The Plateau State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Adelaja Ogungbemi, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to boost road safety and public awareness in the state.
Ogungbemi made the call during a courtesy visit to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, where he was received by the state chairman, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, and members of the union’s executive.
He said effective communication and public engagement were critical to achieving safer roads, noting that the Corps was committed to strengthening its relationship with the media.
“Our mandate is to ensure safety on the roads. Since my arrival, we have adopted intelligence-led patrols and created communication platforms, including a WhatsApp group, to keep stakeholders informed about road situations,” he said.
The sector commander disclosed that the Corps was expanding its operations in Plateau, with plans at an advanced stage to establish a new unit command in Mangu.
“Accommodation has already been provided. We are only waiting for a vehicle to commence operations because our work is highly motorised,” he added.
He also revealed that discussions were ongoing to establish another unit command in a separate community, bringing the total number of commands in the state to eight.
Ogungbemi highlighted additional measures to improve emergency response, including the deployment of Zebra points where ambulances are stationed for rapid intervention in crash situations, as well as tow trucks positioned along the Jos–Akwanga Road to clear obstructions.
He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and urged journalists to support the Corps in educating the public.
“Many of our activities are not well known because they are underreported. That is why we seek this partnership to help inform the public and promote safer road use,” he said.
The FRSC boss also announced plans to host a gender-focused seminar on April 29 to address challenges faced by female officers in the state.
In her response, the NUJ chairman, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, commended the sector commander’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to sustaining a strong working relationship with the Corps.
“We assure you of our full cooperation and support. Your success contributes to public safety and credible information dissemination,” she said.
Pwaspo, however, raised concerns over rising cases of child trafficking in Plateau State, urging FRSC personnel to be more vigilant during routine checks.
“Beyond checking vehicle documents, officers should pay attention to passengers, especially minors, as this could help curb trafficking,” she advised.
She also called for increased FRSC presence along busy routes such as Bauchi Road and the Baballe axis, while cautioning against prolonged traffic hold-ups that could pose security risks.
Both parties expressed commitment to deepening collaboration to enhance public awareness and strengthen road safety efforts across Plateau State.
