By Onwe Wisdom|Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State has intensified its road safety campaigns, multi-agency collaborations and public sensitisation efforts ahead of the high-risk Ember Months, following the arrival of the new Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Asekhauno said she assumed duty in Anambra on September 22, 2025, and immediately keyed into ongoing activities while strengthening partnerships across government, security formations and transport unions.
“Since my arrival, I’ve been able to key into activities in the state, establish collaboration with stakeholders, the transport unions, and also collaboration with the state government to achieve road traffic duties,” she said.
She explained that the command has aligned with service chiefs and other traffic agencies to ensure uniformity in operations, information sharing and congestion management.
According to her, “we’ve been able to align with other road traffic agencies to ensure that we work together” for improved efficiency.
Asekhauno highlighted several initiatives undertaken in recent weeks, including the Ember Month flag-off, public road shows, park rallies and a town hall meeting involving transport stakeholders and traditional rulers.
“We brought the Igwes around to ensure that they talk to their people about road traffic rules, regulation and the environment,” she noted.
One of the most impactful engagements was the major stakeholders’ meeting at the Onitsha Head Bridge, which brought together the police, Anambra traffic agencies, transport unions and the public.
Describing the outcome, she said:
“Managing the head bridge is not a one-man business… we were able to agree on certain decisions on how we can work together as a team.”
She added that the command is also collaborating with counterparts in Delta State to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow at the strategic interstate corridor.
Passengers Must Speak Up — “Don’t Put Your Life in One Man’s Hands”
The Sector Commander emphasised the FRSC’s early-morning sensitisation campaign in motor parks, urging passengers to take an active role in monitoring unsafe driver behaviour.
According to her, “You can’t put the lives of 14 men in the hands of one man and not monitor that driver… we are telling passengers to speak out, not to get killed by the driver.”
She warned that distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous causes of road crashes.
“Stop distracted driving,” she stressed. “Whatever the driver is doing that causes distraction, making phone calls, pressing gadgets, or even a passenger disturbing the driver can lead to fatal consequences.”
She recounted a recent incident where a passenger physically confronted a driver while the vehicle was in motion.
“What do you expect of such a driver? If there is a crash, both the passenger and the driver will be injured,” she said.
Asekhauno noted that compliance levels in Anambra have improved but are not yet optimal.
“People here obey traffic rules and regulations to some extent, but there are some who don’t obey… depending on their level of education, awareness and exposure,” she explained.
The command, she said, will continue prioritising public education and enforcement.
The FRSC commander urged motorists and commuters to make full use of the Corps’ toll-free emergency number, assuring the public of prompt response.
“Once you call the number, it rings at our headquarters and help gets to you in 15 minutes maximum,” she said, describing it as the FRSC’s national emergency threshold.
Reiterating the campaign theme for the year, Asekhauno stressed that every road user must be conscious of their personal safety.
“This year, that’s our song: take responsibility for your safety and stop distracted driving,” she declared.
She affirmed that the Anambra FRSC will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure safer roads as the festive season approaches.
