By Suraju Ola
Dr. Yusuf Suberu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State on Road Safety Matters, spearheads a renewed call for inter-agency collaboration to tackle road safety concerns and improve highway conditions across the state.
During recent courtesy visits to the Kogi State commands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr. Suberu emphasized the importance of forging united strategies that could save lives and reduce road accidents.
Speaking on behalf of his media team, Mr. Olu Isaac explained that the engagements aim to establish stronger working relationships between the Road Safety Council and these agencies to collectively ensure safer road usage.
At the NSCDC command, Dr. Suberu lauded the leadership of Commandant Esther Akindale, recognizing her dedication to protecting lives and property. He revealed plans to synergize more deeply with the corps as the state prepares for key upcoming events under the newly constituted Kogi State Road Safety Council.
These include a Focal Group Discussion scheduled for August 25, and the Governor Ahmed Ododo Road Safety Summit, set to occur between November 13–14, aligning with the UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
“The summit will focus not only on safety policies but also on supporting victims of road crashes who have long been neglected,” Suberu noted.
Commandant Akindale assured full cooperation from the NSCDC and pledged support for restoring sanity and orderliness on the state’s roads.
The SSA also paid a similar visit to the NDLEA command, where he identified drug abuse as a growing factor in unsafe driving and rising highway accidents. He described the agency as a crucial ally in preventing road tragedies through **drug education, enforcement, and behavioral change campaigns.
“We’re not just enforcing laws—we’re aiming to save lives by making our roads drug-free and responsible for all users,” Suberu explained.
He further disclosed that the Road Safety Council would soon begin engaging transport unions, security agencies, media professionals, and civil society organizations through community-driven initiatives.
Commander Umar Yahuza, the strategic head of NDLEA in Kogi, commended the Ododo administration for creating the unique Office of the SSA on Road Safety Matters a first of its kind in Nigeria.
Yahuza hailed Dr. Suberu’s passion and professionalism in managing road safety issues, reaffirming the agency’s full commitment to integrated collaboration that focuses on education, rehabilitation, and preventative enforcement.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We look forward to combining our efforts to create lasting change,” Yahuza added.
