Personality in Focus
We Have Grown to Be a Brand in 33 Years – Lagos FRSC Sector Commander, Ogungbemide
…says media is indispensable
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Command, Olusegun Ogungbemide has said that the establishment of FRSC as an elite corps 33 years ago has significantly imparted on mitigating carnages and crashes on Nigerian roads.
While given his scorecard on Friday during a courtesy visit by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) led by its President, Mr. Samson Oki and other Executive members said “we have grown to become a brand in the last 33 years and as such we are the lead agency in road Safety.
“In 33 years of our existence, we have celebrated deaths enough but grateful we have been able to save lives enormously.
“At the point of establishment, FRSC was rated as elite corps and we have been able to replicate that in all of our responsibilities. Your coming is timely especially as we celebrate our 33 years of existence and we are grateful for that. We have been rated first as far as world standard is concerned.
“Other African countries see us as a model in road Safety management and have constantly come here to learn from us and copy our model.
While commending the Corp Marshall, Dr Oyeyemi Boboye for his foresight and dexterity in managing the corps that has led to tremendous progress, reduction of accidents, crashes and deaths, added that the Corp Marshall knew the mindset of the founding fathers of the corps.
“Our Corp Marshall is media savvy and whatever we do as an organization, if it is not projected by the media, there is hardly what is known in the public domain. FRSC is a product of the media but not oblivious of the fact that the media can make or mar you if you are not careful,” Ogungbemide reiterated.
While appreciating the invaluable contributions of the media, Ogungbemide pointed out that under his command, he would continue to collaborate and carry the media along in its programmes.
“When I go out for enforcement, I can only tackle 10% of the problems but one sentence from the media can reach millions of the publics. We are ready to collaborate with you because our aim is to reduce crashes by 15% and fatality by 20%.
“I met an indefatigable predecessor and we have brought in different innovations in terms of managing accidents especially at the Kara Bridge, which before now, was notorious for sundry truck crashes. We don’t have trucks falling and killing people there again.”
Apart from building the capacity of his men as part of his achievements since assuming the office as the Sector Commander, Ogungbemide pointed out that since repair works began at the 3rd Mainland Bridge, his men have been able to manage the traffic as well as cohere with other traffic management agencies like the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
Admitting that FRSC has not been a perfect organization devoid of some bad eggs, Ogungbemide explained that they have done everything possible to keep its personnel above board as they have maintained “zero tolerance” in discipline and ensured that every possible malfeasances are put under stringent check.
On his part, while commending the FRSC family for their ingenuity and innovativeness, the President of NAOSNP, Mr Samson Oki eulogized the corps for its responsiveness to the calls by Nigerians which has significantly reduced carnages and deaths on our road.
“Your 33 years of existence is not a fluke. We would continue to support you through our unbiased, intelligent reports of your activities. However, we use this opportunity to solicit for the inclusion of our members as Special Corp Marshall.
Soliciting for NAOSNP’s support to tackle drug use and alcoholism among drivers at the motor park as they abuse sachet gins, the Sector Intelligence Officer, SRC Victor Okelola said, “help us sensitize the public about the use of alcohol by drivers and the youths. This is one of the causes of accidents on our roads.
While thanking the Security News Publishers for their visit, the Sector Head of Operation, DCC Cyril Matthew said, “Media is the flagship of any political economy. If the country excel, it is because people are well informed. FRSC has never looked down on the media hence we appeal for your collaborative assistance. We are most grateful for your felicitations with us on our anniversary,” he reiterated.
Other FRSC officers present were the Head of Transport Standardization Organization,
ACC Aderemi Malomo; Head of Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, ACC Edith Eluka; Deputy Public Relations Officer, DRC Jesutomipe Mala; Protocol 1,
DRC Maureen Anyanmekaa and Protocol 11, ARC Ayoola Rebecca.
On the part of NAOSNP were the Advisory Board Member, Mr Okosun Dennis, Deputy Public Relations Officer, Theresa Moses, Mr Eric Elezuo and Mr Abbey Omotosho.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim, has commiserated with the family of late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (retd) on the death of the former military administrator.
In a condolence statement signed by the Minister himself, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Senator Gaidam lauded the fallen soldier, saying that his contributions to nation building will not be forgotten.
Olubolade died in the early hours of Monday, May 12, 2025.
Below is the detailed message:
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE NAVY CAPTAIN CALEB OLUBOLADE (RTD)
I, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidami, offer condolences to the people and government of Nigeria, especially the Olubolade family, on the death of former Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (Rtd), who died today.
The Ministry and Police community share this moment of grief and sorrow with the family, the people of the state, and the entire country. When offering condolences to a statesman, it is important to acknowledge the significance of his contributions and the impact of his passing on the nation.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true leader and dedicated servant to our nation. His legacy will live on through his tireless efforts and commitment to the people. This is a profound loss for our country. Captain Olubolade’s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the security sector will be remembered.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a statesman who served with honor and integrity. May his spirit of leadership inspire generations to come.
In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Olukayode. His contributions to our nation will not be forgotten.
A Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has been honoured with membership status of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), University of the West of England, United Kingdom.
The recognition is coming on the heels of Ogunsan’s indefatigable commitment and unrelenting advocacy and support for quality education across all levels.
Dr. Ogunsan’s unflinching interest in education glaringly shows in his active participation as Board Member of Center for Digital Humanities (CEDHUL) in Nigeria’s frontline university, University of Lagos; as Chairman of AKEM Foundation, a nonprofit which has provided millions of naira within two (2) years to support schools and NGOs who provide education access for free to children in underserved communities in Nigeria; and in several individual sponsorships to ensure that the future is brighter for children. His personal story of prominence polished out of adversity continues to propel him forward.
This commitment is well-captured in the letter of Jo Midgley, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of the University of the West of England, UK who communicated the news of the appointment to the advisory board.
The academic, Jo Midgley highlighted about Dr. Ogunsan, ‘Your extensive experience and contributions to Africa’s higher education sector through training university leaders and teaching personnel, as well as your Board Membership of the Centre for Digital Humanities at the University of Lagos, Nigeria will make you an invaluable member of our CASET’s Advisory Board.’
‘As a Board member, you will play a crucial role in shaping CASET’s strategic direction, providing high-level support and guidance on stakeholder engagement strategies and knowledge dissemination efforts, helping to foster impactful collaborations and partnerships, and ensuring that the Centre’s initiatives align with the evolving needs of Africa’s social and economic landscape’, the letter stated about the expectations for the technocrat Ogunsan.
The higher institution, University of the West of England, United Kingdom also added the reason for appointing Dr. Ayo Ogunsan as Member of the Advisory Board of our Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET). They noted that they are guided by the University’s ethos of enterprise and collaboration, thus ‘the Centre is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities in Africa through strategic partnerships and transformative education and training programmes, research, evidence-based policymaking, social and cultural engagement geared towards finding practical solutions to regional social and economic challenges.’
‘We will be honoured to have you as part of our highly respected and esteemed group of experts and thought leaders.’
Midgley added that the Advisory Board convenes annually, with meetings held virtually and occasionally in person at the University of the West of England UK or in Africa where feasible.
He noted that Ogunsan’s insights and participation would be instrumental in helping CASET to achieve its mission of fostering transformative social and economic change through capacity building, research priorities, evidence-based policy and innovation.
The Registral said that Advisory Board Members were not employees of the University including CASET adding that his term as a board member would commence in June 2025 and run for a renewable period of three years on a non-remuneration basis.
“Renewal of board membership is subject to members’ continuing support, integrity and commitment to always being a good ambassador in advancing CASET’s mission.
“We will be honoured to have you as part of our highly respected and esteemed group of experts and thought leaders.
“We also appreciate your willingness to contribute to our mission and look forward to your valuable contribution to advancing CASET’s vision for transformative change in Africa,” he said in the letter.
It was gathered that Ogunasn is a prominent figure in the education sector, his expertise spans entrepreneurs hip, security management, and education, and he is widely acknowledged for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Source: Trek Africa
Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States, has a history of missionary work in Peru but also a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Church.
The new Leo XIV, a Chicago native, was entrusted by his predecessor Francis, to head the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, charged with advising the pontiff on new bishop appointments.
The sign of confidence from Francis speaks to Prevost’s commitment as a missionary in Peru to the “peripheries” – overlooked areas far from Rome prioritised by Francis – and his reputation as a bridge-builder and moderate within the Curia.
The 69-year-old Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023 after being named Prefect of the Dicastery, one of the Vatican’s most important departments — and a post that introduced him to all key players in the Church.
Vatican watchers had given Prevost the highest chances among the group of US cardinals of being pope, given his pastoral bent, global view and ability to navigate the central bureaucracy.
Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, called him “the least American of the Americans” for his soft-spoken touch.
His strong grounding in canon law has also been seen as reassuring to more conservative cardinals seeking a greater focus on Theology.
Following Francis’s death, Prevost said there was “still so much to do” in the work of the Church.
“We can’t stop, we can’t turn back. We have to see how the Holy Spirit wants the Church to be today and tomorrow, because today’s world, in which the Church lives, is not the same as the world of ten or 20 years ago,” he told Vatican News last month.
“The message is always the same: proclaim Jesus Christ, proclaim the Gospel, but the way to reach today’s people, young people, the poor, politicians, is different,” he said.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost attended a Minor Seminary of the Order of St Augustine in St Louis as a novice before graduating from Philadelphia’s Villanova University, an Augustinian institution, with a degree in Mathematics.
After receiving a masters degree in divinity from Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union in 1982, and a doctorate decree in canon law in Rome, the polyglot joined the Augustinians in Peru in 1985 for the first of his decade-long missions in that country.
Returning to Chicago in 1999, he was made provincial prior of the Augustinians in the US Midwest and later the prior general of the order throughout the world.
But he returned to Peru in 2014 when Francis appointed him as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in the country’s north.
Nearly a decade later, Prevost’s appointment in 2023 as head of the Dicastery came after Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet was accused of sexually assaulting a woman and resigned for age reasons.
The Vatican later dropped the case against Ouellet for insufficient evidence.
Prevost also serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
