By Diana Omueza

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled Ibironke Ariyo, Senior Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and 22 other notable Nigerians as its Celebrity Special Marshals (CSMs).

The unveiling took place on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 Road Safety Youth Hangout organised by the FRSC-FCT Command, themed: “Safer Roads, Brighter Future: Youth Leading the Change.”

The Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), who doubled as the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, said that the CSMs were selected to champion road safety advocacy nationwide.

Ogungbemide said the initiative was anchored by the FCT Sector Command in line with the policy thrust of the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, which recognised that road safety was a shared responsibility.

“Engagement of youths and influential personalities is crucial in reversing current crash trends.

“We believe the youth have a major role to play because they are mostly affected during crashes and with this set of marshals we are certainly going to record lesser road incidents,” he said.

Ogungbemide urged the celebrity special marshals to use their influence and social engagement platforms to drive road safety advocacy, influence positive peer behaviour, and promote safe driving culture.

He also encouraged the adoption of the FRSC mobile app as a key tool in preventing crashes, noting that its functions empower road users to contribute to safer roads while on transit.

According to him, the functionality of the mobile app is so huge that each feature plays a role in reducing road traffic crashes.

“The app is youth centric and we believe adoption of this platform will help accomplish the Corps Marshal’s vision of safer roads,” he said.

He said that with youths leading the campaign for safer roads, Nigeria would move forward boldly, safely, and united.

NAN reports that according to FRSC records, between January and December 2024, Nigeria recorded 9,570 road traffic crashes, with 31,154 injuries and 5,421 deaths.

Meanwhile, global figures record Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) as the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years, with two-thirds of fatalities occurring among people aged 18–59.

Ariyo, one of the celebrity special marshals, expressed gratitude to the FRSC for the recognition of her advocacy against speed, reckless driving, use of phones while driving and other activities that lead to road crashes.

“As a journalist, I have reported extensively on road safety to create awareness on dangers associated with road usage and how to avert them.

“This is a great responsibility to intensify my advocacy for safer roads and rides and I pledge to support FRSC’s mission to save lives and properties,” she said.

Ariyo said that being a celebrity special marshal gives an additional platform to not just report, but actively advocate for safer roads.

The NAN reports that other nominees include Munirat Antoinette Lecky of Big Brother Naija, Oyeyemi Ajayi of NTA, Kayode Oyedare of FRCN, Benny Ark of Channels TV, and Ozi Okoli of Arise News. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba