…bags FRSC’s Honorary Special Marshal

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Chief Medical Director,CMD of Alliance Hospital, Dr Christopher Otabor, says the hospital has a policy where accident victims are treated even when they have no money to deposit.

Even as he tasked the federal government to prioritise road safety by increasing funding and resources for the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the Chief Consultant Orthopeadics Surgeon noted that government cannot do everything alone and appealed to private individuals to step in.

He spoke in Abuja,after he was decorated as an Honorary Special Marshal by the FRSC,for his remarkable contributions to road safety and accident victim care.

The development was in recognition of Otabor’s long-standing partnership with the FRSC since 2011 in areas of medical outreach, free treatment for accident victims, and training FRSC personnel in life-saving trauma care.

“We have a policy at Alliance Hospital where we don’t turn away accident victims due to lack of funds. Our partnership with the FRSC ensures they receive the urgent care they need.

“The government cannot do everything alone. Private individuals like myself are here to bridge the gap, but the FRSC needs stronger financial and institutional support from our legislators and executive arms. Road safety affects everyone, and collective efforts are necessary to ensure safer roads”,he said.

Speaking further,he explained that, “Our partnership with the FRSC ensures they receive the urgent care they need. This recognition reflects my dedication to reducing road traffic accidents and fatalities.”

The medical expert has been at thr forefront of supporting underserved communities, providing essential medical services and training first responders in trauma management, critical for saving lives on Nigeria’s highways.

His new role as an Honorary Special Marshal is expected to advance his contribution to road safety advocacy.

“I’m committed to continuing my work with the FRSC to make Nigerian roads safer for everyone,”he vowed after his decoration.

On his part, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, represented by ACM Aliyu Datsama, while speaking earlier,“The complementary role of the Special Marshals to road safety objectives cannot be downplayed..”

According to him, the FRSC has made substantial progress by integrating various digital platforms such as the Road Transport Safety Standardization System (RTSSS), the Driving School Standardization Programme (DSSSP), and the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in recent years.

He said:“The FRSC Mobile Application, launched to provide real-time services to road users, and the NACRIS Web Portal for analyzing traffic crash data, were cited as key innovations in the Corps’ efforts.

“By utilising these digital tools, our Special Marshals can carry out their duties with greater efficiency and impact, solidifying their role as the image-makers of the FRSC in their communities,” Shehu noted, urging marshals to embrace these technologies to enhance productivity.”

He acknowledged the vital role of Special Marshals, many of whom are professionals in academia and IT and encouraging them to contribute to the Corps’ digital transformation through research and innovative solutions.

“Your expertise is invaluable. Research plays a critical role in identifying emerging trends, and your input could shape the future of road safety in Nigeria,” he said.

He reminded marshals to prioritize their health and wellbeing, citing concerns over rising deaths among the Special Marshals.

“Your health is essential to our mission. Let us honour those we have lost by taking better care of ourselves and each other,” he appealed.