The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State says no fewer than 531 special marshals have been trained to enhance safety during the yelutide season in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander, at the training on Monday in Akure, said the aim was to reduce injuries and death on highways during the ember months across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the sectoral workshop was “Enhancing Security And Safety Strategies For Special Marshals’ Operations”.
Ibitoye explained that the workshop was an annual capacity-building exercise designed to equip special marshals with the knowledge and discipline required to improve road safety management.
According to him, special marshals remain a vital arm of the corps and their increased commitment goes a long way in bringing sanity to the road safety.
“You can’t give what you don’t have, so this training is important for special marshals to know what to do and do it better.
“We want to reduce death, injuries and occurrence of road crashes on highways this ember months.
“So we want everyone, including special marshals, to come onboard, assist us to get Nigerians into the fold in ensuring that safety is everybody’s business and not only FRSC,” he said.
The sector commander, therefore, called on all special marshals to be active in advocacy, enforcement and propagating the image of road safety.
In his remarks, Mr Oladeji Adebayo, Special Marshals State Coordinator, who commended FRSC, said the workshop would improve on their skills and renew commitment to road safety advocacy.
Adebayo urged all marshals to prioritise safety, adopt best international practices, and build on the knowledge gained during the training to enhance field operations.
“Together, let us strengthen our strategies to protect lives and properties because our dedication to road safety and security is invaluable.
“But, our personal safety should and must not be compromised under any guise, because we are enjoined to take responsibility for our safety first before any other assignment,” he said.
Also, Barr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, declared the workshop open and applauded FRSC for its life-saving initiatives in the state.
Ajulo, represented by Barr. Ajibade Bamisile, pledged the government’s continuous commitment and support for road safety advocacy, and capacity-building programmes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Commandant, Oluyemi Ibiloye, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), attended the event.
The State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Nanzing Sallah, among others, was also present at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)