By Ejiofor Toochi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) marked the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Monday, November 18, at Ojodu, Lagos.
The event included a press conference and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor lives lost in road accidents during the year. This global tradition is observed annually during the third week of November, reflecting on victims while advocating for better support for victims.
The theme for this year 2024 “That day, Remember, Support, Act,” sought to not only honor the lost victims of road traffic accidents, but to encourage Nigerians towards better preventive measures.
Speaking at the event, the Sector Commander of FRSC Lagos State Command, Kehinde Hamzat, revealed that between January and September 2024, a total of 3,767 people were killed in 7,011 road traffic crashes with 22,373 persons injured.
He appealed to the conscience and consciousness of road users and authorities in order to embrace road safety practices. “We call on motorists, pedestrians and all road users to recognise the fact that road traffic crashes kill more passengers than drivers and hence, the need to remember that road safety is a collective responsibility,” he said.
The Zonal Commanding Officer RS 2, Assistant Corps Marshall Adeoye Irelewuyi, reiterated the need to remember, and advocate for better support for the road traffic victims and their families. “Today is another opportunity for us to remember that day so that we can act, so that we can support all efforts towards preventive actions.”
He added, “That day must be remembered, but must not be allowed to be repeated.”
Dr. Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), joined other stakeholders at the ceremony. Representatives from ROSOWA, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre (LASAEC), NEMA, LASEMA, and LASTMA were also present, reinforcing inter-agency collaboration for road safety advocacy.
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