By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, has been inducted into the Volunteer Arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, as an Honorary Special Marshal.
The decoration ceremony which was performed by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, DCM Dauda Ali-Biu, held at the State Secretariat Annex in Uyo yesterday.
Shortly after being decorated, Ibanga assured the FRSC officials that the safety of citizens and road users has always been one of the priorities of Governor Udom Emmanuel, explaining that the present administration has constructed numerous high quality roads in the state to enable ease of movement for commuters.
The Commissioner also noted that the State government has provided road furniture on most of the roads and is putting arrangements in place to do so in all the roads constructed, to guide users and enhance safety, while hinting that government is preparing to inaugurate about 20 new roads before the end of the administration.
He shared in the sentiments of the Road Safety officials who noted that the encroachment on major roads by traders in some parts of the state, was inimical to the safety of road users and explained that government has already mandated the State Ministry of Environment to take steps to permanently displace traders from the affected roads and highways.
While dedicating the honour to Governor Emmanuel, the Works and Fire Service helmsman pointed out that it was the Governor’s commitment to safety and serenity of the State that has made Akwa Ibom a safe haven and destination of choice in the country.
“The real beauty of a state or city is in the safety. That is why I dedicate this honour to Governor Udom Emmanuel. Since assuming office in 2015, the Governor has been commited to the safety and serenity of the state.
“Akwa Ibom is currently retaining the badge as the cleanest state in Nigeria for the third year and the serenity of this state in the comity of states is what has made us the destination of choice in Nigeria as of today.” Ibanga stated.
He asured that Akwa Ibom would continue to remain in the lead in providing good road infrastructure to the citizenry, pledging continuous support and partnership of the state government to the Corps, in order to avert road crashes in the state.
Earlier, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, DCM Ali-Biu, commended Ibanga for his personal contribution to the FRSC adding that the Commission’s Headquarters was pleased to receive news of his support to the state command.
Represented by the Zonal Commander RS6 HQ Port Harcourt, ACM Owoade Jonathan, the FRSC Chief applauded the Commissioner’s commitment at supervising the construction of good roads across the state, describing Akwa Ibom as one of the safest state and most pleasurable to drive in, by long distant drivers in Nigeria.
“Akwa Ibom State is one of the safest states in this country and for long distant drivers, immediately you enter Akwa Ibom, the ride becomes very pleasurable because of good roads and near absence of portholes on the highways.” Ali-Bui said.
He further noted that road safety was a shared responsibility of every citizen and thanked the Works Commissioner for playing his role in ensuring smooth and safe rides in the state.
“The Corps Marshal in Abuja instructed me to personally come and decorate Professor Eno Ibanga as Honorary Special Marshal of the Commission. The duty of road safety is a shared responsibility and the Commission is very appreciative of Professor Ibanga for playing his role by always coming to the aid of the Akwa Ibom State command whenever we beckon on him”. He said.
He used the occasion to urge car owners and commercial drivers to strictly adhere to safety rules and road signs while on the road, saying, “don’t make phone calls while driving, Women should not carry babies on their laps while driving because if there is an emergency the baby may have spinal cord injury due to impact with the steering.”
On the need to undergo driving test before obtaining a driver’s license, he said, “the renewal of drivers license helps the Commission to test a driver and ascertain if his eyes, character and health are still fit for him or her to be licensed. This is why we insist on renewal of drivers license.”
On his part, the Sector Commander of FRSC, Akwa Ibom State command, Mathew Olonisade, extolled the State government for having what he described as “one of the best road network in Nigeria”, adding that the peace and good roads put in place by Akwa Ibom State Government has made his work easy.
Olonisade also expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Government for always being responsive to plight of road users, noting, “whenever there is any challenging development on the road, Akwa Ibom State Government is always supportive and quick to take action”.
He added, “we approached Professor Eno Ibanga personally to help us resuscitate our ambulance that was in comatose, he responded swiftly and transformed the ambulance for us just for the sake of humanity. I appreciate his kind gestures”.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. John Itiat, expressed gratitude to the Road Safety team for honouring the commissioner.
He described the honour as well deserved, adding that honouring qualified members of the public who contribute to the lofty ideals of the Commission would encourage the cultivation of more responsible citizens in the country.
