Mr Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), says the special marshals are key to ensuring safe road use in the country.
He said this during the investiture of Gov. Umar Namadi as Patron, Special Marshal of Nigeria and Safety Ambassador, on Thursday in Dutse, Jigawa.
Represented by Idris Lawal, Kano Sector Commander, Mohammed said that the special marshals remained a critical volunteer arm of the corps, particularly in traffic management, public enlightenment, intelligence gathering and accident prevention.
“Their role in traffic management, public enlightenment, and intelligence gathering remains invaluable to achieving our corporate mandate of reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities”.
Mohammed lauded Namadi for his contributions to road development and safety in Jigawa.
He said that the recognition reflected Namadi’s leadership and support for road safety initiatives in the state.
The FRSC helmsman said that the governor’s patronage would strengthen collaboration between the state government, FRSC and special marshals towards safe road use.
Namadi, who was represented by Ahmad Sani, Permanent Secretary, Jigawa Ministry of Works and Transport, said that ensuring road safety was a collective responsibility involving government and all road users.
“While the government will continue to provide and maintain good road infrastructure, all road users must equally demonstrate discipline, caution and respect for traffic regulations”.
Namadi said that his administration completed 26 inherited road projects, and embarked on new ones to improve road infrastructure in the state.
The gesture, he said, improves connectivity and enhances access to safe roads for residents across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference is being organised by the RS1 Headquarters comprising Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa Sector Commands.
The theme of the conference is: “Repositioning Special Marshal for Greater Impact: Through Strategic Partnerships and Data Driven Road Safety Intervention.”
Mr Usman Ya’u, Zonal Coordinator, Special Marshals, said that the conference provided a platform to strengthen cooperation among special marshals and road safety stakeholders.
Also, Dr Adaji Usman, National Coordinator, Special Marshals, urged members to adhere to the approved dress code, and avoid combining official regalia with unauthorised items.
Usman said that special marshals requiring operational materials should use the appropriate communication channels, assuring them that their identification cards would soon be ready.
The conference was attended by FRSC personnel drawn from Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa commands, as well as representatives of road transport unions, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
