OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
Students Compete for Road Safety Advocacy at Lagos, Nigeria — Ten public secondary schools in Lagos State showcased their creativity and knowledge of road safety during the Lagos State Competition of the 2025 VIA Programme for Safe Mobility, held on July 1, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event marked a key milestone in the nationwide youth-focused initiative, which aims to empower young Nigerians to become advocates for safer mobility in their schools and communities. The VIA Programme, launched in Nigeria in May 2025 by TotalEnergies in partnership with NNPC and supported by the TotalEnergies Foundation and implemented by GreenLight Initiative.
At the competition, students presented innovative solutions to road safety challenges, drawing from their experiences and findings during risk mapping exercises around their school environments. The competition featured performances including artistic posters, drama, poetry, and songs all centered on road safety awareness and advocacy.
Amuwo Odofin Community Senior Secondary School emerged as the first-place winner in Lagos, followed by Ajumoni Senior Grammar School in second place, and Ikotun Senior High School in third. The winning schools demonstrated exceptional creativity and a deep understanding of road safety principles.
The VIA Programme in Nigeria involves collaboration among public secondary schools, the State Ministries of Education, and key stakeholders such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Its objectives include raising awareness about road safety risks, promoting youth-led solutions, and reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities, especially among school children.
The Lagos State competition is one of state-level events taking place across Nigeria. Winners from each state will proceed to the national finals, where one school will earn the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the international VIA Finals in France later this year.
The 2025 VIA Programme spans several phases from May to September, including risk mapping walks, student-led creative projects, peer-to-peer campaigns, and competitions designed to foster leadership, civic engagement, and safer behaviors among young road users.
By engaging students directly in road safety education and advocacy, the VIA Programme continues to play a vital role in shaping a safer, more sustainable future for school communities across Nigeria.
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