The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Nigeria has urged drivers in the Scheme to be conscious of their health and conditions of their vehicles at all times in order to ensure their safety and that of other road users.
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The Director-General of the NYSC, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim stated this on Thursday in his address at the workshop organised for the Scheme’s Drivers, with the theme; “The Driver’s Health Status: A Panacea for Accident Management and Control”, held at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Maitama in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the Director General, the physical and mental health of all drivers is very critical to their overall performance, adding that a healthy driver would drive well due to his alertness, as well as ability to process information for effective driving.
Speaking further, he said that to avoid fatal road accident, all drivers must take their health serious and adopt healthy lifestyles.
He noted that road accidents have claimed many lives in recent times with some of the causative factors attributable to stress, sleep deprivation, fatigue, drunkenness, illness, bad eyesight, drug abuse, among others.
The Director-General said that as Management is committed to the enhancement of the welfare and efficiency of Staff, it would also intensify efforts aimed at safe driving among NYSC drivers.
“Apart from regular servicing of vehicles, we have accorded priority attention to the drivers’ health, especially through routine medical checks. Don’t joke with your health because you are very important to us and we cherish you. Be very honest in your dealings and we don’t want to hear any case of misconduct from any of you. I am happy that NYSC Staff are very wonderful people.”, he said.
General Ibrahim advised the workshop participants who were drawn drawn from all NYSC formations across the country to adhere to approved speed limits, carry out necessary checks on their vehicles before driving, avoid alcoholic drinks, night journeys, among other risks.
The Director, General Services of NYSC , Mr. Emannuel Attah in his welcome remarks said the promotion of healthy living at the workplace requires a holistic approach involving both private and official lifestyles.
He urged the workshop participants to use the benefits of the workshop to improve their personal health, lifestyles and attitude to work.
Resource persons at the workshop include; Assistant Corps Commander Labaran R. Mustafa from the Federal Road Safety Corps and Odurukwe Olivia from Hillshore Clinic Limited.
