31st October, 2015
The Anglican Bishop of Niger, Chiedozie Nwokolo, has urged the Federal Government to repair bad roads across the country to reduce transportation challenges faced by motorists.
Nwokolo made the call at a Special Thanksgiving and Prayer Service organised by Special Marshal Unit, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Anambra chapter at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha on Saturday.
The bishop, who is a Special Marshal, in his sermon, said the business of keeping watch on the roads and making them safe was part of working for God.
Nwokolo said the bad roads were affecting safety and urged the marshals to continue in their humanitarian role of easing the plight of travellers.
He added that all humans were missionaries on journey, adding that God was interested in their safety and did not wish that their lives be cut short in accident.
“Most of our roads are in bad shape. It is the duty of the government to make sure that our roads are tarred.
“They are aware of the problems because the issue of bad roads has been there for years.
“I understand that Anambra Government is making efforts but they are complaining of poor finances.
“It is our continued appeal to the Federal Government to repair the roads in the south-east,” he said.
Mr Ben Osaka, Coordinator of Special Marshals in Anambra said they were particularly grateful to God that no member had lost his life in the state.
Osaka said they were also praying that God would sustain them in this busy period.
He urged drivers to be more careful and exercise patience on the roads as the terrain did not make for seamless driving.
Mr Sunday Ajayi, Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra said road safety was everybody’s business and called for collaborative efforts.
Ajayi, represented by Deputy Corps Commander, Mr Anthony Okore, assured that they would ensure free traffic during the yuletide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at least 500 active marshals in the state took part in the service, including at least 90 priests.