10,000 drivers to benefit in Lagos health, safety programme

The Lagos State Government says 10,000 professional drivers operating within the state will benefit from its comprehensive health and safety programme.

This is contained in a statement signed  by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Mr Hassan Adekoya, on Friday.

Adekoya said the initiative was part of the state governments ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and protect lives and property through improved driver fitness and alertness.

According to Adekoya, the programme is scheduled to run from Feb. 9 to Feb.12 at different locations of the state.

“The initiative is designed to address the occupational, health, and safety challenges faced by professional drivers, particularly truck drivers; who play critical roles in sustaining Lagos state’s economy and logistics ecosystem.

“No fewer than 10,000 commercial drivers are expected to benefit from the programme, which will be implemented across four strategic locations, which includes: Iyana Iba, Obalende and Lekki Free Trade Zone Parks as well as Lilly Pond bonded Terminal, Apapa.

The programme will  provide free eye screenings, free medical consultations, free corrective lenses, as well as substance abuse awareness and screenings to drivers; to promote responsible driving and improve overall road safety,” he said.

He noted that the state government had called on transport owners, associations, and unions to support the successful implementation of the initiative.

He urged transport owners to sensitise and mobilise their members to participate in the screenings and educational sessions.

“They can also facilitate access to major parks and depots for the programme activities,” he added.

He said the overall goal of the initiative was also to ensure that every driver across Lagos state was physically fit, mentally alert, and visually capable of navigating the roads safely.

Culled from vanguard