EDUCATION
Road Safety: Ukaegbu Warns Motorists against Endangering Lives of Road Users as FRSC Holds Ember Months Campaign
Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu has warned motorists against endangering their lives and those of their passengers on the road as we go into the busy period of the Ember months.
Dr. Ukaegbu was speaking as a guest
during a town hall meeting of stakeholders for 2025 Ember Months campaign, organised by the FRSC.
He further urged motorists to commit themselves to a culture of safety, responsibility, and awareness and avoid every form of distractions that may put their lives and that of other road users in jeopardy.
Abia State Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu delivering the keynote address at the event.
“We often think that road safety is the job of traffic police or government authorities. But the truth is, it is a shared responsibility,” Ukaegbu said.
“Everyone who uses the road whether a driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a passenger plays a role.
“Drivers must follow speed limits, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A cross section of participants at the event
Pedestrians must use crosswalks, stay alert, and obey traffic signals. Cyclists and motorcyclists should wear helmets and be visible on the road. Passengers must remind and encourage safe behavior from the driver.”
The Commissioner stressed the need to obey traffic rules promising that the State Ministry of Transport will continue to partner FRSC in life-saving campaigns.
“The good news is promoting road safety doesn’t require superhuman effort. It doesn’t even require anything. Just little effort. You start with simple steps. Wear your seatbelt.
“Follow the traffic rules. Be patient and cautious on the road. Avoid distractions. And then check your vehicles regularly,” he cautioned.
In an address, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia State Command, Ngozi Ezeoma said there is a reduction in Road Traffic Crashes, RTCs and fatalities in Abia State in 2025, when compared to the 2024 figures.
FRSC Sector Commander Ngozi Ezeoma addressing the town hall meeting.
Ezeoma attributed the drop to the concerted efforts of the FRSC, State government, security agencies and other key stakeholders in curbing various traffic infractions, and harped on the need for continuous sensitisation and education.
Ezeoma maintained that the FRSC Strategic Goal Number (1) is to achieve a 10% reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries through focused interventions.
She revealed that a widespread Ember Months public enlightenment campaign, to be launched in motor parks, churches, mosques and market places, using languages and repeated content.
According to her, mobile Court operations will be on duty to swiftly prosecute traffic offenders, while driver re-certification and pre-trip vehicle inspections will be carried out in partnership with transport unions among other strategies.
“I encourage all stakeholders to contribute ideas, raise concerns, and propose realistic community-driven solutions. The success of this meeting depends on what each of us does after today.”
“Let our collective resolve translate into action on the streets in our communities and within our institutions.”
Delivering a lecture, the Sector Public Education Officer of Abia State Command, J.K. Igbonekwu while dismissing the myth that road accidents during Ember months are caused by “blood sucking demons,” blamed the ugly development on reckless activities of drivers and other road users.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman , Association of Heads of Federal Establishments, Lady Gloria Ify Abiakam commended FRSC for organising the stakeholders meeting at the right time.
Lady Abiakam emphasised that road safety is not merely a duty but a shared responsibility and called for a collective action to protect the sanctity of human life.
