Abuja: Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the President of the Court of Appeal, has emphasized the significant role of sports in promoting road safety awareness through her foundation, Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD). This initiative was highlighted during the International Road Crash Victims Africa Conference (IRCVAC) held in Abuja, organized in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Justice Dongban-Mensem remarked on the importance of sports in driving the road safety narrative. “The purpose of this outing is to enlighten Nigerians on the safety of our roads. We want to use the sports programme to enlighten people to be mindful and take responsibility in driving,” she stated. She further highlighted the pressing need for safety awareness, noting the high number of road crash victims and emphasizing the participation of golfers, walkers, and cyclists in the campaign.
The conference saw the registration of approximately 150 golfers, 400 walkers, and 300 cyclists, marking the first edition of the sports-involved initiative supporting the International African Congress for road victims. Justice Dongban-Mensem stressed the absence of cycling routes in Nigeria compared to developed countries, underscoring the necessity for public enlightenment on road safety.
Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), expressed the federation’s support for the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with efforts to enhance humanity and coexistence among Nigerians. “We hope that this awareness will reach as many Nigerians as possible, such that by 2030, the issue of road crashes would have been reduced to the barest minimum in Nigeria,” Runsewe commented.
The event also drew participation from Lawrence Braye, a cyclist and mechanical engineer, who traveled from Lagos to support the cause. Braye underscored the importance of road safety awareness, reflecting on its critical role in ensuring public safety and survival.
The conference convened stakeholders across Africa, including government agencies, law enforcement, medical experts, NGOs, and transport unions, to discuss strategies for post-crash care and justice for victims. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event involved over 1,000 participants, comprising golfers, cyclists, and walkers, all united in the cause of road safety.