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“FRSC OFFICIALS NEED ARMS FOR NIGHT OPERATIONS ONLY” – Corps Oladele
Published
7 years agoon
… Says Ogun Roads are safer for motorists
Corps Commander Clement Olafeminiyi Oladele, is the Ogun state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration specialising in Public Finance in 1992, and had earlier in 1988 obtained Bachelor’s
Degree in Administration at the same institution with a second Class Upper Division.
Prior to his appointment as the Sector Commander of Ogun on Thursday 15 September, 2016, Oladele headed the Federal Road Safety Corps’ Planning
Advisory Unit. As Head of Planning Advisory, Oladele oversees Business Intelligence for the FRSC, and had then as basic responsibility, scanning of the environment for global good practice and the conversion of data into meaningful intelligence upon which the Corps makes evidence based decisions. Oladele while featuring as Guest of Month of February on a popular newspaper whatsapp forum, PLATFORM TIMES and monitored by our correspondent, MICHAEL-AZEEZ OGUNSIJI advocated for the use of fire arms by the Federal Road Safety Corps on night operations for protection from road defaulters and criminals.
The Kogi -born Federal Road Marshal, however called on private individuals and philanthropists in the society to collaborate with FRSC in provision of rescue operation aids to reduce dead casualties from road crashes. Excerpt.
Let’s start with the immediate past year (2017). On a scale of 1-10, to what extent would you say Ogun State Road users understood and obeyed traffic rules?
OLADELE: I don’t think it is fair to make me do that rating. I thought we serve the people and they should rate our performance. But on a personal note, I will classify them into two groups. The first is about 8/10 while the second group is about 4/10.
[cuts in]…. I mean the people. Not your men, Drivers and Road Users.
To what extent have they cooperated with you in obeying the traffic rules… Do they understand it?
OLADELE: My answer above suffices. Your question is two fold. Understand and obey. The first group is 8/10, they comprise the majority of the motorists here. They also obey traffic rules. albeit occasionally they may just forget to comply. For example, they may not remember to use the seat belt inside the town, which they could take to the highway. These people consist of about 90 percent of the motorists. But the remaining 10% rates 4/10. They are those posing risks not only to themselves but to other road users they share the road with.
Let’s talk about the second group. Who are they? And why have you rated them below average?
OLADELE: They are those that disregards every societal rules, including traffic rules. They are those that drive recklessly under the illusion that they are immune from road crashes. They also indulge in the use of drugs and other illicit substances while driving. They are dangerous, even to themselves on the highway.
These 90% people that flout the traffic rules , how have you been dealing with them sir?
OLADELE: No. 90% does not flout traffic rules. I said 10% rank 4/10. They are the ones which makes FRSC increases highway surveillance to enable us stop them from crashing into innocent, law abiding motorists. We apprehend them, default them, issue them citation or sometimes take them before magistrates especially during mobile court to get them disciplined for bad behaviour on the highway.
As a matter of public interest, kindly use this medium to differentiate between road ACCIDENT and road CRASHES.
OLADELE: Accidents are unplanned, which sometimes you may not be able to explain how it happened, like driving at regulated speed on an expressway and a little boy suddenly crosses the road in a place that is not a school or built up area. Thus an accident is unplanned and not expected. But a crash is planned and expected, caused by negligence. For instance, driving above stipulated speed, drunk and with worn out tyres or driving against traffic.
Sir, which one common in Ogun State?
OLADELE: Crashes is very high in Ogun State, it might not be too correct, as our statistics does not support that. Despite the high Motorisation here in Ogun State, compare with other states, we are not the most dangerous. I know before I arrived last year, Ogun state ranked within the ten most dangerous highways in Nigeria. In fact in 2015 at fatality rate or deaths from crashes at 307, Ogun ranked no 6 nationwide. But with our Ogun State road safety strategy (2017-2030), we reduced the fatality in 2016 to 270 making us rank no 12 nationwide . Meaning technically Ogun State highways have been removed from the list of the ten most dangerous highways in Nigeria. Last year 2017, fatality reduced to 210. The goal is to make highways in Ogun State not only the safest in Nigeria but the safest highways in the whole of West Africa.
The statutory functions of FRSC include: Making the highways safe for motorists and other road users as well as checking road worthiness of vehicles, recommending works and infrastructures to eliminate or minimize accidents on the highways and educating motorists and members of the public on the importance of road discipline , In the last 30 years, how far has the Corps ensured its mandate?
OLADELE: The Corps is a performance based organisation. We elected, albeit a public institution to do ISO 9001 QMS certification which enables us open up our internal processes for a third party evaluation, for continual impoundment. Thus FRSC Nigeria is the only law enforcement agency in Africa with ISO 9001 QMS certification. Realising this, we redefined the FRSC into ” who are we, what do we do, how do we do it and how best can we do it”. With this we took our mandates to deliver them all, which makes it very easy to rate the FRSC. Essentially we are to prevent crashes, where we failed to prevent a crash, we should not allow death by removing the injured from crash scene for proper medication. If in the course of the crash that road is blocked we remove promptly the obstruction. For instance in Ogun State last year alone 1.8 million passengers travelled on Ogun highways and 210 people died. This meant just because there is FRSC over 99% of travellers in Ogun State arrived their destinations safely as less than 1% of them only died. We are not even satisfied with this, we want zero death. On prompt removal of obstructions, this is priotized especially on the Lagos – Ibadan corridor, which in any ten minutes delay can cause us about one hour to completely restore traffic. The strategy therefore is do not allow any obstruction. We constantly recommend at least every quarter observations from our road audit and result of accident investigation which the FERMA, Federal Ministry of Power Works and Housing and the state government consider along other factors in Road rehabilitation.
How often do you sensitise motorists on safe driving especially members of Transport unions?
OLADELE: Sensitisation of motorists is routine. Apart from motor Park checks to talk to drivers and their passengers, we conduct PE for drivers apprehended before we release them. We use the social media to communicate highway safety. The traditional Mass Media have been very useful in assisting us reach the motorists and general public for PE. In fact the whole gamut of FRSC operations is to inform and educate motorists, drivers and the general public on proper use of the highway . However where recalcitrant drivers flout traffic rules we sanction.
The people complaints over the excesses of your men is becoming loud, what are the checkmating mechanisms put in place and how do you get feed backs?
OLADELE: We have a SERVICOM desk that receive and treat daily public complaints. My email is available for complaint oc. [email protected]. Those apprehended undergo administrative disciplinary process and those found wanting are meted with various sanctions, including outright dismissal. The only challenge we face is that some people who complained refuse to substantiate their claims to aid disciplinary measures. In fact, we have even commenced disciplinary actions, these complainant go behind to plead for leniency for defaulted personnel. Claiming they don’t want to be responsible for sacking such defaulted personnel.
What are those areas of your responsibility, that you feel the cooperation of the public would be needed to improve service delivery of the FRSC in Ogun State?
OLADELE: Almost every where. Road Safety is multi dimensional. The public do not need to give us money, they can just procure equipment for rescue. They can also assist us put on their payroll local divers to enable us mobilise them for rescue where the victims fall inside the river. Provision of trauma drugs to our road side accident clinics is also a good support. Also good is provision of standard road signs. We also want stakeholders provide educational materials to enable us teach road safety to school children, including organising road safety competition especially quiz to increase their road safety education, to make them better drivers when grown up. We also need media airtime dedicated to teaching the public proper use of the highway. No support is too little or too much. In my experience in highway safety, I have seen strong, rich and powerful people confused, helpless, and traumatised due to traffic crash. Road Traffic Crashes are levelers and no respecter of persons, not even road safety officials on rescue operations. Therefore any support to promote highway safety is significant.
What is your horrible experience on the job?
OLADELE: The most horrible is to break the news of the demise of a crash victim to their loved ones. We have a process, we can never say the victim died. We do not want secondary casualty. We request to speak to either the spouse or boss to inform them of such fatal crash. Like I always say, whenever you say goodbye to your loved ones, they expect a call from you. In any case a call must be made, but who made the call is important. Where you chose not to call your loved one after your trip due to carelessness or recklessness, the FRSC would be constrained to make the call. We at FRSC do not always want to make such calls. Some crashes have worried me in Ogun State. Few samples was the 14 January, 2017 where a couple slipped into Omu river by area J4 on Ore – Ijebu Ode highway. Why it was painful was that, even after mobilising JBN crane to remove the trapped couple from the river, we could not succeed as the local divers frustrated our desire to promptly bring out the couple from the river. Even my plea that the victim could even be people who may be privileged to employ the local divers in gainful employment. The action led us calling the rescue till the next day. After bringing out the couple from the river the medical doctor said they just died not too long. Meaning if the divers, which we do not yet have in FRSC, had remained in the river till we bring the victim out of the river, they might not have died. While trying to locate the victim family, the first alert received from the late couple phone, we recovered was N17 million naira. I then told the local divers I told you, though we did not know the victims, but if they had saved them, definitely they might have been positioned to employ some of the local divers.
Another disturbing crash was also on the ijebu ode road last month where we lost five Libyan returnees, travelling from Benin to Lagos. A truck driving against traffic at about 2230 hrs colluded against their bus. Some of those who survived told us they were going to Synagogue Church in Lagos. The FRSC has established a Command Outpost to stem the occurrence of driving against traffic along that J3 and J4 axis of Ore – Ijebu Ode corridor. The incident has abated.
There was another crash at Alapako /Ogunmakin opposite Four square church along the Lagos – Ibadan corridor, where a truck conveying a container locked 7 passengers inside the container and drove dangerously crashing into a fuel laden tanker around the 5km stretch of road between sancrete and Fidiwo where RCC constructing the road made a diversion to enable them complete the weakened bridges on that section of the road. There are other crashes but those mentioned above Stands out amongst disturbing crashes I witnessed since I assumed duties in Ogun State.
Many have been calling for the Corps to be armed. Would you subscribe that the Constitution should be amended to accommodate this?
OLADELE: I think arming the FRSC is a government decision. I am not sure the FRSC merely wants to use fire arms for patrols, except for protection during night operations. The country’s ultra modern licensing architecture is multi million naira investment. This is what makes it possible for holders of Nigeria drivers license, through reciprocity, allowed to drive with this drivers license in Europe and several states in the US. This is also the facility that enables holder of valid Nigeria drivers license renew such in any part of the world, without coming to Drivers License Center, provided you have access to the Internet and Web enabled payment. This infrastructure requires protection. Other sister security agencies do support, but due to ongoing security challenges, they too are constrained.
Your parting words to Ogun road users?
OLADELE: I thank the motoring public for good behaviour on the road. There are a few others that are however dangerous. We all have responsibility to stop them from hurting or even maiming us by their bad behaviour on the highway. Let’s stop them before they stop us. We all have responsibility to highway safety. Call FRSC toll free number 122 to report any road obstruction, road crash or any dangerous driver you come across on the highway. I also thank Nigerians for believing in FRSC in the last 30 years. Your prayers and support have sustained us. We even required closer collaboration and prayers to deliver efficiently on our core mandates. I commend the press for their support.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
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news
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Published
2 days agoon
December 21, 2024Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
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Business
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
Published
2 days agoon
December 21, 2024Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
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religion
Prophecy for 2025: A Year of Vengeance, Harvest, and Divine Shifts By Pro. Kingsley Aitafo
Published
2 days agoon
December 21, 2024Prophecy for 2025: A Year of Vengeance, Harvest, and Divine Shifts By Pro. Kingsley Aitafo
Sahara Weekly Reports That Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, under the grace and spiritual leadership of His Eminence Rev. Pastor Samuel Belehou Oshoffa, founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, has unveiled 25 prophecies for the year 2025. These revelations call for vigilance, prayer, and alignment with divine purpose. Below is the detailed list of the prophecies:
1. A Year of Divine Justice
2025 will be a year of vengeance upon the wicked and a season of abundant harvest for the righteous. This is a time for reflection and spiritual alignment.
2. Weather Disasters to Pray Against
The world must unite in prayers against severe weather disasters, including excessive winds, water overflow, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis. These natural calamities threaten to disrupt lives and properties globally.
3. A Major Technological Advancement
WhatsApp is predicted to receive a significant upgrade, potentially integrating email functionalities. This innovation will redefine digital communication.
4. Nigeria’s National Football Team
The Nigerian national football team should be prayed for, as a painful defeat could occur.
5. A Great Man of God in Danger
One of the most celebrated men of God is at risk of sudden death. Prayers are needed to avert this tragedy.
6. Sunday Igboho
The activist should be prayed for to avoid heart-touching news that could cause widespread concern.
7. Nnamdi Kanu
Freedom is within reach for Nnamdi Kanu, but prayers are needed to ensure he lives to see it.
8. Fire Disasters Worldwide
Serious fire disasters are foreseen and must be prayed against to protect lives and properties globally.
9. NYSC and PHCN Reforms
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) will be empowered and reshuffled for greater effectiveness.
10. Global Police Forces
The police worldwide are warned of potential brutal revolts from the masses. Prayers are needed to prevent such events.
11. African Nations and Coups
Several African countries are advised to pray against unexpected coup plots.
12. Goodluck Jonathan’s Political Path
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is encouraged to follow God’s leading and refrain from contesting future elections.
13. Changes in EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will be more empowered, but significant transformations will occur within the agency.
14. Passing of Aged Leaders
Several aged ex-presidents, traditional rulers, and military leaders will pass on in 2025.
15. New Religious Leaders
New leaders will emerge in white garment denominations and the Catholic Church, marking significant transitions.
16. Churches in Danger of Scandals
Great churches like RCCG, Winners Chapel, Christ Embassy, Mountain of Fire, and COZA are urged to pray against confusion and scandals that could lead to divisions.
17. Exposure of False Churches
Churches that operate under the guise of Christ without genuine faith will be exposed.
18. Protection of Yoruba Entertainers
Yoruba actors and actresses should pray against strange illnesses, while English-speaking entertainers must pray against sudden deaths.
19. Plane Crashes
A major plane crash could occur, causing widespread pain. Prayers are needed to prevent this disaster.
20. National Unity in Nigeria
Despite ongoing agitations, Nigeria will remain undivided.
21. The Monarch and Pope’s Seat
Prayers are required to prevent sudden vacancies in the monarchy of England and the papal seat.
22. Deadly Disease and Global Conflict
A new, more deadly ailment than COVID-19 and the potential of a mini-war loom on the horizon. The world must unite in prayer to avert these crises.
23. Rising of True Last-Day Churches
The emergence of last-day churches will bring forth spiritual giants and miraculous powers reminiscent of the apostles of old.
24. Business Tycoons in Nigeria
Successful Nigerian business magnates should seek divine protection against untimely death.
25. Christ’s Return is Near
Finally, Prophet Kingsley reminds the world that the return of Jesus Christ is near. Embracing holiness and righteousness is the only path to prepare for His coming.
Prophet Kingsley’s prophecies serve as a divine reminder for individuals, nations, and institutions to seek God’s guidance and protection. Let 2025 be a year of faith, reflection, and readiness for what lies ahead.
Let us watch, pray, and align with God’s will.
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