BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, NOVEMBER 06, 2035 | 02:51 PM
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Borno State Command, has organized the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitization Campaign Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting in Maiduguri.
The event, themed 'Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,' was held on Thursday at the Musa Usman Secretariat Conference Hall, Maiduguri.
It brought together representatives from the mining sector, the Zonal Director of NTA, government officials, the Red Cross, NATA, NURTW, civil society organizations, FIRS, and transport unions.
Corps Commander Usman A. Muhammad, the Sector Commander of FRSC Borno State Command, said the meeting marks the beginning of a statewide effort to raise awareness on safe road use during the Ember months.
'It is my pleasure to address this town hall meeting, which marks the flag-off of town hall meetings in Borno State following our sensitization and public enlightenment program two weeks ago,' he said.
He said the Ember Months campaign is an annual event through which the Corps strengthens advocacy and public awareness on safe road use, especially during high-traffic periods.
He noted that distracted driving remains one of the major causes of road crashes across the country.
'Distractions that lead to crashes include the use of phones, engaging in conversations while driving, and other unsafe practices,' he said.
'These habits result in crashes, injuries, and emotional trauma for victims and their families.'
He urged motorists to focus on the road, recognize hazards, and set good examples for other road users.
He also called on the public to support road safety policies and programs that promote safer highways.
As part of the campaign, the Corps will deploy more patrol vehicles, inspection machines, and ambulances across Borno State to improve enforcement and emergency response.
The commander thanked government agencies and stakeholders for their continuous support in advancing road safety awareness.
During the event, the Bama Road Trade Union Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) said they were happy to be invited to the program.
'We are happy to be invited to this event,' he said.
'Our drivers always drive carefully, not only during the Ember months but throughout the year.'
He said they recorded only two or three accidents in the past year, which were caused by unforeseen circumstances, not by reckless driving or overspeeding.
'We thank the FRSC Borno State Command for organizing this program to create public awareness and encourage people to drive safely to protect lives and property in Maiduguri,' he said.
'Safety begins with you,' Corps Commander Usman A. Muhammad said. 'Travel responsibly and make the road safe for everyone.'