Anambra Records 116 Crashes, 47 Deaths Between January And August 2018

Raymond Ozoji, Awka

No fewer than 47 persons have died on road crashes between January and August 2018 in Anambra state.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, announced this on Thursday, during the 2018 annual stakeholders meeting in Awka.

The meeting with the theme, “Improving Road Safety in Anambra State: The Role of Stakeholders”, attracted Service Chiefs, students and traders in the state.

The State Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Ajayi, said the event marked Road Safety Week which would provide opportunities to brainstorm on current road safety policies, challenges and charting the way forward.

Mr Ajayi noted that it was equally geared towards reawakening the consciousness of road users.

According to him, “It is germane to note that we have on record 116 road traffic crashes, 47 deaths and 335 injured in Anambra State between the months of January and August, 2018. This makes it more necessary to convene this gathering,” he explained.

The Sector Commander commended Gov Willie Obiano for his innumerable support to the Command which had enhanced the performance of the Corps in the state.

He noted, “Gov Obiano has donated 136 (One hundred and thirty six) raincoats to the Command to carry out our duties during rainy season.

“The gesture has been preceded by the provision of three motorbikes, repairing of the Command’s damaged Tow Truck, among other logistics.”

On his part, the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr Daniel Ezeanwu, emphasized that the state government would always be in partnership with the State Command of the Road Safety Corps, in providing necessary facilities that would ensure safety.

The Zonal Commander Benin, ACM Kenyinde Adeleye, and the Assistant Corps Marshal, Anambra Command, Mr Victor Nwokolo, called on the general public to join hands in ensuring zero crashes on roads.

Also, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, and the traditional ruler of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, called for self consciousness and patience while driving.

There were other paper presentations and awards as the highlights of the event.