By Opeyemi Gbemiro.
Road users across Kogi State have been advised to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent road crashes and avoid needless loss of lives and property.
Mr John Zuberu, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Road Safety Matters, made the appeal on Friday in Lokoja during a public awareness campaign on road safety held at the Central Mosque.
According to the adviser, the aim of the sensitisation programme is to educate all categories of road users on the dangers associated with traffic violations, which he described as a leading cause of road crashes and the devastating consequences that often follow.
He stressed that while the government has prioritised public enlightenment by taking the campaign to markets, churches, mosques and schools across the state, enforcement of traffic laws will be intensified going forward.
“Having created adequate awareness across the state, we will now move to strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“Residents must understand that if they refuse to comply, the law will take its course,” he said.
The adviser also linked effective road traffic management to broader security concerns, noting that proper vehicle documentation and identification play a critical role in tackling insecurity.
He warned against driving without number plates or with unregistered vehicles, explaining that such violations pose risks not only to the driver but also to the wider community.
He added that properly registered vehicles can be easily traced in cases of theft or when used for criminal activities.
He further emphasised that possessing a valid driver’s licence and roadworthiness certificate remains a legal requirement for operating vehicles on state and federal roads.
“Drivers were cautioned against using expired documents or neglecting essential safety equipment, including fire extinguishers.
“In this hot weather, driving without a functional fire extinguisher is a serious risk. A minor fire incident that could have been contained at minimal cost can escalate and cause extensive damage to vehicles and surrounding property,” he noted.
The government, he added, will commence routine checks to ensure compliance with traffic regulations as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard residents.
The awareness campaign forms part of Gov. Ododo’s broader commitment to strengthening road safety in the state.
Ododo, who is the first to institutionalise the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Road Safety, aimed at enhancing coordinated traffic management in Kogi, which serves as a major transit hub in Nigeria.
The administration reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing proactive measures to reduce road accidents and protect lives and property across the state.
The Superintendent Route Commander (SRC), L.A Yahyah of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in his lecture urged road users to cultivate patience and embrace defensive driving as key measures to curb road crashes.
Yahyah emphasised that patience remains a fundamental virtue for all road users, noting that many traffic accidents could be prevented if motorists exercised restraint and adhered strictly to safety regulations.
In his remark, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of the Mosque, commended the initiative and praised the organisers for promoting road safety awareness.
He encouraged them to sustain the advocacy to ensure safer roads within the community.
He also stressed the need for strict enforcement of traffic laws to enhance compliance among motorists and other road users.
The programme was attended by other road safety stakeholders, including officers of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and representatives of the Kogi State Road Traffic Agency, underscoring a collaborative commitment to improving road safety in the state.
