Cross River State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Kingsley Egumi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to road safety and a more efficient transportation system, assuring the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of sustained partnership in safeguarding lives and property on the state’s highways.
Egumi gave the assurance on Thursday when he attended the decoration ceremony of newly promoted officers of the FRSC at the Sector Command headquarters in Calabar, where he congratulated the officers on their elevation and urged them to embrace their new ranks with greater responsibility.
The ceremony, presided over by the FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Innocent Tony Etuk, witnessed the formal decoration of several Corps Marshals who had distinguished themselves through successful promotion examinations.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Pastor Mrs. Eme Affiah and other senior officials of the Ministry, described their promotions as recognition of “professionalism, discipline and commitment to the safety of all road users.”
Addressing the officers, Egumi said: “Your elevation to these higher ranks is not merely a personal achievement; it is a call to greater responsibility and service to the people.” He charged them to sustain the excellence that earned them their promotions and use their new positions to deepen their impact on road safety.
He urged the Marshals to enforce traffic regulations with fairness and professionalism while intensifying public education on safe driving practices. “I encourage you to see your new ranks as an opportunity to do more, to deepen your impact, and to continue educating our motorists on safe driving practices,” he said.
Egumi stressed that road safety was a collective responsibility, assuring that the Ministry of Transportation remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the FRSC. “We will continue to work with the FRSC to create a safer and more efficient transport system for all Cross Riverians,” he said.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the state government’s support for the FRSC and other security and safety agencies operating within the transportation sector, noting that the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu was deeply invested in the safety and welfare of citizens.
He said: “This administration is committed to ensuring that our roads remain secure for the movement of people, goods and services. We will continue to provide the necessary support to agencies that are working to protect the lives and property of Cross Riverians.”
The Permanent Secretary, Pastor Mrs. Eme Affiah also congratulated the newly decorated officers, expressing confidence that their new ranks would inspire them to discharge their duties with renewed vigour and dedication.
Responding, the FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Innocent Tony Etuk, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner and his delegation for honouring the invitation, describing their presence as a morale booster for the officers. He said the gesture demonstrated the “harmonious working relationship” between the Ministry of Transportation and the FRSC.
Etuk reiterated the Corps’ determination to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and intensify efforts to reduce road traffic crashes in the state, assuring that the newly promoted officers would remain committed to their responsibilities.
By Irene Bassey
