27.4 C
Lagos
Saturday, February 8, 2025

spot_img

Road Safety Corps Should Go Digital In Its Operations – Bisi Kazeem

Bisi Kazeem, retired Deputy Corps Marshal (Training), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), retired after spending 35 years in service. His pulling out ceremony held recently in Abuja. In this exclusive conversation with SIAKA MOMOH, he recounts his amazing experience in service. Among other things, he advises the FRSC should go digital in its operations to boost performance.

Why choice of FRSC for work?

Growing up, I discovered something unique about myself, an unquenchable passion for saving lives. I have always seen myself helping people to maximize their potentials and achieve destiny. This is because I believe in humanity, I believe that everybody deserves to live life to the fullest. I hate to see lives cut short either as a result of sickness, road accident or any other cause of death. 

So when the news of the establishment of the Corps got to me, I found it a veritable platform for the realization of my true calling. My choice was made out of passion for the safety of lives and properties not for any other reason, and am glad I achieved that at the end of my career.

 How did you fare on the job at the early stage of your employment?

My early beginning was tough because of my royalty background. It was not easy trying to keep to the regimentation and laid down rules and regulations. I am the kind of person who believes that all men are created equal and as such, everyone deserves to be treated with respect. However, in a paramilitary setting, there are ranks and cadres that define seniority, meaning that the equality I stand for does not exist there. This was one of my greatest challenges in my early days. It took a whole lot of time for me to adapt to the regimented life in the system.

In your 35 years of service in FRSC, can you recount testimonies relating to bad moments? Did you at any time consider quitting your job because you felt unfairly treated by your superiors?

Of course. You can’t rule such moments out in a man’s life, especially in a competitive environment. But when your steps are ordered by passion, resilience, commitment and dedication to the job, nothing can make you quit. As humans, you may react and feel bad. Sometimes you even wish you could disappear, but what keeps you going is that inner resolve within you. The most beautiful part of the whole thing is that if you are patient enough to overcome that moment, you would definitely be glad you did.

 How come you relate very well with the junior ranks when such disposition is forbidden by the establishment?

I relate with them with the belief that we are first humans, created in the image and likeness of God, before we became officers and men. As such, I do not see anything bad when I relate with the lower ranks. However, it is good to set boundaries. Know exactly where to draw the line so that your deserving respect will not elude you. These junior ranks are like catalysts in the work place. Most of the successes we record and take Glory for are actually done and perfected by them under our supervision and guide. As such, if you don’t relate with them, you might as well not achieve expected goals.

Moreover, I grew up in a home with parents who value friendship and respect people a lot. That shaped my lifestyle and affected positively the way I relate with people.

Did you at any time get into trouble with your superiors or peers as a result of this your disposition?

That is inevitable in a paramilitary setting. It earned me several queries, suspension and even punitive postings. But because it’s already a lifestyle and has become innate in me, I couldn’t help but live with it.

How did you cope?

Perseverance, patience and resilience played a major part in stabilizing me. All I did was to never allow it affect me and my work ethics. I stayed focused on achieving mileage and setting new standards for greater acceleration in the workplace.

How would you summarize your experience working for FRSC?

My experience was actually fun, extremely awesome and I give all Glory to God Almighty who gave me the strength, abundant health and the life to navigate through the years.

What is your most valuable take away from FRSC?

Always rely on God for everything. Lobbying kills career faster than it helps it. I learnt to seek God’s face in everything I do and always return Glory back to him.

Given a second chance, would you want to work again in FRSC?

Absolutely. FRSC has become an integral part of me. Anytime am called upon to contribute to the growth of the Corps, I will avail myself without delay. It is always an honour to contribute to saving lives. It comes with an unmatched feeling of self-actualization and fulfillment.

Would you recommend that any of your children should work in FRSC?

Yes. In as much as people have not stopped dying on the roads. In as much as the challenges of keeping the roads safe still exist, I would joyfully offer any of my children to continue from where I stopped.

What are your dislikes in FRSC? What would you want changed?

I would want the Federal Government to help the Corps go digital in its operations. When we have CCTV covering our highways, the job of saving lives and even intelligence gathering will be made easy. So what I would like to see changed is the operations, so that our men will not be killed anymore as they stand to stop vehicles.

There have been attempts from certain quarters that FRSC operatives should be armed. Do you endorse this?

Why not. It’s already in the Establishment Act so why not. The Corps is a paramilitary agency and operates on the nation’s highways. Arming the Corps will boost national security.

 Do you hold any grudge against anyone who stood on your way?

I learn to forgive people even before they offend me. That is me. Whatever happens in the work place ends there. But I will definitely let you know how bad I feel about your actions and that is actually where it ends. I hate to keep grudges. The life we live is borrowed, and I can’t afford to live it keeping grudges here and there.

How would you rate Nigerians on the wheels, Nigerian road users? If you score them low, what do you recommend for improvement?

When we started, the driving culture was terrible. But, through aggressive sensitization campaigns and advocacies, we have been able to change the driving culture of these drivers. Though that does not suggest that there are no traces of recklessness here and there. What is key is that the Corps is on it and will definitely achieve the desired result because we are dealing with human beings here whose behaviour often times than not, is highly unpredictable.

Is FRSC well-funded, well equipped for its responsibilities?

I would say the Federal Government has been kind enough in times of budgetary and logistics support. However, there is still room for more because the task of keeping the highways safe is demanding and requires enormous resources. Government is doing its best, but needs to do more

 What were your key roles in FRSC?

I handled the Public Relations Office as the image keeper of the Corps. I managed the Department of Training for enhanced professionalism and career progression as well as playing key role in the Operations Department as the longest head of Operations in the Corps.

Looking back, would you say you are fulfilled after 35 years of service in FRSC?

I am highly fulfilled and accomplished on all fronts to the Glory of God.

What are your regrets working for FRSC?

No regrets.

 What next after FRSC?

Consultancy, business here and there, and farming.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Stay Connected

0FansLike
0FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest Articles