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By Moses Akaigwe
The Lagos State Government on Monday flagged off the first leg of a free eye screening and drug test programme for commercial vehicle drivers with the beneficiaries commending the initiative.
This is in addition to a complimentary recertification training for 2,000 drivers which has been integrated into the laudable programme.
The initiative was officially flagged off at the Lilypond Terminal, Ijora, Lagos, as part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to road safety and driver welfare.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Transport and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, stated that the programme would be implemented across four major driver parks.
After the event on Monday at Lilypond Terminal, the government gesture was yesterday extended to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is scheduled to hold from this morning at Obalende, and will finally be organise tomorrow at Iyana Iba parks.
Hon. Adekoya explained that the programme is a social inclusion initiative embedded within the THEMES+ Agenda of Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
He also acknowledged that professional drivers play a critical role in the state’s economy, hence the attention the government is paying to their welfare.
According to him, ensuring the health and wellbeing of drivers directly enhances road safety for all users, adding that the initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the welfare of Lagosians, particularly those within the transportation sector.
Hon. Adekoya while commending Gov. Saneo-Olu for approving the free health checks for 10,000 drivers, also announced that 2,000 free drivers’ recertification training by the State’s Drivers’ Institute have been added for the beneficiaries of the scheme.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, disclosed that the institute is well positioned for the free recertification training for 2,000 drivers to complement the ongoing eye screening and drug tests.
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She emphasized that drivers are integral to the logistics value chain, which informed the government’s decision to prioritize their training and health.
The Managing Director of Vision Spring, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundirahun, described the eye as a vital sensory organ and commended the initiative, even as she observed that that improved vision among drivers is essential for their safety and that of other road users.
She noted that while the government has installed various road signs to guide and protect motorists, poor eyesight could render such safety measures ineffective and potentially lead to accidents.
Mrs. Ogundirahun urged drivers to undergo regular eye examinations, applauding the Lagos State Drivers’ Care initiative for including free eye screening and the provision of corrective eyeglasses at no cost to drivers diagnosed with eye defect.
Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos Chapter, Alhaji Kayode Ogunowo, advised drivers to avoid habits that could endanger their lives and those of other road users.
He also expressed appreciation to the state government for facilitating credit schemes that enable truck owners to acquire Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.
A representative of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ms. Lolade Bobagun, stated that the bank is prepared to extend banking services to drivers, including the issuance of free, branded ATM cards already paid for by the Lagos State Government.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) team led by Asst. Commander (NARCOTIC), Dick Mulikat Adunni, was also present at the event, where they conducted substance abuse sensitization sessions and administered free drug tests.
Drivers were cautioned against the use of illicit substances, which could impair their vision, judgment, and overall safety on the roads.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Education, and Innovation, Mr. Tobi Idowu, representatives of various transport unions, and other key stakeholders in the transportation sector.
