Uche Cecil Izuora
Guinness Nigeria Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible drinking and safer roads through its partnership with the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) during the 2026 Annual Train-the-Trainer Program for Driving School Proprietors and Instructors.
Held at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Lagos, the programme, themed “Enhancing Road Safety Through Continuous Training and Education of Driving School Operators in Lagos State,” brought together driving school proprietors and instructors from across the state to strengthen professional standards and promote safer driving practices.
The workshop highlighted the critical role of driving schools in shaping the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of motorists from the beginning of their driving journey. With road safety requiring more than simply obtaining a driver’s licence, the training focused on continuous professional development, defensive driving, hazard awareness, changes in traffic regulations, vehicle technology, and responsible driving.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Honourable Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described driving instructors as critical moulders of road safety culture in the state. He called for stronger instructor certification, standardised training, rigorous testing and continuous professional development.
“The war for road safety is not a luxury; it is a moral imperative,” he said.
The General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs. Afusat Abike Tiamiyu, reinforced the importance of continuous training for driving school operators and instructors, noting that refresher programs enable practitioners to keep pace with developments in driving practices, technology and road safety requirements.
She also emphasised the need for driving schools to maintain high professional standards and ensure that certificates are awarded only to individuals who have undergone the required training.
For Guinness Nigeria, the partnership provides an important platform to take responsible drinking education directly to those who influence driving behaviour and reinforce a simple but critical message: If you drive, don’t drink.
Speaking on the partnership, the Corporate Relations and Legal Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Rotimi Odusola, said the company’s participation reflects its broader commitment to responsible drinking and supporting safer communities.
“At Guinness Nigeria, we believe responsible drinking is not just about how our products are consumed, but also about making choices that protect people and communities. Our partnership with LASDRI allows us to support road safety at the point where driving behaviours are shaped. By equipping instructors with the right knowledge and reinforcing the message that alcohol and driving do not mix, we can help influence safer choices among current and future drivers. If you drive, don’t drink,” he said.
The partnership also aligns with LASDRI’s broader road safety efforts, including continued advocacy among motorists and specialised training for commercial drivers, as well as preparations for the state’s annual Ember Months road safety campaign.
The event brought together government agencies, driving school operators and private sector stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing road safety challenges and building a stronger culture of responsible driving across Lagos State.
Through its continued partnership with LASDRI, Guinness Nigeria remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote responsible drinking, encourage safer choices and contribute to a safer road environment for all.