By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has emphasized the need for strategic partnerships, sustained public enlightenment and humane enforcement of traffic regulations as key pillars for effective road safety management.
Lady Obareki made the assertion when she received a delegation from the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), led by Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felicia Kalu, at Government House, Uyo.
She assured the FRSC of the support of the Office of the First Lady in advancing road safety initiatives across the state and pledged collaboration aimed at reducing road accidents and enhancing public safety.
As part of the proposed partnership, Lady Obareki pledged support for the construction of additional zebra crossings at strategic locations across Akwa Ibom to improve pedestrian safety and reduce the incidence of road crashes. She also promised the donation of reflective school bags to pupils to enhance the visibility of school children on the roads.
Commending the FRSC for its efforts in traffic management and accident prevention, the Coordinator urged officers of the Corps to maintain professionalism, civility and decorum while carrying out enforcement duties and public sensitization campaigns.
According to her, respectful engagement with motorists and other road users would help build trust and encourage voluntary compliance with traffic regulations.
“Decorum in enforcement is actually a really serious issue. Why are people so terrified once they see you on the roads? Why does your office come with such a reaction from individuals? I think we need a lot of sensitisation to change that narrative and public opinion.
“Let us have a civil conversation when we meet you on the road. Let us know that you are our friend,” she stated.
Lady Obareki further urged the FRSC to involve the Office of the First Lady in its programmes and initiatives to deepen collaboration and ensure sustainable impact.
“I’m ready to partner with you on all the advocacy and sensitisation programmes you want to carry out. The Office of the First Lady can only be a part of that if you carry us along. As you go to schools to establish Road Safety Clubs, we can have representation from this office or from the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA),” she added.
Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Felicia Kalu, commended Lady Obareki for her commitment to the welfare of children and other vulnerable groups in the state.
She reaffirmed the Corps’ determination to reduce road crashes and fatalities to the barest minimum through sustained advocacy and enforcement.
Commander Kalu identified inadequate road signage, insufficient speed bumps and the lack of zebra crossings as major challenges affecting road safety and increasing risks for motorists and pedestrians.
She disclosed that the Command would intensify public awareness campaigns and fully implement the FRSC’s “4Es” strategy, Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Emergency Care, to enhance road safety outcomes across the state.
The Sector Commander also outlined planned interventions, including the establishment of Road Safety Clubs in schools, advocacy visits to churches, quiz competitions for students, and regular sensitisation programmes targeting drivers in motor parks and traders in markets.
The visit featured the presentation of gifts to Lady Obareki by the FRSC delegation, led by Corps Commander Kalu, the 24th Sector Commander and the second woman to occupy the position in Akwa Ibom State.
