'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) marked its 37th anniversary with a grand celebration at its headquarters in Abuja, honouring individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to road safety in Nigeria.
In his address, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reflected on FRSC's growth from 16 Sector Commands to 37 and from 5 Zonal Commands to 12, emphasizing the Corps’ relentless efforts in reducing road crashes and improving road safety awareness.
He highlighted the organization's achievements, including the integration of digital tools, body cameras for patrol operations, electronic document management, and the upcoming FRSC Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to enhance personnel welfare.
As part of the celebrations, FRSC honored outstanding individuals, government officials, corporate bodies, and media personnel in recognition of their invaluable contributions to road safety. Among the notable group category awardees, Ford Foundation was recognized for sponsoring post-crash emergency care training with a $400,000 donation to FRSC rescue officers. The World Bank received an award for advancing road safety management with $10 million in funding to enhance FRSC fleet and trauma care centers. Lions Club was honored for pioneering the construction of emergency roadside clinics, while Matrix Petroleum received recognition for building a roadside clinic for FRSC.
In the individual category, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, was acknowledged for her road safety advocacy through KWAPDA Foundation. H.E. Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, was recognized for supporting the establishment of the Marshal Inspectorate Training School, Owa-Alero. H.E. Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, former Governor of Enugu State, was honored for facilitating the FRSC Academy, Enugu, while Sen. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State, was commended for promoting road safety education through the FRSC Road Marshal Assistants Training School, Shendam.
Regional awards were also presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to road safety. These included Kayode Olagunju, mni (South West), BG Ibrahim, fwc (North East), KN Nwegbe, mni (South East), JA Asom, mni (North Central), VC Akpabio, MON, fdc (South South), and Danjuma Garba, mni (North West). Special Marshal recognition was given to Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem and Dr. Sini Kwabe for their dedicated service to road safety.
The FRSC also acknowledged the invaluable role of the media in promoting road safety awareness. Honored media correspondents included Oyeyemi Ajayi (NTA), Kayode Oyedare (FRCN), Ibironke Ariyo (NAN), Chineye Gloria Ezeagabu (Business Day), Gift Habib (Punch), Celestina Iria (TVC), Benny Ark (Channels TV), Sumaina Kasim (This Day), Mathew Ogune (Guardian), Ferdinand Durnoha (Arise News), and Maureen Onochie (Daily Trust).
Looking ahead, the Corps Marshal emphasized the need for the FRSC to bear arms, an issue currently under legislative consideration to ensure personnel security. He also highlighted the Corps' efforts in harmonizing FRSC marshals' ranking, which has fostered unity within the organization. "We remain committed to leveraging technology, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring our personnel receive the best training and welfare support," said Corps Marshal Mohammed.
The FRSC at 37 continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring Nigerian roads are safer for all.
