Former military president, Gen.
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has revealed why he made Noble laureate,
Prof. Wole Soyinka the first head of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
IBB spoke in Minna while
reflecting how the agency was set up 30 years ago
He recalled that while in power
as Head of State, there was high rate of lawlessness on Nigerian highways.
Babangida disclosed that he had
been informed of what Soyinka was doing while in charge of road transport
management in Oyo.
IBB described the author as a
disciplined man who did well on the job.
“Our administration summoned
Professor Soyinka to higher national service as the founding Corps Marshall of
the FRSC”, he recalled.
“I am proud to say that the basic
foundation of discipline, firmness and commitment to humanitarian service was
laid at this initial period.
“No doubt, subsequent leaderships
of the FRSChave brought to the organisation glaring innovations, increased zeal
and heightened commitment.
“In a national environment where
institutions tend to be shortlived and rise or fall with the fortunes of
changing dispensations, it is gratifying that the FRSCis one institution that
has weathered the storm of changing times and administrations
“Not only has it survived, it has
indeed grown into a permanent feature of our national landscape.
“Throughout the length and
breadth of our nation, the presence of FRSC officers and operatives on our
highways reassures our travelling public and reinforces the belief that we are
all united in the commitment to prevent or at least significantly reduce the
loss of lives on our roads and highways.
“Even those who initially doubted
its necessity and efficacy can now testify to the drastic reduction in
Nigeria’s road traffic accidents and therefore the attendant casualties.
“We all ought to be proud that
the negative publicity that our high road traffic accident rates and casualty
figures used to attract is no longer a concern,” he said.
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