…crashes fastest killer of children – Lagos Sector Commander
By: Okosun Dennis
In line with its statutory responsibilities to minimize road crashes and avoid incidences of injuries and deaths, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Island Unit Command on Friday organised a Quiz Competition for some selected Primary Schools in Lagos.
The competition which was held at the Henry Fajemirokun Hall, Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Idowu Taylor, Victoria Island included five selected Primary Schools drawn from Lagos Island: Jamatul Islamiya Primary School; Ereko Methodist Primary School; Fazil-omar Primary School; Ade Oshodi Primary School and Lagos Island Local Government Primary School.
Declaring opened the competition, the Lagos Sector Commander, Commander Babatunde Farinloye, who was represented by Deputy Corps Commander, Administration and Human Resources, DCC Azubike Onyemeh disclosed that road crashes constitute the fastest killer of children hence the importance FRSC attaches to the need to give proper orientation to the children.
The quiz was held in commemoration of the 2023 Children National Day with the theme: “I am a future Leader Promoting Safe Driving Culture.” Children National Day celebration holds tomorrow, 27th May, 2023.
While reflecting on the old practice of celebrating the day, Farinloye said that the practice has been the selection of certain number of children from schools to participate in match past and salute the Head of State or Governor, but as part of our statutory responsibilities, FRSC has been in the front burner of educating these young ones at primary and secondary school levels under the platform of NYSC Road Safety Corps initiative.
“This idea by RS2.14 Lagos Island is to expose children to the ethics of safer road. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), Road crash injuries are the most fastest killer of children. Globally, many children under 18 die from road crashes annually. Under their formative years (0-17), children are regarded as not being responsible for most of their actions or inactions.
“One of the challenges Nigerian child is exposed to include kidnapping, street trading, lack of quality education, road traffic crashes related injuries and deaths.”
He further stated that these ugly incidences that threatens the future of leaders of tomorrow can be prevented through proper educational programmes especially at their earlier stages of life.
Adding that this yearly programme would give them the opportunity to appreciate the value of life better, reiterated that “one’s a life is lost, it is irreplaceable.”
He used the opportunity to wish them happy Children’s Day Celebration and urged them to make good use of lessons learnt on the occasion as “guide to achieving their full potentials and actualize their dreams in life.”
In her opening remarks, the Unit Commander, FRSC Lagos Island, Assistant Corps Commander, Esther Uzoma, explained that the essence of the competition was to catch them young; inculcate in them the ethics of Road Safety rules and culture with a view to avoiding crashes and fatalities as well as inspiring excellence while promoting safety.
Adumbrating on some of their roles as an agencies saddled with the responsibility of preventing road crashes on Nigerian roads, save lives, and make the road conducive for all road users, added that the need arose to train and educate the children on how to use the road and avoid involving in crashes.
“We ensure we clear the roads and remove obstructions. We teach and prepare people who will use the road in future safely and wisely.
“Apart from the activities scheduled to prevent crashes from happening, we have chosen this year’s Children’s National Day celebration to inspire you as future leaders to be safety conscious at all times especially during festive period because the adults usually cause more troubles when it is festive period.
“Children are very powerful agents of change. My staff officers have been visiting your schools teaching you what you suppose to do and you know it’s not right to use phone while driving and I know you can remind your dad or mum in the car not to use the phone while driving. This is why we are involving you in the journey of making our roads safer.
“Having you as future leaders who are going to propagate a safe motoring, it’s a ‘win win’ for us, the society and future at large.”
The Special Guest of Honour, Mr Danfo, an Arts Safety advocate said while using art works to create safety, he has been able to reach out to schools thereby contributing to safety business.
In their goodwill messages, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Victoria Island, who was represented by ASP Catherine Edebor called on FRSC not to relent in its efforts to continue to train the children while they are young adding that a lot of them have been crushed to death because they do know how to cross the road or where to stand.
Also, the Area Commander, Lagos Island Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), who was represented by Engineer Akinosho said safety begins at home but with FRSC blazing the trail on safety on our roads, so much would be imbibed.
During the competition, there were elimination series as questions were drawn from Safety, Road signs, First aids, traffic light, Zebra crossing, mechanical errors and behaviours that could predispose motorists to crashes and those that could guarantee their safety and that of the pedestrians.
After series of rounds, Ereko Methodist Primary School came first represented by Olumide Okunuwa and Solomon Flora; the second place was Fazil-omar Primary School represented by Kalilullah Ibrahim and Sunkanmi Bolaji while Lagos Island Local Government Primary School came third represented by Master Enumah Abeedat and Animashaun Jumai.
Prizes including cartoons of indomie and books were giving to the winners.
Speaking with our correspondent, the best overall pupil, Miss Solomon Flora thanked FRSC for organizing the competition which has inspired her to know better about the “dos and donts” of safety especially while crossing the road; car and road drills and mechanical errors that could lead to crashes.
Present were the Divisional Officer, Lagos Island, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, represented by DSC Adegbola Anu; Alpha Commander, LASTMA, Lagos Island, RA Anifowose and staffers of the various schools that took part on the Competition.
The Quiz Competition was a collaborative efforts of both FRSC Lagos Island Unit Command and Indomie, a brand of instant noodles. Students were treated to sumptuous indomie meals.
