit commands would be constructed along the route. He also said Governor Seyi Makinde had approved an FRSC station at Moniya, in Ibadan, the state capital, six months ago, which would serve as a school for the agency.
The commissioner disclosed that one of the reasons the government embarked on diverse road constructions in the state was to reduce accidents on the roads, as part of its responsibilities to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
Sangodoyin observed that it was not only the ember months (September to December) that contribute to accidents, but also bad roads, incompetent driving, and unworthy vehicles.
He further said that the state government was, through the construction of roads, planning an improved transportation system that would link all the zones in the state, thereby reducing the time spent while travelling.
“If you move to Saki township road, which is 9.7 kilometres, it is a completely new road. Between 2011 and 2021 when the road was commissioned, the Moniya-Iseyin Road was terrible, and fatal accidents used to occur.
“But now, the statistics on that road have revealed that accidents have reduced due to the completed construction of the road, and drivers are now spending little amount to maintain their vehicles,” the commissioner asserted.
Also speaking, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Tajudeen Raji, assured the FRSC of a strong synergy so as to ensure safety and reduce accidents on the roads.
Highlighting the different steps taken to curb accidents on the road by the agency, the Commandant, Federal Road Safety Corps Staff College, Assistant Corps Marshall Benjamin Nkwonta, explained that sensitization was ongoing in the media, motor parks, registered transportation corporations, and religious houses.
Nkwonta said the corps was creating awareness on the ember months (September to December), and that the enlightenment had yielded results over time as a preventive measure.
The commandant urged the public to report any wrongdoing by officers while discharging their duties.
“Every officer has a name badge that could be mentioned when reporting.
“If any officer demands a bribe from you, know the time of collection; check the name and the location. All you need to do is call us. We have zero tolerance for corruption,” he stressed.
While imploring motorists to make sure they are psychologically and emotionally fit to drive, he advised them to utilize the FRSC’s Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre to check the condition of their vehicles free of charge.
