A NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation, Road Users Development Network of Nigeria (RUDNN), has called for citizens’ involvement in concerted actions and programmes towards reduction of road traffic accidents in the country.
The group noted that continuous enlightenment of citizens especially commuters and drivers would not only enhance the job of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), but also make Nigerian roads safer.
Speaking during her annual Get-Together in Abuja, RUDDN Chairman, Chimezie Obi, who is lawyer, said the organisation, which is also known as Traffic Update Family, is a citizen’s forum to take responsibility of making Nigerian roads safe, free and motorable for all users.”
While urging the citizens to join the organisation and contribute their ideas to the project of reducing carnage on the roads, Obi dismissed the notion that keeping the road safe was the sole responsibility of FRSC, Police and other security agencies.
“We should get involved to ensure that the road is free and safe for all users. Our mission is to enhance citizens’ participatory approach in enhancing road safety and traffic management in Nigeria,” he stated.
The RUDNN boss disclosed that the organisation envisions partnership and collaboration with relevant local and international bodies to ensure better road behaviours, traffic management and reduction of road crashes in Nigeria.
Highpoint of this year’s event was the recognition and honours award to champions of road Traffic Control and Management in Nigeria, including the Corps Martial of FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, whose strides in FRSC in Nigeria in the past seven years have seen significant reduction in road crashes.
RUDNN observed with glee that the just concluded special patrol by the Boboye-led FRSC achieved about nine per cent reduction in road traffic fatalities during the 2021 ember season.
“The establishment of the National Road Traffic Radio 107.1 FM is another stride undertaken by the Corps Martial,” Obi stated, noting that the radio station have become listeners’ delight with rich contents and official information on traffic safety, control and Management.
Another notable awardee was the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services of the Ministry of Transport, Hon. Wadata Aliyu Bodinga, who was honoured for engineering free flow of traffic in the FCT and its environs.
RUDNN said Wadata had instilled discipline in the staff of the Directorate and promoting professionalism to ensure that staff members discharge their functions with confidence and patriotism.
Other champions of Road Traffic Control & Management recognised, among others include Engr. Ambrose Omame of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and Engr. Wada Yahaya Mohammed as the Managing Director of Nasarawa Urban Development Board, who leads his team from the front on Operation Clear the Road campaigns to rid the Abuja-Keffi road of obstructions, thereby, making for free flow of traffic on that axis.
