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Road Traffic Accidents Claim 1.2m Nigerians Annually -FRSC

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The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has disclosed that over 1.2million Nigerians die from road accidents annually, overtaking HIV/AIDS, Malaria, among other, as major harbingers of death in Africa’s most populous nation.
Speaking during the 2018 stakeholders’ roundtable with the theme: ‘Drivers’ Health and Road Safety: Taking Goal Zero Outside The Fence,’ organized by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Commission in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, the Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC Zone 6, South-South, Assistant Corps Marshal Kingsley Agomoh also explained that road traffic injuries were among the leading 10 causes of deaths in both ‘lower-middle’ and ‘upper-middle’ income countries.
Agomoh stated that driving a vehicle on the road was an interesting, but complex task with severe safety consequences, particularly because of the huge number of death traps or bad spots on Nigerian roads.
He noted that “Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) have risen to become a global health problem due to inadequacies in policies and administrations in drivers’ engagements in road transportation activities.
Agomoh said that the problem was universal, but regretted that developing countries, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa were worst hit by the menace.
According to him, “26.6 per cent of road traffic fatality rate per 100,000 human population occurs in Africa”, while “24.1 per cent of global road traffic deaths per 100,000 human population is in Africa”.
Agomoh explained that, “the aggregate impacts of road safety neglects have resulted in huge loses to Nigeria’s economy, amounting to three per cent of annual Gross Domestic Products (GDP) with the effect being more visible as the economy expands”, insisting that “the country’s economy has lost $168,512,146.080 between 1960 and 2007, and $122,771,370.000 between 2007 and 2017,” (approximately N105,182,451,547.315)
He charged the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and other road transport operators to take ownership of their profession and ensure that they contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the nation.
Agomoh further charged the local government authorities and the law enforcement agencies, especially the police to ensure sanity at the various motor parks in the state with a view to ridding the society of illicit drugs and alcoholic drinks, which were the major causes of road accidents.
He further challenged other stakeholders to ensure that the public were enlightened on the best road safety standards and driving behaviours as well as enforce all relevant laws on traffic defaulters.
The FRSC commander said, “Enlightenment without enforcement is entertainment, so, we need to go a step further by ensuring more enforcement in order to save more lives.”
The Rivers Branch Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr Ominiayebagha Kalango, said that the union would continue to sanction members found driving under the influence of substances.
Earlier while declaring the workshop open, SPDC’s General Manager, External Relations, Mr Igo Weli, said that the company was particularly worried on the spate of accidents that occur on the nation’s highways on a daily basis.
Weli said, many of the road accidents would have been avoided if drivers have the requisite skills and take seriously the safety of their passengers.
“In SPDC, health safety is a priority, in such that, it comes ahead of production of crude oil and other of our businesses. We believe that health is wealth.
“Today, our focus is on drivers’ health and road safety which is key element to maintaining sanity and reducing accidents on our roads.
“We are passionate about this because drivers move us and millions of Nigerians by road on a daily basis.” he said.

 

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

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