A youth and community leader in the Niger Delta, Engr. Columbus Iselemobowei Azor, popularly known as Mr. Integrity, has urged the federal and state government as well as other relevant agencies to prioritise the safety of Nigerian students and other commuters through provision of adequate security and durable transport infrastructures that will boost security and prevent loss of lives.

Engr. Azor said the call became pertinent arising from news of rising abductions, most especially on the highways, coupled with the dilapidated state of most transport infrastructures across the country that have heightened apprehension in parents whose children travel by roads and waterways to institutions of learning.

He said, "I am deeply concerned about the growing dangers faced by students who travel across various parts of Nigeria in pursuit of education, as well as those drafted by the Federal Government via the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

"Every day, thousands of students journey by road to schools, universities, colleges, and examination centres under conditions that expose them to unnecessary risks due to the deplorable state of many roads across the country.

"The recurring news of abductions, road accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and delays caused by failed road infrastructure have continued to threaten the lives and safety of innocent students.

"It is painful that young Nigerians, whose only desire is to acquire education and contribute positively to national development, are often subjected to hazardous journeys because of neglected roads and poor security. Moreover, young dreams have perished from road mishaps, leading to loss of investments by their parents, guardians, and other sponsors," he lamented.

The youth leader, who is the Public Relations Officer of Benikrukru Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area of Delta State, called on the government to do the needful by ensuring adequate security and better transport infrastructures for commuters.

"I therefore call on the Federal Government, State Governments, and relevant agencies responsible for road infrastructure including the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to prioritize the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of major highways and roads frequently used by students and other road users.

"The government must take proactive measures to identify and repair dangerous road sections, strengthen road safety measures, improve drainage systems, and ensure that contractors handling road projects deliver quality and durable infrastructure, as such efforts will significantly reduce accidents, save lives, and create a safer environment for students and the general public.

"Good roads are not merely developmental projects; they are essential investments in human lives, safety, economic growth, and national progress. Each time there is a compromise, driven by corruption, thousands of lives become at stake.

"I call on security agencies to tackle the root cause of abductions on the highways and ensure that disciplinary conduct are also established to dissuade security personnel who have turned their focus from the policing of the highway to extortion of motorists," he urged.

Speaking further, he stated that, "Education remains one of the strongest pillars of national development, and students deserve safe and reliable transportation to and from their institutions. No parent should live in fear because their child must travel on dangerous roads to access education.

"I therefore urge the government at all levels to act with urgency and commitment in addressing the poor state of roads across the country. The safety of our students and the future of our nation depend on it.

"This call also applies to waterways (water transport). No doubt, this sector remains one of the neglected transport sectors in the country. This marginalization needs to stop with the government ensuring safety rules are followed and adequate attention is paid to providing befitting transport infrastructure in the waterways."

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