Niger: Police arrest four suspects for stealing tyres, engine oil

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, theft by servant, and receiving stolen property.

According to a statement released on Wednesday in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the case involved the theft of two tyres and 25 litres of engine oil from a Howo truck with registration number MNA 426 YL. The stolen tyres were valued at about N470,000, while the engine oil was worth about N55,000.

The statement read: ‘On 29th Sept., 2025 at about 3.45pm, based on a report made at Maje Div that a driver of a Howo truck with Reg. No. MNA 426 YL, one Ibrahim Abdullahi and Mohammed Umar, both of Suleja area, allegedly conspired among themselves, removed two new tyres from the truck valued at about #470,000 and 25litres of engine oil also valued at about #55,000.’

It added that the suspects allegedly replaced the stolen tyres with worn-out ones.

‘In the course of the investigation, the two suspects were arrested and confessed to the crime, while investigation was extended to Lambata area of Gurara LGA where two other persons, one Sadiq Saudi, 34 years, and Kabiru Suleja, 32 years, were arrested, saying that they were both residents of Lambata in Gurara LGA of the state,’ the statement said.

The police noted that the additional suspects were arrested for buying and receiving the stolen tyres, and that the exhibits were recovered.

SP Wasiu Abiodun added that ‘All suspects were charged to court for prosecution.’

Real change begins at the grassroots level – Adeola Layade

You are an advocate for access to clean water, what inspired this passion?

I founded The Azaria Impact Foundation out of a deep conviction that access to clean water should be a right, not a luxury. Growing up, I saw the struggles of communities walking long distances just to fetch unsafe water, and I realised how water scarcity fuels inequality, poor health, and lost opportunities.

The inspiration came from recognising that real change begins at the grassroots level, when people are given access. The Azaria Impact Foundation was established to bridge the gap in access to basic needs and opportunities for underserved communities in Africa.

The Rise Project 2025 is your flagship initiative, what is it about, when will it be implemented and why is it important at this time?

The Rise Project is our flagship program designed to promote dignity, inclusion, and empowerment. It officially launched in August 2025 and will roll out in November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The project addresses critical needs like mobility support for persons with disabilities, mental health advocacy, vocational and digital skills training, wash campaigns. At a time when inequality and exclusion remain pressing issues, The Rise Project sends a clear message, ‘Inclusion is not optional, it is essential’.

What personal experience or observations motivate you to launch The Rise Project?

The project was deeply inspired by my own experience of temporarily relying on a walking aid. That period gave me a glimpse into the daily struggles of those with mobility challenges. It taught me the importance of empathy and opened my eyes to how much society often overlooks people living with disabilities. That experience became the seed that grew into The Rise Project.

Your project focuses on mobility aid distribution (WASH) digital empowerment, and mental health, how do all these connect under one vision?

Though diverse, these components all address barriers to living a dignified life. Mobility aids restore independence. WASH ensures healthy living. Digital and vocational training provide economic empowerment. Mental health advocacy fosters resilience and confidence. Together, they form a holistic approach to inclusion and community transformation.

What challenges have people with physical disabilities and underserved communities shared with you that The Rise Project aims to solve?

Many face limited mobility due to lack of assistive devices, which isolates them socially and economically. Communities also struggle with poor access to clean water, inadequate livelihood opportunities, and the stigma around mental health. The Rise Project seeks to tackle these gaps directly, providing tools, skills, and support that enable people to thrive.

How will The Rise Project contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The project directly contributes to several SDGs, including: SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 3: Good health and well-being, through mental health advocacy; SDG 4: Quality education, through vocational and digital skills training; SDG 5: Gender equality, by prioritising women empowerment; SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, through WASH campaigns; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping youth with employable skills; SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, by supporting persons with disabilities.

In what ways are women and young people central to the Rise Project’s mission?

Women and young people are at the heart of the project because they are often the most affected by exclusion yet also the most powerful drivers of change. By equipping them with skills, resources, and platforms, The Rise Project empowers them to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

Funding is a challenge for many NGOs. How is The Azaria Impact Foundation looking to sustain this project, and how can individuals or organisations support?

We are pursuing a mixed model of fundraising that blends creativity with community support. This includes crowdfunding campaigns on our social media platforms, participating in trade fairs, hosting yard sales, creating products to sell, organising car wash drives, merch sales, live auctions and grants applications. We are also exploring new avenues such as fundraising dinners/galas and the development of social enterprises.

While we have not yet built formal partnerships with organisations, we are actively seeking collaborations with local and international NGOs, as well as private sector CSR programs. Sustainability will also come from the strength of our volunteers and local networks.

Individuals and organisations can support by donating directly, sponsoring specific project components such as dignity kits (pads, soap, combs, etc.), handwashing pedal stations, mobility aids (walking sticks and canes), or vocational start-up kits ( resin art, bead making, tie and dye,recycling kits etc) for participants and by offering expertise or resources that strengthen our programs.

Partnership is key in the development space. What kind of partners are you looking to collaborate with, and how can they get involved?

We are looking for partners who share our vision of inclusion and empowerment. These include development agencies, healthcare providers, tech hubs for digital training, mental health professionals, private sector sponsors, and grassroots community leaders globally. We welcome collaborations in vocational and digital training, health services, technology, advocacy, and project sponsorship.

Mental health is often overlooked in development work, why did you decide to include it in The Rise Project?

Because empowerment is incomplete without mental well-being. In underserved communities, the stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking help, leading to cycles of silence and suffering. By including mental health, The Rise Project ensures that people are not just physically and economically empowered, but also emotionally resilient.

Looking ahead, what are your dreams for The Rise Project five years from now?

In five years, I envision The Rise Project as a nationwide movement that has impacted thousands of lives in Africa. I envision schools where no child is excluded because of disability, communities where clean water flows freely, and a strong network of empowered women and young people leading local solutions and thriving in digital spaces globally. Ultimately, I dream of communities where inclusion is a norm, not a privilege.

If you could leave our readers with one message about The Rise Project, what would it be?

The Rise Project is more than an initiative, it is an invitation. An invitation to stand with us, to transform pain into power, and to ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we can rise higher, stronger, and more united than ever before.

Let’s talk about Banknote Handling Practices

Many Nigerians are not aware that there are regulations in handling of banknotes; these regulations are not only in existence, they are also backed by law. And because ignorance is not an excuse in law, it is important that people know about banknote handling practices.

Why is the naira so important that there are rules on its handling? The naira, which is Nigeria’s bank notes and legal tender, is the symbol of our national pride and their condition in circulation reflects who we are.

Indeed, the Central Bank of Nigeria encourages the public to adopt responsible banknote handling practices to preserve the quality of the naira and also enhance the lifespan of the Naira.

What constitute good Banknote Handling Practices? They are simple guidelines stated below:

Do not store the Naira indecently: Keep banknotes clean, flat and avoid folding, crumpling or stapling.

Do not write on the Naira: Avoid writing on banknotes.

Do not squeeze the Naira: Store in a wallet, Purse or Pouch.

Do not deface the Naira: Avoid exposing banknotes to liquids like water, oil etc.

Do not spray the Naira: Give cash gifts in envelopes or via electronic channels.

Flouting any of the guidelines listed is a punishable offence under the law. Under the provisions of Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007, all acts that constitute Naira abuse are punishable by imprisonment for a term of not less than six months or a fine not less than N50,000 or both.

The offences captured by the Act include:

Spraying of, dancing on or matching or stepping on the naira: This is explicitly prohibited and constitutes an offense.

Selling or trading naira notes and coins: This refers to the act of selling banknotes or coins for a higher value than their face value, which is illegal.

Mutilation, defacement or soiling the naira: This covers any act of intentionally damaging, writing on, or defacing naira notes or coins, including stapling, tearing or excessive crumpling.

To make it easy to keep the rules; e-payment channels offer a convenient and secure alternative to cash for transactions; use mobile money, mobile banking, internet banking, POS or card payments to keep our currency in good condition.

LP senator defects to APC in Enugu

Another member of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Kelvin Chukwu, from Enugu East, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.

Chukwu blamed his decision on ‘internal wranglings’ within the LP, a move that reduced the number of LP senators to just four (4), while the APC climbed further up in its majority dominance to 69.

The defection came as the Senate received two new members.

Senator Nwachukwu Emmanuel Chibuzor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) replaced the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South), while Senator Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe was inaugurated to replace the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central).

In his defection letter, Chukwu wrote, ‘I write to formally notify you and my distinguished colleagues in the Nigerian Senate of my decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party and to join the All Progressives Congress effective immediately.

‘This decision was reached after extensive consultations with my constituents in my senatorial district, my political associates and stakeholders across various levels in Enugu State.

‘It is a reflection of my commitment to aligning with a platform that works, and I believe I’ll do better and represent the collective interest of my people better.

‘I’ll bring more dividends of democracy; I’ll meet the aspirations of the good people of Enugu East Senatorial District and Nigerians at large.

‘Recent developments, including internal wranglings, leadership crises, policy disagreements, lack of cohesion, lack of direction.

‘Lack of focus at both the state and national levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively discharge my duties to represent my constituents under its banner.

‘These challenges have undermined the core values and principles upon which the Labour Party was initially founded.

‘After careful reflection, I am convinced that the All Progressives Congress, under the leadership of the performing President, President Bola Tinubu, provides a more stable, more progressive, more inclusive platform.

‘For achieving our shared goals of economic growth, good governance, national unity, national cohesion, social development and progress for the nation called Nigeria.

‘I remain committed to serving the great people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone and the Nigerian people with integrity, with diligence and patriotism.

‘And I assure you of my continued contributions to the work of the 10th Senate in the service of our fatherland.’

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated Akpabio as the Chairman of the National Assembly, President Tinubu and all APC lawmakers in the National Assembly on the gale of defections in the country.

‘I am congratulating all of us because what is happening is not just by an accident of history. What is happening is in direct response to the new thing happening to Nigeria.

‘The APC-led government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is working, and regardless of what anyone would have thought a year ago or two years ago, it is becoming obvious to Nigerians that we are making a difference,’ he said.

Speaking, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said, ‘I have always worried about the left side of the aisle but I’m no longer worried. If they like, let them all move here.

‘Your discretion living in a tattered house is hereby accepted.’

He added, ‘I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria, but where they are not able to organise themselves, and all the political parties are in tatters, then the right thing for them to do is to join me and join Mr President.

‘So that we can move this country forward. We are not going to have one-party system; that is why INEC is registering more parties.

‘Please put your house in order. I have been looking at the way you are getting depleted on a daily basis, and I am in total sympathy with what is going on.

‘The PDP is on the ground, the Umbrella is torn, the Labour Party is scattered.’

But the mention of PDP drew the displeasure of the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Abba Moro, who interjected, ‘With due respect and without prejudice to some achievements that Mr President has made, I want to say that no matter the number that are here (the opposition), we are capable of holding our own.

‘You said all politics are local. Those who are gravitating towards the majority side are exercising their rights.

‘But my brother and friend, Kelvin, who has just left the third row here, to go to the last row there, I wish him good luck.

‘Mr President, when it was announced that he was going, and he said he had made adequate consultations, I asked the question, Who have you consulted because he didn’t talk to me.

‘And I do know that because our politics are local, my brother came here on the Obedient Movement; he came here on the Sympathy Vote because an accident happened.

‘That is a story for another day,’ Moro said.

IGP Egbetokun tasks new Police constables to uphold honour, patriotism

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has charged the 10,000 newly recruited Police constables to carry with them the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism that have been instilled during their course of their training at the various Police training institutions across the country.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin.

It stated that the Force has successfully passed out 10,000 newly trained constables, following the completion of their intensive training across various Police colleges and training institutions nationwide.

According to the statement, the Passing-Out-Parade (POP), which took place simultaneously across all designated training institutions, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the force to strengthen its manpower base and enhance operational capacity in line with global policing standards

It stated that Egbetokun commended their commitment and perseverance throughout the rigorous training processes.

The statement reads, ‘During their training, the recruits were exposed to modern policing standards, ethical values, and practical field operations designed to prepare them for the complex realities of 21st-century law enforcement.

‘The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority, all aimed at promoting professionalism and public trust in policing.’

It explained that the passing out of the new set of constables formed part of the force’s strategic manpower development plan under the current administration, geared towards enhancing security presence, improving response capacity, and reinforcing public safety across the nation.

It further added that earlier in the year, a set of 10,000 constables passed out of various Police training institutions.

According to it, IGP Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous training, welfare improvement, and institutional reforms that would sustain the gains of modern policing and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria for all.

NYCN dares CAC, says Council, leadership intact

The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, has dismissed claims by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) that it has withdrawn the Council’s registration certificate, insisting that the Commission lacks the power to take such a unilateral decision while a subsisting judgment of a competent court remains in force.

He, therefore, urged all members of the NYCN, state chapters, zonal leaders, affiliate bodies, and Nigerian youths to disregard any publication, pronouncement, or action from individuals, groups, or agencies purporting to dissolve, suspend, or replace the current leadership.

Sukubo made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, clarifying the earlier announcement by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development that the Council’s certificate had been withdrawn by the CAC.

The statement read: ‘The attention of the leadership and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has been drawn to the recent publication on the withdrawal of registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the purported appointment of interim Management Team by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) respectively.

‘We wish to recall and reaffirm that pursuant to the judgment of Hon. Justice D.U. Okorowo of the Federal High Court, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1553/2022 between INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA and 4ORS vs CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION and 3ORS, which challenged the incorporation certificate that is now in issue, the leadership of the NYCN under Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo was duly recognized and affirmed as the legitimate and lawfully constituted leadership of the Council and the incorporation certificate was upheld.

‘The same matter now a subject of appeal in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/13081/2023, wherein both the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) are parties/respondents.

‘In view of the subsisting judgment and the ongoing appellate proceeding, any purported withdrawal, appointment, suspension, or tampering with the NYCN’s certificate of incorporation is not only unlawful but constitutes a direct affront to the authority of the courts.

‘The law is clear that no individual, groups, and government agencies have the power to override or pre-empt the decisions of a competent court of law. Hence, the current actions by the duo Registrar General and Hon. Minister of FMYD is a classical case of resort to self-help.

‘Accordingly, we hereby urge all members of the NYCN, state chapters, zonal leaders, affiliate bodies, and teeming Nigerian youths to disregard any publication, pronouncement, or action emanating from persons, groups, or agencies purporting to dissolve, suspend, or replace the current leadership.

‘The judgment of Hon. Justice D.U. Okorowo of the Federal High Court, which validated the incorporation certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, remains valid and subsisting until it is set aside by a higher court.

‘The leadership of Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, therefore, remains sacrosanct, legitimate, and binding in law and, in fact.

‘We call on all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast, and to continue to work collectively in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards building a stronger, united, and progressive National Youth Council of Nigeria that represents the true aspirations of Nigerian youths,’ it stated.

Certificate forgery: PDP seeks probe of more people in govt

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an investigation into the authenticity of academic credentials paraded by most political office holders in the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.

The party claims that the majority of the occupants may parade certificates with questionable origins, adding that the case of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, became public because he was found out.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, accused the government of promoting what he called the ‘reign of impunity’ by encouraging ‘acts of lawlessness’ and ignoring the pain of Nigerians.

‘Many of them in that government have forged documents.

‘We are going to follow that up. It is a high level of impunity, and it’s like telling us, catch us if you can,’ he told reporters.

Nnaji had tendered his resignation on Tuesday following public pressure over the revelation that he didn’t graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), yet possessed a certificate purportedly issued by the institution.

Commenting on the rumoured plan by more PDP governors to defect to the APC soon, Ologunagba replied that the party was not about a few individuals but about serving the interests of Nigerians.

He blamed defections on factors such as fear, inducement and intimidation, claiming that the APC played a role in all of this.

‘A party is not about individuals but all the people. We have more and more diverse people working for the PDP today.

‘More and more people are returning to the PDP because it’s getting itself together.

‘The defections you see today are instigated by inducement, harassment, coercion, intimidation, and it won’t last,’ he said.

The party also reacted to reports that a new state congress was conducted in Edo State by another group of PDP stakeholders after the National Working Committee (NWC) concluded its own congress on September 27.

Ologunagba explained that the party conducted the Edo congress on September 27 using a properly constituted electoral panel in line with the provisions of the PDP’s constitution.

‘Whatever congress they held was a gathering of some people to do whatever they like,’ he said, adding that some stakeholders always tried to draw attention to themselves or ‘justify some other considerations as proof that they worked.’

Meanwhile, the party on Wednesday inaugurated the Security Sub-Committee for its upcoming November 15 Ibadan Elective National Convention.

The committee, which is chaired by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, is charged with the responsibility of ensuring a hitch-free event by providing adequate security in and around the venue of the convention.

Kefas, who was represented at the occasion by the deputy chairman of the committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, promised collaboration with all security agencies to provide security for the convention.

‘We understand the national convention as important, being the highest organ of the party.

‘We are approaching this job with all the seriousness it deserves, and we seek the cooperation of everyone, including the press,’ he stated.

2027: Kwara PDP youths seek Saraki’s intervention over alleged imposition

Youths in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of the Kwara South PDP Youth Alliance have appealed to former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to ensure a level playing field and uphold the democratic principles he is known for, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by the state secretary of the group, Ambassador Timilehin Ogunleye, the youths called for the resignation of the Director-General of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation, Dr Audu Musa, following his alleged declaration of intent to contest in the forthcoming elections.

The group noted that Dr Musa had formally announced his ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat for the Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, describing his continued stay in office as ethically inappropriate and politically insensitive.

According to the statement, holding on to the position of ABS Foundation DG while pursuing a partisan ambition gives the impression of endorsement from Dr Saraki, who has consistently maintained neutrality in political contests.

‘Ordinarily, our group would have no issue with any qualified member of the party aspiring to elective office. However, in this peculiar case, the position currently occupied by Dr Audu Musa has a direct and inseparable connection with the leader of our party and patron of the foundation, His Excellency, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki (GCON).

‘It is on record, and we hold the leader by his word, that he has publicly, consistently, and firmly maintained that he will neither favour nor impose any aspirant in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

‘This principled stance on neutrality and fair play has been widely commended by our group and all genuine members of PDP in Kwara South,’ the statement said.

The group further alleged that Dr Musa and his associates had been misleading unsuspecting party members into believing that he was a ‘Saraki-anointed candidate,’ describing such actions as an abuse of privilege and a misrepresentation of the foundation’s purpose.

It also accused the ABS Foundation DG of previously expressing interest in the Kwara South Senatorial race before shifting focus to the House of Representatives seat, saying the move raised doubts about the sincerity of his political ambition.

‘The Kwara South Youth Alliance, therefore, rejects in totality any attempt to use the ABS Foundation – an institution built on philanthropy, unity, and service – as a political launchpad or intimidation tool against other qualified aspirants,’ the statement added.

The group urged Dr Musa to resign immediately from his position to allow a fair contest among aspirants, stressing that their demand was not driven by malice but by a shared commitment to fairness, accountability, and respect for moral boundaries between institutional service and personal ambition.

‘We trust that our revered leader, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki (GCON), will act decisively in preserving the sanctity of his words and the democratic ideals he represents.’

Corps member presents lifesaving supplies to 50 pregnant women

A female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Abuja Halimat Jimoh, has provide lifesaving supplies and medical support to about 50 expectant mothers at a Primary Health Care Centre in Lugbe, Abuja through an outreach she led under The Midwife Next Door Foundation.

The outreach was a pet project to give back to the society through ‘the facilitation of knowledge-sharing sessions’ as a professional mid-wife.

While speaking during the programme, Halimat charged families on the need to help women stay healthy during pregnancy, noting that women are vulnerable during pregnancy and require intensive care, ‘especially first time mothers.’

‘Last week Wednesday when my team staged an outreach tagged MamaSafe Initiative, the idea was to help as many expectant mums as possible to stay healthy. We worked in partnership with the healthcare centre, and it was a success. We simply wanted to contribute our quota to our immediate community. One thing we have discovered is that pregnant women were vulnerable, and they deserved to be supported, especially by their immediate families,’ she explained.

‘Anyone carrying a life is in a critical state, and requires extra monitoring routine to ensure both mother and child is safe. Family support during pregnancy is crucial.’

Speaking further on the outreach, Ms Jimoh noted that the MamaSafe initiative had three components which included distribution of clean-birth kits to expectant mothers, equipping the clinic with an Emergency Maternal Care Kit, and launching a digital health support community.

‘In a plural society like ours, fingers are not equal. Hence, the community and government must always rise up to support this bloc of people in the society. The clean-birth kits we distributed contained essential items such as maternity pads, cord clamps, gloves, and diapers. Our goal is to help reduce infection and complications during childbirth.’

She further noted that a session on ‘Recognising Danger Signs in Pregnancy and Childbirth and What to Do’ was facilitated by Mrs. Cecilia Samuel, a seasoned maternal health educator with participants given an opportunity to ask questions, while learning from actionable steps shared during the session for safer pregnancies.

‘We didn’t just do the talking. We also gave these women opportunity to express their concerns and challenges. We are happy that they benefited from the little initiative, and are hopeful that we can continue the initiative for greater impact. Service to humanity should not wait for tomorrow. It begins with what we can do today,’ she said.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, a husband who had accompanied his wife to the centre described the gesture as timely and expressed gratitude to the foundation.

He said, ‘Fathers also carry a lot of stress during this time, and this initiative is a support for us as well.’

Effective road safety efforts require collaboration – Oyo FRSC Commander

The Sector Commander, RS11.3, Oyo State Command, CC Rosemary U.K. Alo, has stressed that achieving effective road safety interventions requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including road users.

She made this known during a Town Hall Meeting organised by the RS11.3 Oyo Sector Command for tanker and trailer drivers at the Egbeda Unit Command, RS11.35, in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to her, ensuring lasting success in road safety is not the sole duty of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) but a shared responsibility among all agencies tasked with road safety and compliance with traffic laws.

Speaking on the theme ‘Enhancing Safety through Collaboration Strategies for Combating Tanker and Trailer Crashes,’ Commander Alo urged participants to embrace partnership and responsibility in promoting safety. She advised fleet operators to properly train their drivers, conduct routine vehicle checks, and install speed limit devices on their vehicles.

The Sector Commander also highlighted several factors that could improve road safety outcomes, including the use of technology, public awareness campaigns, emergency preparedness, policy support, infrastructure improvement, and collaboration with sister agencies.

At the end of the meeting, participants pledged their commitment to promoting safety, preventing road crashes, and discouraging the dangerous act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

The Unit Commander of RS11.35 Egbeda, Assistant Corps Commander Abiodun J. Arowolo, said the meeting was part of the Corps’ continued efforts to reduce traffic crash fatalities and injuries. He explained that participants were educated on the causes of tanker and trailer accidents, safety precautions, and prevention measures for petrol-related crashes.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Oyo State Sector Commander, CC Rosemary U.K. Alo; Sector Head of Operations, DCC B.I. Olugbesan; Alajia of Ajia; Onisade of Isade; Olosegere of Osegere; Fire Service representative, CSF N.O. Adeoye; Administrative Secretary, OYSEMA, Mrs. Ojuolape; NSCDC representative, CSC Abubakri Ganiyu; Chief Olubode (Abobagunwa); representatives of the Tipper Association Egbeda Unit, Alhaji Dauda Eleti; FandB Logistics Global Limited, Alhaji Teslim; TGC Logistics and Route Limited, Mr. Isiak; and the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Adekunle Adedoyin.