Wasiu Ramoni

Nigerians have been called upon to discard the long-held myth surrounding the last four months of the year, popularly referred to as the “ember months,” stressing that there is no peculiarity or mystery attached to that period of the calendar.

The Ogun State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, stated this while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Information Chapel, during their monthly congress held at the Chief Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. 

Speaking on the theme: “Safety on Our Roads and the Ember Months Mystery”, Commander Fasakin explained that the rise in road crashes usually recorded during the ember months has nothing to do with superstition but with human, vehicular, and environmental factors with human factors being the dominant cause.

“The major reason we have an increase in the number of accidents during ember months is the surge in vehicular and economic activities on the roads during that period. Our target is to reduce crashes to the barest minimum,” he said.

He urged motorists and road users to obey safety guidelines such as avoiding overloading and overspeeding, not drinking and driving, and ensuring vehicles are in good condition before embarking on journeys. According to him, safety on the roads is not the responsibility of government alone but a collective obligation of all. 

Commander Fasakin further assured that the FRSC will continue to intensify  its efforts by partnering with media organizations to enlighten the public on road safety practices.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, Comrade 'Femi Osipitan, commended the Corps for its continuous efforts in sensitizing the public on road safety pledging media’s support in amplifying safety messages to the public.

Responding, Messrs Suraj Popoola, Wale Osunbiyi, Gbenga Owolabi and Mrs. Jibola Taiwo lauded FRSC for its proactive campaigns and saving lives a d helping to reduce crashes on the road.