Dangote Cement has stepped up its Ember-Month road safety awareness in Ogun State with a large-scale sensitization programme for commercial drivers and motorcycle riders, warning against the growing dangers of speeding and unsafe overtaking.
The campaign, held at the vibrant Ilaro Motor Park, drew hundreds of motorists from Ilaro and surrounding towns. It forms part of Dangote Cement Ibese Plant’s ongoing community engagement ahead of the end-of-year travel rush, a period historically associated with increased road crashes.
As part of the initiative, the company distributed helmets, reflective jackets and protective goggles to commercial motorcycle riders—items many described as “life-saving gifts” during the busy season.
“Speed has no medal—only sorrow”
Addressing the crowd, Assistant Corps Commander Sulaiman Kolawole Oluwadumiye, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), issued a stern warning on the consequences of reckless speed.
“Speed is sweet—the engine sounds powerful and the road looks open. But the same speed that feels good for one minute can destroy a family the next second,” he said.
“There is no medal for the fastest rider, only sorrow for the careless one.”
He emphasized that high speed severely limits a rider’s ability to react to danger, especially around articulated trucks which require much longer stopping distances.
Understanding Blind Spots Saves Lives
Oluwadumiye also educated participants on the four major truck blind spots—front, passenger side, driver’s side and rear—areas where motorcycle riders become invisible to truck drivers.
He recounted a recent fatal crash involving a rider who overtook on the wrong side and disappeared into a truck’s blind spot.
In a live demonstration using a stationed truck and motorcycles, facilitators revealed just how easily riders vanish from a driver’s view. Many participants expressed shock at discovering how hidden they were in those danger zones.
“Safety is a shared responsibility”—Dangote Cement
Speaking on behalf of the company, Ebere Okonkwo, Health, Safety and Environment Lead, Dangote Cement Transport (Nigeria & Pan Africa), said the awareness drive aligns with Dangote’s mission to promote safer roads and improve coexistence between truck drivers and other road users.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. This programme helps road users understand blind spots and equips them with safety kits. Overspeeding, impatience and miscalculations remain major causes of preventable crashes,” she said.
She urged riders to prioritize safe riding habits as vehicular traffic heightens towards the New Year.
Practical Demonstrations for Riders
The Head of Transport and Safety at Ibese Plant, Peter Abuad, led a hands-on session showing riders how to identify and avoid blind spots while navigating around heavy vehicles.
“If you are in any of these blind spots, the truck driver does not know you’re there. Avoid them at all times,” he advised.
Agencies including TRACE and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) applauded Dangote Cement for its continuous investment in public safety across Ogun State, noting that the campaign reinforces government efforts toward creating safer roads.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
One of the riders, David Odumoye, described the training as timely and eye-opening.
“Nobody is an expert on the road, no matter how long you’ve been riding. We thank Dangote for the initiative and the protective kits,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Rafiu Olusegun, added that the lessons received would help prevent avoidable accidents.
“Nobody starts a journey planning to lose their life. We will put everything we learned into practice,” he said.
The sensitization ended with a roadshow and a renewed call for patience, discipline and responsibility on Nigeria’s highways.
Sub Zero ✔
Godwin Okafor is the Publisher & CEO of Naija247news Media Group LLC, an independent investigative news platform delivering accurate, data-driven reporting on Nigerian and global politics, economy, finance, and business. Founded in October 2010, Naija247news specializes in developmental journalism, providing timely insights and analysis to readers across Nigeria and the diaspora.
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