Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has issued a strong appeal to motorists across the state to prioritize safety on the roads, especially as the “Ember Months” commence—a period traditionally marked by increased travel and heightened road accident risks.
Through a statement delivered by the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, Malam Usman Kallamu, Yahaya launched the 2024 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign yesterday in Gombe. The campaign’s theme, “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving; Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers,” reflects the need for drivers and passengers alike to actively combat reckless driving.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that while the state is investing in road infrastructure, true road safety relies heavily on the responsibility and awareness of drivers. “Roads alone cannot ensure safety; it’s the behavior of motorists that will ultimately reduce accidents,” he stated. Yahaya also encouraged passengers to speak up and hold drivers accountable for unsafe practices that could endanger lives.
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Another focal point of the governor’s message was the pressing issue of drug and substance abuse among drivers, especially youth, which has contributed to a rise in road fatalities. He urged all road users to refrain from substances that impair judgment and to prioritize responsible driving.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Gombe Sector Commander, Samson Kaura, further stressed the importance of passenger vigilance during the Ember Months, urging them to actively oppose unsafe driving. “Statistics reveal that passengers often suffer the most in accidents caused by reckless driving. It’s crucial that passengers resist any form of dangerous driving behavior,” Kaura stated.
Governor Yahaya also called on the FRSC to intensify its safety operations and ongoing public awareness initiatives to curb road hazards, aiming for a safer Ember Months for all road users in Gombe.
