The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Sector Command, has joined its counterpart nationwide to commemorate this year’s African Road Safety Day and World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The celebration began with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith Awka, which attracted regular and special marshals of the Corps.
In a sermon, by the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, who spoke through the Archdeacon in the Cathedral, Venerable Samuel Okonkwo, appreciated the FRSC for deeming it fit to honour victims of road crashes and congratulated them on the 2023 African Road Safety Day.
Archbishop Ibezim, described the FRSC as an organization with integrity and respect and charged them to go back to the drawing board, shun bribes, backbiting, rancour and restore the dignity they were known for when the agency was created.
He also urged Christians to take cognizance of the enemies tricks and equip themselves with God’s provisions and be prayerful.
For his part, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dauda Ali Biu who was represented by the State Sector Commander of the Corps, Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi, disclosed that approximately annually 1.3 million people are victims of road crashes and sadly the leading cause of death for children and adult of 5-29years.
He called on governments, non governmental organizations, stakeholders and the general public to uplift proven strategies such as redesigning dangerous roads, enforcing speed limits, improving vehicle designs and all components that makes the road safe for users.
“Together, we can have better control on imported used vehicles both in terms of emission specifications and safety requirements that can have significant impact on road fatalities causalities and provide safer, livable and sustainable cities.”
He further stressed that “The establishment of this day is one more instrument for African States especially Nigeria, in their on-going efforts in fighting against the increasing rate of road traffic accidents.”
The Anambra State Coordinator of the Special Marshal, Mr. Patrick Esumai urged drivers to drive carefully, to avoid been victims of road crashes.
African Road Safety Day
The 18th African Union Summit, held in January 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, endorsed the conclusions of the Second Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Transport (CAMT) held in Luanda, Angola in November 2011 which, among others, adopted the third Sunday of November, which is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims as Africa’s Road Safety Day.
The establishment of this day is a pivotal instrument for African States in their ongoing struggle against road traffic accidents. The day is an important event of outreach and public information on road safety issues and their socio-economic impact.
