“Discipline, Patriotism, Volunteerism Are Hallmarks Of Effective Special Marshal” — Dr. Ukaegbu 

Abia Transport Commissioner Inducts 2026 Special Marshals, Charges Them To Protect Lives, Reject Corruption

UMUAHIA, Abia State – The Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Abia State, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, has told newly inducted Special Marshals of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, that discipline, patriotism and volunteerism must define their service.

Dr. Ukaegbu gave the charge on Saturday while delivering the keynote paper at the Induction Ceremony of the 2026 Recruited Special Marshals in Abia State.

Addressing the new marshals, the Commissioner said the uniform represents more than visibility.

“A uniform makes you visible, but integrity earns respect. It may give you authority, but discipline makes you worthy of it. It identifies you as a Special Marshal, but only service makes you special. You are wearing it to serve,” he said.

He emphasised that one warning can save a life, one conversation can prevent a crash, and one responsible decision can preserve a family, stressing that road safety is central to the economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Dr. Ukaegbu outlined the core values expected of Special Marshals:

1. Discipline: “It means punctuality, proper conduct, respect for instructions, emotional control, fairness and rejection of corruption. Do what is right even when nobody is watching.”

He urged them not to allow provocation from motorists to compromise their conduct, saying “the objective is not to win an argument. The objective is to save a life.”

2. Patriotism: “Patriotism is what you do for Nigeria when nobody is applauding. Standing in the sun to protect road users, educating drivers, assisting accident victims, refusing bribes and treating everyone fairly are acts of patriotism.”

3. Volunteerism: “Volunteerism is the heart of the Special Marshal. It means giving your time, energy and experience because you care about society. You serve because you believe your life should make a difference.”

“Together, they produce the ideal Special Marshal: Disciplined in conduct. Patriotic in spirit. Selfless in service,” he added.

The Commissioner charged the marshals to be fair and impartial, noting that “the road does not recognise social status.”

“Do not protect reckless friends or influential offenders. Do not allow politics, ethnicity, religion or personal interest to interfere with your duty. When you stand on the road, stand for everybody.”

He also emphasised education before confrontation and a zero tolerance for corruption.

“Never turn road safety into a marketplace. Do not accept money, intimidate people or create violations for personal gain. No amount of money is worth a human life.”

Dr. Ukaegbu linked the work of Special Marshals to the ongoing transformation in Abia, saying road discipline and safety are part of development.

“Abia is changing through renewed infrastructure, modern transportation and improved public services. Special Marshals must help build this new culture. A modern road system requires a modern road culture.”

He urged them to embrace technology, continuous learning, first aid and to be role models.

“Ask yourself: If every road user behaved like me, would our roads be safer or more dangerous? Do not merely preach responsibility. Practise it.”

Concluding, the Commissioner left the inductees with three words: “DISCIPLINE. Do what is right, even when nobody is watching. PATRIOTISM. When personal interest conflicts with public interest, choose the nation. VOLUNTEERISM. Ask not only, ‘What will I gain?’ but: ‘Whose life can I make better?’”

“The greatest measure of our service is not how many people we stop, but how many lives we help protect,” he said.

The event had in attendance the leadership of FRSC Abia State Command, officers, and stakeholders in the transport sector.