The Oyo State Vehicle Inspection Services on Friday, organized a lecture for Park Managers in the State on the need for safe road use this festive season.

It also flagged off the “VIS Safety Campaign Week”.

The lecture tagged “Zero Tolerance to Accidents on Our Roads”, was held at the Bus Terminal in Ojoo.

The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Sangodoyin at the event, maintained the Oyo State Government's commitment to the welfare of the citizens, hence, he appealed to drivers to drive with caution for optimum safety on the roads.

Represented by the Coordinating Director and Director, Administration and Supplies of the Ministry, Mr Dotun Omokemi, Professor Sangodoyin educated the Managers on loading, traffic signs, safety, emergencies,  road lanes, and accidents.

The Commissioner who frowned at the way motorists treat the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) while discharging their duties, said errant motorists will be dealt with.

Professor Sangodoyin therefore appealed to road users to record Zero level road crashes in this year 2022. 

Also speaking, the State Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Ololade Agboola who was represented by Dr. Lanre Abass, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Agency for Control of Aids (SACA), advised drivers to avoid transportation of contraband goods which may lead to apprehension and prosecution by Law Enforcement Agencies.

She admonished Commercial drivers to drive with care, follow traffic rules and regulations, adding that this will promote accident free roads in the state.

While delivering the lecture at the event, Professor Adekunle Adebiyi, Rector, the Polytechnic, Ibadan, explained that adherence to traffic Laws and Regulations is the only way to attain “Zero Tolerance to Accident”.

Adebiyi who stressed that commuters have roles to play by encouraging the drivers and riders to do the right thing, added that there must be adequate check of every part of the vehicle.

The Rector implored the State Government to come up with policies and awareness programmes that will reduce accidents, before enforcing the policies.

The Director, Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), Engineer James Ajayi in his welcome address revealed that the programme would ensure safety, orderliness and accident-free ride on the roads these “EMBER Months”. 

In their respective goodwill messages, the Commandant, Road Accident Information and Rescue Organisation of Nigeria, Commandant Okanlawon Bamigboye, representatives of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Alalade Adio, Controller, Correctional Service, Mr Samson Awojuyigbe, the State Commander National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Assistant Commander, Ajanaku Toyin, The Commandant Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Mr Koleoso Michael, Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Mr Olalere Olaniyi and the Oyo State Park Managers, Public Relations Officer, Honourable Emiola Jelili, implored all drivers to adhere strictly to every admonition and lecture received on safety. 

They advised them not to drink while drinking and to desist from using their telephones while driving.