President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said that volunteerism and citizens’ responsibilities were vital requirements in the transformation process in the country.

The president made the statement at the 12th National Summit of Special Marshals of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Abuja.

Jonathan was represented at the occasion by Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He called on Nigerians to be willing to volunteer themselves towards national transformation as exemplified by the role of special marshals.

“Road safety is not a responsibility that should be left only to the regular marshals (FRSC officials) as it requires assistance, understanding and collaboration of all Nigerians.

“Volunteerism and citizens’ responsibility are fundamental in the transformation process of our dear country,” the president said.
Jonathan described the FRSC special marshals in Nigeria as the largest volunteer force in Africa.

He said the marshals had been playing crucial roles in the campaign to ensure the success of road safety in the country.

“ I recommend on merit, the special marshal programme to other countries in African and beyond.”

Jonathan commended the FRSC for the good work it had been doing and assured the commission of government’s its continuous support.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, said that the FRSC remained committed to safety on the nation’s roads.

“The essence of this summit is to reflect on how the special marshals have contributed towards operational efficiency of FRSC.

“It is also to make them more committed in their voluntary service to ensure safety on the nation’s roads,” Oyeyemi said.

Dr Sini Kwabe, the National Coordinator of Special Marshals, urged members to be more committed to ensure safety on the roads.

He called on people of integrity to volunteer themselves to the development of the nation by joining as special marshals.

The special marshals’ scheme was established in 1989 as a voluntary service to complement the activities of the FRSC.

There are over 13,000 special marshals currently complementing 19,000 regular officers of the FRSC.

The summit with the theme “Transforming Nigeria through Volunteerism: The Nigerian Special Marshals Strategy,” was attended by stakeholders in the road sector, members of the armed forces and para-military agencies. (NAN)