Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said the responsibility of keeping roads safe depends on all motorists.
Governor Fubara made this statement on Friday when he flagged off the Ember Months Road Safety Campaign by the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt.
He stated that the task of keeping our roads, including land and sea, safe is not required only in the ‘Ember- Months’, but through every season or day.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, highlighted the importance of motorists being mindful of other road users when driving.
“The task of keeping our roads (Land and Sea) safe, not only in the ‘Ember- Months’, but in our daily lives, lies upon the shoulders of every citizen, and should be taken very seriously.
“It is worrisome that the phrase ‘Ember-Month’ that marks a season that is globally recognised for the celebration and heralding the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, is now a season contemporaneous with fatalities and tragedies that are otherwise avoidable, thereby demanding a special focus and expenditure of time and resources by the Federal Road Safety Corps, government and its ministries, department and agencies and non-governmental organisations.
“The convoke of a town hall meeting, and the carrying out of safety campaigns, promotes the prevention of fatalities and injuries, the change of behaviour of road users, a culture of safety, while targeting specific risks road users are exposed to that leads to road accidents,” he said.
Governor Fubara described this year’s campaign, with the theme: “Take Responsibility For Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving” as a clarion call on all road users to wake up and take responsibility of ensuring the safety and preservation of lives and property on the road.
Earlier, the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, said this year’s theme speaks directly to every road user to adopt attitudes and behaviours that promote safety and preserve life.
Mohammed stated that the decision to flag off this year’s Ember Month Campaign in Rivers State was intentional, pointing out that the state represents one of the busiest transportation hubs in Nigeria.
“Crash statistics recorded between January and September 2025 nationwide showed a total of 7,715 road traffics crashes, representing 10.04 percent rise compared to 7,011 crashes which occurred within the same period in 2024. Also, 3,915 persons were killed in 2025 as against 3,811 that were killed in 2024, indicating an increase by 11.55%.
“In Rivers State, within the same period, 15 persons were killed and 51 persons injured out of 47 reported cases of road crash. When compared to 2024 record, these figures represent a 35.7% decrease in fatalities and 37.5% decrease in road crash related injuries,” he said.
