Chinedu Okafor
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Opoola T. Bolanle, has lauded organizers of the University’s official Drivers’ workshop, aimed at promoting safe and responsible driving practices.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola
He made this declaration at a one-day Drivers’ workshop organized by the Directorate of Integrated Services and Training on Thursday 5 September, 2024 at the University’s new Faculty of Science twin lecture hall.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Bolanle, who stood in for the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fasina described the initiative as a crucial step to highligh indispensable role Drivers play in the smooth operations of organizations.
Besides, he emphasized that Drivers were essential to the success of business executives and the CEOs as they often relying on their expertise for safe transportation.
Prof. Bolanle, however, urged participants to take advantage of the workshop, stressing the significance of understanding the nuances of their responsibilities.
Specifically, in his address, Prof. Bolanle reminded the drivers that they were also image makers of the institutions they serve.
He said “the way you conduct yourself with passengers reflects on the organization’s reputation,” adding that image-making goes beyond appearance to the attitudes exhibited on the road.
He showered prayers on the drivers’ safety throughout their careers, hoping they would avoid any accident, urging them to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop not only in their professional duties but also in their personal lives and communities where they serve.
Delivering his lecture at the workshop, Superintendent Commander Shuaibu A. Omale of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oye Division, stressed the importance of effective management of road traffic emergencies to save lives and prevent further harm.
Superintendent Commander Shuaibu A. Omale of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oye Division
Omale explained that road emergencies, including vehicle crashes and hazardous material spills, require prompt and coordinated action while highlighting the dangers of texting while driving, over speeding and other violations.
According to him, effective crash scene management, such as providing first aid and preserving evidence, crucial for preventing additional casualties.
To SP Saliu Olatunji Abubakar also of the FRSC Oye Division, focused on the impact of fatigue on driver safety.
SP, Saliu .O. Abubakar
He outlined key symptoms of fatigue, such as drowsiness and frequent blinking, and identified factors that contributed to driver exhaustion, including sleep disorders and the consumption of alcohol.
However, Abubakar advised drivers to manage fatigue through proper rest, frequent breaks and maintaining an alert environment while driving, stressing that driver training was essential for ensuring safety and efficiency.
Meanwhile, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oye Police Division, SP Ogundiran A. Idowu, called on road users to exercise heightened caution, particularly when traveling through isolated areas at night.
Superintendent Ogundiran Emmanuel, DPO, Oye- Ekiti Police ccommand
Ogundiran advised against using dark or secluded roads where ambushes were more likely to occur, emphasizing the need to remain alert to surrounding vehicles.
He urged travelers to seek refuge in populated areas and contact the police should they suspect they were being trailed.
Avoiding confrontation in such situations, he noted, was often the safest course of action, and surrender things considered necessary to prevent escalation in life-threatening scenarios.”
For those forced to act, Ogundiran recommended a swift and strategic escape, employing zigzag movements or running to evade potential attackers.
Specifically, the DPO stressed that prayer, combined with precautionary measures, play a vital role in safeguarding personal safety on Nigeria’s increasingly dangerous roads.
Earlier, Mr. Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, Director of the Directorate of Integrated Services and Training, emphasized the need for ongoing driver’s education, saying plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) to further train FUOYE’s drivers.
Mr. Olanrewaju Ogunjobi
According to him, responsible driving was central to personal and organizational safety, reinforcing the university’s commitment to enhancing driver performance.
Meanwhile, Chief Driver of FUOYE, Mr. Adesola Sunday, expressed appreciation for the workshop, commending the facilitators, describing the event as a first-of-its-kind opportunity for drivers.
He, however, called for an increase in the recruitment of drivers, a review of the non-accident bonus, and the construction of a drivers’ bay to cater for the needs of university drivers.
Photo Credit: John Salami
