Mr Festus Adetunji, Omu-Aran Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Kwara, on Wednesday, appealed to motorists for cooperation to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the highway.

Adetunji made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting to address the difficulties posed by the recent diversion of traffic to Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Kabba highway following the collapsed of a section of Niger Bridge.

Adetunji, while allaying the fears of the people over the increase in the volume of heavy duty trucks on the area, said the command was equal to the task.

He reminded the people that a collective responsibility of the stakeholders would also help achieve the desired result.


 
The FRSC chief urged leaders of different transport unions to educate their drivers on the need to be tolerant and give adequate regard to other road users.

“We cannot do it alone, we are only regulators but the buck of the achievement depends largely on your cooperation.

“On our part, we have deployed more personnel on the highway as part of measures to intensify patrols and surveillance to forestall any ugly situation.

“FRSC is appealing to street traders, students and farmers who make use of the highway on daily basis to be extra-vigilant,” he said.

Adetunji disclosed that the command would soon sensitize the youths in the area to road traffic rules and regulations.

He advised against travelling late into the night and to always patronize authorized parks and garages to ensure safety.

Mr Joseph Bamidele, General Chairman, Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association, Omu-Aran branch, praised the command for its foresight, saying the meeting was timely.

Prophet Christopher Owolabi, the General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, expressed the support of religious leaders, through prayers, to ensure safety on the highways.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting also attracted community leaders, students, traders and transport unions.