News Investigators/ Yusuf Suberu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi on Road Safety Matters, has sought stronger collaboration with relevant government agencies in ensuring safer roads in the state.
Mr Suberu made the call during separate courtesy visits to the Kogi commands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
A statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the head of his media team, Olu Isaac, the governor’s aide said that the visit was to strengthen ties with the two agencies to ensure safety on the roads.
At the NSCDC, Mr Suberu commended the State Commandant, Esther Akindale, for what he described as outstanding leadership and the commendable work of the corps in safeguarding lives and property.
He emphasised that the visit was to further synergies with the corps towards reducing road crashes and saving lives, while also informing the command about the establishment of the Kogi State Road Safety Council.
He highlighted forthcoming engagements of the council, including a focal group discussion scheduled for Aug. 25.
He also mentioned the Governor Ahmed Ododo Road Safety Summit billed for Nov. 13– Nov. 14, to coincide with the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
“The summit will also focus on extending financial support to crash victims who had been neglected over the years,” he added.
Responding, Akindale, assured him of the corps’ cooperation and pledged to collaborate to ensure sanity was restored on the highways.
Similarly, during his visit to the NDLEA, Suberu said the agency remained a key partner in achieving safer roads and a drug-free society in Kogi.
He stressed that drug abuse had become a significant factor in road crashes and other hazards on the highways.
He explained that the collaboration with NDLEA would strengthen enforcement, sensitisation and preventive measures to address unsafe driving.
“I am here to seek partnership with your agency to make the road system in Kogi State safer.
“To achieve these results, there is a need for the active engagement of critical stakeholders across the state,” he said.
The governor’s aide further announced that the upcoming programmes of the Road Safety Council would serve as platforms to engage transport unions.
This, he said included security agencies, Civil Society Groups and the media in finding lasting solutions to road safety challenges.
Responding, Umar Yahuza, Kogi Strategic Commander of NDLEA, lauded Gov. Ododo for creating the Office of SSA on Road Safety Matters.
Mr Yahuza, who described it as the first of its kind in the country, commended Suberu’s professionalism in road safety management.
He pledged the agency’s full support, stressing that road safety was a shared responsibility that required collective action.
Mr Yahuza assured that NDLEA would work with the state to integrate drug education, enforcement and rehabilitation into broader road safety policies.
NAN