According to Vanguard, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), stated over the weekend that insecurity claims more lives on Nigerian roads than rickety vehicles and bad infrastructure.
Professor Okolie highlighted that the increasing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry have resulted in more deaths than the deteriorating conditions of Nigerian roads. He made these remarks during a visit by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) marshals from the Ozalla Unit Command in Enugu State, who introduced their new Unit Commander, Ozioma Okeke, to the ESUT management.
Okolie also expressed concern over the severe hardship facing Nigerians, noting that inflation and the high cost of living have plunged many citizens into poverty and depression. Despite these challenges, he commended the FRSC for their relentless efforts in ensuring road safety and urged the marshals to protect themselves while dealing with road users who are already stressed due to the prevailing economic conditions. He further mentioned that ESUT would collaborate with the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command on critical safety issues.
During the visit, Commander Okeke, accompanied by Senior Route Commander Friday Inyang and Protocol Officer U. O. Chibuko, praised the existing cordial relationship between the FRSC and the university. She called for the enrollment of ESUT staff into the 'Special Marshal' scheme, a voluntary service aimed at maintaining road safety. Okeke also emphasized the need for appointing a Safety Manager at the university to handle rescue operations and ensure the periodic inspection of university vehicles.
Additionally, the Commander stressed the importance of training and re-training drivers and conducting workshops and other capacity-building programs for the university staff to enhance safety practices.