In a rare and momentous occasion, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) welcomed its first Corps Marshal, Dr. Olu Agunloye, to its headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the current Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The meeting, described by FRSC officers as a ‘historic moment,’ marked a symbolic encounter between the agency’s pioneering leadership and its present administration.
Dr. Agunloye, who was appointed the inaugural Corps Marshal in February 1988, played a crucial role in establishing the agency’s high standards and operational excellence, which have stood the test of time.
Dr. Agunloye’s tenure, which lasted until December 1994, was marked by groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of the National Driver’s Licence scheme, National Vehicle Registration Number system, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art number plate factory in Lagos in 1993.
These innovations positioned the FRSC as a model agency under the Ibrahim Babangida administration that laid the foundation for its continued success.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the incumbent Corps Marshal, Dr. Agunloye commended the FRSC’s current leadership for its forward-thinking approach to road safety management.
He lauded Mr. Mohammed and his team for their commitment to enhancing the agency’s operational capacity and for introducing initiatives that would make Nigeria a model for road safety in Africa.
“The new leadership team has a robust agenda that will elevate Nigeria’s road safety management to new heights, not just nationally but across the West African subregion. Their innovative plans will make the country proud,” Dr. Agunloye stated.
He also praised the successive Corps Marshals for maintaining the agency’s high standards and fostering a culture of innovation that has kept the FRSC at the forefront of road safety initiatives.
Mr. Mohammed, who assumed office in May 2024, expressed his gratitude for the visit, describing it as a morale booster for the FRSC leadership and staff.
He acknowledged the foundational work of Dr. Agunloye, emphasizing that the agency’s current successes are built on the solid groundwork laid by its pioneering leadership.
“This visit is a source of inspiration for us as we continue to uphold the legacy of excellence and innovation established by our founding Corps Marshal,” Mr. Mohammed said.
Dr. Agunloye’s visit underscores the enduring legacy of the FRSC’s early visionaries and the shared commitment of past and present leadership to making Nigerian roads safer while maintaining the agency’s reputation as a global leader in road safety management.
