The Federal Road Safety Corps in Sokoto Zone reveals that it is working on strategies that will ensure the free flow of traffic as well as safety of lives and property during the Argungu International Fishing Festival holding in March this year.
It specifically says the corps will tackle issues of overloading and dangerous driving as well as enforcing the number plate regulations throughout the zone comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The Zonal Commanding Officer, Dr Kayode Olagunju, disclosed this during a courtesy call to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Mera, in his palace.
According to a statement by the Zonal Public Education Officer at the RS 10 HQ Sokoto, Aminu Sokoto, the zonal commander informed the emir that the national headquarter of the corps had assured of interventions that would result in the effective management of traffic during the festival.
Some of the activities scheduled for the festival apart from the fishing proper are motor rally from Abuja to Argungu and cycling competition.
Olagunju expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the emir and the Emirate Council given to the FRSC.
He assured the royal father that the corps would continue to partner the community to evolve better road culture in the area.
The traffic density is expected to be high as the festival attracts global attention hence the influx of people into the community, according to the statement.
Olagunju also informed the emir that three help areas to work 24 hours would be established in the area to assist during emergencies.
He disclosed that ambulances would be provided and marshals stationed at those points to render assistances to tourists and other road users.
He assured that the FRSC would collaborate with other security agencies to protect people and property before, during and after the festival.
In his response, the emir thanked the FRSC for aligning with the hopes and aspirations of the people of Kebbi State in ensuring road safety.
He assured the FRSC of his maximum support as the community believes in the sanctity of lives. He commended the quick response of the Corp Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, in providing new vehicles to the Argungu Unit Command among other logistics.
The royal father urged all road users to always comply with traffic rules and regulations.
He condemned the act of putting passengers in the trunk of vehicles and called on vehicle operators to desist from overloading their vehicles and conveying animals and persons in the same vehicles.
