The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has launched a road safety campaign to combat road accidents during the Christmas and New Year festivities in Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
The exercise tagged “Operations Eagle Eye” Towards an emergency Free Yuletide” was organised in partnership with stakeholders in disaster management to enlighten road users on proactive measures to avert road mishaps.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed, Director General of NEMA, who was represented at the ocassion by Mrs Lydia Wagami, Head of NEMA Operations in Niger State, mentioned that the efforts was to sensitize commuters particularly drivers on the need to drive safely and observe road traffic rules.
Mrs Wagami, who further said the operation was a mechanism to aid swift response to emergencies during yuletide seasons, added that the agency had been coordinating resources towards managing disasters amongst which traffic accident ranks the highest incidence that claim lives.
“NEMA, Minna Operations office will strategically deploy team’s that will cover different routes in the state under it’s purview which are Niger and Kwara states in North Central Nigeria” She said.
Mrs Wagami, who commended supports by other government agencies in facilitating the organizations activities, such as Federal Road Safety Corps, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Fire Service, Red Cross, the state Emergency Management Agency, NSCDC , noted that the focus of this year’s campaign was to reduce the rising cases of road traffic accidents and admonish commercial drivers to avoid reckless driving and be moderate in their speed.
Mrs Wagami, who further urged motorist and other stakeholders to always avoid alcohol and other substance consumption before embarking on a journey, however, advised passengers to be wary of the driving competence of drivers as well as observing COVID-19 protocols.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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