McPherson University came alive on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as it played host to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Town Hall Meeting. Held in the university’s Multipurpose Hall. The event brought together students, staff, and key stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for addressing Nigeria’s alarming road safety challenges.

CRC PD Gogomi, Unit Commander of the Ogunmakin FRSC Unit, set the tone with a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. In his opening remarks, he revealed harrowing statistics from 2023: over 89,000 road crashes in Ogun State alone, leaving nearly 39,000 injured and over 6,400 dead. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a notorious hotspot, saw 5,577 crashes, resulting in 352 fatalities. “These numbers are more than statistics, they are lives lost and families shattered,” Gogomi said, urging urgent action.

The audience listened intently as he outlined a vision for a “Safe System Approach” designed to reduce fatalities to zero. Highlighting the prevalence of crashes involving private vehicles, commercial cars, and trucks, he called for collective action to address causes such as speeding, distracted driving, and poor vehicle maintenance.

Adding to the momentum, McPherson University’s Acting Registrar and FRSC Special Marshal, Mr. Olufemi Adebowale, delivered a powerful speech titled “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers.” His words struck a chord as he emphasized the devastating impact of reckless driving on passengers. “It’s not just the drivers who pay the price; thousands of innocent passengers lose their lives every year,” he said.

Adebowale called on attendees to speak up against dangerous driving and actively adopt safety measures such as wearing seat belts and reporting reckless drivers. “Staying silent isn’t an option when lives are at stake,” he urged, stressing that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The meeting’s interactive session provided a platform for participants to voice concerns and share ideas. Questions ranged from how passengers could stay safe during accidents to broader issues like the potential arming of FRSC officials, a proposal currently under review by the National Assembly. Participants also raised concerns about the high cost of motorcycle transport to McPherson University, calling for a review of the charges.

As discussions wrapped up, the message was clear: collaboration is key. The event underscored the need for systemic reforms and individual responsibility in creating safer roads.

McPherson University’s successful hosting of the FRSC Town Hall Meeting demonstrated its commitment to fostering meaningful conversations about public safety. “Road safety is everyone’s business,” Adebowale concluded, inspiring attendees to take action and make a difference.