Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), conducted a one-day workshop on Saturday for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) focused on traffic rules and road safety, particularly during the rainy season.

The initiative aims to curb road accidents, which tend to rise due to poor adherence to traffic regulations.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Efuwape, who addressed participants at the workshop themed “Public Sensitisation on Road Accidents,” highlighted that many road crashes during the rainy season result from drivers’ failure to follow traffic rules.

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Efuwape, represented by the Acting Director of OGSEMA, Mr. Soji Durojaiye, explained that the state government organized the workshop to protect motorists and passengers from untimely deaths caused by road accidents, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

She urged all drivers to observe safety regulations and take necessary precautions to prevent loss of life. “Let me say it clearly, it is only a cautious driver who commences his journey from a particular location and gets to his final destination safely that can best be described as a driver, and one sure way of achieving this is obeying traffic rules, particularly those on speed limits at all times,” the commissioner added.

Mrs. Efuwape also emphasized the government’s commitment to road safety, citing ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction projects across the state. She noted that such efforts would be ineffective if drivers neglected to comply with traffic regulations.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Commander Akinwumi Fasakin, represented by the Corps’ Head of Operations, Dr. Adelaja Ogungbemi, stressed that carelessness among drivers is a leading cause of road crashes during the rainy season. He advised drivers to exercise caution by stopping at flooded areas and waiting for rains to subside before continuing their journey.

Engr. Abdulfatai Adefala, Director of the Ogun State Fire Service, also urged motorists to equip their vehicles with functional fire extinguishers to manage potential fire incidents effectively.

Two participants, Messrs. Kabiru Sobajo and Towolawi John, expressed appreciation to the state government for organizing the workshop. They described the sessions as engaging and invaluable and pledged to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues.