Itel Mobile Advocates for Road Safety in Nigeria, Empowers Keke Drivers

As part of its CSR initiative, Africa’s mobile phone giant, itel Mobile has launched a ‘KekeNapep’ campaign to sensitize the public and commercial tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep drivers on the dangers of texting and driving, a problem that has resulted from misuse of mobile technology in order to ensure a safer traffic environment and reduce road-related tragedies.

The event which was tagged: “Love always on” is in keeping up with itel Mobile’s consistent national drive to prioritize its community’s needs.

According to the company, “In recent years, the number of road accidents in Nigeria has been on a steady increase with distracted drivers who divert attention from the road, usually to talk or text on their mobile phones, becoming one of the leading causes of road accidents.”

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), “no fewer than 2,598 Nigerians died in road accidents between October 2017 and March 2018.”

In response to this growing concern, itel Mobile joined hands with LASTMA to sensitize drivers on safe driving and road maintenance through physical demonstrations, interactive courses on driving safety,  visual aids, and donations such as reflective jackets and caution stickers.

Commenting on the occasion, Oke Umurhohwo, Marketing Communications Manager, itel mobile, said:“Befitting its position as Africa’s leading customer-centric brand providing smartphones for everyone, itel Mobile has always been in the forefront of raising awareness on social issues that affect each one of us, irrespective of class, location or any other factor, and road safety is one of them.

“We aim to engage in activities that ensure safer behavior, especially safe driving, to help drivers understand the intricacies and unpredictabilities of driving as accidents can happen in a brief moment.”

The one day campaign which was refreshed by Pepsi Nigeria, had over 30 tricycles (Keke napep) drive around Ikeja axis to spread awareness on safety.

The event was graced with the presence of notable dignitaries such as AIG of Police, Chris Olakpe; CEO of LASTMA, Hon. Engr. Mojeed Balogun; Executive chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Joseph Olu-Odunsanya; Lagos state chairman, TOOAN (Tricycle Owners Operators Association of Nigeria), CSP Titilayo Oriyomi Oluwasanmi; State Traffic Officer, Lagos State, and itel mobile management staff.