The Kaduna State University in partnership with the Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) organized a high-impact awareness program themed “Promoting Safe and Sustainable Mobility for Youth”, aimed at promoting safe driving practices and environmental sustainability among young people, especially students. The event took place on Tuesday, 29th and Wednesday 30th April 2025.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU), Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Yushau Ibrahim Ango, described the awareness campaign as timely and highly beneficial. He emphasized the importance of safe driving both within and outside the university environment, stressing that the initiative would significantly influence attitudes towards traffic laws among the youths. He further encouraged participants to become advocates of safe driving in their various communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Kaduna State Coordinator of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Henna Emmanuel Dangari, called on participants to be environmentally conscious. He noted that the consequences of neglecting environmental protection are far-reaching. Mr. Dangari advised motorists to regularly service their vehicles to minimize environmental pollution and enhance safety. He reiterated NESREA’s willingness to partner with any organization interested in promoting environmental safety and mobility.
The Special Assistant to the Governor of Kaduna State on Student Matters, Hajiya Amina Sani Bello lauded the initiative, stating that the program came at a crucial time, especially considering the reckless driving habits prevalent among students and young people. She urged young road users to avoid behaviors that could lead to accidents, such as driving under the influence or while emotionally distressed. She called for the respect of traffic laws and encouraged the adoption of responsible driving behavior.
The guest speaker, Prof. Maryam Abdu, Coordinator of the Professional Certificate Academy at KASU, urged students and youths to adopt walking as a form of exercise, which she said would help reduce health-related issues. She also encouraged them to obtain valid driver’s licenses to avoid confrontations with traffic law enforcement agents.
In his session, guest trainer Mr. Okoye Maurice delivered a lecture on road safety measures and alternative modes of transportation. He discussed various strategies to reduce road traffic accidents and emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to safety rules.
Delivering the keynote address, Engineer Joseph Samuel highlighted the need for passengers to actively participate in ensuring safe driving. He encouraged passengers to call drivers’ attention whenever they exhibit reckless behavior. He further advocated for the promotion of active mobility as a means of achieving sustainable transportation.
Representing the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon. Abubakar Buba, the Technical Adviser, Hon. Shuaibu Suleiman Adamu, emphasized that many road accidents could be avoided if traffic rules were strictly obeyed. He pointed out that awareness creation is a vital tool in accident prevention and urged collective efforts to curb the menace of road crashes, especially among the youths.
The event concluded with a panel session on the topic “Policy, Infrastructure, and Youth-led Advocacy for Sustainable Development,” where experts discussed strategies to improve road safety, promote sustainable mobility, and engage the youths in advocacy for development.