Education
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshals, in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, on Thursday inducted 75 pupils in Lagos State into the Road Safety Club.
Twenty-five of the pupils were selected from Alaba Primary School in Mushin.
Twenty-five pupils were also taken from Estate Primary School, and the remaining 25 from Papa Ajao Primary School.
At the induction, the state Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr Patrick Davou, urged the pupils to be good ambassador of the FRSC, their schools and the country at large.
Davou, represented by the sector’s Chief Route Commander, Mr Paul Abiti, urged the pupils to promote road safety at all times.
”I did not have this opportunity that you have now. As road safety corps members in primary schools, you are ambassadors for FRSC, and we appreciate Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation for the opportunity to catch them young.
”The road that you are passing is dangerous, and we have lost so many children; so, do not involve in playing on the road, concentrate while going to or coming back from school,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Olusegun Akintan, Lagos State Coordinator of Special Marshals, urged the pupils to understand that the regalia they had been given was a symbol of authority.
He urged them to embrace their new status.
He said that the pupils had the authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the special marshal to work.
”This is a memorable day. Cakasa has done it again, and we appreciate their efforts. We also appreciate the school headteachers for the opportunity given us to have access to the pupils.
”The programme is ‘catch them young’. It is a serious business, and you should take it so. Something new has happened in your lives today; so, don’t take it lightly,” he said.
Mr Barnabas Olise, Managing Director, Casaka Nigeria Ltd., said that the club would serve as a platform for instilling in the pupils, the principles of road safety.
Olise, represented by Mr Martins Agbetuyi, Assistant General Manager, Quality Health and Safety Environment Department, Cakasa, said that the collaboration marked a significant step toward fostering a culture of safety and responsibility on roads, from an early age.
”Our gathering today is to ensure a safer future for all road users. The alarming statistics of road accidents involving children is a reminder that we must act now.
”Education and awareness are pivotal in this battle. Through engaging activities, practical demonstrations and continuous learning, we aim to embed deep understanding of road safety rules on these children.
”We appreciate the teachers and school administrators as they are the ones that will nurture these young minds and guide them to become advocates of road safety in their homes and communities,” he said.
The Coordinator, Unit 70, Cakasa Special Marshal, Mr Nsikak Isonguyo, said that the induction would help to reduce road accidents.
”As a rule of engagement for the induction of 25 pupils in each of the schools, it is expected and imperative that every child must have road safety consciousness,” he said.
Isonguyo encouraged the pupils to be active members of the club and be good ambassadors of the special marshal.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that in 2022, the first phase of the induction took place and three schools participated, namely; New City Primary School, Palm Avenue Primary School and Oduduwa Primary School, all located in Mushin. (NAN)
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