The Chairman of the Borno State Traditional Council and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, has pledged the support of traditional rulers in promoting road safety and lawful road use across the state.
The monarch gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the Zonal Commanding Officer of FRSC Zone 12, Assistant Corps Marshal Leye Adegboyega, during a courtesy visit to his palace in Maiduguri as part of the officer’s Second Quarter Supervisory Visit to Borno State.
Adegboyega said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and traditional institutions to enhance road safety awareness, improve traffic management and reduce road traffic crashes across Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states.
He described traditional rulers as critical partners in influencing positive behavioural change among road users, noting that their influence at the grassroots is vital to achieving a sustainable road safety culture.
The FRSC official appealed to the Shehu to continue championing compliance with traffic regulations, support public enlightenment campaigns and encourage the use of officially approved vehicle number plates among traditional rulers and their subjects.
He also sought the monarch’s support for community-based road safety initiatives, protection of vulnerable road users, improved collaboration with the Corps and endorsement of the maiden edition of the Zone’s magazine, Safety Chronicles, through a special interview.
Responding, the Shehu commended the FRSC for recognising the role of traditional institutions in national development and urged the Corps to sustain its engagement with community leaders.
He noted that collaboration between government agencies, traditional authorities and local communities remains essential for promoting peace, order and respect for the law.
The monarch also reflected on Borno’s security challenges, paying tribute to the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for their efforts in reclaiming territories affected by insurgency while calling for sustained efforts to restore lasting peace.
Highlighting Borno’s strategic position as Nigeria’s only state sharing borders with Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the Shehu said the state’s unique security realities require continuous cooperation among all stakeholders.
He pledged that the Borno Traditional Council would continue mobilising traditional rulers across the state’s eight emirates to support initiatives aimed at promoting safer highways, lawful road use and peaceful communities.
The visit ended with the signing of the visitors’ register and a group photograph, symbolising renewed commitment by both the FRSC and the traditional institution to strengthening road safety advocacy and community participation in saving lives.
