The Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Kogi State Chapter, Umar Ahmed Enesi, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of a promising student and several others in Felele, along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway, on February 17, 2024.
On behalf of entrepreneurs in Kogi State, NASME extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the educational community, and the state government. The unfortunate incident has brought grief to many, as young students—the future of the nation—lost their lives in a preventable tragedy.
The NASME Chairman commended the swift response of the Kogi State Government in addressing the situation but urged further proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He emphasized the need for urgent intervention to support the affected families and to implement long-term solutions to enhance safety along the busy highway.
To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, NASME Kogi State Chapter is calling on the state government to consider the following measures:
Establishment of a Safe Pick-up and Drop-off Spot for Students: A designated area should be created along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway to ensure the safety of students commuting to and from school.
Construction of Feeder Roads: Developing alternative routes, particularly a feeder road connecting Sarki Noma Community to Felele and its surrounding areas, will help ease traffic congestion and provide safer transport options for students and residents.
Strict Regulations on Heavy-Duty Trucks: The government should enforce stricter road usage policies for heavy-duty trucks operating along the highway to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and smaller vehicles.
Implementation of a PPP Housing Project for Students: To further guarantee student safety, the state government should explore a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to develop housing facilities within school premises. This initiative would help reduce students’ exposure to road dangers by providing accommodation closer to their learning environment.
The NASME Chairman reiterated that the loss of young lives in the Felele accident is a painful reminder of the need for continuous improvement in road safety measures. He urged the Kogi State Government to prioritize these recommendations to safeguard students and the general public.
The Kogi State NASME Chapter remains committed to supporting the government and all relevant stakeholders in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, particularly students, who represent the future of the state and the nation at large.
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