The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara sector command, on Wednesday, took its road safety awareness campaign to persons with disabilities (PWD) in Ilorin.

The sector commander, corps commander Mufutau Irekeola, said the programme reflected the corps’ collective commitment to inclusivity, safety, and equal participation of all citizens using the roads.

Mr Irekeola stated that the programme was necessitated by statistics showing that PWDs are among the most vulnerable road users.

”Their mobility is often hindered by physical barriers, lack of road infrastructure, and inadequate consideration in transport systems.

”It is, therefore, imperative that road safety enlightenment and policies must be inclusive, ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind in our quest to make Nigerian roads safer,” he said.

According to the sector commander, the corps’ mandate is to ensure inclusivity and safety for all road users.

”FRSC was established with a core mandate to ensure a safe motoring environment and protection of lives and properties on Nigerian roads and this mandate extends to everyone, irrespective of age, gender, or physical condition.

”In line with our vision of eradicating road traffic crashes and creating a safe motoring environment towards achieving zero road traffic deaths in Nigeria, today’s programme has been designed to promote road safety education, accessibility, and empowerment for PWD.

”We recognise that road safety is a shared responsibility, and every member of society deserves to be informed, protected, and respected in the road environment,” Mr Irekeola said.

The commander said the corps acknowledged the challenges faced by PWD in crossing roads, accessing public transport, and obtaining driver’s licenses or vehicle modifications suited to their needs.

”Hence, we aim to, among other things, promote understanding of traffic rules and safe road practices for PWDs, encourage collaboration between the FRSC, NGOs, and disability associations for safer road environments.

”We urge you to adhere strictly to traffic rules and road crossing regulations, use assistive devices such as reflective jackets, canes, and wheelchairs with visibility markers when on the road,” he said.

The principal of the School for Special Needs, Abdulganiy Olododo, who spoke on behalf of PWDs, appreciated the efforts of the road safety corps for sensitising them on road safety.

He appealed for continuous visits to reinforce the message in them.

(NAN)