Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, describing its operations as complementary to the socio-economic activities of the state government. The governor stated this while receiving the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, at the Government House, Awka.

According to him, the operational activities of the FRSC in the state is well appreciated by the government and people of Anambra State. Obiano recalled that the efforts made by members of the Corps during the last Yuletide season, in effectively managing traffic situations at the Niger Bridge, Onitsha, was particularly exemplary. He pointed out the need for motorbike riders and their passengers in the state to always use crash helmet as a safety measure. He assured the Corps Marshal that he would support FRSC’s efforts to rid the state of traffic violators who promote impunity through reckless driving.

On road construction, rehabilitation and provision of infrastructure, Governor Obiano promised to sustain the current level of operation, adding that his action was a deliberate effort to ensure that the state is free of potholes on any of its roads.

“Your men here have been very supportive in managing the traffic situations in the state, especially during the last Christmas and New Year celebrations, when they ensured free flow of traffic along the Niger Bridge at Onitsha. Everyone was happy with them, and I want to commend them for that,” he stated, adding: “Let me also assure you that the state government will continue to collaborate with you in the areas of traffic management, efficient licence administration and rescue operations.”

“But one area of concern to us is the conduct of bike riders who normally operate without helmet. It is an unsafe practice, and we would support you to rid the state of such impunity.

“We are equally worried about the prevalence of fake licences in the state, which distort our licensing system. That was why the state government recently inaugurated the Task Force that would tackle the challenges and bring the perpetrators to book. I do hope that you will make the necessary inputs that could facilitate the work of that committee towards the realisation of the goals,” Governor Obiano stated.

In his remarks, the Corps Marshal thanked the governor for his interest in road safety matters, describing him as “a road safety friendly governor.” He noted that there was need for continuous collaboration between the relevant stakeholders in tackling the challenges of road safety in the country, pointing out that road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone must play a role.

Oyeyemi said there is a nexus between road safety campaigns and efficient licensing system, stressing that state governments as the issuing authorities of the licences must ensure the setting up of functional motor vehicle administration in their states towards efficient licensing system.

He said for a seamless operation in the licensing system, there was the need for all stakeholders in the tripartite arrangement to play their roles diligently, promising that FRSC will not fail in its own area. “I have just addressed my staff at the Sector Command, where I commended them for working very hard during the last year’s special patrol by managing the traffic situation along the Niger Bridge at Onitsha very efficiently,” said Oyeyemi.

“I want to thank Your Excellency, for the support to road safety campaigns, especially in the areas of provision of road infrastructures in the state, and training of the personnel of the State Traffic Management Agency of which the second batch has just been trained at our Academy at Udi. Let me assure Your Excellency that FRSC will continue to collaborate with the state government in all its road safety policies and programmes, to ensure safer road environment in Anambra State,” Oyeyemi assured.

The Corps Marshal was accompanied on the visit by some principal officers of the FRSC, including the Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Theophilus Charles, among others.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.

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