The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nasarawa State has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to transform driving behavior and significantly reduce road accidents across the state.
New Approach to Road Safety
Yahaya Sabo-Adikwu, the Nasarawa State Sector Commander of FRSC, revealed this collaborative effort on Friday in Lafia during a familiarization visit by the state NUJ executive council members led by their Chairman, Salihu Mohammed-Alkali.
The Sector Commander expressed concern that many motorists in the state consistently disregard traffic regulations, emphasizing the urgent need to change this mindset through comprehensive public sensitization and strict enforcement of relevant laws.
Comprehensive Sensitization Campaign
Sabo-Adikwu outlined the Corps' multi-faceted approach to addressing this challenge, which includes advocacy programs in various community gathering points.
"We have embarked on advocacy in churches, mosques, marketplaces, and motor parks, in addition to using the mass media for sensitization," he stated.
The FRSC plans to extend this campaign to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, motorists, transport unions, and other stakeholders across all 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State.
Rewarding Good Driving Behavior
In a groundbreaking initiative, the FRSC announced plans to celebrate and reward drivers who consistently demonstrate good behavior and obey traffic rules.
"For the first time, the commission would celebrate and reward drivers who had consistently behaved well and obeyed traffic rules at an elaborate occasion," Sabo-Adikwu confirmed.
Qualifying drivers will receive handsome rewards in both cash and kind to encourage others to adopt safer driving practices.
The Sector Commander highlighted that drivers often face criticism from various quarters but rarely receive recognition for their positive contributions.
"We will change the narrative to let the public know that driving is a noble profession and not just for thugs or irresponsible people," he asserted.
Sabo-Adikwu emphasized that proper recognition would help drivers understand the value of human life and encourage them to obey traffic rules for their own safety and the safety of others.
The initiative also aims to discourage drivers from using drugs and other substances that negatively impact their driving behavior.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
The FRSC is working closely with the Nasarawa State Government, the Traditional Council, and other stakeholders to organize a public drivers' awards ceremony.
Sabo-Adikwu assured the NUJ of his commitment to work closely with journalists in the state to transform driving culture and celebrate exemplary drivers.
Earlier during the meeting, NUJ Chairman Salihu Mohammed-Alkali congratulated Sabo-Adikwu on being the first indigenous Sector Commander to lead FRSC in the state.
The NUJ Chairman pledged full support from journalists in the state to publicize FRSC activities and contribute to reducing road crashes across Nasarawa State.
