Togolese barber controls traffic to save lives

Jules Yao Adjo, is a father of three who lives in a modest neighborhood in Lome, he is a barber by profession but has chosen to engage in voluntary community service on the streets of the Togolese capital.

He plays the role of a traffic warden helping younger students in Lome, to safely cross the road, a service he has been involved in since 2008.

In an interview with Africanews Togo correspondent, he said his goal is to prevent students from getting involved in road accidents.

I started this job since December 2008. It is to avoid accidents. As a citizen, we must always help people and God will also bless us.

“I started this job since December 2008 . It is to avoid accidents. As a citizen, we must always help people and God will also bless us,” he said.

Dressed in uniform similar to that of the police, ‘Api’ as he is popularly called controls traffic with ease. Some residents said his effort saves lives.

“He is always smiling with children, I love it. He crosses the road with children and also with the students. I encourage him. I do not know if he is paid by the State , but it is good,” one male resident said.

“It is by the Grace of God that I live. Everything you see here, I did them. I am dynamic, I move, I love the work”.

According to official figures, from 2009 to 2013, road accidents in Togo killed 3000 people.
This was due to non-compliance with road safety measures.