RSG Hails SPDC On Child Road Safety Initiative

L-R: Deputy Registrar/PRO, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Chief Des I. Wosu, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. B. B. Fakae and others in a group photograph with Mr and Mrs Ezemonye Joseph Des-Wosu shortly, after their marriage solemnization at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy, RSUST, Port Harcourt, recently.

The Rivers State Govern
ment has lauded the management of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on its strong commitment towards reduction of deaths of students on public roads through the company’s Safe Routes to School Project.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Barr Minabelema Micheal-West, made the commendation, Monday in port Harcourt at this year’s Safe Routes to School Programme organised by SPDC in partnership with the state government.
“I want to very specially thank SPDC for partnering with the Rivers State Ministry of Education for this laudable project”, he said.
While acknowledging the importance of the project, the permanent secretary said it was not enough for the present administration who places education as priority mandate to provide quality infrastructure in education sector without giving high attention to their safety both to and from school.
Micheal-West recounted a chilly experience of his in which a pupil was killed by a reckless driver in his presence, only for him to find out later that the dead pupil was a classmate and friend of his own child who is today in his final year in the university.
“As a government, we will continue to do the needful, to ensure that our children are safe wherever they may be for you don’t know what any of them may be in future. We must do everything we can to prevent accidents and deaths of students on the road”, he said.
He regretted that so many students had lost their lives crossing roads to school and urged road users to take special interest in the campaign aimed at reducing carnage on the road.
The Permanent Secretary equally commended the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) for being partner in the project.
Government and Community Relations Manager, East of SPDC, Mr. Edesiri Akpomudjere reprensented Shell while an Assistant Road Commander, Fidelia Agu led a team of FRSC officials to the event.
Highlight of the programme was a public presentation by selected students who blamed road carnage on drinking while driving, over speeding and recklessness on the part of drivers.
There was also a training of the trainers session on how to control traffic for students to cross the road, coordinated by the FRSC team.

Chris Oluoh