Cleric urges FRSC to Establish Special Marshal Unit at Nnewi Catholic Parish

By Praise Chinecherem

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Daniel Ileka has pleaded with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra state to create a special Marshal Unit for the Church.

Ileka made the appeal while playing host to the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekauno and her team who were on advocacy visit in his church at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Umudim Nnewi.

The officiating Priest expressed profound appreciation for the Sector Commander and her team’s impactful visit.

He offered prayers for the Corps and pledged the church’s ongoing support in promoting adherence to road safety messages among its members.

Earlier, Corps Commander Asekauno said the advocacy initiative was in line with the Command’s commitment to reducing road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities by 10% through a robust public enlightenment and community engagement strategy.

According to her, the advocacy was specifically designed to enhance road safety consciousness, promote responsible road usage, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations, all vital measures to mitigate road traffic crashes across the State.

She added that the advocacy was to further strengthen the crucial collaboration between the FRSC and faith-based organizations in the collective mission to foster safer roads in Anambra State.

Addressing the congregation, the FRSC boss emphasized several critical safety topics, including pedestrian safety, the importance of wearing safety crash helmets, the dangers associated with overloading and mixed loading, proper traffic management, the Dangers of driving against the flow of traffic (one-way), Challenges with underage driving, and the severe consequences of speeding and dangerous driving.

“We encourage all motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians to embrace safe road culture and become good ambassadors of road safety within their communities. These are shared responsibility in ensuring safer roads,” she added.

A key highlight of the event was the distribution of informative road safety flyers and awareness materials, reinforcing the vital safety messages delivered during the service.

The programme also featured an interactive session, allowing worshippers to ask questions and receive clear clarifications on various road safety concerns.

The church’s advocacy proceeded with a Thanksgiving by the Sector Commander, Unit Commander Nnewi Unit Command, and staff.

The programme was attended by over 1500 worshippers, including the Unit Commander, RS5.32 Nnewi Unit Command, staff from the Command, and dedicated Special Marshals, underscoring the collaborative effort.