As Nigerians celebrate Yuletide

Every year, the month of December heralds the Yuletide in the Christian calendar. Not only is December the last month in the year, its symbolism is made manifest by the flurry of breathtaking activities across the entire globe. From the north to south and from east to west, the entire humanity celebrates the month with feverish relish and Nigeria is no exception. It is a fact that each year, Nigerians eagerly wait for December including the shopping frenzy and travels that characterise the season.

Many Nigerians see December as opportunity to travel home to reunite with families, friends and well wishers. Therefore, the month is often associated with huge vehicular movement of people, goods and services within the length and breadth of the country.
Incidentally, the Yuletide also records the highest number of car crashes and other mishaps involving commuters and other revellers. According to aUnited Nations report, Nigeria is ranked 191 out of 192 countries in the world with un-safe roads with 162 death rates per 100,000 populations from road traffic accident. Unfortunately, most of these accidents occur within the month of December.
By coincidence, December also records the highest number of infernos that affect houses and other properties due to careless use of fireworks and storage of hazardous materials. This is why the warning by the Lagos State Government to residents against the use of fireworks and other incendiary devices this season is very welcome.
This warning is urgent when viewed against the background that the harmattan season is at its severest in December and with it risk of fire to persons and properties, including poor visibility on the roads. We are therefore counselling drivers and other road users to err on the side of caution whenever they are on the road. It has been observed, that in December many commercial drivers are always driving dangerously on the highway. Such reckless attitude is informed by an erroneous desire by drivers to make quick money.
In the process, they undertake many trips in a day than required; thereby putting put their lives and those of passengers at risk. More alarming is the fact that unscrupulous owners in a bid to make a large profit hastily put all manner of unserviceable contraptions and road unworthy vehicles into service.   Not left out of the milieu, are the dastardly activities of criminals and other dangerous elements that rob, kill and maim other citizens, even as the costs of goods and services sky rocket due to activity of traders and speculators.
That is why we are calling on all concerned government agencies and non-profit organisations to use the Yuletide season to sensitise all segments of the Nigerian society on the need to be more safety conscious in their daily activities. Moreover, drivers and other road users should make it a point of duty to avoid unnecessary accidents. Finally, as people are preparing to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones, it is imperative they take to modesty in all their activities   in order to stop the blood flow, pain and tears that are associated with some unwholesome activities in December.