The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),Sokoto Zone is mapping out strategies aim at ensuring free flow of traffic and ensuring safety of lives and property during the forthcoming Argungu International Fishing Festival taking place in the first week of March 2020.
The Corps is also tackling issues of overloading, dangerous driving as well as enforce number plate regulations throughout the zone comprising of sokoto,.Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The Zonal Commanding Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Dr Kayode Olagunju PHD, FCILT mini disclosed this while on a courtesy call to the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Muhammad Mera CON on Wednesday 12/02/2020 in his palace.
The zonal commanding officer appreciated the support and cooperation of the Emir and the Emirate Council to the Federal Road Safety Corps. He assured the royal father that the Corps will continue to partner with the community to evolve better road culture in the area.
ACM Olagunju informed the Emir that the National Headquarter of the Corps has also assured of interventions that would result in effective management of traffic during the festival, moreso many of the activities such as Motor Rally from Abuja to Argungu, cycling competition will take place on the road. The traffic density is expected to be high as the festival attracts global attention hence influx of people into the community.
Dr Olagunju also informed the Emir that three help areas that would work twenty four hours would also be established in the area to assist during emergencies. He disclosed that ambulances will be provided and marshals will be stationed at those points to render assistances to tourists and other road users. He assured that the FRSC would collaborate with other Security Agencies to protect people and properties before, during and after the festival.
In his response, the Emir thanked the FRSC for aligning with the hopes and aspirations of the people of Kebbi state in ensuring road safety. He assured the FRSC of his maximum support as the community believes in sanctity of lives. He appreciated the quick response of the Corp Marshal Dr Boboye Oyeyemi NPoM, MFR, mni in providing new vehicles to the Argungu Unit Command among other Logistics. He commended the efforts of the officers and men of the Corps in the area. He also enjoined the Unit Command to step up its enlightenment and enforcement activities in the area. The royal father admonished all road users to always comply with traffic rules and regulations. He condemned the act of putting passengers in the trunk of vehicles. He called on vehicle operators to desist from overloading their vehicles and conveying together animals and persons in vehicles. He decried loss of many lives due to the unsafe acts. The Royal Father believes prosecution of violators will discourage people from unsafe practices on the road calling on all stakeholders to collaborate.
The Emir commended the Zonal Commander for the early preparation towards hitch free festival and for deeming it fit to see things for himself. He believed his visit will further motivate his officers and men and prayed for his success. He wished the ZCO safe journey back to sokoto.
The Zonal Commanding Officer was accompanied by the Sector Commander Kebbi State, Corp Commander Ebenezer Asaniyan, Unit Commander Argungu Assistant Corps Commander Aliyu Maaji as well as the DPO Argungu and other Senior Officers and Special Marshals
—RC Aminu Alhaji sokoto
Zonal Public Education Officer