By Bukola Olamona

No fewer than 185 Special Marshals have been trained and inducted as road safety advocates and managers by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command.

The FRSC State Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibiloye, who conducted the induction in Akure, said the exercise was aimed at integrating the new members and encouraging their participation in road safety management.

Ibiloye explained that Special Marshals were established under “the voluntarism aspect” of road safety management to enable individuals to contribute their quota to public safety.

According to him, road safety is a collective responsibility, requiring the participation of all—the old, young, academics, illiterates, and even politicians—to ensure that when crashes occur, fatalities are minimised.

“Henceforth, you are to exercise all the responsibilities and enjoy the powers and privileges accruable to Special Marshals in the FRSC.

“You are coming in to commit your resources and time to ensuring that the roads are safe and that lives are not lost unnecessarily on Nigerian roads.

“We expect the newly enlisted Special Marshals to engage in enforcement, collaboration, and utilise their professional expertise to enhance safety on our roads,” Ibiloye said.

He, therefore, urged them to show commitment and be good advocates for road management to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the State Special Marshals Coordinator, Mr Adeoba Olatunde, said the new inductees must embark on rescue missions and contribute towards making roads accident-free.

“This is a voluntary assignment. They should not expect any gain or reward because their duty is to serve humanity.

“They should treat it as a personal responsibility, remain committed, and ensure that our roads are accident-free,” Olatunde said.

One of the newly inducted Special Marshals, Mrs Funmi Johnson, appreciated the FRSC for the opportunity, stating that she joined to contribute to public safety.

“I was a victim. I lost my parents due to reckless driving.

“So, I joined the Special Marshals to educate and enlighten people on safe driving and accident management.

“We need to sensitise people and engage them in discussions so that we can collectively save lives on the roads,” she said.

The FRSC Sector Legal Officer in Akure, Barr. Buchi Nwanolue, later administered the oath of office to the inductees.