By Niyi Adewunmi
The Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye LG Area of Lagos State, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, has called for the re-orientation of motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders and Tricycle (Keke Marwa) riders, to obey all traffic rules and regulations in order to ensure sanctity of human lives on our roads.
Oke, made the disclosure at a workshop/ sensitization programme tagged: “Riders and Passengers Safety On Our Roads”, put together by Community Safety Partners (CSP) Iju; Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in conjunction with Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, held inside Events Centre, NRC Building, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Iju, Lagos.
The council chief, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Local Government, Pastor Ayo Jeje, said “safety is everything and security is the first responsibility of every government” adding that it’s about time traffic laws are enforced by relevant agencies of government in order to bring sanity to our roads” he maintained.
Welcoming guests to the event, the chairman, Community Partnership Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Mr Felix Usalo, thanked resource persons and participants that attended the workshop, which was aimed at ensuring safety and security of road users in the area.
The Lagos State Sector Commander, Federal Roads Safety Corps(FRSC), Hyginus
Omeje, represented by Route Commander, Ofure Ihenacho, said” all road
users have right of way on the road therefore, the roads should be used
responsibly.”
While also describing riders as exposed road users, Omeje, counselled that they
should be well kitted anytime they are on the road.
He urged them to dress smart, wear reflective jackets at night, safety helmets for themselves and spare for their passenger, as weĺl as avoid wearing of slippers and flowing garments while they should also wear eye protector always.
Contributing, A Psychiatric physician, with The Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr (Mrs) Olajumoke Koyejo, stated that drug abuse among riders largely contributes to most avoidable accidents being witnessed on the roads, urging that “Okada and drivers plying the roads should avoid taking drugs to rewire them for higher performance, noting that they (riders) should have time for rest as they can only be alive to make money,” she posited.
The Coordinator, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Mrs Ngozi Mbaeri, spoke about attitudinal behaviour of riders and passengers at ensuring compliance with traffic laws. She called on all stakeholders to join hands to ensure safety of lives on our roads.
Also, the DPO Red House, Iju, who was represented by the Crime Officer, Mr Akeem, said all traffic laws are meant to be obeyed, warning that anyone caught driving against traffic in the area, should be seen as either deranged or wanting to commit suicide and, therefore, be referred to a psychiatric hospital for examination.
The Secretary, NURTW, Comrade Idowu, while pledging to take the safety awareness message to his members, urged police authorities to prevail on their personnel who also indulge in riding their motorbikes against traffic and who often times, are left off the hook after introducing themselves as policemen.
The programme which was well attended had top officials of Ifako-Ijaiye Council, NURTW, VIS, DSS, NCDSC, Youth Organisation, Community Leaders among others in attendance.