LASG CHARGES FRSC TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEADERS AT THE GRASSROOTS
The Lagos State Government has charged members of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a cordial relationship with Community Leaders at the Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas, Traditional Rulers, Community Development Associations and Markets across Lagos State to aid effective discharge of their duties and responsibilities on Lagos roads.
The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, who made the appeal on Thursday during the courtesy visit by a delegation from the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Sector Command, also encouraged the Corps to take advantage of the relationship with the leaders at the grassroots to reach out to residents of the Communities.
He explained that the gesture will help to change the perceptions of the people about their operations, thereby gaining full acceptance and engendering peaceful operation within the various communities, adding that the FRSC should also make use of the different platforms/committees put in place by the Ministry to reach out to local communities.
The Commissioner listed the platforms/committees to include the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting for Local Government Chairmen, Community Development Advisory Council Meetings and Market Advisory Council meetings for Market leaders in the State, noting that periodic sensitisation of the public during such meetings would help to ensure adequate safety of lives and property.
Ahmed added that cases of covered number plates and indiscriminate blaring of sirens should be examined as well as other serious traffic offences on Lagos roads.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Sanyaolu, thanked the delegation for the visit and explained the statutory responsibilities of the Ministry, which she said include maintaining peace, order and good governance in the State.
She also assured the team of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Sector Command, to enhance its activities on Lagos Roads.
Earlier, the FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander, Olusegun Adeola Ogungbemide, who took over the Command in Lagos on June 11, 2020, applauded the Lagos State Government for its remarkable efforts on Lagos roads, noting that its First Response Agencies are well equipped in the area of rescue operations and emergency management.
He, however, solicited cooperation from the grassroots to establish more Station Offices across the 20 Local Government Areas, saying: “This is necessary for data collation, public enlightenment, collaboration with sister Agencies of the State during rescue operations to prevent road accidents and other related emergencies”.
Ogungbemide stated that synergy with the communities is needed to curb crashes and other road emergencies, abuse of number plates and threat to State security, among others, informing that it is the duty of FRSC to give account of people and vehicles coming into Lagos State.
Dignitaries present at the event were the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters, Prince Bayo Osiyemi and Special Adviser on Community Affairs, Mr. Babatunde Jimoh as well as management staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.