THE NEED TO KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE ON OUR ROADS.

Earlier today, I saw a 4-year old school-boy ran across a Lagos busy road and got hit by a fast-coming vehicle. I couldn't hold back my tears as I looked on from a short distance. Who left him alone? Where's the mum or dad or guardian? At least, there were adults standing by when the boy was trying to cross the road and they did nothing to help or guide him. What are we turning into as a people? Are we so indifferent to our humanity that we no longer have love and care for little kids? I hurried to the scene to know what has happened to the boy, and I felt quite disgusted with the crowd that immediately gathered because they were busy arguing amongst themselves whether the driver that hit the boy was at fault or not, and no one was thinking about getting medical attention to the boy who was at that point in terrible pain and shock. I exploded in anger, shouting and screaming at everyone, giving orders to get any available medical attention to the lad. Thank GOD the boy survived it, but the shock will definitely linger on for a long time in his subconciousness.

As I returned to my schedule, it occurred to me that we need to do more to protect our kids on their way to school and on their way back, and at all times. Let me use this platform to call for greater empowerment for voluntary organizations like the BOYS' SCOUT, BOYS' BRIGADE, etc. A new framework should be designed for them to reflect the changing realities of modern cities and the need for them to remain relevant.

I propose that young school-leavers between the ages 16-22years, while waiting for admission into higher institutions, can participate in any of the voluntary organizations. While they partake in the traditional activities of these voluntary organizations, gaining discipline and focus in life, they should also be deployed daily across the State, helping to keep our kids safe on the roads, helping aged ones in our communities and keeping themselves busy in worthy causes. I also propose, by way of motivation, some allowance to be paid to the volunteers monthly while their service last. I believe the benefits of this proposition clearly outweighs the costs.

I know that the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola [SAN] is a man with the people's interest at heart, and he would take the lead in this regard. I have so much respect for him. I have copied the State Ministry of Information & Strategy with this article via its twitter handle, @LagosTownHall, and I believe something would be done about it.

GOD bless Lagos State! GOD bless Nigeria!
Eko oni baje!