Events
As the Yuletide approaches, the Lagos State Government has appealed to residents to celebrate the season in moderation and avoid drunk driving.
Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, made the appeal on Friday at the flag-off of the “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign of the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM ,in Ikeja.
Bamigbetan expressed worries at the rate at which some Nigerians had come to see the Yuletide as a season to get carried away and engage in excessive alcoholic intake.
“There is a report that says when you compare the regions of the world in terms of alcohol usage, Nigeria occupies a very prominent space in the consumption of alcohol all over the world.
“In fact, it is said that with the rate at which Nigerians are consuming alcohol, we expect a five per cent increase in alcohol consumption in Nigeria every year.
“And all over the world, Nigeria has the highest consumption rate in Africa of 12.30 per cent per average Nigerian. An average Nigerian is taking 12 litres of alcohol more or less per day,” he said.
Bamigbetan said the rate at which bars spring up in all corners of the state with viewing centres showed that the statistics were true.
“Well, while the state government will not stop residents from enjoying themselves, we want to please appeal that when you want to enjoy, do not engage in activities that stretch or have an impact on others.
“Driving when drunk is a challenge to the next person; you become a problem to everybody once you are not in the right mental state,” Bamigbetan said.
The Commissioner commended the radio station for executing the campaign, saying it was coming at a crucial time of the year.
“For me, this is a welcome advocacy, especially at this time of the ember months usually associated with accidents.
“When you get to the driver’s seat, ensure that you have all it takes to perform the functions of driving.
“Be free of alcohol and drug influence, and be free from physical tiredness,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting General Manager of the radio station, Mr Eyitayo Akanle, said the campaign was to create the necessary awareness and sensitise motorists on the dangers of drunk driving.
Akanle said drunk driving might affect vision and sense of judgement while driving, leading to death through accident.
He said the radio station, apart from using social media platforms, had also put in place 10 billboards with “Don’t Drink and Drive” banners at 10 strategic locations across the state.
Akanle said that this and other measures, including television and radio appearances, jingle and advocacy, will remain in their consciousness while driving or about to drive.
On his part, the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Hygenius Omeje, said the synergy between Federal and state agencies had gone a long way to helping tackle challenges on the roads.
He said that though, the number of deaths resulting from road crashes had reduced, the commission had yet to get to its target of zero deaths at the point of crashes.
Omeje urged all media houses across the state to emulate the gesture of Traffic radio and see it as their Corporate Social Responsibility.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was taken to Berger, Agege and Ikeja areas of the state. (NAN)
Tags: Yuletide: LASG tasks residents on moderation
