Defence
GUINNESS Nigeria Plc. in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Wednesday charged motorists in Lagos State on responsible alcohol consumption.
Speaking with key transport stakeholders via a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, Mr John Musunga, Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the advice was part of the company’s annual “Ember Month” campaign.
Musunga said that the “Ember Month” Campaign, a strategic partnership between Guinness Nigeria and FRSC, aimed at educating road users and commercial drivers about the importance of safety behind the wheel and the hazards of drunk-driving.
He said the campaign signified the company’s commitment to promoting the act of responsible drinking among commercial drivers especially during the ember months when there is significant increase in the number of travelers.
“Guinness Nigeria’s presence at this event symbolises our dedication to the safety and well-being of our consumers, especially those who operate commercial vehicles.
“We will continue to partner with the FRSC and other stakeholders in our relentless efforts to send a clear message: ‘Don’t drink and drive’ as It’s a message that can save lives,” he said.
Similarly, the FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Babatunde Farinloye, noted that incidences of drunk driving constitutes huge human capacity loss, high level of trauma, social cost and other consequences that may alter the course of several destinies.
This, he said, was the essence of the corps’ continuous campaign and interventions.
“Nobody’s life has to be untimely terminated as an inevitable price for mobility on the roads.
“Today, therefore, we are flagging-off this campaign to remind ourselves and unequivocally reiterate that crashes are self-destructive occurrences.
“We (the road users) are the prime causal agents; we are the victims, and we must be the solution. And it begins with our individual mindsets and convictions,” he said.
Also, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, Mr Gilbert Igbokwe, commended the company for consistently promoting responsible drinking and raising awareness about the perils of drunk-driving.
He emphasised the need to avoid reckless actions like drunk driving, which could jeopardise lives and property.
“Avoiding behaviors such as drunk driving is essential to safeguard lives and property.
“Notably, majority of the accidents documented in the Lagos and Ogun regions are linked to excessive speed and drunk driving.
“Therefore, it is crucial for passengers to be proactive, not passive by actively monitoring the driver’s behaviour, intervening if they exceed speed limits or attempt to consume alcohol before taking the wheel.
“It is important to always assess the driver’s sobriety before allowing them to drive,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives from various transport organisations and agencies, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) were present at the event.
Other attendees were the Lagos State FRSC Special Marshals, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), National Automotive Technician Association, Lagos Taxi Drivers Association, and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO). (NAN)
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-October 25, 2023 @ 13:01 GMT |
Tags: Babatunde Farinloye FRSC Guinness Nigeria Plc. Mr Gilbert Igbokwe Mr John Musunga
