By Muftau Ogunyemi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Sector Command, has warned motorists to shun distracted driving, overspeeding and overloading to avoid crashes during the yuletide season in the state
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Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander, gave the warning at the 2025 Ember months stakeholders meeting organised by the command on Thursday in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
Ibitoye, who said the meeting was part of the corps ember months sensitisation to make roads safer, urged all road users to support FRSC in reducing crashes on highways.
“Remember that the simple act of staying focused behind the wheel can save countless lives. Let’s shun overspeeding, overloading, night travel and maintain our vehicles.
“As drivers, passengers and pedestrians, it is crucial to remember that the safety of your lives depend on how you conduct yourselves on the road.
“Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents in Nigeria, so don’t allow yourselves to be part of terrible statistics,” Ibitoye said.
In his welcome address, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, Chairman, Ilaje Local Government, applauded FRSC for their continuous commitment to safeguarding lives on the roads.
Oripenaye, therefore, called on drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of others, especially as the year was coming to an end.
“Resist the urge of checking your phones while driving, adhere to speed limits, and paying attention to your surroundings because every action you take can make a difference.
“Together, we can reduce the number of accidents and fatalities, and ensure that the end of this year is filled with joy, health and safe travels for everyone,” he said.
Oba Michael Adeoye, the Jegun of Ijepe-Okitipupa Land, and other traditional rules, commended FRSC for its role of reducing road crashes.
They promised to take the road safety advocacy to their subjects and charged motorists to see driving as a noble profession, “because a driver’s dressing will determine the level of respect from his passengers”.
Also, Mr Arowoshola Olasumbo, Igbokoda Deputy Chairman, Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN); and Mr Omosuyi Samuel, Igbokoda, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commended FRSC and promised to continuously educate other members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corps also organised free medical outreach for residents of the area, as part of the campaign against crashes.
Dignitaries present include Oba Olarunshola Akinyelure Ajiboye, Odogbo of Ode-Omi kingdom; and Oba Felix Adeyemi Koladoye, Okiribiti of Sabomi, Ese–Odo kingdom.
Others include representatives of Police, Immigration, NSCDC, Amotekun, NOA, NATO, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)