Dangote Cement, FRSC Intensify Road Safety Campaign
…Warn Against Speeding and Truck Blind Spots
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant has stepped up its public safety efforts by conducting a robust sensitization programme for commercial drivers and motorcyclists, focusing sharply on the dangers of excessive speed and the life-saving skill of identifying a heavy truck’s blind spots.
The campaign, held at the Ilaro Motor Park over the weekend, attracted hundreds of drivers and commercial motorcyclists from Ilaro and surrounding communities. The initiative aims to curb preventable road crashes and promote responsible driving habits as vehicular traffic typically surges towards the year-end holidays.
Addressing the participants, Assistant Corps Commander Sulaiman Kolawole Oluwadumiye, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), warned that excessive speed remains the primary factor in fatal crashes.
“Speed is sweet—the engine sounds powerful, the road looks open, and you feel in control. But the same speed that feels good for one minute can destroy a family in another second,” Oluwadumiye cautioned.
He offered a stark reminder to those on the road: “The road has no respect for confidence or experience. There is no medal for the fastest driver and rider, only sorrow for the careless one.”
The FRSC official explained that high speed severely limits a rider’s ability to spot danger and brake effectively, a risk multiplied when navigating around articulated trucks.
A key element of the training was educating participants on blind spots—the hidden zones around trucks where drivers lack visibility.
Oluwadunmiye stressed the connection between blind spots and accidents, saying: “Most crashes involving motorcycles and trucks happen because riders unknowingly enter these danger zones.” He recounted a recent fatal incident caused by a rider attempting to overtake on the wrong side and disappearing into a truck’s blind spot.
Facilitators demonstrated the four critical danger zones—the front, passenger side, driver’s side, and rear—using live motorcycles positioned next to a stationed truck. Riders were reportedly stunned to discover that an attentive driver could still be unaware of their presence in these zones.
The Head of Transport and Safety at Ibese Plant, Peter Abuad, led the practical session, urging constant vigilance. “If you are in any of these blind spots, the truck driver does not know you’re there. Avoid them at all times. Dangote Cement Ibese is committed to ensuring safety and improving lives,” Abuad stated.
As part of the awareness campaign, Dangote Cement also distributed safety kits to the excited commercial motorcyclists, freely gifting items such as helmets, reflective jackets, and safety goggles.
Ebere Okonkwo, Health, Safety and Environment for Dangote Cement Transport (Nigeria & Pan Africa), explained that the initiative is part of the company’s continuous commitment to safer roads and harmony between truck drivers and other road users.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. This programme teaches road users especially the drivers and riders how to identify blind spots and equips them with safety kits. It’s part of our continuous effort to save lives,” Okonkwo said.
She appealed to riders to adopt responsible conduct, noting that “Overspeeding, impatience, and miscalculations remain leading causes of preventable road accidents. We urge riders to prioritize safe riding habits and strictly obey traffic regulations, especially during these remaining days into the New Year when vehicular movement peaks.”
Officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Solomon Salako, and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Mr. Obafemi Matemilola, commended Dangote Cement for its consistent investment in public safety awareness, noting that the campaign complements the roles played by the FRSC, TRACE, and VIO.
The program was well-received by the beneficiaries. David Odumoye, a motorcyclist, thanked the company for the enlightenment and the protective gear.
“Nobody is an expert on the road, no matter how long you’ve been riding. This training is very important. We thank Dangote for the initiative and the protective kits,” Odumoye said.
Another rider, Rafiu Olusegun, expressed gratitude, saying, “Dangote has always cared about our welfare and safety. We will put everything we learned into practice. Nobody starts a journey planning to lose their life.” The event concluded with a reminder to choose patience, responsibility, and life over speed.
