The event, held at the FRSC Command in Abeokuta, gathered students, educators, government officials, and law enforcement representatives for a robust engagement on the theme: “Road Transportation and Safety.”
The competition is part of an ongoing initiative to inculcate a culture of road safety consciousness in young people and to address the rising incidents of road traffic accidents in the state.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the Director of Transport Engineering Services, Engr. Hassan Bamidele, emphasized the importance of early education in transforming road use behavior.
He noted that unsafe driving practices such as speeding, reckless driving, and ignorance of traffic regulations continue to contribute to the high rate of road crashes across the country.
“This initiative presents a unique opportunity to engage our students, promote road safety education, and shape future behavior,” Bamidele said.
“They will not only become more aware but also ambassadors for change in their homes and communities.”
He praised the Federal Road Safety Corps for initiating the competition and reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to reducing traffic-related deaths by 50% by the year 2030 through educational campaigns and policy innovation.
In her remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Education Dr Abayomi Arigbabu represented by Mrs. Idowu Bolanle Abeni, commended the FRSC and its partners for organizing the competition.
He stressed that road safety is not merely a matter of infrastructure but a matter of mindset transformation and community engagement.
“Today’s competition is more than a contest of intellect—it is a call to action,” he told the students. “Whether you debate or observe, your voices have power. You are the change agents.”
Arigbabu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the FRSC to integrate road safety education into the school curriculum and to support innovative programs that promote responsible citizenship.
In his remarks, the FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, represented by the Deputy Corps Commander (DCC) S.O. Taiwo highlighted the importance of instilling road safety principles early in life.
He pointed out that most road users develop habits from what they observe in their environment, including from parents and peers.
“We need to catch them young. What they learn now will become part of their culture when they grow up,” Taiwo said. “The Road Safety Club is designed to train them from the scratch, and competitions like this will help them learn better and stay engaged.”
Taiwo also urged parents and guardians to lead by example, noting that children often imitate what they see adults doing.
The highlight of the day was the announcement of the winners of the competition:
• First Position: Trinity International School – awarded a prize of ₦200,000
• Second Position: African Church Grammar School – awarded a prize of ₦150,000
• Third Position: Abeokuta Grammar School, Indi-Aba – awarded a prize of ₦100,000
