Babangida lauds pioneering role of Wole Soyinka as FRSC marks 30

Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has acknowledged the noble role of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, in laying the foundation for a disciplined, firm and committed Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

He said this in Minna, Niger State, in a “Message of Goodwill” on the 30th anniversary of the FRSC released to media houses on Monday night.

“Our administration summoned Prof. Soyinka to higher national service as the founding corps marshall of the FRSC. 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 FRSC have brought to the organisation glaring innovations, increased zeal and heightened commitment,” Babangida said.

The former leader recalled that before the formation of the FRSC, the carnage on Nigeria’s highways had become “unacceptable,” adding that it was then a matter of serious concern to Nigerians and “indeed the international community.”

Babangida, who stated that his administration had to take the initiative by drawing from the experience in the old Oyo State, said he was particularly happy that the organisation had been able to weather the storm and remain afloat these 30 years.

“In a national environment where institutions tend to be short-lived and rise or fall with the fortunes of changing dispensations, it is gratifying that the FRSC is 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 reduce the loss of lives on our roads and highways,” he further said.