By Chiikaodi  Chukwuleta

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter has sought collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the promotion of road safety in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

 Chairperson of the group, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika said the visit was first to welcome the new Sector Commander, CC Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, who assumed duty as the 15th substantive Sector Commander in the state,  who took over from CC Adeoye A. Irelewuyi and also a gesture of support and goodwill to foster a closer working relationship between NAWOJ and FRSC, aimed at promoting road safety.

Comrade Ifejika also noted that the vision and mission of the association are to identify, promote, and support great women graced with innate and professional capacities to permeate the world, adding that NAWOJ deemed it proper to identify with her kind.

“A jinx breaker we call you being the first female Sector Commander in the state. You have proven your mettle having risen through ranks and files to attain this envious height. We are delighted to associate with you, Sector Commander Sir,” the Chairperson reiterated.

Moreover, NAWOJ highlighted the role of the media in public enlightenment and urged the command to utilise the various media outlets in spreading the message of road safety.

The group drew the attention of the command to the alarming rate of fatal road crashes, and requested that during Alexander’s tenure,  this malaise would drastically come to the barest minimum.

Checkmating the neglect of the use of seat belts by drivers, drunk drivers on steering, among other reckless behaviours by drivers were also highlighted.

Welcoming the group, the Sector Commander, Alexander expressed her delight to receive Anambra State NAWOJ, stating that she felt honoured to be among the  female pen pushers of the state.

“I am really honoured to have great people like you here today. I feel more of being in the midst of my people. I am more of a media than operations person, having been the face of FRSC right from the early stage and almost throughout my career.

“I appreciate this gesture. I know with this partnership that my work will be seamless in this state. I perfectly understand the power of the media and more so, women,” she noted.

Speaking further,  CC Alexander stated that she has come to spread the message of safety and ensure that the citizens obey traffic laws, noting that every traffic regulation is for the safety of the citizens.

“My major project is “MARC” Mothers Against Road Crashes.  A campaign to enlighten mothers on road safety regulations. Within the next three weeks, FRSC will engage in public enlightenment and I am expressly partnering with NAWOJ. I am not interested in the number of bookings a day but in the improved road safety behavior of Ndi Anambra,” she expatiated.

Alexander however, noted that the command needs the support of the state government to function effectively. stating that ignorance and recklessness contribute to road crashes.

The Head of Operations, Mrs. Okara Awassam in her vote of thanks, noted that the visit is highly timely as for the first time in Anambra Command, a woman is at the helm of affairs.