By Ibironke Ariyo
The Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) is set to inaugurate a nationwide campaign aimed at achieving zero Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the Ember Months.
Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, National President of ROSOWA, said this during a visit to the National Trauma Center and Emergency Department of the National Hospital on Saturday in Abuja
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is part of activities to mark this year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with the theme, “This Day; Remember, Support and Act.”
Shehu-Mohammed said the association would work with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a culture of road safety among drivers and passengers.
He stressed the need for solidarity and support for the victims and their families, while encouraging them to remain strong.
According to her, it is a day of mourning and support for those affected, especially given the changed circumstances they have experienced due to road accidents on our roads.
“We are here to advocate for zero tolerance to road accidents while travelling and navigating our roads and to ensure that we all travel safely to and from our loved ones,” he said.
The ROSOWA President warned the general public against using their mobile phones to record accident victims and road accident scenes.
“My message to the general public, passengers, drivers and passengers, is that always learn to drive safely. Don’t drink and drive.
“Obey the traffic rules to reduce the danger, as many people have lost their lives due to reckless behaviour on the roads.
“Our priority must be to provide immediate support and assistance to victims. Let’s put our phones aside and offer help and a quick response.
“Once we have ensured their well-being, we can focus on promoting zero tolerance for car accidents,” he said.
The ROSOWA President called on relevant stakeholders in the transport sector to extend maximum support for effective traffic management in the country, stressing the need for joint effort to address the challenges of road safety and traffic congestion.
Yusuf Suberu, representative of the UN Decade of Action on Injury Prevention, said the ROSOWA visit will provide much-needed assistance to road traffic accident victims receiving treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja.
According to Suberu, the objectives of the United Nations have been achieved through the ROSOWA visit as the theme of “This Day” focuses on “Support, Remember and Act”.
He commended ROSOWA not only for remembering the victims but also for the support that would give hope to the injured awaiting recovery.
Suberu noted that seeing the compassion, encouragement and support of the people would give the victims a sense of hope for the future.
He assured that the United Nations would continue to advocate for zero tolerance of road accidents in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Mr. Muhammad Adamu, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, also appreciated ROSOWA’s visit, saying it was an honour and an inspiration.
He appreciated ROSOWA’s efforts in supporting victims and providing preventive measures to avert road accidents.
NAN reports that the National Chairman of ROSOWA presented cash gifts, wheelchairs, crutches, stretchers, sanitary pads and other items to road accident victims at the National Hospital, Abuja.
