The Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has flagged-off the 2020 Ember Months Safety Campaign with the theme: ‘Driving To Stay Alive,’ initiated by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Department of Vehicle Inspection Service ( VIO) held at VIO Headquarters Lafia.

The Governor who was represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Works, Housing and transport, Chief Philip Dada (Ajiyan Karu) commended the various road transport associations in the state for supporting the policies and programmes of his administration, especially the ongoing reform in the transport sector.

He enumerated government’s effort in the sector to include construction of Sisinbaki-Farin Ruwa road that will be due for commissioning in January 2021, the ongoing Mararaba Udege-Udege Mbeki road, Karu and Lafia Mega Bus Terminals and the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres that will soon be operational in the state as part of the ongoing reform aimed at sanitising the transport sector, creating jobs, boosting commercial activities and improving the state revenue.

While reiterating his administration’s resolve to provide a conducive atmosphere for transport business to thrive in the state, he expressed optimism that the ember months safety campaign would be successful and wished all road users a happy and accident free ember months.

Speaking earlier, the State Director of VIO, Victor J. Iya, decried the high rate of accidents during the ember months due to reckless driving, noting that 80 percent of road accidents are attributable to human factor.

This, he said, informed the VIO’s decision to embark on the safety campaign and 3-day training of commercial transport operators in the state.

He used the opportunity to thank the state Governor for reinstating the VIO and doing a lot to make their job easy. He however said that the department is dire need of patrol vehicles, towing van, ambulances, power bikes and befitting office accommodation to enhance its operations.

He also lauded the Hon.

Commissioner of Works, Housing and Transport, Chief Philip Dada for refurbishing and allocating a Toyota Hilux van from the ministry to the department of VIO among other things.

Others who delivered goodwill messages includes the Chairman, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transport, Hon. Abdullaziz S. Danladi and the representatives of FRSC, NURTW, NARTO and TOAN among others.

Highlight of the occasion was the symbolic cutting of tape by representative of the Governor to indicate commencement of the safety campaign and training exercise.