The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bisi Kazeem

  • FRSC to acquire breathalyzer to curb accidents

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to acquire breathalyzer to curb accidents due to motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.

    Corps Marshal of the corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi said that this is to enable the Corps run a Pilot scheme for its patrol teams within Kaduna Command, Lagos state Command and River state Command.

    Corps Public Education Officer of FRSC, Bisi Kazeem made this known in a statement.

    He stated that the  Corps Marshal has designed the commencement of the pilot scheme to focus on Training of FRSC personnel on Driving under the Influence (DUI) projects.

    He stated, “Owing to the need to constantly combat Driving under the influence of Alcohol and Drugs, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, met with a team of Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) led by the Chairman, Mr. Jordi Borrut-Bel, to discuss the implementation process of a Memorandum of Understanding which will catalyze the provision of Breathalyzers to enable the Corps run a Pilot scheme for its patrol teams within Kaduna Command, Lagos state Command and River state Command.

    Read Also: Nigeria loses N7bn to tanker accidents in 25 weeks – FRSC

    “According to the Corps Public Education Officer of FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, he stated that the Corps Marshal has designed the commencement of the pilot scheme to focus on Training of FRSC personnel on Driving under the Influence (DUI) projects, acquisition and deployment of Alcholizers for testing DUI, enforcement of DUI by field Operatives, and monitoring of enforcement of DUI.

    “Other aspects of the programme of action are: commencement of Drive Alcohol Free (DAF) campaign, FRSC/BSG to meet with FRSC stakeholders in the DAF campaign, FRSC/BSG to conduct survey on the Six Geopolitical zones on DAF campaign, Enlightenment of drivers and other road users on the dangers of drunk driving, deployment of Billboards on strategic routes across the country with “don’t drink and drive” messages.

    “The Corps Marshal equally appraised the BSG guests with the FRSC resolutions with respect to haulage transportation. Kazeem stated that Dr. Oyeyemi intimated BSG on the following which may affect the movement of BSG Products: Single Operators of Haulage must register with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Compulsory registration with the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS) and the compulsory installation of Speed Limiters.

    “In his address, Chairman of BSG assured the Corps of their readiness to comply with FRSC standards and lead by example by preaching the need to install Speed Limiters to their members. He equally assured of the continuous collaboration with FRSC to campaign against drunk driving.

    “The Chairman thanked the Corps for its different programmes aimed at keeping the roads safe, and assured that they, as a body, will ensure members’ strict adherence to safety rules.”

  • Eid-el-Fitri: FRSC to cover 45 corridors

    The Federal Road Safety Corps will be covering 45 road corridors with special patrols in order to curb accidents during the Eid-el-fitri celebrations.

    Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem in a statement stated that this is to trend down on traffic crashed by at least 15% and fatalities by 30% during the period.

    According to him, the corridors are Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor.

    Also included are Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor.

    Kazeem stated, “Owing to the fact that the Federal Road Safety Corps expects a mass movement of people and goods across the length and breadth of the Country during the end of Ramadan festive season in preparation for Id – el – fitrii coupled with  a bid to trend down road traffic crashes at least  by 15% and fatalities by 30% during the period, the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed the Corps’ Operatives (Regular and Special Marshals) to effectively cover 45 Corridors during the Eid-El-Fitri special Patrol which is expected to commence from 13 June 2018 to 18 June 2018.

    “Among the corridors to be covered according to Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC  are Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.

    Read Also: Eid-el-fitri: Buhari preaches peace, unity

    “Kazeem stated that the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed that all hands must be on deck to ensure free flow of traffic, reduction in road crashes, improved enforcement of traffic laws, and improved enlightenment on the proper use of roads in Nigeria as the Country approaches a busy Eid-El-Fitri celebration.

    “According to Kazeem, the Corps Marshal has directed that the Corps pays first-rate focus on Effective Traffic control, Failure to install/use Speed Limiting Device by Commercial vehicles, Overloading, Lane Indiscipline, use of Phone while driving, Number Plate violation, Driver’s Licence violation, Removal of rickety vehicles on the roads and other obstructions, Driving with expired/worn out tyres and without a spare tyre.

    “In view of the foregoing, Bisi Kazeem revealed that all patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks,  motor bikes other operational equipment in the categories of Radar Guns, Alcholyzers and all other operational logistics materials in custody of commands are to be fully deployed for this exercise, and that the Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras and road side clinics  must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

    “The operation has been programmed to run in shift as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and Night Rescue teams to be on standby at all operational Commands. The Corps will go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military Units en-route or resident, The Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, State owned/NGO’s Ambulance service providers, National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS) and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

    “Consequently, the Corps Marshal calls on all road users to imbibe the attitude of proper use of the roads by not only driving to stay alive, but equally to save the lives of other road users.

    “In situations of emergency, motorists and other road users are advised to call toll free number 122.”

  • Why religious event caused traffic gridlock in Abuja – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) has blamed the traffic gridlock caused by a recent religious event in Abuja on a last minute change in venue.

    Spokesman of the Corps, Mr Bisi Kazeem, told our correspondent that the change in venue disrupted the initial traffic management plans of the FRSC for the event.

    Between April 13 and 14, the Abuja city centre and environs were on lockdown by members of the Tijjaniya Islamic sect, who were celebrating Maulud Nabiyyi, the birth of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ).

    The event held at the National Mosque located in the Central Business District.

    The mammoth crowd of sect members, who came in their thousands from different parts of the country, spilled over to the Eagle Square about two kilometres from the Mosque.

    They set up camps on major roads and streets around the venue resulting in a traffic gridlock that left residents and motorists groaning.

    Kazeem said the leadership of the sect notified the FRSC ahead of time through a letter, and “adequate planning” was made to manage the situation.

    “The problem was that some of them came in the evening and at night, and they were many.

    “What actually disrupted the plan was that the event was initially planned for the National Stadium, and resources were deployed to make sure that the roads leading to the stadium were adequately covered.

    “But all of a sudden, when they were denied use of the stadium or something like that, they decided to trek to the Eagle Square.

    “This change in plan would need change in tactics and traffic control system arrangement, and this momentarily affected our initial plan,” he said.

    The FRSC spokesman said the Corps rose to the occasion by issuing traffic alerts and press releases to inform residents and motorists of the situation.

    Describing the situation as regrettable, Kazeem, however, said it was an eye opener for the FRSC to avert a re-occurrence.

    NAN

  • FRSC recovers 166 stolen cars at registration points in 5 years – Oyeyemi

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) says it has recovered over 166 stolen vehicles at registration points across the country between 2012 and 2017.

    Its Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Thursday in Abuja.

    The FRSC helmsman made this known when participants of the 2018 Senior Executive Course ( SEC ) No.40 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies ( NIPSS ) visited him.

    Oyeyemi said the recovery was made through the Corps’ National Vehicle Identification Scheme ( NVIS ) platform and information sharing with other security agencies.

    He said the FRSC’s place in internal security was mostly in the area of intelligence gathering, preparation of database on critical safety/security issues and sharing same with the security community.

    Describing the incidence of insecurity in several parts of the country as worrisome, the FRSC boss underscored the need for deeper cooperation among all security agencies.

    Speaking further on the organisational framework of the Corps, Oyeyemi explained how the agency had been able to utilise both human and operational facilities to improve on the nation’s security.

    Read Also: FRSC cautions dealers against selling fake spare parts

    “FRSC, in line with global best practices, domesticated the international framework which led to the development of the first of its kind National Framework on Road Safety.

    “It also domesticates National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS), National Uniform Licencing scheme, Dash board Administration and Driving School Standardisation, among others to meet global best practices.

    “ All these are security programmes directed at ensuring the safety of lives and property,’’ he said.

    Oyeyemi explained that the States were responsible for the challenges encountered by Nigerians in the process of acquiring drivers licence.

    According to him, the FRSC is mainly saddled with the production of the licences as stated in the tripartite agreement and not dispatching or distribution to owners.

    The leader of the delegation, Prof. Celestine Bassey, said that the visit was part of a tour of strategic institutions in the country.

    Bassey said it also was part of the institute’s study on ‘Internal Security Management and Community Policing in Nigeria, a course approved by the Presidency for the set no.40 of 2018.

    NAN

  • Gunmen invade FRSC command, kill official

    Gunmen invade FRSC command, kill official

    Unidentified gunmen on Thursday invaded the Tsafe Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Zamfara and killed an official.

    The hoodlums numbering over 20 stormed the command’s premises on motorcycles at about 10:00 a.m. and opened fire on the official.

    “There was confusion as sounds of sporadic gunshots rented the air, while the road safety officials around scampered for safety in different directions.

    “However, one of the officials was unlucky as he was shot and killed by the attackers,” an eyewitness said.

    According to him, one of the gunmen was killed by soldiers who quickly mobilised to the scene, while the rest escaped into the bush and abandoned their motorcycles.

    The FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, confirmed the incident.

    “It is true that our command in Tsafe, Zamfara, was attacked this (Thursday) morning.

    “A Deputy Route Commander of the FRSC was killed by the hoodlums while other staff escaped with one still missing,” Kazeem said.

    He said the police and the army had taken over the matter.

    According to him, the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has condemned the “unprovoked” attack but sued for calm among officials and the general public.

    “He is confident that both the police and the army will bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “The corps marshal has also reassured officers and men of the corps of their security and safety anywhere in the country,” the FRSC official added.

    NAN

  • 30 killed in Ibadan autocrash – FRSC

    30 killed in Ibadan autocrash – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) confirmed an auto accident on the Lagos-Ibadan highway has claimed 30 lives on Thursday night.

    Spokesman of the FRSC, Mr Bisi Kazeem, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

    Kazeem said the accident occurred at about 8 p.m. at Km 95 around the Elebolo Quary Area on the Ibadan axis of the road.

    According to him, 10 other persons were injured in the crash involving 40 persons and two Mazda buses.

    “The crash occurred at a construction site, and it resulted from route and speed violations.

    “This has further underscored the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi’s advice to motorists to avoid night journeys, be careful around construction sites and drive within approved speed limits,” he said.

    Kazeem said rescue operations by FRSC officials, who arrived at the scene minutes after the incident, ended at 2:42 a.m. on Friday.

    He disclosed that the corpses were deposited at Adeoyo Yemetu Hospital mortuary, Ibadan.

    The injured were taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and Adeoyo Yemetu Hospital, he added.

  • FRSC calls for infrastructure adjustment in Abuja

    FRSC calls for infrastructure adjustment in Abuja

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) says some infrastructural adjustments are needed in Abuja to support the proposed introduction of bicycle transport in the nation’s capital city.

    The Corps’ Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    Kazeem said the plan also required amendment of the National Road Safety Regulations to include provisions for the safety of cyclists.

    He spoke against the backdrop of the recent announcement of the proposed bicycle policy by the National Council on Transportation ( NCT ) after its 15th meeting in Sokoto.

    “As a pilot scheme, if Abuja is taken, there is need for restructuring of some intersections before we can kick start it successfully.

    “FRSC studied all the road networks in Abuja, and we have identified the gaps and recommended measures to address the.

    “During the study, which we carried out with officials of the FCTA (Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), we found out that all roads and streets have provisions for bicycle lanes in the design, but at the point of construction the lanes were either ignored, merged with pedestrian walkways, making the walkways too wide, or were turned into green areas.

    “I think it is only on Yakubu Gowon Way in Asokoro that the lane is being implemented. So, a key concern is the need for re-engineering of intersections and traffic lights to provide for cyclists.’’

    The Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, who made the announcement after the NCT meeting, had said Abuja was chosen as pilot because it already had cycling facilities.

    Amaechi stated that introduction of bicycle transport would reduce road traffic congestion and environmental pollution as well as improve the health of riders among other benefits.

    Speaking in the same vain, Kazeem said that the FRSC would work with other stakeholder for its successful implementation of the policy.

    “In fact, FRSC commenced the promotion of urban cycling since 2011; it is not new to us. Since then we have built collaborations and established and funded the National Stakeholders Committee for four years running comprising all government agencies relating to transport, private sector and unions for four years running.

    “The committee developed the first draft National Cycling Policy, which could not be approved by the previous administration owing to bureaucracy.

    “We commenced the national bicycle week and hosted three editions. We have understudied different countries’ cycling systems for domestication, and we have studied all the road networks in Abuja which is the pilot.

    “So, it is a welcome development and the policy announcement actually came as a result of a presentation that the FRSC made at that council of transport summit.

    “For us, the announcement by the ministry confirmed our several years of advocacy and drive to make cycling a mode of transport.

    “We are ready and we are going to work with other stakeholders to see to the success of this policy.’’

    Kazeem stated that cycling was already part of the FRSC public education programmes.

    NAN recalls that eight officers of the Corps recently underwent training in the Netherlands, the world leader in cycling, in traffic safety for non-motorised transport with cycling as focus.

    Some experts also came from Netherlands to train about 24 other FRSC officers, and officials of the Federal Ministries of Power, Works and Housing; Transport, and the FCT Administration.

    The FRSC spokesman said the Corps was working to duplicate the training across its formations nationwide.

  • Sallah: FRSC deploys 33,000 personnel, 859 vehicles for special patrol

    Sallah: FRSC deploys 33,000 personnel, 859 vehicles for special patrol

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is deploying 33,000 personnel and 859 vehicles for a nationwide special patrol during the Sallah to ensure free flow of traffic and check accidents.

    Mr Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer of the FRSC made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

    Kazeem also said that said that 106 ambulances, 267 motorcycles and 22 tow trucks would be deployed for the exercise due to begin on Thursday and end on Sept. 6.

    According to the FRSC spokesman, the exercise will focus on traffic control, excessive speeding, dangerous driving/overtaking, clearance of obstruction, seatbelt use violation and use of phone while driving.

    He said that others were lane indiscipline and route violation which had been identified as recurring factors for road traffic accidents.

    Kazeem advised motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations as over 200 Mobile Courts had been set up to prosecute traffic offenders during the period.

    He urged the general public, in the event of emergency, to notify the corps through its emergency line: 0700-call-FRSC (070022553772 or toll free number, 122, for prompt response.

    Kazeem quoted the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi as wishing Nigerians, especially Muslims happy celebration and assuring them that personnel of the corps would be on ground to serve them.

  • FRSC seeks arrest, prosecution of Abia Speaker, wife

    FRSC seeks arrest, prosecution of Abia Speaker, wife

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the recent shooting of two of its officials in Abia.

    The Public Education Officer and spokesman of the Corps, Mr Bisi Kazeem, made the call on Tuesday while reacting to the reported dismissal of a Police Corporal, Iroh Orji, over the incident.

    Orji, who was an orderly to the Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, allegedly pulled the trigger on the FRSC officials at their duty post on July 15.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade, announced Orji’s dismissal from the Force on Monday, saying that he was found guilty of the offence during an orderly room trial.

    Kazeem told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the policeman’s dismissal was a welcomed development.

    He, however, called for the criminal prosecution of Orji and others involved in the shooting, including the Speaker, his wife and an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    He said “the corporal’s dismissal is a welcome development, which shows that the police have zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline and lawlessness among their men.

    “But, we call on the police to institute criminal proceedings against him and others involved in the act of criminality against our men.

    “We have made this demand in writing to the Director of DSS in Abia, who said he had made recommendation to headquarters for disciplinary action against the operative.

    “The director said the recommendation had to be verified and approved by headquarters before action could be taken.’’

    Kazeem said that FRSC had also written to the police command in the state seeking the arrest of the speaker, his wife and the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident.

    The speaker, Mr Chikwendu Kalu, is alleged to have ordered the shooting of the FRSC officials, but he has denied the allegation.

    NAN recalls that the incident occurred at Arungwa Junction (near Aba) on the Enugu-Port-Harcourt highway.

    Kalu’s wife, Victoria, was said to be travelling to Aba when the FRSC men flagged down her vehicle and attempted to book her for seatbelt violation.

    A heated argument ensued during which she allegedly pounced on the road safety officials with the help of a female DSS operative, who was travelling with her.

    Eyewitnesses said that the woman called her husband, who arrived at the scene and allegedly ordered his orderly to shoot the FRSC officials.

    When the speaker visited the victims at the hospital the next day, he was said to have been denied access into the ward where the FRSC officials were receiving treatment.

    One of the wounded officials said “I saw him at the scene. What if we had died, he would have come to see our corpses.”

    But, the speaker blamed the incident on “over-zealousness’’ of the security officers involved.

    “I strongly condemn any over-zealousness on the side of any security personnel, be it anyone, not to now talk of being the Police, FRSC, the Army and Department of State Services.

    “I think I will be the last person to encourage it because it doesn’t augur well with state and the country at large,’’ he said.

  • Two FRSC officers shot, hospitalised in Abia

    Two FRSC officers shot, hospitalised in Abia

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Saturday confirmed the shooting of two of its officers on duty in Abia.

    An eyewitness had earlier told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the officers were shot by security aides to a top government official in the state.

    The Public Education Officer of the Corps, Mr Bisi Kazeem, who confirmed the shooting to NAN, was silent on the identity of those responsible.

    Kazeem said the matter had been reported to the police for investigation, while the victims were receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

    “It is true that our officers were shot this afternoon. The matter has been reported to the police and we are awaiting the outcome of their investigation.

    “The wounded officers have been hospitalised, and they are in stable condition.

    “This will not deter our men from carrying out their duties, but would rather embolden them to make our roads safer for Nigerians,” he said.

    NAN learnt that the incident occurred at Umuikea Junction in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

    According to the eyewitness, an FRSC patrol team had flagged down the vehicle conveying the government official’s wife for seatbelt violation.

    “The lady was in her vehicle with two other females and none of them was wearing their seatbelts.

    “As the road safety officers were talking to them about it, they flared up and started assaulting the officers.

    “The big man’s wife called her husband’s security aides, who rushed to the scene and started shooting sporadically.

    “In the process, one of the FRSC officers was hit in the arm, and the other in neck and waists,” the eyewitness said.