By correspondent in Abuja.
The Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at achieving zero Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the Ember Months.
Dr. Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, National President of ROSOWA, made this announcement during a visit to the National Trauma Centre and Emergency Unit at the National Hospital in Abuja on Saturday.
Our correspondent reports that the initiative forms part of activities commemorating this year’s World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Crash Victims, themed “That Day: Remember, Support, and Act.”
Dr. Shehu-Mohammed stated that ROSOWA would partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to foster a culture of road safety among drivers and passengers.
She stressed the importance of showing empathy and offering support to victims and their families, particularly those enduring life-altering consequences from road crashes.
“We are here to advocate for zero tolerance towards road crashes while traveling. Our aim is to ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely and returns home to their loved ones,” she said.
The ROSOWA president also urged the public to refrain from using phones to capture accident scenes and victims, emphasizing the need to prioritize immediate help for the injured.
“My message to all commuters, drivers, and passengers is to always drive safely, avoid drinking and driving, and follow traffic laws to prevent accidents. Many lives have been lost due to reckless driving,” she added.
“We must focus on providing swift assistance to victims and advocating for a zero-tolerance approach to road crashes.”
She further called on stakeholders in the transport sector to strengthen traffic management efforts across the country, highlighting the importance of collective action to address road safety challenges and traffic congestion.
Dr. Yusuf Suberu, a representative of the United Nations Decade of Action on Injury Prevention, praised ROSOWA’s visit, noting that it would bring relief to road accident victims receiving treatment at the National Hospital.
He highlighted that the UN’s goals align with ROSOWA’s efforts, as the theme “That Day” focuses on remembering, supporting, and taking action.
Suberu commended ROSOWA for offering not only remembrance but tangible support to victims, bringing hope to those recovering from their injuries.
He assured that the UN would continue advocating for zero tolerance towards road traffic crashes across Nigeria, including all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Mr. Muhammad Adamu, Assistant Director at the National Hospital, Abuja ,expressed gratitude for ROSOWA’s visit, calling it an honor and an inspiration. He acknowledged the association’s contributions to supporting victims and promoting preventive measures for road traffic accidents.
During the visit, ROSOWA’s National President presented cash gifts, wheelchairs, crutches, stretchers, sanitary pads, and other essential items to road crash victims at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
