Charles Akpabio, the outgoing Zonal Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Zone 5, has called for collective approach to safeguarding the lives of the citizenry.
Akpabio, the new FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer in-Charge of Zone 2, made the appeal during a send-off ceremony in his honour by members of FRSC Special Marshals in Anambra State on Sunday in Awka.
He said road safety should be shared responsibility better carried out through mass volunteerism.
“We need more volunteers and sacrifices from professionals to keep all road users alive,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio, who was represented by Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, Sunday Ajayi, advocated for more volunteers from professional bodies and the clergy in the enlightenment programmes of the corps.
He said the FRSC would not have done much within the critical road corridor of the River Niger Bridge, Onitsha-Enugu and Onitsha-Owerri roads, but for the contributions of the special marshals.
He said: “This zone and most especially Anambra has strived and performed exceptionally all these years for the fact that the special marshals voluntarily supported the vision of the corps marshal and chief executive of the corps.
“You are ready to contribute not only your time for the work, but finances to enable FRSC to achieve its mandate and be the best in Africa.
“This zone has been adjudged the best for two consecutive years through your dedication and willingness to serve and make a safer and better society.”
The zonal commander advised the special marshals to remain steadfast and ensure that they did not create loopholes for bad eggs to infiltrate.
Earlier, the Co-ordinator of Special Marshals and Partnership, Ben Osaka, commended the outgoing zonal commander for lifting the zone to be the first and envy of all in the country.
Osaka said: “Akpabio did not only teach us the job, but also taught us to be hard working and persevere in the place of our duties.
“We thank him for his passion for the job and the one-family he had helped us to build in the zone and Anambra State.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the highlight of the occasion was the gift presentation to the zonal commander.
Akpabio was the Zonal Commanding Officer in-charge of Zone 5, which comprised of Anambra, Delta and Edo States.
NAN.
