The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) has trained more than 300 youth and students on safe use of road and sustainable mobility in Abuja.
The two-day programme themed “Promoting Safety and Sustainable Mobility” which held at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre, drew more than 300 students from Baze University Abuja, Nile University Abuja and Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
On day one of the programme titled “Promoting Safe and Sustainable Mobility for Youth: Advocacy and Awareness”, participants were trained on youth statistics presentation on road crashes and the cost of inaction/road safety measures and other modes of transportation, sustainable mobility, as well as practical session that illustrated sustainable mobility.
Day two was devoted to a panel and roundtable discussions where participants were trained on policy, infrastructure and youth-led road safety advocacy; sustainable transport from the angle of innovations and clean mobility for tye future; a roundabout discussion on ideas, collaboration and action points.
The President of ATCN, Mr. Ishaku Bamaiyi, remarked that his organization, ATCN, remains committed to promoting road safety and sustainable mobility for the youth “Considering the the fact that they are the future of the society.”
He said sustainable environment is key for sustainable mobility and so “It is crucial to take the issue of the safety of the youth seriously and develop inclusive policies that carry them along.”
He lamented saying, “The rate at which our youth are falling victims of road crashes and the negative impact on their education, health, families and future is alarming.”
The programme was attended by representatives of the Minister of Youth Development, Federal Road Safety Commission FCT Sector Commander, Director-General of NESREA, as well as the keynote speaker, Dr. Mami Ahmed of the Cosmopolitan University Abuja, and Princess Doo Agbadu-Adu of Esteemedbob Foundation.
Other speakers and panelists on day two include Mr. Maurice Okoye; Nengi Hanson who is the president of Bikers in Nigeria, Engr. Joseph Samuel, representatives from the FRSC among others.
The programme which was supported by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), was wrapped up with the presentation of youth action plans, recommendations, and presentation of certificates to participants.
