A road safety campaign aimed at tackling the dangers of mobile phone use while driving and promoting responsible road behaviour is set to kick off in Lagos on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The Eko Safe Roads Campaign Project, spearheaded by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) in partnership with Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation (OYECDO), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other agencies, will be launched at Allen Avenue Junction, Ikeja.
The campaign, a collaborative initiative between the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation (OYECDO) and CONYSSA, aims to reduce road traffic accidents in Lagos by fostering a culture of safety, respect, and discipline on the roads.
It specifically targets the indiscriminate and wrongful use of mobile phones by drivers and pedestrians, a growing concern for public safety.
At the heart of the project is a comprehensive advocacy and education strategy involving road safety workshops, community outreach, youth engagement through creative competitions, and media awareness campaigns.
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These will be rolled out across 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State.
“The Eko Safe campaign is not just about traffic rules. It’s about saving lives and changing mindsets.
“We want to equip young people with the tools to make positive choices, not only on the road but in life. This means rejecting criminal activities and embracing education, peace, and leadership”, Ogwus, founder of OYECDO said.
The campaign underscores Ogwus’ broader mission of youth empowerment and sustainable community development, encouraging young Nigerians to steer away from cultism, drug abuse, and other destructive behaviours.
Authorities such as FRSC, LASTMA, NSCDC, and the Red Cross will play key roles in enforcement and community coordination during the campaign.
According to Ogwus, digital media, street posters, and flyers will also be deployed to amplify the message of road safety.
“Global precedents show that such campaigns can be effective as countries like Singapore, Spain, and Ghana have seen measurable improvements in road safety through a combination of education, infrastructure changes, and behavioural campaigns”, Ogwus added.
The World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 notes a slight global decline in road traffic deaths to 1.19 million annually, proof that coordinated safety efforts do make a difference.
By aligning local strategies with international best practices, the Eko Safe Road Campaign hopes to drive a similar positive shift in Lagos.
The organisers believe the initiative could set a new benchmark for community-led road safety advocacy in Nigeria.
