Events

Nigeria to Host Road Crash Victims Conference in Abuja

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2025

Nigeria to host road crash victims conference in Abuja this November, giving voice to RTC victims and families across Africa

The announcement was made in Abuja during a joint press briefing by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD) Foundation.

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FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, explained that while global road safety conferences have largely centred on high-income countries, little focus has been placed on the struggles of African victims.

He stressed that the IRCVAC would address this gap by highlighting the hardships of victims, particularly women and children left behind after fatal crashes.

“Some children are abandoned or drop out of school and end up on drugs. This is why we are committed to giving them a voice and pushing their plight to the centre of global discussions,” Mohammed said.

He added that the conference would draw technocrats, professionals, and safety experts from around the world to showcase Nigeria and Africa’s commitment to road safety.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, founder of KRSD, said the theme of the conference, “Gathering Africa and the World for Road Crash Victims”, reflects its historic focus on victims and families.

Established in memory of her late son, the KRSD Foundation marks its 14th anniversary this year with renewed advocacy.

According to Dongban-Mensem, pre-conference side events such as cycling, walking, and golfing will begin on 15 November to promote safe and sustainable mobility while fostering solidarity with victims.

She cited the World Health Organisation’s 2023 Global Status Report on Road Safety, which placed Nigeria among the countries with the highest road traffic death rates globally, recording 21.4 deaths per 100,000 population—well above global and African averages.

National statistics paint an equally stark picture: the last quarter of 2023 saw 5,081 crashes, claiming 2,466 lives and injuring 15,535. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the FRSC recorded 2,733 crashes, with 1,624 deaths and 8,279 injuries.

“These statistics represent real people: fathers, mothers, children, workers, breadwinners—lives cut short or changed forever,” Dongban-Mensem noted.

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The conference, scheduled to be held in Abuja under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is expected to galvanise governments, civil society, and the global road safety community towards decisive action in reducing Africa’s devastating road toll.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

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The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

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The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.