FRSC Launches “Speed Thrills but Kills” Campaign for Ember Months in Lagos, Gains Support from Key Stakeholders | Cliptv Online

Guinness Nigeria, NURTW, Nigerian Army, NDLEA, NYSC pledge support as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) kick-starts their Ember Months road safety advocacy campaign.

Abraham Adaranijo

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, led by Sector Commander CC Babatunde Farinloye, in partnership with Guinness Nigeria Plc, initiated their Ember Months road safety advocacy campaign at the Oshodi Transport Interchange Terminal 2. The campaign launch aimed to educate and enlighten motorists and road users during the busy months of September, October, November, and December, which are historically the most congested and accident-prone months on Nigerian roads.

The 2023 edition of the Ember Months campaign rally bore the theme “Speed Thrills but Kills” and was held on October 19, 2023. A distinguished group of FRSC personnel, including CC Babatunde Farinloye, DCC Operations and Chairman of Ember Months Committee Lucas Oguntade, DCC Cyril Zango Matthew, Assistant Corp Commander Esther Uzoma of Lagos Island Unit Command, and Public Education Officer Supt. Route Commander Olabisi Sonusi, participated in the advocacy campaign and road show.

The event was graced by notable figures, including the Nigerian Army 9 Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen AM Adetuyi, represented by Lt. Col. Isah Galadima; Mr. John Musunga, the Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria; Mr. Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director & Company Secretary of Guinness Nigeria; Engr. Jumade Adejola, Managing Director of Surveillance Fire Ltd.; and Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, among others.

The campaign’s primary focus is to raise awareness about the perils of excessive speeding, particularly during the Ember Months. It aims to encourage responsible driving behaviors and reduce the number of road accidents during this period.

CC Babatunde Farinloye, Lagos Sector Commander of FRSC, highlighted the significance of the Ember Months Campaign in elevating road safety awareness. He underscored the devastating consequences of road traffic crashes, which annually claim over 1.3 million lives worldwide, with 50 million more individuals suffering various degrees of injury. Developing nations, including Nigeria, contribute significantly to this grim statistic, accounting for approximately 91 percent of global road fatalities and incurring a 3-5% annual GDP loss.

For the 2023 Operation Zero, FRSC Lagos State Sector Command aspires to achieve Zero Fatality. Farinloye called on all stakeholders and road users to support the Corps in realizing this vision. He urged responsible conduct on the road and the dissemination of safety messages within their communities. He particularly emphasized the importance of self-regulation by road transport service providers to minimize the interruption of trips due to infractions and arrests.

CC Babatunde Farinloye expressed gratitude for the support of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, in enhancing transportation infrastructure, which has contributed to improved efficiency and safety.

Guinness Nigeria’s MD/CEO, John Musunga, commended the FRSC’s campaign and the pivotal role it plays in creating awareness about the dangers associated with road travel during the Ember Months. He stressed that the lessons learned during this period should promote safer roads for all road users.

Lt. Col. Isah Galadima of the Nigerian Army assured the FRSC of the 9 Brigade’s commitment to providing the necessary support for their activities as part of their constitutional role in assisting civil authorities. He commended the FRSC Lagos Sector Command for their dedication.

The event featured a message from Alhaji Musiliudeen Ayinde Akinsanya, Chairman of NURTW Lagos, delivered by Alhaji Razak Olushola Ahmed Alubarika (aka Decency). The chairman applauded the annual rally’s focus on the perils of excessive speeding and encouraged motorists to act responsibly, shun alcohol and drug use while driving, and avoid overloading their vehicles.

In his address, Engr. Jumade Adejola, Managing Director of Surveillance Fire Ltd., urged individuals to use certified fire extinguishers and emphasized the importance of investing in these safety devices. He urged the public to recognize that fire safety is an essential aspect of overall safety.

The FRSC’s Ember Months campaign serves as a crucial initiative to raise awareness and promote responsible driving behaviors, with support from key stakeholders. Road safety remains a collective responsibility, and everyone is encouraged to contribute to creating safer roads for all.