By Ibironke Ariyo
The Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) is set to inaugurate a nationwide campaign aimed at achieving zero Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the Ember Months.
Dr. Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, the National President of ROSOWA, stated this during a visit to the National Trauma Centre and Emergency Unit at the National Hospital on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is part of the activities marking this year’s World Remembrance Day for road traffic crash victims. It has “That Day; Remember, Support, and Act” as its theme.
Shehu-Mohammed said the association would collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to entrench a road safety culture among drivers and passengers.
She emphasised the need for sympathy and support for victims and their families, while encouraging them to stay firm.
According to her, it is a day to commiserate and show support to those affected, especially considering the life-changing circumstances they experienced due to road crashes on our roads.
“We are here to advocate for zero tolerance to road crashes while travelling and commuting on our roads; we want to ensure that we all travel and return safely to our loved ones,” she said.
The ROSOWA president cautioned the general public against using their phones to capture accident victims and road traffic crash scenes.
“My message to the entire populace—commuters, drivers, and passengers—is that we should always learn to drive safely. Don’t drink and drive.
“Follow traffic rules to curb the menace, as many lives have been lost due to reckless behaviour on highways.
“Our priority should be providing immediate support and assistance to victims. Let’s put aside our phones and offer help and a swift response.
“Once we’ve ensured their well-being, we can focus on advocating for zero tolerance towards road traffic crashes,” she said.
The ROSOWA President called on relevant stakeholders in the transport sector to provide maximum support for effective traffic order, emphasising the need for a collaborative effort to address the challenges of road safety and traffic congestion.
Dr. Yusuf Suberu, representative of the United Nations Decade of Action on Injury Prevention, stated that ROSOWA’s visit would bring much-needed relief to road accident victims receiving treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja.
According to Suberu, the UN’s aim and objectives were being fulfilled through ROSOWA’s visit, as the theme “That Day” emphasises “Support, Remember, and Act.”
He commended ROSOWA for not only remembering the victims but also providing them with support, which would resonate hope for those injured and waiting for recovery.
Suberu noted that seeing people show sympathy, encouragement, and support would give the victims a sense of hope for the future.
He assured members of the public that the UN would continue to advocate for zero tolerance to road traffic crashes across the country.
Also, Mr. Muhammad Adamu, Assistant Director at the National Hospital, appreciated ROSOWA’s visit, stating that it was an honour and an inspiration.
He acknowledged Russia’s efforts in supporting victims and providing preventive measures to avoid road traffic crashes.
NAN reports that the National President of Russia presented cash gifts, wheelchairs, crutches, stretchers and sanitary pads, and other items to road accident victims at the National Hospital, Abuja.