Guinness Nigeria Plc., in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and key transport stakeholders have reinforced their commitment to road safety and the promotion of responsible alcohol consumption as part of their annual “Ember Month” campaign.

The event took place at the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Bus Terminal Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos.

The “Ember Month” campaign is a strategic partnership between Guinness Nigeria and the FRSC aimed at educating road users and commercial drivers about the importance of safety behind the wheel and the hazards of drunk-driving.

It has been an ongoing effort by the two organizations to advocate responsible drinking.

The Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, John Musunga, emphasized the significance of the “ember month” campaign, stressing the company’s commitment to promoting the act of responsible drinking amongst commercial drivers especially during the ember months where there would be a hike in the number of travelers moving from Lagos to their hometown.

Musunga underlined the importance of prioritizing safety on the roads, particularly during the “ember months”, a term commonly used in Nigeria to refer to the last four months of the year.

Musunga stated: “Guinness Nigeria’s presence at this event symbolizes our dedication to the safety and well-being of our consumers, especially those who operate commercial vehicles. We will continue to partner with the FRSC and other stakeholders in our relentless efforts to send a clear message: ‘Don’t drink and drive.’ It’s a message that can save lives.”

On the issue of vehicle crashes in Lagos, the FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Babatunde Farinloye highlighted: “These incidents constitute huge human capacity loss and high level of trauma, social cost and other consequences that may change the course of several destinies.

“This is the essence of our continuous campaign and interventions. Nobody’s life has to be untimely terminated as an inevitable price for mobility on the roads. Today, therefore, we are flagging-off this campaign to remind ourselves and unequivocally reiterate that crashes are self-destructive occurrences. 

“We (the road users) are the prime causal agents; we are the victims, and we must be the solution. And it begins with our individual mindsets and convictions.”

One of the program’s highlights was a compelling drama performance that served to further enlighten the audience about the importance of staying alive and embracing responsible drinking.

Assistant Corps G.I Igbokwe, the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer for Lagos & Ogun, commended Guinness Nigeria for consistently promoting responsible drinking and raising awareness about the perils of drunk-driving. He emphasized the need to avoid reckless actions like drunk driving, which can jeopardize lives and property.

Igbokwe stated: “Avoiding behaviors such as drunk driving is essential to safeguard lives and property. Notably, a majority of the accidents documented in the Lagos and Ogun regions are linked to excessive speed. Drunk driving exacerbates this problem, amplifying the risk. Therefore, it is crucial for passengers to be proactive, not passive. Actively monitor the driver’s behavior, intervening if they exceed speed limits or attempt to consume alcohol before taking the wheel. Always assess the driver’s sobriety before allowing them to drive”.

This year’s sensitization program brought together representatives from various transport organizations and agencies, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Lagos State FRSC Special Marshals, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), National Automotive Technician Association, Lagos Taxi Drivers Association, and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO). They all echoed the message that road safety is a shared responsibility for all citizens.

Guinness Nigeria Plc. and the FRSC are determined to continue working together to make Nigerian roads safer and to reduce the incidence of drunk driving. Their collaboration is a clear testament to their unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of all road users.

Source: Press Release