The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed has enjoined Special Marshals of the Commission to key into the digitalization innovative ideas aimed at improving effective, efficiency and enhancement of productivity.
According to the FRSC Boss, digital tools promote greater efficiency and impact, adding that it will solidify Special Marshal’s role as the image-makers of the FRSC in their communities.
The Corps Marshal made this assertion at the 2024 Zonal Conference of RS2 Special Marshals with the theme: “Leveraging technology for improved traffic management and enforcement: The FRSC’s Digitalized Approach.”
Corps Marshal Shehu was represented at the event by Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Special Duties and External Relations, ACM Aliyu Datsama .
Shehu, While lauding the spirit of volunteerism among Special Marshals described them as the image makers of FRSC in their communities, adding that it highly imperative for them to leverage on technology for better effectiveness and productivity.
He enjoined them to always come up with innovative ideas on Information and communication technology (ICT), embark on research on how to improve the use of technology in FRSC to help improve the system as digitalization improves traffic flow and reduces congestion.
“It so certain that FRSC will be able to achieve Safer Roads and Fuller Lives on our roads if Nigerians can embrace the digital innovation of FRSC,” Shehu, added.
He urged marshals to embrace these technologies to enhance productivity.
He added that the volunteer spirit, fostered by special marshals, across the country had contributed toward saving many lives on highways and urged them to sustain the tempo.
“Special Marshals are a pride to Nigeria. Their activities and milestone achievements have traversed the globe with recognition at the United Nations Safety Collaboration Forum. I assured them that the commission will continue to provide enabling environment to ensure Special Marshals input adds value to FRSC desire bequeath a lasting road safety legacy in Nigeria.
“We are all aware that many special marshals are professionals in academia and information technology. Your expertise and insights are invaluable to us, and we would be glad to see you coming up with innovative ideas, IT applications and research initiatives that can assist the Corps’ and further boost IT-driven innovations.”
In his opening speech, RS2 Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Adeoye Irelewuyi, said leveraging on technology is the only way for global development.
According to him, the world is battling with different forms of challenges ranging from climate change, water and food crisis with different global pandemic, saying these challenges can never be adequately solved without leveraging on technology.
“Infact, No country in the world can develop and advance in all facet without technology.
“Road Traffic Crash (RTC) has become a major challenges in Nigeria which FRSC need technology driven ideas to tackle.
The public can engage FRSC through their Social Media handles: Face Book; X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
“Digitalization improves traffic flow and reduces congestion. It increases enforcement and efficiency, enhances safety and incident response. It also promotes real-time monitoring of operatives and data driven decision making.
Speaking, RS2 Zonal Coordinator of Special Marshals, Elder Solomon Adeniyi, admonished all members of the volunteering group to abstain from corruption or infraction when on the road or elsewhere, saying they were always regarded as men of proven integrity.
He said the function of Special Marshals are: Monitoring road users with a view of providing constructive feedback to the Corps’; carry out traffic control and rescue operations as a team or squad in case of emergencies; participate in research activities that relevant to road safety management and organize, sponsor/participate in workshop, public enlightenment programmes and campaigns.
Others he mentioned includes: Assist Road Safety Clubs in their activities; undertake specific annual projects on Unit, State, Zonal or National basis with the approval of RSHQ through National Coordinator and any other function as may be assigned by the Corps’ Marshal or his representative.