Governor Fubara urges collective responsibility for road safety in Rivers, calling on motorists to drive safely and end preventable crashes across the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for collective responsibility for road safety, stressing that road users must take active roles in reducing traffic accidents across the state.
He said road safety is not a seasonal obligation tied to the Ember Months but a daily duty that requires commitment from all citizens.
Governor Fubara made the statement on Friday while flagging off the Ember Months Road Safety Campaign of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he emphasized that maintaining safety on roads, whether on land or waterways, depends on shared vigilance and discipline among motorists.
“The duty of keeping our roads safe lies on every individual, not just the government or security agencies,” Fubara stated.
“The phrase ‘Ember Months,’ once associated with festive celebrations, has sadly become synonymous with road crashes and tragedies. We must reverse this trend through collective awareness and responsibility.”
The governor noted that the collective responsibility for road safety requires a change in mindset.
He urged drivers to obey traffic rules, avoid speeding, and prioritize the lives of other road users.
He said this approach will drastically reduce the number of preventable crashes recorded annually, especially during the festive period.
Fubara also commended the FRSC for consistently leading campaigns that promote safety and discipline on Nigerian roads.
He said the current year’s campaign theme, “Take Responsibility For Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” is timely, given the growing number of accidents linked to distractions and negligence behind the wheel.
He described the initiative as a clarion call to Nigerians to uphold safety consciousness, noting that everyone has a role to play in preventing road accidents and saving lives.
“The culture of safe driving should be an everyday lifestyle, not an occasional reminder during festivities,” he added.
The governor stressed that the collective responsibility for road safety also includes maintaining vehicles, avoiding substance abuse, and ensuring compliance with traffic signs and signals.
He appealed to transport unions, private drivers, and motorcyclists to make safety their top priority, especially during high-traffic periods.
“When citizens take ownership of road safety, it reduces the burden on enforcement agencies,” Fubara said.
“Our roads can only be safe when every driver realizes that their actions directly affect others’ lives.”
Earlier in his address, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, commended the Rivers State Government for its collaboration with the corps in advancing road safety goals.
He said the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign was deliberately launched in Rivers because of its strategic position as one of Nigeria’s busiest transportation corridors.
According to Mohammed, crash statistics from January to September 2025 show that 7,715 traffic crashes occurred nationwide—an increase of 10.04 percent compared to 7,011 incidents recorded in the same period of 2024.
He added that 3,915 lives were lost in 2025, compared to 3,811 deaths in 2024, representing an 11.55 percent rise in fatalities.
However, in Rivers State, road crash figures reflected a positive trend, with 47 reported cases, 15 deaths, and 51 injuries, marking a 35.7 percent decrease in fatalities and 37.5 percent drop in injuries compared to the previous year.
“These statistics show that awareness and enforcement efforts in Rivers State are yielding results,” Mohammed said.
“But we must continue to strengthen our collective responsibility for road safety by sustaining education, compliance, and discipline among drivers.”
He warned that distracted driving, over-speeding, overloading, and fatigue remain major contributors to crashes across Nigeria.
He urged motorists to prioritize human life over haste or profit and to resist the temptation to use mobile phones while driving.
Mohammed also revealed that the FRSC is intensifying collaboration with transport unions, community leaders, and private sector organizations to improve compliance with road safety regulations.
He highlighted the importance of public education, stating that sensitization campaigns and town hall meetings remain vital tools for behavioral change.
In his closing remarks, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting FRSC operations and sustaining ongoing road maintenance projects across the state.
He pledged to enhance public education and safety measures through inter-agency cooperation and community engagement.
“The government will continue to work closely with the FRSC, the police, and transport stakeholders to ensure a safer environment for everyone,” he said.
“But we must remember that the ultimate responsibility lies with each of us. Safety begins with self-discipline, respect for traffic laws, and care for others.”
He added that embracing collective responsibility for road safety will not only save lives but also preserve the state’s economy and infrastructure.
Fewer accidents, he said, translate to reduced hospital admissions, lower repair costs, and improved productivity.
The event concluded with the symbolic flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, followed by an awareness walk and distribution of educational materials to commercial drivers and tricycle operators.
Governor Fubara’s message resonated with attendees, who pledged to support government and FRSC efforts to achieve safer roads in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
As the festive season approaches, authorities hope the renewed emphasis on collective responsibility for road safety will inspire motorists to adopt safer habits, reduce distractions, and make conscious decisions that protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
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