society

Dissecting Corps Marshal’s welfare-driven leadership and the pivotal evolution of a new era in FRSC

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2024

Dissecting Corps Marshal’s welfare-driven leadership and the pivotal evolution of a new era in FRSC

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a surge of transformation across various sectors, and perhaps one of the most vital yet underrated sectors witnessing this shift is road transportation sector and road safety management. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria’s lead agency for road safety administration and traffic management, under the amiable leadership of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, is undergoing what can only be described as a pivotal evolution. This “Wind of Change” sweeping through the FRSC is not just a symbolic shift but a substantive movement that promises to redefine the nation’s approach to road safety, reduce fatalities, and usher in a new era of accountability and efficiency.

Since the inception of the Federal Road Safety Corps in 1988, the significance of employee welfare as a cornerstone of effective leadership has never been more apparent. The present Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, a proactive leader known for his progressive approach, is reshaping this narrative by prioritizing staff welfare, not just as a supportive measure but as a transformative leadership strategy. His commitment is revolutionizing organisational dynamics and redefining the potential of welfare programmes to foster loyalty, enhance productivity, and build an environment where employees thrive.

Right from the onset in FRSC, the overwhelming influence of traditional leadership models often undervalued employee welfare, focusing predominantly on productivity and targets. However, as the corporate landscape shifts, leaders like Shehu Mohammed are recognising that employee well-being is a fundamental component of sustainable success. Mohammed understands that welfare policies are more than mere benefits; they’re investments in the people who drive the organisation forward. His leadership philosophy embodies the belief that employee welfare is directly linked to performance, satisfaction, and the overall health of an organization.

One of the most critical strides recorded in the history of the Corps in that regard is the recent decision taking by Shehu Mohammed, which is the harmonisation of Marshal ranks to their equivalent in the Officers cadre. This decision of harmonisation of ranks could be said to be one of the most courageous decisions ever taken by any Corps Marshal, where about 1395 personnel of the Marshal cadre were converted into the Officers cadre in line with the provisions of the public service rules. This marks the first time such milestone could be recorded in the Corps.

For the sake of clarity, the FRSC’s rank structure is divided into two main categories: commissioned and non-commissioned officers. The commissioned officers include: the rank of Assistant Route Commander to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal. On the other hand, non-commissioned officers comprise personnel of the rank of Road Marshal Assistant III to the rank of Chief Inspector. In addition, while the Commissioned Officers are staff who were employed with a minimum of a first degree certificate, the later are those recruited with a minimum of an ‘O’ level certificate or equivalent.

By the provision of the public service extant regulations, staff who were recruited as non-commissioned officers that later proceeded to acquire more education in the course of their careers, could be converted into the Officers cadre in line with standard operating procedures on further studies and career progression.

While the initial prominent attempt to tackle this issue of harmonisation in 2021 could not hit the nail on the head as only staff with HND at the point of entry were considered, the Shehu Mohammed’s harmonisation took the bull by the horn. It cleared the backlogs and ensured that all concerned are not only converted, but the ranks harmonized to, matched their equivalent in the Officers cadre.

This harmonization of ranks which saw the officers cadre strengthened with 646 Assistant Route Commanders, 407 Deputy Route Commanders, 109 Route Commanders, and 233 Superintendent Route Commanders is expected to bring about a more streamlined and efficient organisational structure, promoting better communication and collaboration among officers and men.

To this end, it is safe to say that Shehu Mohammed’s approach to welfare enhancement is distinctive in that it integrates welfare into the core strategy of leadership. Rather than treating welfare initiatives as optional add-ons, he views them as integral to the organisation’s mission and objectives. His programmes go beyond rhetoric. It encompasses career development opportunities, mental health support, flexible working arrangements, and other initiatives that address the holistic needs of employees.

Mohammed’s welfare model is designed to empower employees, offering resources that support both their professional and personal lives. This approach has had a ripple effect, fostering a culture of trust, mutual respect, and loyalty. Today, FRSC personnel feel valued, knowing that the Corps Marshal and his Management prioritise their well-being, and this has led to higher level of commitment, and a more dedicated workforce.

One of the key outcomes of Shehu Mohammed’s welfare-driven leadership is the transformation of organisational culture. By prioritizing employee welfare, he has cultivated an environment where transparency, communication, and collaboration thrive. Employees are more engaged, more motivated, and are willing to go the extra mile, knowing their efforts are appreciated and supported.

Additionally, Mohammed’s leadership has encouraged employees to take ownership of their roles. His welfare programs include upskilling initiatives that allow staff members to pursue further training and development within the organization. In the last few months for instance, over 8000 staff have been trained comprising of arresting Marshals, officers in different expertise and professionalism, and Members of Management. By investing in their growth, Mohammed ensures that his team has access to career advancement opportunities and feels a deeper connection to the organisation’s success.

Mohammed’s approach to staff welfare isn’t just an isolated example but a potential model for sustainable leadership across agencies of government. By aligning his welfare strategies with organisational goals, he has demonstrated that taking care of employees is not only ethically responsible but also a smart move that could trigger speedy realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps. His initiatives have led to measurable improvements in performance and morale, showing that welfare and productivity are not mutually exclusive but, in fact, mutually reinforcing.

As organisations worldwide grapple with the actualisation of their vision and mission, Mohammed’s welfare-centered leadership provides a blueprint for creating more resilient and successful workforce. His model emphasises that when leaders invest in their people, they are, in effect, investing in the longevity and prosperity of their organisations.

Shehu Mohammed stands as an exemplary leader who is changing the narrative by redefining what it means to lead. Through his commitment to staff welfare enhancement, he has shown that true leadership is not about authority but about service, care, and the courage to prioritize the needs of others. Mohammed’s vision is a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and serves as a reminder that when employees are genuinely valued, they bring their best to the table, benefitting both themselves and the organization.

In an era where the demand for compassionate and effective leadership is paramount, Shehu Mohammed’s model of welfare-driven leadership shines as a beacon of hope and progress. His transformative approach continues to inspire his contemporaries, proving that prioritising employee welfare is not only feasible but essential for a thriving, sustainable future.

On this note, it’s my believe that this new era for the FRSC should and would inspire Nigerians to reimagine their relationship with the lead agency. It should propel a shift in perspective—one that understands safety as not merely the responsibility of FRSC alone, but as a shared duty and a national priority. As this Wind of Change sweeps through the Corps, the nation stands on the precipice of transformation, where lives are preserved, roads are safer, and a culture of accountability prevails.

Bisi Kazeem, fsi, anipr, MNIM,
A retired Deputy Corps Marshal, veteran road safety professional and a public relations expert, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

society

OGUN APC FULLY PREPARED TO WIN THE NOVEMBER 16TH LG ELECTIONS – OLADUNJOYE

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Sahara Weekly

*OGUN APC FULLY PREPARED TO WIN THE NOVEMBER 16TH LG ELECTIONS – OLADUNJOYE

…”Thank you very much for that question. For the November 16th local government elections coming up in Ogun State, I want to assure you that Ogun State APC is fully prepared for that election not only to participate but also to win.

We are not only a political party, we are also the ruling party in Ogun State. We thank God and thank the people of Ogun State, for the privilege given to our Party to serve the people of Ogun State at the state level and at the local government level. As at today, among the parties vying for the local government position; it is only APC that has projects and programmes with which we can campaign, which we have been campaigning, when we talk of primary health care, we talk of renovation and construction of primary schools, roads, and what have you.

APC is the only party that can point to what it has achieved apart from that, we are about the only party that is even campaigning for the local government election, we are going round all the 236 wards, all our polling units, We can hardly see any opposition party; what they plan to do or the magic they plan to achieve, we don’t know, We as a party, APC Is not taking anything for granted.
We have achievements to point to, we are campaigning, we are mobilizing our members, and we are getting assurance from people of Ogun State, that their support remains unshaken and is for All Progressives Congress (APC).

On the part of the OGSIEC, we pray that, they will continue uphold the credibility of the agency, the impartiality of the agency. As at today, even the PDP has attested to the fact that OGSIEC is credible and impartial. It is in the press they issued this morning (Sunday); it is a big kudos for the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, that has allowed the agency to run without meddlesomeness on the part of the government.

For the November 16th election, we are very sure that APC will not only win but will also win overwhelmingly.
Thank You”

society

EFCC’s Olukoyede has done a yeoman’s job -Akinnola

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Sahara Weekly

EFCC’s Olukoyede has done a yeoman’s job
-Akinnola

Popular human rights activists and media laws expert, Mr Richard Akinnola, has described the achievements of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, within one year in office as a “yeoman’s job”.

Addressing some journalist while assessing the first year in office of the chairman of the Commission, the prolific author and publisher remarked that “I am not someone that panders to adulating public officials but I must say without any equivocation, that I have been greatly impressed by the accomplishments of the EFCC Chairman in the past one year.”

Speaking further, Akinnola who is the publisher of CORRUPTION CASES DIGEST said: “If you knew the humongous task it is to fight corruption in this system, with limited staff and resources, you would praise the gentleman at the helm of affairs. Fighting corruption is not a tea party because the corrupt political class would fight back as it’s currently happening. In June this year, the EFCC Chairman said the Commission received 14, 000 petitions within a year. With limited staff and resources, how do you start sifting through this plethora of petitions and investigating the same?”

“The EFCC Chairman once recalled that a few minutes to midnight on December 31 last year, he received intelligence on his phone how multiple billions of Naira were being moved from some ministries and MDAs to certain banks and that he immediately called the bank MDs to warn them not to allow any withdrawal of such humongous amounts. You know that usually such unspent money ought to be returned to the treasury but these people decided to fleece them.”

“These are accomplishments you don’t hear in the public space and it takes a proactive and diligent anti-corruption helmsman to detect and nip this in the bud. So, it’s not an accident that the current media onslaught against the current leadership of the Commission is suspected to be sponsored and financed by a former governor and his surrogate successor. You see the whole media place with heavy media and legal advocacy, including sponsored editorials and press conferences, protests by all manner of groups and the rest. All these are to change narratives in the public space because they are feeling the heat of one man called Olukoyede,” Akinnola added.

According to Akinnola, “Many people are not even aware that the liberalization of financial transactions through the use of MasterCard and Visa, was the handiwork of the EFCC, after the global financial anti-corruption institutions had to delist Nigeria among those barred from such transactions. So, there are more positives one can point to regarding the activities of the EFCC.”

On the case filed at the Supreme Court by Kogi State Government and 15 other states challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC, the veteran journalist declined to go into the details of the case saying “it is left for the Supreme Court”. He however noted that: “The same people who were against financial autonomy for the local governments and state judiciary, are the same people who want the EFCC to be scrapped. Otherwise, if their intention were pure and altruistic, they would have approached the apex court to give effect to justifiability of chapter two of the constitution regarding free education and other welfare packages for the citizens but because they are afraid of what would befall them after leaving office, they want the Commission scrapped. We all wait for the Supreme Court judgment.”

society

EFCC summons foreigner, guests over Naira-spraying at Kano wedding

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2024

Sahara Weekly

EFCC summons foreigner, guests over Naira-spraying at Kano wedding

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has summoned a Nigerien national, Ibrahim Mohammad, his family, and other guests, over alleged naira abuse at his wedding to Amina Babagana Zannah, in Kano.

The invitation follows a viral video depicting individuals spraying naira notes at the event, drawing public attention and backlash as part of the agency’s ongoing campaign against currency abuse.

A statement issued by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, confirmed the commission’s response to the incident.

Initial reports mistakenly attributed the naira-spraying incident to the wedding of Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, leading to widespread public concern and editorial coverage from a major national newspaper.

However, Oyewale explained that EFCC’s investigation clarified that the naira abuse actually occurred at the wedding dinner of Zannah, daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna, also known as Hafsat Gold Nigeria, the CEO of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise with offices in Abuja, Kano, and Dubai.

He stated that Haruna acknowledged the incident, explaining that the groom’s family, hailing from Niger Republic, sprayed naira and dollar bills as part of the celebrations.

EFCC, emphasizing its dedication to upholding currency regulations, stated that it will act against anyone who violates these rules, regardless of status or nationality, while ensuring that no one is wrongfully accused.

The commission noted the importance of public vigilance and the impact of its currency-protection campaign across the country.

The statement read, “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a viral video where the nation’s currency, Naira, was freely sprayed at a wedding ceremony in Kano, Kano State on Friday, October 24, 2024.

“Allegations of the abuse of the Naira were imputed to Mrs Fauziya Danjuma Goje, daughter of Senator Danjuma Goje, by Nigerians from all walks of life, including an Editorial by a leading and respected National Newspaper.

“As a responsible and accountable anti-corruption agency campaigning against currency mutilation and dollarization of the economy, the EFCC swung into action by analysing the video and findings showed that the alleged naira abuse actually happened but not at the wedding of Goje’s daughter but at the wedding dinner of Amina Babagana Zannah held on the afore-mentioned date.

“Zannah is the daughter of Hajara Seidu Haruna(a.ka. Hafsat Gold Nigeria) who is the Chief Executive Officer of Hafsat Jewellery Enterprise with offices in Abuja, Kano and Dubai (United Arab Emirate).

“Haruna confirmed the viral video. She admitted that the alleged naira abuse took place at the wedding dinner of her daughter. The bridegroom, Ibrahim Mohammad hails from Niger Republic and those that allegedly sprayed naira notes and dollar bills were from the groom’s family in Niger Republic.

“The Commission has invited the Nigerien groom, Mohammad, to report at its national headquarters in Abuja, with everyone that sprayed naira notes at his wedding with Zannah

While the EFCC appreciates the consciousness its campaigns against naira abuse is building across the country, it will not move against anyone wrongly accused of an alleged crime. The Commission remains steadfast in this crusade and would spare no offender, no matter how highly placed.”