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Shehu Mohammed and the Evolution of Digitization in FRSC: A Tale of Road Safety Revolution in Nigeria

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FRSC CORPS MARSHAL COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES OF DECEASED PERSONNEL KILLED IN ACTIVE SERVICE

Shehu Mohammed and the Evolution of Digitization in FRSC: A Tale of Road Safety Revolution in Nigeria

 

 

From whatever perspective you choose to look at him, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed is a voyage in the transportation industry with a touch of class. One of the most outstanding safety practitioners whose efficiency, knowledge, diligence and professionalism have become another definition of standard in road safety administration and traffic management. I say this because, Men of unique achievements are celebrated anywhere in the world, and when their values are appreciated, they are not only spurred to do more, but also encouraged to inspire the younger generation. This article therefore explores the evolution of digitization in FRSC, its impact on road safety, and how the leadership of Mallam Shehu Mohammed has driven this transformation.

 

 

To begin with, a critical appraisal of this digital age suggests that innovation and technology have transformed various sectors, including the road transportation sector, especially in the area of safety of lives and properties of commuters on the road.

 

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria’s premier road safety agency, has seen an unprecedented degree of digital revolution that has placed the lead agency at the forefront of unparalleled transformation.

The evolution of digitization at FRSC under Shehu Mohammed’s leadership has rekindled the light of hope in FRSC. By embracing technology, FRSC has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and service delivery, setting a benchmark for public sector innovation. As FRSC continues to push the boundaries of digitization, its impact on road safety will only continue to grow, saving lives and making Nigerian roads safer.

The present Corps Marshal whose trajectory dates back to more than 3 decades has been instrumental in driving FRSC’s digital transformation. His vision, strategic thinking, and commitment to innovation have inspired a cultural shift, positioning FRSC as a model for public sector digitization in Nigeria.

With a policy thrust that has Rejiged and repositioned operational activities through digital transformation, broadened the scope of strategic partnership, entrenched zero tolerance to indiscipline as well as enhanced welfare of staff, the Corps Marshal has revolutionised the lead agency and revived it’s Glory.

The Corps Marshal began his digital revolution on the administrative front with Electronic Document Management System ( Paperless) which will be launched soon. While on the operational front, he initiated and launched FRSC Mobile Application, a one-stop shop for all FRSC products and services, for ease of doing business and quality service delivery. The FRSC Mobile App was introduced to generate and analyse real time data on operations, Traffic Crashes data management, road conditions, and provide customers with feedback on the Corps’ products. The initiative targets at enhancing the operations of the Corps, so as to significantly improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of road safety management in Nigeria.

The Application provides the Corps with critical information, enables timely decision-making and swift action to ensure the safety of road users. The importance of the application and its impact on road safety administration cannot be emphasized as it ensures immediate incident response, dynamic traffic management, accurate and timely reporting, data-driven insights for Future Planning, etc.

Part of the features of this innovative App includes its ability to detect vehicle speed, black spots on the roads, remind drivers and vehicle owners about when to change their tyres, grant easy access to verification of drivers license, vehicle number plates as well as other FRSC products and services.

You could access the National Traffic Radio for real time traffic update, and also report road traffic crashes, obstructions and other emergencies.

Having understood that a well collated and analysed data drives decision-making and guides policy formulation and implementation, the Corps Marshal developed the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS).

NACRIS complements the Corps efforts exhibited over the years to capture information about road traffic crash such as the inauguration of Road Traffic Crash Information system in 2014 and the harmonized reporting format of Road traffic Crash to align with international best practice. It is a web application that allows the Corps to analyse the economic, health and other burdens that road traffic crashes leaves on the shoulders of our nation, as well as helps in intelligence sharing with relevant stakeholders such as NPF, NEMA, NBS, NCDC, etc.

In less than hundred days in office, Shehu restored the integrity of the National Drivers License and resolved issues surrounding the production of the national drivers license and the vehicle number plates by strengthening the production capacity of the production plants which are presently performing at optimal level.

Added to this is the introduction of penalty point system as part of operational strategy to discourage abuse of traffic regulations.

Apparently with these milestones, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed is indeed a believer in success who goes the stretch to achieve it. He has proven to be a leader who leads by example and his leadership cuts across tribes, religion and cultural boundaries, without discrimination.

Fondly referred to as “Mr Welfare” by members of the Corps, Shehu Mohammed also broadened the scope of staff professionalism through enhanced capacity development. Part of the efforts in this regard include the expansion of slots for further studies for staff. For the first time in the history of the Corps, the entire arresting Marshal’s and Commanding Officers have been subjected to an intensive training that will enhance staff professionalism.

In the same vein, within the short period, the Corps Marshal ensured the promotion of officers as a catalyst for optimal performance. He has promoted 8 Assistant Corps Marshals to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal while 28 Corps Commanders are presently awaiting their promotion to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal.

To boost the morale of staff, he established the hall of fame where personnel who exhibit outstanding character are paraded and rewarded to boost their morale and general productivity of staff. This is in addition to hall of shame where personnel who engage in Patrol Misconduct/Incivility to the motoring public are paraded and given the punishment that is due to them.

Apart from the foregoing, the Corps under his leadership has commenced harmonization of the Ranking Structure and proper placement of Men of the other rank. Payment of transfer allowances and eradication of punitive posting from the Corps has also been in top speed.

Knowing the impact of mutual collaboration, he went further to strengthen partnership with International agencies (United Nations (UN), World Bank, World health Organization (WHO). As well as enhanced collaboration with transport unions and the Special Marshals.

A combination of these strategic efforts reflected in the 2024 Eid-El-KABIR special patrol, where the Corps recorded huge reduction in crashes, fatalities and injuries. 51% reduction in road traffic crashes, 38% reduction in number of people involved, and 39% reduction in number of people killed. Also, while 35% decrease was recorded in number of people injured, the Corps achieved 41% reduction in number of people rescued without injuries.

 

A trail blazer and one of the key member of the group who blazed the trail that transformed what is today known as the Lead Agency on road safety in the whole of Africa; Shehu Mohammed is a Prince from the royal throne of the Zauzzau Emirate, the Sulikin Arewan Zauzzau and a Double-Awardee, of FRSC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit.

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

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Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

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Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

The 17th International Security Conference, hosted by the Institute of Security, Nigeria, saw Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, inducted as the 2nd Patron of the Institute. The event, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, was a gathering of top security experts, academics, and stakeholders.

Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

General Olu Bajowa, the 1st Patron of the Institute, hailed General Buratai as an exemplary leader who embodies courage, determination, and patriotism.

“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,” General Bajowa said.

He further lauded Buratai’s wealth of experience and his invaluable contributions to the fight against insurgency and terrorism during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled,” Bajowa added.

In his acceptance speech, General Buratai highlighted the critical role of security education and training in ensuring national safety and pledged to support the Institute’s programs.

“Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” Buratai stated.

He called for unity in building a secure Nigeria, adding, “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives.”

The conference also featured other notable speakers. Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, underscored the importance of focusing on domestic development, particularly in agriculture and smallholder peasant farming.

“For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Bello said.

Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun emphasised grassroots security education as a tool for sustainable development, while Major General Bulama Biu urged policymakers to implement actionable strategies beyond rhetoric.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action, stressing the need for collective efforts to secure Nigeria’s future and foster prosperity for its citizens.

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Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

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Israeli's Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

 

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an emissary to Abu Dhabi’s Chabad chapter, has been missing since Thursday, and Israel’s security services reportedly fear he was kidnapped or murdered, it emerged Saturday.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement confirming Kogan’s disappearance and said authorities were treating the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.

Israeli's Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

The PMO added that the Mossad intelligence agency had launched an “extensive” investigation into the incident alongside Emirati authorities.

At the same time, the National Security Council issued a reminder that it has advised for some time not to travel to the United Arab Emirates for non-essential purposes.

Ynet cited security officials as saying there is growing suspicion Kogan was murdered, and the Walla news site reported that Israel has information that he was being followed by Iranian intelligence, citing security sources.

Israeli's Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

Kogan is a dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, and has been part of the Abu Dhabi Chabad chapter since Israel normalized ties with the UAE in late 2020. According to Ynet, Kogan participated in the first ever Holocaust remembrance day ceremony in the Gulf state in 2021, and led the Yizkor prayer during the event.

 

Kogan is the nephew of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was murdered along with his wife in a terror attack at the Nariman Chabad House in Mumbai in 2008, Channel 12 news reported.

Kogan has served as an aide to the Chief Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates, Rabbi Levi Duchman.

The UAE became the most prominent Arab state in 30 years to establish formal ties with Israel under a US-brokered agreement in 2020, dubbed the Abraham Accords. It has maintained the relationship throughout Israel’s more than 13-month war in Gaza.

Israel has been on high alert for Iranian efforts to harm Israelis and Jews around the world through its various agents and proxies, as the countries have exchanged direct military blows for the first time this year.

Iran launched major drone and ballistic missile attacks against Israel in April and October, in response to Israeli strikes on its proxies in Lebanon and Syria. In late October, Israel retaliated with a series of strikes in which dozens of aircraft targeted strategic military sites across Iran as well as air defense batteries.

Iran has vowed to respond but has not yet done so in any major capacity.

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The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story Reviewed by Sunday Dare

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The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story Reviewed by Sunday Dare,

The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story
Reviewed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications

 

Rarely does a biography manage to weave the strands of history, leadership, and vision into a fine narrative that not only recounts a life but also projects the promise of a nation’s future. The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story accomplishes this and more. It is a book that examines the journey of a leader who has reshaped political discourse and governance in Nigeria while offering a roadmap for the country’s recovery and growth under his stewardship.

The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story
Reviewed by Sunday Dare,

Written with precision and intent, the book is a masterclass in blending biographical detail with thematic exploration. It is not a mere recounting of events but a deliberate presentation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a leader whose past achievements lay the groundwork for a transformational future. As I delved into the pages, I found myself reflecting on how the authors skillfully captured Tinubu’s story as both a historical account and an unfolding narrative.

At its core, The Architect of Renewal is a reassurance to Nigerians. The authors, firm believers in Tinubu’s vision, employ a straightforward narrative style to answer a singular question: does Bola Ahmed Tinubu possess the experience, competence, and courage to lead Nigeria through its most challenging times? Their answer is a resounding yes, and they take the reader on a journey through the various aspects of Tinubu’s life and leadership to substantiate this claim.

The book opens with Tinubu’s formative years in activism, particularly his role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), where he emerged as a champion of democracy. It chronicles his exile, his return, and his transformative tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he demonstrated exceptional foresight and an unwavering commitment to innovation. The authors highlight his revolutionary economic reforms that increased Lagos State’s internally generated revenue from N600 million to over N5 billion monthly. This achievement, as they point out, was not just a testament to Tinubu’s economic acumen but a preview of what he could achieve on a national scale.

The narrative gains momentum as it goes further into Tinubu’s grassroots mobilization strategies and coalition-building prowess. Chapter Two, for instance, is a standout, illustrating how Tinubu’s ability to connect with the micro-components of society has made him a master of grassroots politics. The authors describe him as a leader with an unparalleled understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political fabric, a man who recognizes the power of the people and leverages it to build enduring coalitions.

Equally compelling is the book’s exploration of Tinubu’s resilience and adaptability. The authors recount his courageous decision-making, from his tenure as Governor of Lagos to his early months as President of Nigeria. They highlight his reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, framing them as necessary, albeit painful steps toward economic stability. Here, the authors remind us of Psalm 30:5: “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” a biblical metaphor that encapsulates their optimism about Nigeria’s future under Tinubu’s leadership.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance reverence with realism. While it unabashedly celebrates Tinubu’s achievements, it does not shy away from acknowledging the enormity of the challenges he faces as President. The authors recognize the uncertainty of the present but argue that Tinubu’s pedigree, preparation, and persistence make him uniquely qualified to navigate these challenges.

The book also offers a glimpse into Tinubu’s personal qualities, describing him as “a bold, optimistic, and staunch believer in in competence.” The authors present him as a man who is not afraid to make difficult decisions, a leader who plans for the long term and sees beyond immediate frustrations. These attributes, they argue, are what make Tinubu a symbol of hope in a time of despair.

Several chapters stand out for their depth and insight. Chapter Three, which examines Tinubu’s coalition-building strategies, is a detailed account of his ability to unify disparate groups under a shared vision. Chapter Five, on resilience and adaptability, is a testament to Tinubu’s capacity to evolve with the political landscape, transforming obstacles into opportunities.

As the book reviewer, I was particularly struck by the author’s treatment of Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria. They articulate his belief in governance as a tool for economic and social transformation, presenting him as a leader who understands the importance of planning, discipline, and execution. The book argues convincingly that Tinubu’s presidency represents a long-distance race rather than a sprint—a journey that requires patience, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to reform.

Three quotes from the book resonate deeply and encapsulate its message:

1. “He armed himself with quality education, built a sterling career in private and public sectors, rose through the ranks, led major democratic struggles and political battles, and established a rich network of allies and associates across Nigeria and beyond.”

2. “The reforms his government has introduced are not quick fixes; they are deliberate, albeit painful, transformations that underscore responsible and responsive leadership.”

3. “True leadership requires the capacity to take a studious look at available options and choose the path that leads to the enduring good, not necessarily the path of least resistance.”

The Architect of Renewal is more than just a book. For me, it is a call to action, a blueprint for leadership, and a source of reassurance for Nigerians. It reminds us that Tinubu’s presidency is not an accident of history but the culmination of decades of preparation, struggle, and vision. As Nigerians look to the future, this book serves as a reminder that their President is a man who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

This is history in progress, and it is a story worth reading.

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