ADO-EKITI, NIGERIA — The Ekiti State Government has commenced a road safety sensitisation campaign in schools located along 12 newly completed rural roads, as part of efforts to prevent traffic accidents and protect pupils and other road users in benefiting communities.
The campaign, organised through the Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is designed to educate schoolchildren, motorists, traders and residents on responsible road use, traffic signs and basic safety regulations.
The Project Coordinator, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, who led the sensitisation team, disclosed the development on Thursday, November 12, 2026. He explained that the initiative became necessary following the completion of several rural road projects, which have improved access and transportation in communities across the state.
Adunmo stressed that while improved road infrastructure creates opportunities for economic activities and easier movement, it also requires greater awareness among road users to prevent avoidable accidents.
He noted that children attending schools along the newly constructed roads were particularly important targets of the campaign because they frequently cross or walk beside roads while travelling to and from school.
According to him, pupils were advised to remain alert when crossing roads, observe approaching vehicles and avoid careless behaviour around moving traffic. He also encouraged students to leave home early enough to avoid rushing to school, which could expose them to unnecessary danger.
The project coordinator emphasised that road safety was a shared responsibility and that accidents could affect anyone, regardless of age, educational background or social status.
He explained that the campaign was not limited to schoolchildren, as traders, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and other members of the benefiting communities were also being educated on appropriate road-use practices.
In Ilupeju-Ekiti, for instance, traders and motorists received guidance on obeying designated traffic directions, particularly in areas where separate sections of the road had been assigned for entry and exit.
Adunmo warned that failure to understand and obey such traffic arrangements could create unnecessary conflicts between motorists, potentially resulting in accidents, especially during busy market periods.
He also highlighted the importance of understanding road signs and safety infrastructure, including zebra crossings and other road furniture. He observed that some motorists were unfamiliar with the purpose of these facilities, making public education necessary.
The campaign is also intended to ensure that communities take responsibility for protecting and maintaining the benefits of the newly completed roads.
RAAMP’s Social Safeguard Officer, Miss Temilola Ajayi, said the sensitisation exercise was necessary because improved roads could expose pedestrians and schoolchildren to greater risks when motorists engaged in speeding or other dangerous driving practices.
Ajayi explained that the programme was designed to promote safer movement, particularly for children who use the roads daily. She expressed optimism that continuous awareness campaigns, combined with properly installed road signs and other safety facilities, would help reduce accidents.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ekiti State Sector Command, also participated in the exercise, delivering road safety education to pupils and other members of the communities.
The 12 completed roads covered by the initiative include Ikole-Isaba-Ikoyi-Igbemo Road, Ilupeju-Egan-Ayede Road, Ara-Ekameta Road, Ijero-Epe-Araromi-Iropora Road, Owode-Anaye Road, Afolu-Odofin Road and Ise-Imola Road.
Others are Ikogosi-Aba Osun-Aba Oriokuta-Ilawe Road, Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Road, Igbole-Osi-Iropora Road, Ido-Ipere-Iludun Road and FMS Farm-Oke Ako Road.
Adunmo acknowledged the support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the World Bank towards the construction of the rural roads, noting that the projects had contributed to improving transportation and economic activities in beneficiary communities.
He added that traditional rulers and other community stakeholders had been engaged before the commencement of the road projects, stressing that sustained cooperation would remain important in protecting the infrastructure.
The sensitisation campaign highlights the need to combine road construction with public education and effective safety measures. While improved roads can make transportation easier and support rural economic development, their benefits depend partly on responsible behaviour by motorists, pedestrians and other users.
RAAMP assured residents that it would continue engaging communities and relevant stakeholders to promote safer road use and protect the infrastructure.
For schoolchildren and residents along the 12 roads, the campaign is intended to reinforce a simple message: improved roads must go hand in hand with responsible driving, pedestrian awareness and respect for traffic regulations.
