The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun State Command, has launched its 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitization Campaign with a renewed call on motorists to take personal responsibility for their safety and stop distracted driving.
The campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety — Stop Distracted Driving,” was unveiled at a press conference held on Monday at the FRSC Sector Command Headquarters in Osogbo.
Speaking at the event, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Leye Adegboyega, fsi, said the annual campaign is part of a nationwide directive by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to ensure safer motoring environments during and beyond the festive period.
Adegboyega emphasized that public enlightenment remains the most effective way to influence positive road behaviour and reduce crashes, noting that this year’s campaign will move beyond traditional rallies to direct engagement with drivers, commuters and community members across the state.
He explained that this year’s campaign builds on previous successes and introduces a paradigm shift through practical, face-to-face advocacy at parks, markets, communities and road corridors. The goal, according to him, is to bring road safety education closer to the people and promote a stronger culture of safe driving.
The Osun Command has mapped out a robust 2025 Ember Months Action Plan with strategic focus areas that include enhanced patrol visibility, increased public enlightenment, traffic decongestion, prompt rescue operations and stronger stakeholder collaboration.
Adegboyega disclosed that more than 1,500 personnel, including regular and special marshals, will be deployed across the 13 commands in the state, supported by 28 patrol vehicles and four ambulances positioned at critical points for emergency response. A heavy-duty tow truck and private operators will also assist in clearing obstructions from major routes such as Ilesa–Ife–Gbongan, Osogbo–Sekona–Gbongan, and Osogbo–Ikirun–Offa corridors.
He also announced the establishment of Help Areas at strategic junctions including Akoda, Iwaraja, Ikirun, Wakajaye, and Ikire to serve as quick-response bases during emergencies.
Highlighting the Command’s performance between January and July 2025, Adegboyega disclosed that the FRSC Osun Command recorded a 29.8 percent reduction in crash-related injuries and a 52 percent drop in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.
A total of 16,827 offenders were arrested for 18,766 traffic offences, in line with the Corps’ 2025 strategic goal of achieving a nationwide 10 percent reduction in road traffic deaths.
Adegboyega reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strict enforcement, especially along the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa corridor, targeting offences such as route violation, overloading and use of unregistered or expired vehicles. He stressed that the Corps maintains a zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption, urging officers to uphold integrity and resist all forms of inducement.
Despite the achievements, Adegboyega acknowledged challenges in logistics, rescue equipment and persistent cases of driving against traffic, especially along the Ilesa–Ife–Gbongan–Ibadan corridor. He appealed to relevant authorities to accelerate road rehabilitation to reduce accidents.
Calling for greater partnership, Adegboyega urged transport unions, fleet operators and motorists to work with the Corps in promoting discipline and safety on the roads.
“Safety is a collective duty,” he said. “Every driver, passenger and pedestrian must play their part to ensure that all journeys during and after the Ember Months end in safety.”
He appreciated the media, civil societies and other stakeholders for their continuous support and commitment to road safety advocacy in the state.
