The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Boboye Oyeyemi

  • Eid-el-Fitri: FRSC deploys 36,000 officers for nationwide patrol

    No fewer than 36,000 personnel of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) will be deployed nationwide beginning from today, to forestall accidents, remove obstructions and provide rescue operations before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebration, the Corps said on Friday.

    The special operation which would be coordinated by the FRSC Corps Marshal Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, would start from 31 May to 8 June 2019, with active participation of regular and special marshals; while monitors from the Corps Headquarters Abuja would be deployed to Field Commands to ensure compliance to the operational order.

    The massive deployment according to the FRSC is part of the yearly Eid-el-Fitri special patrol, aimed at averting crashes and deaths which are usually occasioned by heightened traffic movement during the festive period.

    Disclosing this in a statement in Abuja, the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem said the Corps would be deploying all its officers and men to the roads to ensure that the celebration expected to take place next week is attended by the least casualty rate across the country.

    Read Also: Eid-El-Fitr: FRSC records less deaths, more accidents

    To ensure the effectiveness of the operations, according to Kazeem, 52 critical corridors across the country have been identified and would be effectively covered within the period, while commanding officers operating along such corridors have been mandated to ensure that their routes are properly manned.

    He said mobile courts would be sitting along the routes, in order to promptly try those who run afoul of traffic violation.

    Kazeem further stated that apart from minimizing accidents on the nation’s highways, the special operation would ensure free flow of traffic, provide prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country during and after the festive period.

    He added that the focus would be on traffic light sign violation, overloading violation, fake/expired driver licence violation, lane indiscipline, removal of rickety vehicles on the roads and other obstructions as well as driving with expired/worn out tyre and or driving without spare tyre.

     

  • 540 die, 3,383 others sustain injuries in road crashes in January- FRSC

    A total of 540 persons died, while 3, 383 others were injured in 950 road traffic crashes across the country in January, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported.

    A total of 7, 827 persons were involved in those accidents.

    The agency in its monthly Road Traffic Crash (RTC) Report signed by the Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Frida, said the figures indicated a decrease of 21 per cent in fatality.

    He said t also showed 14 per cent decrease in crash cases and 14 per cent decrease in the number of people injured in the month under review as compared to December 2018.

    “A comparative analysis of January crash statistics with that of the corresponding month in 2018 revealed a general increase across all parameters.”

    According to the report, Lagos-Ibadan road recorded the highest number of road crashes with 57 cases representing 11 per cent decrease from Dec. 2018.

    “Abuja-Lokoja and Kaduna-Abuja roads followed with 54 and 51 cases.

    Analysis based on states revealed that Kaduna recorded the highest number of crashes with 95 cases.

    “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) followed with 83 cases, Ogun with 64 cases while Nasarawa and Oyo recorded 58 and 46 cases.”

    Read Also: FRSC warns tricyclists, motorcyclists, others

    On the other hand, he said, Kaduna recorded the highest number of fatality cases with 53 deaths representing 48 per cent decrease as compared to Dec. 2018.

    “Bauchi and Ogun followed in order of magnitude with 44 deaths each while Kano and Oyo had 35 and 29 cases.

    Furthermore, the report indicated that speed violation accounted for high causes of crashes with 502 cases representing 49.4 per cent of the total causative factors

    “Commercial vehicles constituted 65.5 per cent of the total vehicles in crashes within the month under review.

    “While private vehicles accounted for 32.7 per cent and government vehicles accounted for 1.8 per cent.”

    The agency appealed to the Federal Government and private media houses to promote road use education with a view to stepping up road awareness among road users.

    NAN

     

  • FRSC cautions officers against chasing erring motorists

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Saturday cautioned its officers against chasing erring motorists no matter the traffic offence committed.

    The FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, gave the warning in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    He was reacting to media reports of an accident on Friday in Ibadan following a chase by FRSC officers.

    Kazeem told NAN that the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, frowned at the incident.

    READ ALSO: FRSC pledges to reduce traffic crashes on highway

    “The Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, condemned the act as it is our rule that officers should not chase any erring motorist.

    “Rather the vehicle number should be taken and the offender will in no time be arrested through our drivers’ licence portal.

    “As a paramilitary agency investigation must be carried out and if the officers are found guilty, they will be dealt with accordingly,” Kazeem said

  • Tourism summit to discuss sustainable development

    THE Corps Marshal General of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Marshal General Boboye Oyeyemi, and the Commissioner/ Chief Executive Officer of the Accident and Investigations Bureau, Mr. Akin Olateru, would be lead speakers at the second edition of this year’s International Transport and Tourism Summit (ITTS) holding in Abuja from April 27 to May 1 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The theme for this year’s summit: Tourism and Transportation Inter-dependences for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. In addition to the above speakers, the heads of the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nigerian College of Aviation (NCAT) will also be among the speakers.

    Speaking on the this year’s event, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Chief Abiodun Odusanwo,  said the summit brings together  stakeholders,  regulators, decision makers and captains in transport and tourism to come and exchange ideas.

    He said this year’s edition summit will go deeper into the nexus between the transport and tourism. His words: “This year, we are going deeper; we are looking at their tourism for inclusive growth and interdependencies for inclusive growth and sustainability. Last year, we just look at them generally, but this year, we are looking at their interdependencies.

    “Reason is that having understood that there was need for connectivity between them, this year, we now look into how dependent they are and how the connectivity can now be achieved.  We would now come out with a communiqué that would be policy guidelines and strategic directions that the two sectors would bring in order to maximize growth,” Odusanwo said.

    He said participants at the four-day event will be drawn from major key players and stakeholders in the transportation and tourism sectors from the international community in critical areas such as the air transportation, meaning, airlines, tour and travel operators, administrators of the aviation industry; the maritime industry which includes sea transport, boats and sea cruising operators; road transportation, including major transport owners, car hire services, Uber, NURTW, RTEAN, road traffic and safety agencies, including the FRSC, NPF, NSCDC, motor insurance companies, state transport ministries and agencies and rail transport services.

    Others are operators of the tourism and hospitality industry, including tourism resort operators, national parks services; museums and monuments, state tourism ministries and boards, festivals and tourism event managers, hoteliers, restaurants and fast food operators, conferences and events managers, as well as service providers in the banking, oil and gas industries.

    Speaking further on what the ITTS has achieved, Odusanwo said the summit had succeeded in bringing a synergy of transport and tourism sectors.

    His words: “Members of the organizing committee of the summit cut across the tourism and transport industry. So, there was a lot synergy and networking among the members. Also the communiqué issued cuts across both sectors. This has enhanced the understanding of the connectivity among these sectors. This summit has helped in this direction.

    “The tourism transport summit and expo programme will begin with the Host City Walk on Saturday, April 27; the tourism transport summit and exhibition will hold from Monday, 29th to Tuesday 30th April with B2B and G2B sessions; The Tuesday 30th April events will be rounded up with the Award and Gala Night; while the entire Program will end with the Host City Walk on May 1st.

    Experts and professionals drawn from the academia as well as key players and stakeholders in the industries will deliver healthy thought provoking papers on carefully selected sub themes of the Summit which includes: Tourism in a Hyper Connection World: Making Technology Work for the Tourism and Transportations Sectors; Potentialities of Developing Regional Inter-Connectivity in Africa; Inter-Modal Connectivity, Traveller Safety and Security; Development of Critical Infrastructure and the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria-The Case of Tourism and Transportation Industries and Building Capacity for Global Best Practice in the Tourism and Transportation Sectors, among others.

  • FRSC warns personnel against identifying with political parties

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned its personnel against identifying with any political party or interests and adhere strictly to the assignments given to them by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conjunction with other security agencies

    Corps Marshall Boboye Oyeyemi who gave the warning in Calabar, said that the  FRSC’s participation in the  2019 General  Elections will involve certifying all the vehicles to be used for  conveying  all the  election  materials  and  personnel.

    Speaking during a one-day capacity building programme on election duties organized by the Cross River State Sector Command held in Calabar, the Corps Marshall said officers of the FRSC must apply due diligence  and  integrity the organization is known for.

    The  FRSC boss, represented by Mr Henry Benamasia, said in ensuring  that  FRSC diligently carries out the responsibilities  entrusted to it  by the INEC in the  conduct of the elections, members of the  Corps have in the past few months been involved in various activities  to  prepare them well for the tasks ahead.

    “Let me  reiterate that  we have no excuse to give Nigerians for leaving any gap that could  undermine  the  process  in the  course of  performing  this  national assignment  as INEC  and the  entire  nation  expect  much  from us. In fact,  we cannot  afford to  disappoint  the government and  people  of Nigeria  at this  period of  national  expectations,” he said.

    Read Also: Austrian firms partner FRSC on drivers’ training

    He said the FRSC has a responsibility  in ensuring  that  it  works  assiduously  with  relevant  stakeholders to ensure that whatever security threats that  could  hamper  smooth  conduct  of  the  elections are  nipped in the  bud through  adequate  measures.

    “Hence, this  capacity development  programme today is most  relevant and  desirable  for  all participating staff of  the  Corps in the  election duties to be aware of the  challenges and work hard to overcome  them,” he said.

    State Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr Chidiebere Nkwonta charged officers and men  of the Corps to maintain the integrity the of organization which earned the trust of INEC.

    In attendance at the event were representatives of the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Services as well as the Director, Vehicle  Inspection Office(VIO), Engineer  Paul Bepeh.

  • New Year Tragedy: Two die, three injured in Ondo auto crash

    New year Eve came with tragedy at Ajowa, in Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo state as two persons died, while three others sustained various degrees of injury in a lone motor accident.

    The carnage involved a J5-bus heading to the northern part of the country loaded kolanut and palm oil.

    According to the Commandant, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Ikare-Akoko unit, Jimoh Basiru, the accident occurred between around 12.00 a.m near the military check point in the town.

    Sources said soldier on duty quickly invited his other colleagues to rescue the accident victims.

    The FRSC commandant said his men immediately went into action and  rescued victims from the wreckage of the ill-fated vehicle,before rushing them to the State Speacialist Hospital, Ikare- Akoko.

    Basiru attributed the accident to recklessness and night journey which the Corps-Marshall Boboye Oyeyemi has always criticized.

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) State Specialist Hospital, Ikare Akoko, Dr Wale Oguntuase confirmed that two persons were brought dead and now in the mortuary.

    Read Also: ‘PDP lied about APC members’ defection in Ondo’

    He added that three others are receiving treatment at the emergency ward of the hospital.

    A resident of Ajowa-Akoko, Alhaji Jamiu Zakariyahu noted that the high speed of vehicles along the road was becoming a matter of concern.

    He stressed that many vehicles are now passing through Ikare-Ikaram -Ajowa -Ayere road without been familiar with the terrain of the road.

    Zakariyahu called for speed breakers along the road which is a link to the northern part of the country.

     

  • FRSC promotes 4,660 personnel nationwide

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has elevated a total of 4,660 of its personnel nationwide in the 2017 promotion exercise.

    This is sequel to the approval by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha.

    The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Bisi Kazeem, said in a statement that the promotion was also in line with the approval of the Board of FRSC.

    According to him, 1,310 of those promoted are officers, while 3,350 are marshals.

    “Among them are 73 Deputy Corps Commanders, 51 Assistant Corps Commanders, 70 Chief Route Commanders, 150 Superintendent Route Commanders, 607 Route Commanders and 359 Deputy Route Commanders,” he said.

    Kazeem said that among the 3,350 marshals that benefitted from the exercise were 29 Chief Inspectors, 33 Deputy Chief Inspectors and 48 Assistant Chief Inspectors.

    Read Also: FRSC promotes 58 officers, 117 marshals in Oyo

    “Others were 201 Principal Marshal Inspectors, 467 Senior Marshal Inspectors, 525 Marshal Inspectors, and 2037 Road Marshal Assistants.

    “They comprise 257 Chief Road Marshal Assistant, 45 Deputy Road Marshal Assistant, 768 Senior Road Marshal Assistants, 889 Road Marshal Assistants I and 78 Road Marshal Assistants II.

    “The promotion took effect from Nov. 27, 2018,” the statement said.

    Kazeem said that the Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, had congratulated the promoted staff.

    He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through improved productivity.

    Oyeyemi said that the management would continue to reward hard work, excellence and improved productivity by the staff.

    “Indolence and indiscipline will not be condoned,” the corps marshal was quoted as saying in the statement.

    NAN

  • Christmas: ‘201 FRSC mobile courts to begin sitting Monday’

    The 201 mobile courts set up by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), nationwide to prosecute traffic offenders during the yuletide season, will begin sitting on Monday,

    Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the FRSC, disclosed this on Saturday in Ibadan during his visit to Oyo State, in an effort  to ensure free flow of traffic nationwide during the yuletide season.

    The Corps Marshal said all his personnel would be mobilized to ensure motorist obey traffic rules and urged road users to comply with traffic regulations so as not to spend their Christmas and New Year in prison custody.

    He called for maximum punishment for any motorists that assault any of his personnel, saying 71 of his officers were assaulted by motorists from January till date as a result of malicious behaviour of some road users.

    Oyeyemi advised motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel as we move towards the end of year 2018.

    He said the commission has been able to bring down the  number of road traffic crashes to single digit in 2018 compared to 2017, saying this was an indication that an appreciable achievement had been achieved.

    Oyeyemi said the FRSC was embarking on critical assessment of key federal roads nationwide in which Lagos-Ibadan Express way tour-gate, Iwo road express way were among in order to ensure free flow of traffic during yuletide period.

    “I am satisfied with the level of operation so far and we are complying with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure free flow of traffic and reduce road crashes.

    Read Also: FRSC to drivers: Drive safely, arrive safely

    `I have set down full enforcement to ensure removal of obstruction from high ways, proper manning of all diversion areas so that we don’t experience gridlock and rescue team fully activated among others,’’ Oyeyemi said.

    Oyeyemi urged road users to plan their journey and not to be in haste to complete the journey of four hours in two hours, saying most federal roads were now undergoing repair and motorist may not spend the normal time they spent when traffic was light.

    He promised prompt response of the commission whenever there was traffic obstruction or road crashes and appealed to motorists to cooperate adequately.

    Oyeyemi also urged the FRSC personnel conduct themselves in a professional manner.

    NAN

  • Yuletide: FRSC activates 201 mobile courts

    …To deploy 21,000 personnel

    …FERMA identifies 353 critical roads for repair

     

    To ensure smooth movement of persons and goods during the yuletide season, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday said that it has activated 201 mobile courts and deployed 21,000 personnel across the country.

    The Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi briefed State House correspondents alongside the Managing Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engineer Nurudeen Rafindadi at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Read Also:Another yuletide, another looming fuel crisis

    Oyeyemi said the mobile courts would prosecute recalcitrant drivers who violate traffic rules and that the special patrol will last till January 15, next year.

    The Nigerian Air force, he said, has allocated two helicopters for aerial surveillance during the period.

    According to him, over 1,000 patrol vehicles have been deployed while all their offices across the country would be shut down for operation except for drivers’ licence.

    “The issue of alcohol in motor parks is a battle that must be won. It is the responsibility of the area council and local governments to stop it. We work with them.

    “By next week Friday, FRSC offices would be shutdown nationwide except for drivers’ license officers,” he said and identified overloading as their major challenge.” he added

    Rafindadi disclosed that palliative repairs would be carried out on 353 critical roads in 16 major corridors of the country.

  • FRSC establishes fire fighting unit in Kaduna

    The Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has established a Fire Fighting Unit to save lives in accidents that involve fire outbreaks.

    The Sector Commander, Umar Ibrahim, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Kaduna during the flag-off ceremony of the 2018 Ember Months Campaign tagged: “Safety Driving, Safe Arrival”.

    According to Ibrahim, the move which is the first and only one in the country, became necessary to avert loss of lives caused by fire outbreaks during accidents.

    He said that Kaduna State Government has donated two fire fighting trucks.

    “Officers of the unit have been trained and will be positioned along the Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna-Zaria Expressways, for quick response.

    “I thank the Kaduna State Government for supporting the corps with the trucks and implementing several road safety policies and programmes in the state.’’

    He assured the government that the FRSC will make the best use of the equipment, to further enhance safety on the highways.

    The commander said that the Ember Months Campaign is organised as a public enlightenment campaign of the corps toward ensuring safer roads during festive seasons.

    “To sustain the campaign, road shows and rallies will be carried out from now till the end of January at major motor parks and worship places, to create the necessary awareness on safe driving.

    Read Also: Ambode assures of peaceful, good yuletide

    “Therefore, every stakeholder has a civic responsibility of ensuring that the message we set out to preach through the campaign is not received as formalities but adequately adhered to guarantee safety of road users,” he said.

    Ibrahim called on transport union leaders, public servants, and media organisations to assist the corps in reaching out to as many road users as possible, to ensure accident free festive season.

    Inaugurating the trucks, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, commended the command for the efforts toward addressing the menace of reckless driving on highways, particularly during the ember months.

    El-Rufai, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Works, Housing and Transport, Malam Murtala Dabo, said that his administration will continue to support the FRSC in achieving its goals.

    Also speaking, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, also thanked the Kaduna State Government for its continued support and partnership toward ensuring accident-free roads in the state.

    Oyeyemi, who was represented by the Assistant Corp Marshal, Abayomi Omiyale, who is the Zonal Commander in charge of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, urged other states to emulate Kaduna state.

    He advised motorists and roads users to abide by all traffic rules and regulations, to prevent avoidable deaths and accidents.

    According to him, the decision we take now in our driving attitude will determine how we arrive in 2019; alive or dead, on sick bed or healthy and sound.

    On his part, Malam Lawal Kajuru, State Secretary, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, assured the FRSC and other relevant stakeholders of the union’s commitment toward respecting traffic regulations.