by Edentu Oroso, Publications Unit
The Special Marshalls Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Bayelsa State has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal University Otuoke and the Otuoke community to address persistent traffic congestion, particularly around the university’s main entrance.
The proposal was made on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when the Special Marshals paid a courtesy visit to the university management at the Governing Council Chambers, West Campus, during which they also sought to induct the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine, and the three Deputy Vice-Chancellors as Honorary Special Marshals.
The Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Special Marshals, Dr. Joel Tubonimi, said the proposed partnership would strengthen traffic management and road-safety awareness within the university and the Otuoke community.
He noted that the initiative was particularly necessary because of the persistent congestion at the university’s main entrance, especially during peak periods.
According to Dr. Tubonimi, “The Special Marshals are the spirit behind road safety management in Nigeria. We have been itching to meet with you since your assumption of office. Principally, our interest is that FUO will partner with the Special Marshals and the FRSC.”
He explained that the Corps planned to bring prominent members of the Otuoke community into the Special Marshals’ fold, adding that they would soon be inducted by the Zonal Corps Marshal.
Dr. Tubonimi also said the Vice-Chancellor would be invited periodically to participate in the Corps’ activities, including delivering papers and supporting road-safety initiatives.
“We’ll invite the Vice-Chancellor from time to time to the Corps’ activities where he’d be expected to present or possibly deliver papers and other means of encouragement,” he said, adding that the Corps would convey the university management’s warm reception to the Sector Commander.
The Special Marshals, who serve on a voluntary basis, complement the regular personnel of the FRSC through traffic control, public enlightenment and road-safety advocacy in their host communities.
The delegation said the proposed honorary marshalship was in recognition of the Vice-Chancellor and his deputies as notable individuals whose positions and contributions could support road-safety advocacy and community engagement.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to commiserate with Professor Mebine over the recent death of his elder brother.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor commended the initiative, describing the proposed partnership as timely in view of the volume of vehicular and pedestrian movement around the university gate.
Professor Mebine noted that the situation becomes particularly challenging during students’ resumption and examination periods, when traffic around the university entrance increases significantly.
He welcomed the proposed collaboration, expressing the university’s readiness to support initiatives that would enhance traffic management, road safety and the general wellbeing of members of the university and Otuoke communities.
He expressed gratitude to the delegation for holding the Federal University Otuoke in high esteem. “You are principally interested in FUO partnering with you,” he said. “I am aware that you perform humanitarian services all over the country. We accept your offer of Honorary Special Marshalls to me and my Deputy Vice-Chancellors. I do hope we will do our best in that regard.”
Professor Mebine further stressed that, had he known there were so many Special Marshalls at FUO, the situation at the school gate would have been different. He noted that the area should have been cleared of traffic congestion to allow vehicles free movement within the West Campus.
He urged the Special Marshalls to inform the management of FUO in advance of their activities to facilitate the management’s participation.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chris Chinemerem Onyema, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the Special Marshalls for their visit and commended them for their dedication and service, noting that individuals who perform invaluable duties often do so without receiving commensurate recognition. He assured the Special Marshalls’ delegation of the University’s continued partnership and support, stressing that FUO would remain a reliable partner and readily provide management’s assistance whenever the need arose.
The Special Marshalls FRSC delegation to FUO comprised Dr. Obuna Paul S. (Deputy National Coordinator), Soroh Tonye E. (Zonal Treasurer), Agwata Geoffrey (Deputy Sector Commander), Oloruntemi S. Ibitomisin (State Secretary), Oriye Duate (State Welfare Officer), Gbafade Francis B. (Unit Commander, Amarata), Ayerite Amaegbe (Unit Commander, Biogbolo), Gbalekumo Victor D. (Member), Professor Festus Akpotohwo (Member), and Dr. Paschal O. Iniaghe (Member).
Members of the Special Marshalls Otuoke Unit who accompanied the delegation included SM Isu Clever, Opuene S. Alex, Ajide Michael O. (FFO [EMS]), Oluwasheyi Inebio John (College Secretary, CMS), and Inokoba Josephine (UH PRS).
FUO officials present at the courtesy visit were Professor Chris Chinemerem Onyema (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration), Professor Ibebietei Temple Offor (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics), Professor Abiodun I. Adelegan (Director, SIWES), and Dr. Onyeka Ike (Deputy Director, Media and Communications).
