Traffic crashes in Nigeria have become a major concern to the Government and other stakeholders considering the alarming rates of loss of lives and life threatening injuries, Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State said.
The governor, during the occasion of the flag-off ceremony of the 2023 ‘EMBER’ months campaign organized by the Bauchi State Sector Command on Tuesday, 26TH September, 2023 at RTEAN motor park, Gombe Road, Bauchi, noted that crashes are fast killing than HIV /AIDS and other killer causes.
He said, “The flag-off of the campaign today, will continue to remind us and the general public of all walks of life to strive and adhere to road traffic regulations.”
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Security and Internal Affairs, Barr Abdulhamid Bununu, said that,”I am highly delighted to be here for this year’s flag-off of ‘EMBER-MONTHS’ road safety campaign. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Excessive speed thrills but kills, drive responsibly and avoid overloading.
“The selection of the theme is indeed very timely, considering the fact that more lives and properties are lost during these Ember Months than any other time of the year.
“Road Safety is everybody’s business, therefore; it is only our collective efforts that can stop the carnage on our roads.”
The Governor stressed that “the general public should realize that road traffic crash does not respect any one, irrespective of your status, age or race.
“If you want to stay alive, be road Safety friendly by observing road traffic regulations and keep your vehicles road worthy. All hands must be on deck to make our dream of ‘Safer Road Fuller Lives’ a reality.”
The Governor also appealed to the motoring public that their maximum cooperation will not only be enough in achieving good road culture, but equally put the nation on the World Map of RTC free countries and promote investment for economic prosperity.
He stressed that, “It is important to inform all Stakeholders across board that, if we must share the dividend of this beautiful stride of sanitizing our roads, we must double our effort to ensure we provide safe roads.”
“I will at this junction, inform you that Bauchi State Government has mandated FRSC in carrying along Bauchi Roads and Traffic Management Agency (BAROTA) in ensuring free flow of traffic, road traffic crash, decongestion of markets and roadside marketing in Bauchi State.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Sector Commander, FRSC RS12.1 Corps, Commander PI Ikaba said that “the Ember Months, as we all know, comes with unique challenges and opportunities.”
PI Ikaba added that, “As the year approaches its final quarter, we must remain vigilant, conscious and proactive to ensure the safety and well-being on our roads. The campaign aims not only to raise awareness but also foster a spirit of unity and preparedness among us.”
“Our goal is to reduce Road Traffic Crash by at least 15% through enhanced Road Safety partnership for intervention and that is the essence of our gathering today.”
“Let us remember that safety is a shared responsibility and working together, we can ensure that the Ember Months are filled with joy, progress and peace for everyone,” he added.
He then commended State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Corps Marshal FRSC Nigeria, the Zonal Commanding Officer RS12 HQ the Emir of Bauchi, Chairman of various Transport Unions (RTEAN, NURTW, NATO, YANKARI Transport Company, Special Marshal, Other Volunteers, the Press and partners who have contributed to the realization of the Flag-off.
“Your support and dedication are valuable, and together, we can make a significant impact. The theme is: “Excessive Speed Thrills but Kills, Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading.
In his brief remarks, Bauchi State Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Abdullahi said that the daily sermon by Clergymen does not mean that people do not know God.
He stressed that the constant campaign and awareness by road safety officials does not mean that drivers do not know what they are doing but a reminder of the need to be conscious of the rules and regulations of safety on the road.
He however lamented that issues of corruption have negated the safety on the roads leading to crashes that have claimed innocent lives and loss of valuables, assuring that RTEAN will continue to abide and obey all traffic laws and regulations.
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