Akinwunmi Fasakin, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), sector commander in Ogun, has advised personnel of the corps to cultivate emotional intelligence and professionalism to effectively carry out their daily operations.

Mr Fasakin gave the advice while declaring open a symposium held on Friday at the FRSC Ogun command headquarters in Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Customer Service Week.

The sector commander said that the customer service week offered an opportunity to appreciate FRSC personnel, partners, and the motoring public for their collective contributions to road safety.

“Today, we are celebrating our customers; the celebration is in line with the global commemoration of customer service.

“Our customers include transport unions, sister agencies, partners, and other stakeholders who make our mission possible,” he stated.

Mr Fasakin emphasised the need for emotional intelligence among FRSC personnel in their daily operations, urging officers to remain calm and professional even when provoked by members of the public.

He said that the ability to remain calm and courteous, even in the face of provocation from members of the public, was vital to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the Corps.

“Our work involves daily interaction with motorists and road users. Emotional intelligence is therefore crucial.

“We must learn to stay composed, handle situations with empathy, and avoid unnecessary confrontations,” he said.

The commander also cautioned against any form of assault on FRSC personnel, warning that such acts would not be tolerated.

Mr Fasakin also reiterated the corps’ commitment to promoting road safety through professionalism, discipline, and public engagement.

According to him, road safety enforcement is not about punishment but about saving lives and promoting responsible behaviour on the highways.

He further urged officers to rededicate themselves to the corps’ mission of safer roads and a more disciplined motoring culture.

“What we are doing is service to humanity. Let us continue to improve, innovate, and serve the public with dignity,” he said.

In a lecture with the theme “Mission Possible,” Superintendent Route Commander Victor Akinpelu emphasised the importance of engaging Nigerian youths in road safety campaigns, citing their strong presence and influence on social media.

He noted that many Nigerian youth, while vibrant and resourceful, often exhibit impatience and disregard for traffic rules, which have continued to contribute to road crashes.

“To ensure the safety of our youthful motoring public, FRSC must adopt a youth-centred approach and be effective in both action and perception,” he said.

Mr Akinpelu outlined strategies to enhance road safety to include the use of digital tools and social media influencers,  and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

He said that these would help promote traffic education and compliance among young motorists.

In marking the customer week, the event featured the presentation of awards to officers and stakeholders who had contributed to road safety in the state.

Those honoured include Solomon Adeniyi of the special marshals national executive council, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji of Penpushing Media, and several outstanding unit commanders.

The outstanding Unit commanders recognised were assistant corps commanders (ACC) John Jachi (Mowe), Sule Okloho (Sagamu), and Philip Gogomi (KM, 27, Lagos Ibadan Expressway), among others.

(NAN)