The Kano State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Umar Matazu, recently highlighted the severity of road traffic accidents in Nigeria. Matazu emphasized that the number of lives lost due to road crashes surpasses those lost to terrorism and banditry combined. During a visit to the new leadership of the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Matazu stressed the importance of media support in creating awareness about road safety and encouraging compliance with traffic rules.
Matazu pointed out that road accidents result in a significantly higher number of fatalities compared to terrorist attacks or criminal activities. He urged journalists to help disseminate information on safe road practices, citing ignorance and illiteracy as key factors contributing to road safety issues. Additionally, Matazu emphasized the role of passengers in advocating against reckless driving, as they are often the ones most affected by accidents.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional awareness campaigns in motor parks, Matazu mentioned the FRSC’s shift towards alternative methods like town hall meetings with stakeholders to educate the public on road safety. The Chairman of the NUJ Kano Council, Suleiman Dederi, expressed full support for the FRSC’s road safety initiatives, emphasizing the positive relationship between the FRSC and the NUJ.