The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has resolved to partner with school children to check recklessness among some drivers on the roads.
The Onitsha Unit Commander of the corps, Mr Anthony Metta, said this at the presentation of two comic books entitled; “Road Safety for Children’’ and “Captain Road Safety’’ to schools in Onitsha.
The comic books were donated by “Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative (AARSI)’’ an NGO.
According to Metta, the adult generation is not living up to their responsibility of protecting the children under their care.
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“So, we have decided to take it (campaign) to children; since the adults have failed them, let them take care of their safety.
“They can advise their parents; papa don’t drink too much, you can talk to your mother, mother put on your seatbelt.
“When you (the child) see those practices that can lead to crashes (accidents) and eventual fatality and injury, children can prevent them by politely asking their parents not to do them.
“When you are walking on the road face on-coming traffic; make sure that traffic is coming in your front so that you can see and know what you are doing.
“When you (children) are crossing the road; after looking left, looking right and looking left again, still make sure that you see and you are seen (by driver of any up-coming vehicle) before you cross the road.’’
Metta stated that officers of the unit would focus on grooming the children in their various schools’ safety clubs in order to raise `safety champions’.
Responding on behalf of the schools, the Headmistress of Army Children School 2, Onitsha, Mrs Mary Ibekwe, assured that they would collaborate with the corps to achieve the desired results.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NGO, Mr Ike Okonkwo, said that the organisation had invested millions of naira in the printing of comic and pictorial booklets to communicate safety tips and messages better to children.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AARSI was a social responsibility initiative, established by a coalition of private sector companies.
They are; Chevron Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and DHL to address traffic issues in Nigeria. (NAN)
