Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ido-Ekiti Unit Command, has joined forces with medical experts from the departments of eye, dental, ear, nose and throat of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), to sensitise road users from Ijero, Ido-Osi, Moba Local Government Areas of Ekiti State and even Omun-Aran in Kwara State, on their health as critical safety factor which always requires adequate attention.
The Annual FRSC Mega Rally which was held at the Palace of Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Popoola on Thursday, was declared opened by the FRSC Ido Unit Assistant Corps Commandant, Mr H. O. Abejide, after which series of free medical screening were conducted for the participants.
In his remarks, Mr Abejide welcomed all the invited driver unions, Okada riders, rewirers, mechanics and vulcanisers to the rally, assuring them that the corps shall continually ensure Ekiti roads were kept safe, and that the programme was to enlighten the people on what they may not know and to also correct wrong impressions among road users.
He discouraged the use of phones while driving, tail gating (keeping close contact with leading vehicle), purchase of expired tyres (Tokunbo) and drinking of alcohol before or while driving, stressing that wearing of helmets by Okada riders, correct positioning of tyres by vulcanisers and regular checking of all the human sense organs used in driving contributed greatly to their well being.
Dr Omopariola Olusoji, who led the medical team and was the guest speaker, emphasized that good health matters. He noted restlessness, diabetics and aging as causes of high blood pressure which may lead to sudden death if not well managed.
He urged all road users to consider servicing of their health as important as the servicing of their vehicles and motorcycles from time to time.
A goodwill message was entertained from the representative of Oore, High Chief Akanni Atolagbe, who appreciated the organisers and suggested that the programme should be biannual with wide and proper awareness to record encouraging turnout.
Moba LG Chairman, Hon. Femi Ayeni, who was represented by his vice, Hon. Adolapo Femi-James, recognised the presence of the audience and urged adherence to all the given pieces of advice. He said the LG was ready to support FRSC in establishing driving school in Moba.
However, the unit commandant said driving school remains a private enterprise which anybody or the LG itself can establish, that FRSC can only help with the coordinating procedures.
Other goodwill messages on lackadaisical attitude of drivers and Okada riders and the needed security tips for safety on the roads along intelligence reports were from Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Otun Divisional Officer, Mr Atolagbe Sunday, State Security Services (SSS) Representative, Mr Olowu Joseph and Representative of the Special Marshal, Prof. Oyinloye.