Fubara Calls on Motorists to Prioritize Road Safety During the Ember Months

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Campaign Launch
3. Governor's Statement
4. FRSC Explanation
5. Conclusion

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility among all drivers.

The Governor made this statement during the launch of the Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, organized by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt.

A statement from Juliana Masi, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted that Governor Fubara underscored the significance of ensuring road safety, whether on land or water, not just during the "Ember Months" but throughout the entire year.

Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Anabraba, the Governor urged drivers to always operate their vehicles responsibly and with consideration for others on the road.

He stated, “The responsibility of keeping our roads (both Land and Sea) safe, not only during the ‘Ember Months’ but also in our daily lives, rests on every citizen and should be taken very seriously.

“It is concerning that the term ‘Ember Month,’ which signifies a season recognized globally for celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, has become associated with preventable fatalities and tragedies, necessitating special attention and allocation of time and resources by the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Government, its Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing critical infrastructure across the state and encouraged residents to prioritize safety in their daily activities.

Earlier, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed explained that the 2025 campaign theme encourages all road users to adopt behaviors that protect lives. He noted that Rivers State was specifically chosen for this year’s launch due to its status as one of Nigeria’s busiest transportation hubs.

Mohammed disclosed, “Crash statistics recorded between January and September 2025 nationwide indicated a total of 7,715 road traffic incidents, reflecting a 10.04 percent increase compared to the 7,011 crashes that occurred during the same period in 2024.

“Additionally, 3,915 individuals lost their lives in 2025 compared to 3,811 in 2024, marking an increase of 11.55%.

“In Rivers State, during the same timeframe, 15 individuals died and 51 were injured out of 47 reported road crash incidents.

“When compared to the 2024 figures, these statistics represent a 35.7% decrease in fatalities and a 37.5% decrease in injuries related to road crashes.”

The Corps Marshal added that the FRSC has enhanced its personnel deployment and intensified public engagement efforts to ensure effective service delivery across the nation.