Ododo’s aide vows stronger action to reduce road crashes, save lives

The Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Road Safety Matters, Dr. Suberu Yusuf-John, has pledged to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and saving more lives across the state’s highways.

Dr. Yusuf-John made the pledge while addressing journalists in Lokoja to commemorate his first anniversary in office, reflecting on his achievements since serving first as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and now as Special Adviser on Road Safety Matters.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the confidence reposed in him, saying the governor’s support has enabled him to implement impactful road safety initiatives across Kogi State.

According to him, his performance during his tenure as Senior Special Assistant earned him elevation to the position of Special Adviser, a development he described as a motivation to do more in safeguarding the lives of road users.

Dr. Yusuf-John attributed the successes recorded over the past year to dedication, proactive leadership, and effective collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other stakeholders committed to promoting safer roads.

He disclosed that between July 2025 and July 2026, he participated in several emergency rescue operations alongside FRSC personnel and spearheaded road safety awareness campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, motor parks, and communities across the state.

The Special Adviser also highlighted key interventions undertaken during the period, including the convening of a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Lokoja, to address issues arising from the ongoing federal road construction project in Zariagi Community and foster peaceful coexistence between residents and CGC Nigeria Limited.

He stressed that public enlightenment remained central to his administration’s agenda, noting that road safety campaigns were deliberately extended to religious centres, educational institutions, transport hubs, and communities to promote responsible road use.

“Every life matters, and no one should die in a preventable road traffic crash. Road safety is a collective responsibility, and together we can make our roads safer,” he said.

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Dr. Yusuf-John further listed the successful hosting of the 2026 Strategic Stakeholders’ Conference on Road Safety as one of the major milestones of the year.

The conference brought together government agencies, transport unions, development partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on road safety.

He said participants at the conference resolved to deepen partnerships, intensify public awareness campaigns, and encourage greater compliance with traffic regulations.

According to him, the event also featured the investiture of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as Patron of the FRSC Special Marshals, the donation of 10 electric motorcycles to the FRSC to improve operational efficiency, and the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations for their contributions to road safety.

Dr. Yusuf-John described the visit of the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, to Kogi State as a strong endorsement of the state’s road safety initiatives and the Governor’s commitment to protecting lives.

He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding strategic partnerships, strengthening advocacy programmes, and introducing innovative measures that will further improve road safety and reduce traffic crashes across Kogi State.