The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday exploited a new effort to intensify moves to cut down on road accidents and fatalities across Nigeria.
It officially launched the Safe Wheel Magazine, aimed at raising road safety awareness and education in tackling the menace to stop unnecessary deaths on the highways.
The event, themed: "Renewed Hope for Safer Roads: Driving Safety and Logistics as Catalyst for Economic Development," was held at the FRSC Sector Command Headquarters in Abuja with many stakeholders in attendance.
The gathering was regarded as a major milestone in road safety after more than two decades.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted the importance of road safety for economic progress, emphasising that Safe journeys are vital for national growth.
He said “Mobility drives almost 80 per cent of Nigeria’s economic movement. For Nigeria to grow, the safety of every journey must reflect our collective aspirations for national development.
“This magazine brings knowledge, innovation, and responsible mobility directly to the public.” he said
With the Christmas and New Year travel peak periods fast approaching, he announced expanded nationwide operations, including more patrols, better staff training, smarter intelligence reviews, and increased logistics capacity.
The FRSC Boss also highlighted FRSC’s recent outreach, such as free medical missions for drivers at Babana Gobi Motor Park, and praised their sports ambassadors, the Safety Shooters and Safety Babes, calling them “symbols of morale, wellness, and national pride.”
The Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, echoed the rallying call:
“Today, we ignite a national movement for safer roads and a more enlightened public.”
He noted FRSC’s past dominance in safety communication, which was interrupted for years—until the current Corps Marshal revived the initiative.
He commended Shehu Mohammed's leadership—widely revered as Mr Impact, Mr Humanity, and Mr Movement—for his transformational role.
Ogungbemide listed the broad alliances supporting Safe Wheel, including NASENI, UBEC, Nigerian Customs Service, Galaxy Backbone, major transport unions, and tech partners.
He described the magazine as a national advocacy platform, a technical resource, a driver of behavioural change, and a record of the FRSC’s unseen efforts.
Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed the need for a national movement to raise road safety awareness.
He praised Corps Marshal Mohammed’s leadership in revitalising the safety information landscape.
The launch was regarded by various speakers and attendees as a key part of a new public education drive, as the magazine aims to educate, innovate, and promote responsible mobility.
The event also celebrated FRSC's outreach programs, including free medical services for drivers and support from their sports ambassadors.
The launch by Chairman High Chief Dr Toe Ekechi marked a fresh chapter in Nigeria’s road safety efforts.
The gathering highlighted broad institutional backing for Safe Wheel, with support from government bodies, transport unions, and technology firms.
Speakers from various organisations underscored the importance of community education, global safety commitments, and engaging children in safety and discipline.
The event closed with a collective message: road safety is a national responsibility, and Safe Wheel Magazine is a catalyst for positive change in Nigeria's safety landscape.
The magazine will be a key resource for drivers, offering tips and information on safe driving practices.
Participants included federal ministries and agencies, foreign affairs experts, education regulators, transport unions, security agencies, tech innovators, and civil society leaders.