Ogun Intensifies Road Safety Campaign On RAAMP Roads

The Ogun State Government has intensified efforts to improve safety on Completed roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) with a two-day capacity-building programme and community sensitisation campaign for residents, motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and schoolchildren.

Declaring the program open in Abeokuta, the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Olufemi Ilori-oduntan represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Mr. Oluwaseyi Sokoya said road safety remains a shared responsibility among government, communities, road users, and development partners.

She noted that the sustainability of the completed rural road projects depends largely on the behavior of road users and the commitment of host communities to safeguarding the infrastructure. She stressed the need for residents, transport operators, and other stakeholders to take ownership of the roads to prevent accidents and ensure their longevity.

According to her, the training was aimed at strengthening knowledge of road safety design and audit principles, promoting compliance with traffic regulations, and encouraging responsible road use. adding that the initiative includes road safety education programs in primary and secondary schools, as well as the designation of RAAMP corridors as “School Safe Zones” to protect pupils and other vulnerable road users.

In a goodwill message, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga, represented by the National Development Communication Officer, Hajia Khadija Ishaiq, said the programme aligns with the project's objective of ensuring that completed rural roads remain safe, durable and beneficial to communities while supporting economic development.

Earlier, the Ogun State RAAMP Project Coordinator and Director-General of the Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), Engr. Waheed Adejumo described the training as a critical component of the project's commitment to safe and sustainable rural road infrastructure. He said the workshop would equip participants with practical knowledge to improve road safety and maximise the benefits of road projects.

Speaking on the theme, “Road Safety Design and Audit Manual,” the RAAMP Road Safety Consultant, Engr. Okwudili Ikejiani said road safety audits help identify potential hazards before they result in crashes. He explained that the manual provides a framework for integrating safety considerations into every stage of road development and promotes safer mobility for all categories of road users.

As part of the exercise, the campaign team also visited schools and motor parks along the Kila–Akonko–Alagbagba Road in Odeda Local Government Area, where road users received further education on safe road practices.