Each year, I set an agenda to guide my thoughts and actions, a practice that’s become as much of a personal ritual as it is for many Nigerians. Though my 2025 agenda comes a month later than usual, I apologize for the delay, but it’s here now and it’s worth reflecting on.
Over the years, I’ve abandoned the idea of making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, my sole exception is setting the tone for the year with the help of the Almighty, through fasting and prayer. These rituals may not be easy or enjoyable, but they bring surprising health benefits and serve as a reminder of God’s presence in my life. I don’t take this lightly, even if the process leaves me looking like someone who’s just come from a war-torn zone!
As I reflect on 2024, I can’t help but express my gratitude to God for His continuous guidance. I also salute the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for their tireless work, even as some drivers continue to ignore regulations—though they still manage to thank the Corps for keeping them in check despite their violations.
2024 marked a significant milestone for me, as it was the year I bade farewell to a 28-year career in the Federal Road Safety Corps. Through this journey, I had the honor of contributing to initiatives like “Oga Driver” and “Celebrity Special Marshal,” platforms that allowed me to make an imprint in the hearts of many. My path has been truly blessed, and I am hopeful that 2025 will bring even greater promises.
Though I’ve left the Corps, my commitment to saving lives and promoting road safety remains unchanged. I am confident that the Corps, under the leadership of my friend and mentor, Shehu Mohammed, will continue to deliver effective policing and timely responses to accidents. One pressing concern for me this year is the alarming number of accidents caused by petrol-laden tankers. As part of my 2025 agenda, I’m calling for a renewed focus on preventing such crashes that devastate families and communities.
You may have already seen my articles shedding light on the importance of using the right terminology when referring to road incidents. For instance, my recent piece, “Was That Mass Fatality Another Crash?” examined the tragic tanker accident in Niger State. Similarly, I wrote about a deadly crash in Enugu State that claimed the lives of 15 people, including an entire family.
I’ve also been addressing the misconception that crashes are “accidents.” A true accident is an unforeseeable event, whereas a crash is preventable. In “Was That Fatal Crash an Accident?” I analyzed the incident in Benue State, where nine family members tragically lost their lives due to preventable circumstances.
One of the core issues I continue to emphasize is speeding. In “Check Your Speed in 2025,” I explored the dangers of excessive speed. Speed not only increases the likelihood of a crash, but also exacerbates the consequences. The faster you go, the less time you have to react. For example, a car traveling at 50 km/h requires 13 meters to come to a stop, but a car going at 40 km/h only needs 8.5 meters.
The risks are even more severe when speed limits are ignored. Going just 5 km/h over the speed limit increases the risk of a crash significantly, and at higher speeds, the chances of fatality increase dramatically. This is why countries worldwide, including Nigeria, set speed limits. Limiting vehicle speed helps reduce crashes and minimizes the severity of injuries.
In Nigeria, speed limits are clearly defined: on expressways, private cars can go up to 100 km/h, while taxis and buses are capped at 90 km/h. In built-up areas like residential and commercial zones, the speed limit is reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, reflecting the need for heightened caution in these areas.
As we move forward into 2025, I urge you to embrace the call for safer roads, consider the impact of speed on crash outcomes, and contribute to making our streets safer for everyone.
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