Christmas travel: Ex-Imo Deputy Governor Madumere urges Nigerians to prioritise safety, obey traffic rules

Former Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, has appealed to Nigerians to adopt safer road habits and remain security conscious as Christmas and New Year travels intensify nationwide.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Madumere said the festive season often comes with increased road accidents, avoidable deaths and security threats, stressing the need for citizens to take personal responsibility for their safety.

He described life as “precious and irreplaceable,” urging motorists and pedestrians to embrace caution, discipline and attentiveness while on the road. Security, he added, “is everybody’s business,” and Nigerians must remain alert as they travel and celebrate.

Madumere, an American-trained technocrat and human management expert, said safer roads can be achieved through maturity, carefulness and strict adherence to traffic rules. He encouraged drivers to demonstrate “extraordinary consciousness, capacity and professionalism” to reduce accidents during the festive season.

He expressed confidence that challenges associated with Nigeria’s growing urban population and expanding cities can be addressed through stronger enforcement of traffic regulations and better public compliance.

Madumere emphasised that Nigeria’s extensive road network makes it essential to strengthen traffic management, noting that proper regulation ensures smoother movement and protects lives.

He urged motorists to respect speed limits, pointing out that urban areas typically have 50 km/h limits, highways 100 km/h, and school or residential zones 30 km/h to protect children and pedestrians.

The former deputy governor also reminded drivers to obey traffic signs and signals, particularly in major cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. He described seat belt use and vehicle maintenance—such as checks on brakes, tyres and lights—as mandatory measures that enhance safety.

He warned against drunk driving, drug use and mobile phone distractions, calling them major contributors to road crashes and fatalities.

Madumere advised motorists to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and that all documentation is up to date to avoid delays, penalties and confrontations with law enforcement agencies. Cooperation with agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), he noted, makes journeys smoother for everyone.

He urged his supporters and the wider public to work toward a safer, more prosperous Imo State, reiterating his commitment to a “Journey of Grace” vision for the state.

Wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance, Madumere encouraged the wealthy to show compassion during the festive season by supporting widows, orphans and the less privileged.

“Life is worthless without impact,” he said. “We must strive to leave a lasting legacy and be our brother’s keeper.”