ABAKALIKI- Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, has urged Ebonyi people to ensure safe ‘Ember Months’ by observing traffic regulations on the roads.
Nwifuru made the call while flagging-off the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ember Months safety campaign in Abakaliki.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Idike, said that ember months usually record high vehicular movements.
“Many people travel, especially during the Christmas and New Year periods, to visit loved ones and celebrate the yuletide.
“This increase in vehicular movements elicits the need for caution and safety to avoid road accidents with its attendant effects,” he said.
He commended the FRSC for its continued role in ensuring safety of lives on the state’s roads.
“The theme of this year’s flag-off is ‘Speed thrills but kills: drive responsibly and overloading is indeed significant.’
“The state government will continue partnering with the FRSC to protect the lives of people on our roads,” he said.
Nwifuru noted that under his people’s ‘charter of needs’ mantra, his government has consolidated the existing road facilities in the state.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Ebonyi, Henry Igwe, said the occasion was a replication of the national ember months campaign flag-off.
“During the ember months, we heighten our travel advisory and road safety campaign while mobilising the corp’s workforce for a successful exercise.
“We will collaborate with the armed forces, police, NSCDC, ambulance service providers among others to ensure safety on the roads within the period.
He noted that the FRSC will continue implementing measures to make motorists stop excessive speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence of alchohol, among others.
Mr Kalu Ukah, Ebonyi Chief Vehicle Officer, said that the office has a procedure of conducting tests for drivers and the road-worthiness of their vehicles.
The News of Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that goodwill messages were delivered on the occasion by sister-security agencies, traditional rulers, road transport stakeholders, among others. (NAN)
