FRSC at 29: I see Nigeria actualising 2020 UN declaration — Omeje

The FRSC Sector Commander, Lagos State Command, Hyginus Omeje, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at the Corps’ 29th thanksgiving ceremony at the Four Gospel Church, Haruna Zonal Headquarters, College Road, Lagos.

Omeje said that the Corps could actualise the UN declarations, saying that countries should endeavour to reduce road crashes by half on or before the year 2020.

“Every year, we always look back to see where we are coming from and where we are going and the risky nature of the job has also given the Corps the opportunity to thank God for his protection, year-in, year-out.

“That’s why we are appreciating God today for his mercies and all he has been able to allow us achieve and accomplish in 2016, in terms of reducing the number of crashes on the roads.

“However, I see the country actualising the UN declaration on reduction of road crashes in 2020,” Omeje said.

According to him, the Corps has adopted some technological means through which road crashes could be drastically reduced.

He said that with the implementation and enforcement of speed limiters, road crashes would be reduced to the barest minimum.

Omeje advised the motorists to always obey traffic rules and regulations, in order to make them free from crashes.

Rev. Temitope Kehinde, Acting Zonal Superintendent, during the sermon, titled “Disobedience,” advised motorists to always obey God and constituted authority.

Kehinde, the presiding pastor of the Church, in his message gave kudos to the FRSC for their efforts in reducing road crashes on a daily basis.

The Reverend also appealed to motorists to desist from driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The FRSC was established on Feb. 18, 1988 to checkmate motorists and help in reducing the number of road accidents. Road traffic injuries, according to UN, remained a major public health challenge and a leading cause of death, injury and disabilities around the world.

Each year, nearly 1.3 million people die and between 20 million and 50 million others are injured as a result of road crashes.

More than 90 per cent of these deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries, which have less than half of the world’s vehicles.

Road traffic injuries are among the three leading causes of death for people between 5 and 44 years of age. (NAN)