FRSC Partners NUJ to Improve Driving Culture, Reduce Crashes in Nasarawa
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has partnered with the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to strengthen advocacy on safe driving and reduce road crashes across the state.
Nasarawa State Sector Commander of FRSC, Yahaya Sabo-Adikwu, disclosed this on Friday in Lafia during a familiarisation visit by the state NUJ Executive Council, led by its Chairman, Salihu Mohammed-Alkali.
Sabo-Adikwu expressed concern that many motorists in the state frequently disregard traffic regulations, stressing that there is an urgent need to change their mindset through sustained sensitisation and strict enforcement of the law.
He described the situation as a major challenge the Corps must address under his leadership, noting that motorists must understand that obeying traffic rules is ultimately in their own best interest.
“We have embarked on advocacy in churches, mosques, marketplaces and motor parks, in addition to using the mass media for sensitisation.
We will also take the campaign to traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, motorists’ unions and other stakeholders in all 13 Local Government Areas of the state,” he said.
The Sector Commander further announced that, for the first time in the state, the Corps plans to publicly celebrate and reward exemplary drivers who consistently obey traffic rules.
He said the awards, which will be organised in collaboration with the state government, the traditional council and other stakeholders, will include both cash and material gifts as incentives.
“Drivers, whether private or commercial, are often criticised by their bosses, security agencies or passengers, and nobody remembers to celebrate them for doing good.
We want to change that narrative and let the public know that driving is a noble profession, not one reserved for thugs or irresponsible people,” he added.
Sabo-Adikwu noted that drivers play a critical role in society and deserve recognition that encourages them to value human life, obey traffic regulations and stay safe on the roads. He expressed optimism that positive reinforcement would discourage drivers from drug use and other behaviours that impair judgment.
He assured the NUJ delegation of the Corps’ readiness to work closely with journalists in the state to transform driving culture and highlight motorists who have distinguished themselves in their profession.
Earlier, NUJ Chairman Salihu Mohammed-Alkali congratulated Sabo-Adikwu for emerging as the first indigenous Sector Commander of the FRSC in Nasarawa State. He pledged that journalists would support the Corps by giving adequate publicity to its activities aimed at reducing road crashes statewide. (NAN)
