The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has reiterated their commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in promoting safety, discipline, and professionalism among road users across Akwa Ibom State.
State Chairman of the Union Comrade Nsibiet John made this known when he led members of the State Working Committee and some media stakeholders on a courtesy visit to the Sector Commander of the FRSC, FA Ajata, at the command office in Uyo.
Comrade John stated that the visit was aimed at renewing the relationship between the two bodies and also seek new areas of collaboration to ensure a more symbiotic relationship.
He commended the Sector Commander for his remarkable efforts in reducing road assault, accidents and improving safety statistics in the state, asserting that the Corps professionalism in handling issues with road users deserves commendation.
The NUJ Chairman further called on the Corps to reciprocate the gesture by treating journalists and other citizens with professionalism and courtesy during road engagements.
While thanking them for their previous collaboration, he lauded the agency for securing and establishing the driver’s license registration center at the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service. He described the initiative as a positive step towards eliminating fraud by roadside agents who exploit unsuspecting motorists and assured that the media will continue to encourage journalists and members of the public to utilize the official center for proper registration and documentation.
Comrade John appealed to the Sector Commander to consider creating a Special Marshal Unit for the media community, which would enable qualified journalists to actively support the Corps in promoting road safety campaigns and enforcement.
“We believe that having Special Marshals drawn from the media will strengthen collaboration and foster a more robust and effective engagement in the near future,” he added.
In his response, the FRSC Sector Commander, FA Ajata, expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership for the visit and emphasized the critical role of the media in driving behavioral change and promoting compliance with traffic regulations.
Commander Ajata lamented the growing trend of drivers flouting traffic laws, particularly driving against traffic, which he described as “a dangerous act of impunity,” and appealed to the NUJ to intensify public education on the dangers of such behavior.
He also revealed that over 3,000 uncollected driver’s licenses are currently in the FRSC’s custody in Akwa Ibom State, urging the media to sensitize motorists to ho and pick up
“Our duties go beyond enforcement. We are also responsible for evacuating broken-down vehicles, clearing fallen trees, and fixing minor road collapses for the safety of citizens, hence road safety is a collective responsibility, not the job of one agency alone and so we need your support and collaboration,” he explained.
Commander Ajata assured his readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State and disclosed that the Corps was marking the International Customer Service Week, dedicated to self-assessment and appreciation of workers’ contributions, and took the opportunity to celebrate members of the NUJ for their vital role in societal development.
