The Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM has officially commenced its annual ’Don’t Drink and Drive’ Campaign across all major motor parks in the State to sensitise motorists on the dangers of drunk driving.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Kehinde Bamigbetan while flagging off the Campaign commended Lagos Traffic Radio for the initiative, saying that the State Government will soon launch a programme tagged ‘Lagos Rescue’ to show how First Responders in the State go about their duties.
According to the Commissioner, “Human factors such as driving without rest, speeding and drunk driving must be tackled as Nigeria ranks highest in alcohol consumption in Africa with 12.3 percent”.
Also speaking at the event, acting General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle noted that the radio station has raised the bar of awareness and sensitisation by making use of Social Media Platforms as well as utilising billboards for advertising its ’Drink and Drive’ campaign at 10 different locations across the State.
“We strongly believe that these and other measures such as Television/Radio appearances, Jingles and Advocacy will ensure the message remains in the consciousness of motorists while driving or about to drive”, Akanle said.
”Furthermore, this campaign is our own little contribution to the overall commitment of the present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to ensure safety of lives and property”, he added.
Akanle noted that the essence of the campaign is to create necessary awareness and sensitise motorists on how Drunk Driving can affect their vision and sense of judgement while driving.
On his part, Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Hygenius Omeje, said the synergy between Federal and State agencies has gone a long way to help tackle challenges head-on.
He said ”the number of deaths resulting from road crashes has reduced but the Commission is not yet where it wants to be as the vision and target is zero deaths at the point of crashes”.
The 2018 ’Don’t Drink and Drive’ Campaign flag-off ceremony also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information Information and Strategy, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise, General Manager LASTMA, Olawale Musa, former General Manager of Traffic Radio, Mr. Olayinka Adagun and other stakeholders.
