By Ibironke Ariyo
Dr Yusuf Suberu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Kogi State Governor on Road Safety Matters, has called for collective responsibility in addressing road crashes across Nigeria, stressing that road safety remained everyone’s business.
Suberu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the 8th Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Annual Lecture Series, themed “Road Safety Management and Emerging Transportation Trends; Global Partnership for Optimal Performance”.
He noted that road safety had become widely acknowledged due to the hazards it posed to society and the economy, adding that all citizens must recognise their role in preventing carnage on the highways.
“Road safety is everybody’s business.
“We must all be more aware of the dangers that traffic crashes pose to our growing population and take deliberate steps to reduce them. It requires all hands on deck,” Suberu said.
The SSA expressed appreciation to Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi State for prioritising road safety, describing it as a timely decision considering that Kogi was a major transit hub for travellers across the country.
He said that the governor’s commitment showed concern for the safety and wellbeing of people who ply the state’s highways daily.
“His Excellency has made it clear that the lives of road users are very important to him. That is why road safety has been placed high on the agenda of his administration.
“Shortly after my appointment, I convened a robust stakeholder engagement involving transport unions, enforcement agencies, community leaders, and civil society groups to fashion out sustainable solutions to the challenges of road crashes,” he said.
Suberu added that such collaboration was necessary because road safety could not be achieved by government alone, but required partnerships at both state and grassroots levels.
He, however, identified poor road infrastructure as one of the leading causes of accidents in Kogi, while commending President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing road reconstruction projects in the state under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Without roads, there is nothing to manage. Road safety manages both the roads and the people who use them.
“The major challenge in that axis has been the deplorable state of the road. With the reconstruction going on now, I am confident accidents will reduce to the barest minimum,” said.
The SSA also pledged to align his office with the vision of the FRSC, especially in the area of public enlightenment, community sensitisation, and partnership with the private sector to promote safer road use.
He further urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and prioritise safety at all times.
“Nigerians must realise that no government can achieve road safety without the cooperation of its citizens.
“Drivers, motorcyclists, passengers, and pedestrians all have roles to play. If we take responsibility, crashes will reduce drastically,” he said.
Suberu reaffirmed his commitment to working with the FRSC, transport stakeholders, and other partners to ensure that Kogi State remained a model for safety consciousness and proactive traffic management.
