FRSC Special Marshals Decorate FUL Vice-Chancellor, Ibileye Pledges Stronger Road Safety Measures

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshals have decorated the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, in recognition of his support for road safety initiatives and commitment to protecting lives on Nigerian roads, particularly in Kogi State.

The ceremony took place at the university on Friday, October 9, 2026, with officials of the FRSC Special Marshals commending the Vice-Chancellor for his contributions to road safety advocacy.

The event opened with remarks by the State Coordinator of the FRSC Special Marshals, Eld Samuel A. Osho, who was represented by the Deputy State Coordinator, SM Okeme Aaron. He thanked Ibileye for receiving the delegation and accepting the honour.

The Vice-Chancellor's abridged professional profile was subsequently presented by Daniel Nwankwo, the university's Deputy Director of Protocol and a member of the Federal University Lokoja Unit (019) of the RS 8.3 Special Marshals.

During the presentation, Nwankwo highlighted Ibileye's recent recognition with the Most Proactive Advocacy for Road Safety in Kogi State Award, describing it as evidence of his contributions to promoting safer roads within the state and beyond.

The FRSC Sector Commander, CC Lawan Lalu Fagge, was represented at the ceremony by DCC T. A. Abang.

Other officials present included the State Secretary of the Special Marshals, SM Daniel O. Timi Leke; Mr Paul Alewo (CRC Accts); SPO OB Harunna; and other officers and active members of the RS 8.3 Special Marshals.

Speaking at the event, Okeme commended the activities of the Corps and Ibileye's role in advancing road safety. He assured the university of the Corps' continued partnership and support, particularly in addressing safety concerns along the Abuja-Okene Expressway.

In his response, Ibileye praised the FRSC, especially the Special Marshals, for their contributions to traffic management in and around Kogi State.

He specifically commended the Federal University Lokoja Unit (019) of the RS 8.3 Special Marshals for helping to maintain order around the university's main entrance, which is exposed to heavy traffic along the major highway.

Expressing concern over the loss of students and staff in road accidents, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the university and road safety stakeholders.

He pledged to take his responsibilities as an Honorary Special Marshal more seriously, acknowledging that his official engagements had previously limited his participation in the Corps' activities. He, however, assured the delegation that he would make more time to support its initiatives.

As part of efforts to improve road safety around the campus, Ibileye disclosed that the university management was exploring an alternative access route to reduce students' and staff members' exposure to highway traffic.

He also revealed that the university had engaged the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant contractors over plans to construct a pedestrian bridge near the university gate.

While expressing optimism about the proposed interventions, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that infrastructure alone would not eliminate road accidents without discipline, compliance with traffic regulations and effective enforcement.

He therefore sought the continued support of the FRSC and the Special Marshals in promoting safer roads around the campus, particularly in addressing reckless driving by truck operators and motorists who frequently drive against traffic along the expressway.

Ibileye described the decoration as an honour he would cherish and expressed appreciation to the organisers, reaffirming his commitment to supporting road safety initiatives and strengthening collaboration with the Corps.

The university said the engagement underscored the importance of sustained cooperation between academic institutions and road safety agencies in reducing road accidents and protecting members of the university community.