By Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru
Director Public Enlightenment ,Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Kano
The Kano State Government is working with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to improve road safety and protect lives and property of its citizens.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized this commitment today at a town hall meeting organized by Federal Road Safety Corps Kano Command, highlighting initiatives like solar traffic lights, street lights, and road rehabilitation.
The Governor represented by the State Commissioner Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Adamu Aliyu Kibiya revealed that his administration had been supporting road safety initiatives through infrastructural development and traffic control mechanisms.
“These efforts can be clearly seen through the provision of solar traffic lights, street lights, rehabilitation of roads across the nook and cranny of the state, enhancement of the Road Traffic Personnel and collaboration with relevant agencies to reduce accidents and promote public safety in our dear state.
” The theme of this year’s campaign is particularly relevant ‘ Take Responsibility for Your Safety ‘ because safety begins with each and every one of us, as government, we have the mandate to provide safe roads, enforce laws, and ensure efficient traffic management ” said the Governor.
He noted that the event is not only timely but very vital as the ember months traditionally records an upsurge in road traffic crashes due to increased travel activities, impatience, and non adherence to traffic regulations.
Abba Kabir however emphasized that….” the safety of lives and property on our roads ultimately depends on the conduct, discipline and sense of responsibility of every driver and other road users”.
The Governor therefore urged motorists, commercial drivers and other road users to avoid over speeding, over loading, phone distractions and night driving when necessary.
He further commended the management of Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano State Command for the remarkable initiative and dedication shown in ensuring road safety across the state.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor also former Corps Marshal Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai explained that even though statistics indicated sharp reduction in road accidents, there is urgent need to define the category of some vehicles like KEKE-NAPEP as drivers or road riders.
According to him, research has shown that most of the distractions come from these categories of drivers or riders, adding that…” it is high time to correct this situation and put things in to order”.
Earlier, the Sector Commander FRSC, Kano Command Idris Mohammed Lawal explained that this year’s campaign aimed at awakening public consciousness on dangers of distractions behind the wheel and promoting a culture of safe driving among all road users.
“Data from previous years shows that over 90 per cent of road traffic crashes nationwide are caused by human factors such as excessive speed, impatience, fatigue, and distracted driving, most of these incidents are preventable,” he said.
He further cautioned that distracted driving caused by phone use, eating while driving, engaging in deep conversations, or operating in vehicles gadgets usually divert attention from road and increase risk of fatal crashes.
Lawan urged all motorists to adhere strictly to safety rules and take precautions while driving as festive season approaches.
The Commander appreciated Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support to FRSC and commitment to ensure safety and orderliness on Kano roads.
Others who spoke at the event include the representative of the sister security agencies such as police, Nigeria Army, Custom, Civil Defence, transport Unions and associations.
The event aimed to address the rising road traffic incidents during the ember months, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility for road safety.
