Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has warned motorists to be patient and drive within prescribed limits, saying it’s incorrect for them to use the yuletide period to maximise profit through overloading, thereby putting the lives of road users at risk.
The State Sector Commander, Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi, gave the warning during a press conference to mark the temporary opening of the Amawbia, Anambra State sections of the partially completed Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriage Way, on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the temporary opening of the dual carriage way was done in collaboration between the MTN Nigeria and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Recall that MTN is the financier of the dual carriage way that connects Anambra and other South-East states of Nigeria.
Speaking further, Irelewuyi said, “At festive periods like this, this section of the road always experienced very serious traffic jam at the slightest obstruction to traffic flow usually causing a pile-up in both directions.
“It is therefore with great joy and relief that the Anambra state Command of the FRSC is marking this occasion of the temporary opening of this section.
“We surely believe that it will ease the traffic jam usually experienced at the Amawbia flyover and underpass as well as reduce Road Traffic Crash on the stretch.
“Speed thrills but it is dangerous, motorists must avoid overspeeding during the period.
“This is a wake-up call to remind everybody in society that we have to be careful because, during this period, there is usually an upsurge in the number of people and vehicles on the road.
“It is on this note that motorists should drive within the prescribed speed limit and they must be conscious enough to avoid reckless driving and also carry out maintenance on their vehicles before putting them on the road,” he added.
The Sector Commander also appealed to the people of the state and indeed all road users travelling during and after this Yuletide period to always exercise patience.
The Coordinator, MTN Community Liaison Initiative, Dr Reginald Facah, in his address said the road was opened to ease traffic flow for South-East commuters travelling during the Yuletide.
Facah noted that there has been a high influx of traffic along the Onitsha carriage way resulting to gridlock because of the Yuletide season, adding that the essence of opening the road is to decongest the traffic with a view to make travelling seamless for road users.
He said, “Today, we are gathered to temporarily open the partially completed sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriage Way, not because the entire project is ready, but because December and Christmas have seen unimaginable suffering on the parts of commuters and drivers on this same road.
“However, with today’s opening of the Amawbia section and the opening of Amawbia flyover, an untrammeled driving experience is once again here for human and vehicular traffic which are usually heated during this period.”
On his part, the Senior Manager Sales, MTN, Emmanuel Okereke, said the organisation is excited to partner with Federal Government on road infrastructure tax credit scheme to complete the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
“This road does not only connect Enugu and Anambra states, it is a gateway to the rest of the country and Africa. Our commitment is to deliver an expressway that will be the pride of the South-East people and Nigerians in general, Okereke added.
Earlier, the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Patricia Igwebuike lauded MTN for their timely intervention and encouraged road users to use the road with caution especially during the festive season.
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