... distributes safety kits worth N5m to over 110 motorcycle riders
By Prisca Nguzo
Over One Hundred and Ten motorcycle riders in Imo State have received helmets reflective jackets and other safety kits courtesy of the famous Nigeria sports betting company, Bet9ja.
The gesture done in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Imo State Sector Command, according to the donor was to help checkmate the prevalence of road mishaps as well as enhance general security of the state.
The Safety programme with the theme "Promoting Safe Transportation For Motorcycle Operations in Imo state", The Guardian gathered would be carried out across the Twenty Seven (27) council areas of the state.
The beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture accordimg to the organizers, were drawn from registered Motorcycle spots and associations who are operating within and around Nekede, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and Ihiagwa axis of Owerri West council area, irrespective of their State of origin.
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In his address, Dr George-Smart Obinna Unegbu, Grand Master of Bet9ja and sponsor of the empowerment programme said the initiative was aimed at not only giving back to his immediate community but also promoting safety on the roads as well as checkmating insecurity in the area.
He assured the people of his commitment to continually interface and partner with stakeholders and agencies to ensure development in the community, and equally seized the opportunity to thank all stakeholders who made the initiative a success, adding that more partnership are underway.
Earlier in his speech at the event the State Corp Commandant of FRSC, Evaristus Ebeniro emphasized the need for all the riders to always be security conscious, embrace the provided means of identification and be their brother's keeper to help smoke out criminal elements operating in the area in the guise of motorcyclists.
Also, speaking, the State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Dr. Happiness Ikechukwu said the the donation was timely; coming during the rainy season when the roads are slippery among other hazards, hence needs more cautious measures while plying on them.
She called on the motorcyclists popularly described as "exposed road users" to always make use of their safety equipments and be appreciative to the Donor who has shown genuine concern to their general safety and welfare.
"Think Safety, Drive Satefy and Act Safety", Dr Happiness added.
The representatives of the Department of State Security, DSS. the military, Civil Defence all advised the people to always say something whenever and wherever they see anything
The beneficiaries of the empowerment, including Mr Sunday Ukeh expressed joy for the kind gesture and prayed God to continue to bless and protect the donor.
They said the gifts would go a long way ensure their safety, security and easy identification of their members as well as criminal elements on the road.
The all important security awareness and road safety- guided ceremony attracted Officials and operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS, the Military, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC as well as personnel of the FRSC among other sister security agencies in the state who took turns to educate the motorcyclists on the need to wear the safety kits at all times.
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