By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The VIA Programme for Safe Mobility 2025 has entered a decisive phase, shifting from classroom learning to real-world impact, as student leaders across Abuja took centre stage in advancing road safety awareness within their school and communities.

In a significant move to translate ideas into action, a one-day Safe Mobility Training for Student Leaders was held on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Karshi, drawing participants from schools across the Orozo/Karshi axis.

A statement by the Communication Lead, GreenLight Initiative, Patience Agabi,said,”The training brought together student leaders, principals, teachers, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps,FRSC, and Special Marshals in a united effort to promote safer road behaviour among young Nigerians.”

At the heart of the session were practical lessons on pedestrian safety, proper seatbelt use, and interpretation of road signs—critical knowledge aimed at reducing risks in school environments increasingly exposed to traffic hazards.

The training marks a key milestone in the programme’s High Impact Phase, proposed by Government Secondary School, Orozo, who emerged as the national champion.

This phase is designed to bring to life student-driven solutions developed during earlier stages of the programme.

Launched in 2025, the VIA Programme is a collaborative effort by TotalEnergies and NNPC, implemented by GreenLight Initiative under the global VIA framework with support from the TotalEnergies Foundation. It focuses on empowering young people as advocates for safer roads.

Speaking on the transition, GreenLight Initiative Manager, Star Okereh, highlighted the significance of youth involvement in driving change. She noted that equipping students with knowledge and leadership opportunities enables them to champion safer school journeys and influence their peers positively.

The 2025 edition of the programme engaged 600 students across 30 public secondary schools in Abuja, Lagos, and Rivers State.

Students conducted risk assessments around their school zones, identified safety gaps, and led awareness within their school communities.

With this training, the programme is deepening its impact by strengthening the capacity of student leaders to sustain advocacy and implement practical safety measures, particularly in high-risk school environments.

As the initiative moves forward, it underscores a powerful message: when empowered, young people are not just learners,they are catalysts for change, shaping safer school environments for themselves and future generations.