Lagos Relaunches Road Safety Advocacy Programme For Schools

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos 

The Lagos State Government has re-launched its School Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme for Primary and Secondary schools students across the State.

Speaking at the relaunch event on Wednesday in Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, stated that the initiative underscores the government's commitment to making Lagos a safer environment for children and future generations. He emphasized the importance of equipping young students with the knowledge and skills to navigate roads responsibly.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, the Special Adviser highlighted that the programme addresses two critical issues: the lack of traffic knowledge and poor road-use attitudes, both of which contributes to gridlock and safety challenges in Lagos.

He reiterated the need for active participation by all stakeholders to foster safety consciousness and promote responsible road use in the metropolis. 

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, commended the State Government for reintroducing the initiative. He noted that the program will teach students fundamental principles for staying safe on the roads.

Describing roads as symbols of unity, Omotoso stressed the importance of young people understanding the need to act responsibly to ensure the safety of others. 

He applauded the students for their active participation, expressing confidence that the lessons learned will benefit them well into adulthood.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, "Every Child Has a Right to Safe Roads," the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, referenced the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) of 1989. He noted that the convention mandates that every child be afforded the protection and care necessary for their well-being.

Bakare-Oki explained that the Lagos State School Traffic Safety Advocacy Program aims to ensure that children in their formative years learn how to identify safe situations, assess risks on pavements and roadways, and practice safety and responsible behaviors when commuting to and from school.

He stressed that the program will instill a culture of discipline in children while on the road. "With the support of the State Government and the Ministry of Transportation, LASTMA is committed to utilizing all available resources to ensure the programme's sustainability and success". He added.

In attendance at the re-launch event are children from the public and private schools within the State; Emmagrace College, Igando, Onilekere Junior High School, Agege, Mulero Junior College, Agege, El-Bethel Nursery and Primary School, Ifako-Ijaye, Kole Best International School, Orile, Government Junior College, Ipaja, Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere amongst others.