The Kwara Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday conducted medical checkup for members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The event was organised in collaboration with the Zonal Clinic of the FRSC RS8HQ as part of activities marking the zone’s Clinic Health Week tagged ‘Know Your Numbers’ in Ilorin.
The Sector Commander, Mr Jonathan Owoade, commended members of the association for availing themselves of the health checkup.
Owoade said it was important to conduct eye tests for commercial drivers because many drivers do not see properly.
He said that accidents in the state had increased recently owing to speeding.
“I urge everyone here to maximise the opportunity you have today to do all the tests, the eye test, blood pressure test, urine test and random blood sugar tests, so that you will know your health status and know how to care for your health.
“You must be healthy to be able to drive well. A good driver must be physically and mentally healthy.
“I urge you to desist from carrying petrol in your cars and ensure you install Speed Limiting Device (SLD),” he said.
He said any vehicle without SLD would be impounded until the device was installed.
“You must ensure that your cars are in good condition and avoid night journeys,” Owoade added.
The Chairman of RTEAN in Kwara, Alhaji Olayinka Onikijipa, advised members of the association and motorists to ensure they did the routine medical checks.
Onikijipa said most people who collapsed or slumped had illnesses that they were not aware of and the resultant effect was devastating.
“I urge all of you to ensure you do the tests; it is for our own good, I have done mine and I have been told what I need to do.
“The FRSC has not come here to play; it is because of the love the officials have for us and we appreciate them for always having us in mind in order to ensure we are healthy and have safety on our roads,” the chairman said.
A beneficiary, Mr Ajamu Williams, appreciated the association for organising the medical outreach while praying for the progress of the association and the FRSC.
“We are very grateful to God for this privilege and we also thank our chairman because he is always looking out for our progress.
“We have never experienced this kind of initiative and we are very grateful indeed.
“We are also grateful for the tests, especially, BP, eye test and urine test. I thank God because I was told I am very fine, there is no negative health challenge that I have,” Williams said.
He also prayed for the progress of the association, the state and the nation at large.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 500 commercial drivers were present for the exercise.
