The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has called on Special Marshals to continue to see themselves as partners in the discharge of their responsibilities on the road and towards road users.
This as the road safety watchdog also urged Nigerians to see safety on the roads as a shared responsibility.
This call was made by the Assistant Corps Marshal Ibrahim Abubakar, the Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC Zone RS11.1, Osogbo in his address during the investiture of investiture of Dr Sam Olawoye and Prof. John Okeniyi as Honorary Special Marshals of the FRSC on Thursday in Osogbo.
Represented by Deputy Corps Commander, Ngozi Olupotanmi, Abubakar who said the investiture was a sign of recognition of their sacrifice in the prevention of unnecessary loss of human lives added that by accepting their investitures, they have become ambassadors of the FRSC in their communities.
He said, “Special Marshall programs remains one of the pillars of the FRSC. It is a platform where citizens volunteer their time to complement the efforts of regular marshals to ensure safety on our roads 21
“This demonstrates that road safety is a shared responsibility. The investiture is a recognition of sacrifice in prevention of loss of human lives. By accepting it they have become ambassadors of the FRSC in their communities.”
He also charged the newly invested special marshals to ensure their conduct reminded road users of the collective responsibility of ensuring safety on the roads.
“As you wear this uniform where it with integrity and let it remind you of the noble duty entrusted into your hands. I charge you to let your conduct remind every road user that safety is a collective responsibility,” he stated.
The state governor, Ademola Adeleke represented by his Special Adviser on Transport, Olusesan Oloyede stated that his administration acknowledged that that secure roadways are vital to fostering economic growth, facilitating social interactions and preserving the integrity of communities.
Governor Adeleke also stated that his administration remained steadfast in its support for the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, through effective policies, collaborative efforts and investments that promote safer road usage.
While affirming that road safety constituted a fundamental element of his administration’s framework for sustainable development, added that the investiture recognised distinguished individuals whose lives epitomise service to humanity, is commendable.
He said, “I encourage all residents of Osun State to regard road safety as an individual responsibility. Road traffic incidents are indeed preventable when all stakeholders passengers, pedestrians, communities and government entities exercise discipline, patience and strict adherence to traffic regulations. Together, let us commit to fostering safer roadways, for every life is invaluable. As a Government, we pledge to continue supporting the Corps in its laudable efforts toward ensuring safer highways for our citizens.”
Earlier, the Osun FRSC Sector Commander, Leye Adegboyega in his address noted that the Special Marshals scheme has, since its inception, drawn upon the capabilities, expertise and goodwill of Nigerians.
Adegboyega noted that Nigeria can only achieve its mandate when leaders and like minded individuals like Prof. Okeniyi and Dr Olawoye, continue to lend our voices, resources and expertise to this cause.
He revealed that both Prof Okeniyi, who is the Chief Medical Director if the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife and Dr Olawoye, the Managing Director of Sam Ace Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Limited have donated materials towards ensuring efficiency in the activities of the FRSC in the state.
“Together, we can create a safer environment for all road users and uphold the integrity of our transportation systems, ” he concluded.
