FRSC deepens grassroots safety drive, inaugurates second Ikotun special marshal unit

…Inducts students as road safety ambassadors

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inaugurated its second Special Marshal unit in Ikotun, formally inducted students of Datem Height Comprehensive College as Road Safety Ambassadors in a renewed campaign to deepen traffic discipline among young Nigerians.

At the ceremony held last December, the Lagos State Coordinator of Special Marshals, Dennis Olabisi, said the initiative reflects the Corps’ strategy of “catching them young” by embedding a culture of road safety consciousness in students early enough to shape responsible adulthood.

Dr. Olabisi

According to him, school-based FRSC clubs serve as critical platforms for nurturing safety advocates who promote responsible road use within their families, schools, and communities.

“When we teach them, they become ambassadors. They propagate safety values wherever they go. Road safety is no longer the exclusive duty of uniformed officers; it is a shared civic responsibility,” Olabisi stated.

He commended Peace House, Unit 67 Ikotun, describing it as one of the most proactive Special Marshal units in Lagos State, particularly in community sensitisation and grassroots advocacy.

“Ikotun previously ranked among the top units in safety advocacy. With recent strides, it is regaining that leadership position. This is the second inauguration under this unit in 2025, and no other command in the state has recorded such an achievement,” he added.

Deepening Youth Engagement

The Ikotun Unit RS2.113 Commander, Assistant Corps Commander Florence Edor, praised the synergy between Special Marshals and regular FRSC personnel, noting that sustained collaboration would further strengthen safety campaigns across schools and youth groups.

Edor

“We will intensify partnerships with educational institutions to ensure young people imbibe road safety knowledge and pass it on. More enlightenment initiatives are underway to sensitise Nigerians on responsible road use,” Edor assured.

In his welcome address, Special Marshal Oche Solomon Isaac emphasised that cultivating a safety culture from the grassroots remains central to reducing road crashes.

Oche

“Children are influential voices in their homes. By empowering them as ambassadors, we are planting seeds of lasting behavioural change,” he said.

The proprietor of Datem Height Comprehensive College. Temitope Agbelusi, expressed appreciation to the FRSC and Special Marshals for extending the initiative to his students.

Agbelusi

“This is an opportunity we have long anticipated. I did not have such exposure growing up, so I am delighted our students can benefit from this programme,” he noted.

Although 22 students initially signified interest, 15 were formally inducted due to logistical constraints. Agbelusi thanked parents for their support and urged the newly inaugurated ambassadors to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Students Pledge Advocacy

Some of the inductees, including SS3 students Oleide Alimashao and Omotosho who expressed enthusiasm and pledged to champion traffic awareness campaigns among their peers.

“We will sensitise people on traffic management and safe road practices. This opportunity will positively shape our future,” Alimashao said.

Another student described the induction as a proud moment, promising to contribute to making his generation more safety conscious.

The inauguration underscores the FRSC’s grassroots strategy of leveraging youth engagement to promote responsible road use and reduce accidents through early education and sustained community outreach.