By Oluwaseun Nubi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ikorodu unit, on Thursday organised a Road Safety Club Quiz for pupils and students to celebrate 2026 Children’s Day and promote road safety awareness among young Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 16 primary and secondary schools participated in the competition held at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) hall, Ikorodu.
Some of the participating schools included Hossana High School, Purple Shores School, Cedarwood School, Kaztal Academy, Future Generation School, Lara Narrow Way School, De Best College, God’s Heritage School and Mother’s Vine School.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant Corps Commander, FRSC, Ikorodu unit, Kamal Kasali, noted that intensifying safety awareness among schoolchildren was urgent, given increasing incidents involving students nationwide.
“This is the time our children and students need greater awareness in terms of safety and security.
“Bringing them together on a special day like this goes a long way in educating them and making them conscious that their safety is also their responsibility,” he said.
Kasali said the competition was designed to catch children young and instill road safety discipline that would contribute to national development and responsible citizenship.
According to him, the initiative encourages students to understand that they have important roles to play in the growth and development of the nation.
The commander said the programme formed part of the commission’s efforts to educate young Nigerians on road safety and responsible road use.
He added that the FRSC Establishment Act recognised the Road Safety Club as a platform to educate pupils and students on road safety matters.
Kasali said the commission also organised programmes such as Youth Safety Education and the School Bus Scheme to inculcate road safety values in children.
He said no fewer than 400 students participated in the event, which featured a road walk, talent hunt, quiz competition and presentation of awards.
Also speaking, Sector Commander of FRSC in Lagos State, Kehinde Hamzat, urged the students to see themselves as future builders of the nation and prioritise their safety at all times.
Hamzat described children’s lives as invaluable and urged them to develop safe road-use habits from an early age.
“I want to speak to you as your parents. You are the builders of this country tomorrow. Your life is not negotiable,” he said.
The Sector Commander advised that children under 12 should not sit in the front seat of vehicles and urged them to always wear seat belts while travelling.
He also emphasised pedestrian safety, cautioning students against crossing highways and urging them to obey traffic rules at all times.
One of the guest speakers, Mr Alao Joseph of the Lagos College of Medical Sciences, Ikorodu, commended the commission for celebrating children through educational activities that promote safety awareness.
Joseph described the initiative as commendable and announced a scholarship award for the overall winner of the competition.
“It is good to celebrate children and this initiative is highly commendable.
“We are partnering with the FRSC and have decided to support the programme by providing a scholarship award for the winner,” he said.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Ene, a teacher at Cedarwood School, said the competition would make pupils and students more safety conscious and vigilant in their daily activities.
Okoh Chisom, an SSS 2 student of Hossana High School, said the event had broadened her understanding of road safety and responsible road use.
At the end of the competition, Hossana High School emerged overall winner, led by Godwin Nwachukwu and Praise Alex, both JSS 2 students.
Kaztal Academy, represented by Bashir Abdullah and Yussuf Nurulhakeem, both in SSS 1, secured the second position.
De Best College came third, with Samuel Andrew and Abolo Efe, both SSS 2 students, representing the school.
The overall winner received a scholarship award sponsored by the Lagos College of Medical Sciences, Ikorodu, in addition to educational materials and gifts provided by FRSC and its partners.
Other outstanding participants were rewarded with school bags, water bottles, food packs and other items in recognition of their performances.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
