Frsc insight august 2012 (2)

FRSC

o

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION

D

www.frscinsight.com AUGUST 2012

efensive riving

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

From The Editor-In-Chief

H

ave you ever wondered why mad men never reside in apartments?. It is commonly believed in Africa that an adult that does not have a personal house is akin to a mad man. This thought fuelled the passion that motivated the formation of FRSC Housing Cooperative Scheme in 2001. Today that vision has blossomed into FRSC providing residential accommodation to several officers and marshals.

The goal of the FRSC Management is to ensure every confirmed staff has a personal house. Despite the misgivings by some beneficiaries of the Lokogoma Housing project in Abuja, FRSC Insight this month is celebrating the idea that conceived the dream.

We are therefore featuring Cdr Olu Mike Olaguju, the Kaduna State Sector Commander in our interview segment on the staff whose deeds are inspirational to others to emulate. This is the first time your newsletter would be featuring a very senior officer.

Our principle have always been based on giving a voice to the unknown, junior and voiceless staff whose exemplary deeds were done outside the office or position they occupy but is found worthy of sharing with others . Ebenezer Adebisi (ACC) may have used his current office to facilitate several staff own their personal houses, we however think our reader deserves to know how he has been going about achieving this.

How sure do you think you are from getting involved in a road traffic crash?. If you are curious to know, then you need to read this edition. You will read too about defensive driving intelligence technique.

World leaders met in Brazil and in what is known as the Rio+20 earth summit committed to make the world we live sustainable. You will read what they discussed about how road safety can guarantee a more sustainable planet A new presentation toll is presently in use world wide, known as prezi. Presentations by the Corps Marshal are now in prezi. You can read all about what you need to know about this new presentation software that is believed would soon make PowerPoint presentations unfashionable. You will also find other stories like military medals, office etiquette, SERVICOM and many others interesting.

As usual all previous editions of FRSC Insight can be read on this link http://www.frscinsight.com/?page_id=7463

editorial OC Oladele (CC)

Head, Planning Advisory Unit Editor – In - Chief

FRSC

o

IN THIS EDITION ■ Defensive Driving - pg 4 ■ SERVICOM and FRSC - pg 7 ■ Rio+20 - The Future We Want - pg 12 ■ One-on-One With Olagunju - pg 16 ■ Getting Along With Others - pg 18 ■ Interview With Ebenezer Adebisi - pg 21

Copyright & Disclaimer .

The information contained in this Newsletter has been compiled by Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC].

It provides general information only. Some photographs and graphics contained therein are only for dramatization (i.e. may not represent any member, client, partner, facilities, employee etc. of Federal Road Safety Corps). No responsibility is accepted for the correctness and completeness of the given information. .

Copyright © Federal Road Safety Commission. All rights reserved.

Contact Details Federal Road Safety Corps National Headquaters Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7, Wuse District.

PMB 125, Abuja, Nigeria 0700- CALL - FRSC 0700 - 2255 - 3772 0807- 769 - 0362 (Text Messages Only) Email: info@frsc.gov.ng Website: www.frsc.gov.ng

EDITORIAL BOARD Osita Chidoka Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Publisher

OC Oladele (CC) Editor–In-Chief

KD Alegieuno (ARC) Editor

Members VO Ogunnupebi (ACC) AR Obagbemiro (CRC) CB Nwokolo (DRC) DO Enakireru (ARC) 0I IKOKU (ARC)

Defensive Driving

D

efensive Driving Intelligence could be described as driving techniques to avoid accident, thus saving lives, time, money and properties in spite of incorrect actions of others and the adverse condition around the driver.It also requires the application of high level of intelligence, good skills, good judgment, good knowledge, good foresight, and alertness. A good driver uses these superior mental strate-gies in combination with physical capabilities such as the five sense organs to overcome the effect of stress and emotions involved in driving. A driver should always avoid a situation where his safety depends mainly on the responds another driver of a vehicle... See page 4

www.frscinsight.org

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

04

D

efensive riving

D

efensive Driving Intelligence could be described as driving techniques to avoid accident, thus saving lives, time, money and properties in spite of incorrect actions of others and the adverse condition around the driver.

It also requires the application of high level of intelligence, good skills, good judgment, good knowledge, good foresight, and alertness. A good driver uses these superior mental strategies in combination with physical capabilities such as the five sense organs to overcome the effect of stress and emotions involved in driving. A driver should always avoid a situation where his safety depends mainly on the responds another driver of a vehicle.

ELEMENTS OF DEFENDSIVE DRIVING INTELLIGENCE Elements of defensive driving lies in the drivers conviction that every other road user is a potential threat to him and that he is also a threat to others. Elements of defensive driving involve the physical and mental concentration of the driver. Therefore he must do the following:

■ Protect himself against all kinds of accident-causing situation ■ React in the correct manner when facing emergencies ■ Recognize the hazards, understand the defenses and act on time to prevent accidents.

■ Knowledgeable about the traffic, behind the wheel procedure and hazard avoidance procedure ■ Alerted to the condition around you and your and your vehicle that may affect your driving.

■ Have foresight for anticipation immediate and long range developments and preparing for them ■ Have skill at handling your vehicle effectively and basic and emergency conditions INGREDIENTS OF DEFENDSIVE DRIVING INTELLIGENCE

■ Make planning: it is important that you have a pre-knowledge of the route condition before you set out. You may use the road map to get yourself aquatinted with the routes and junctions before you start the journey. Take account of weather condition before proceeding.

■ Make a pre trip mental inventory: this is necessitated in order to consider the side conditions that you face before you start a trip. Check the vehicle, traffic, weather and the road.

■ Journey schedule: this is the act of programming your journey activities. You are expected to schedule your journey carefully taking into account the travel time and situation. You can change your program me if your journey time is too tight and does not give you enough opportunity to observe rest.

■ Intelligent Driving Action: recognize the hazard and apply

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

05

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

06

the defensive tactics and act correctly in time.

■ Road Scanning: this is the act of watching around you while driving and being vigilant if vehicles, junctions, landmarks and other things that are germane to your safety and smooth journey.

■ Health Watch: this refers to the act of determining your own health condition before you set on the trip.

CONDITIONS FOR DEFENSIVE DRIVING INTELLIGENCE

■ Concentrate and avoid distraction such as music and telephone calls

■ Avoid tail gaiting by keeping your distance while moving in lanes ■ Maintain a safe speed ■ Avoid lane hopping ■ Cultivate the habit of lane discipline ■ Do not assume what you cannot see for yourself ■ Do not expect all the drivers to be as skillful as you are ■ Always anticipate danger ■ Never take the respond of another vehicle for granted ■ Never develop an attitude of confrontation towards road situation, adapt to it ■ Always remember that your primary aim of being on the road is to get to your destination peacefully ■ Make sure of your mirror, indicator, seat belt and other safety devices ■ Take regular break when you are tired ■ Have respect for other user COMMON SENSE DRIVING This simply refers to the act of creating of safety consciousness while driving regardless of the negative situation around you. A driver must not allow the bad condition of the road, the effect

of the weather and the negative attitude of other road users to determine his or her safety. It can simply tagged as “driving to stay alive” LANE DISCILINE This entails maintaining the right attitude as regards the track, path and line of traffic while driving. A driver must learn how to control and maintain his or her lane on the road. Lane indiscipline consequences particularly to oneself and the other road users. It entails the following: ■ Obedience of lane rules and regulations ■ Maintain proper control on the way you overtake ■ Utilize your traffic signals effectively ■ Control the way you utilize road facilities such as the carriage way, central reserve and others ■ Take an extra caution while driving under under special conditions, such as during the rain, sun , night among others.

ROAD SAFETY AUDUIT This means the act of scrutinizing the infrastructure and construction of a particular road to determine its safety for human and vehicular movements. It is an action that views the safety of the road in terms of basic amenities that it supposed to posses In order to guarantee free flow of traffic without hitch. This is usually implemented in form of safety performance examination or evaluation of an existing or future road by competent personnel. In the recent years, the Federal Road safety Corps created the Safety Engineering Department which is saddled with the responsibilities of investigating of road traffic crashes, vehicle inspection and certification and conducting of road

Adapted from the book; Principle of Driving Intelligence by Apata Tunde Kehinde (ARC)

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

07

SERVICOM S

ERVICOM is an acronym for ‘Servicom Compact with All Nigeria’. It emanates from a pact which the president and all Members of the Federal Executive Council adopted in March 2004, as part of the initiative to improve the standard of public service in Nigeria.

WHY SERVICOM Service is what public officials are employed to provide and which the citizens are equally entitled to receive or demand. Servicom is therefore to promote the solemn promise by the Federal Government that public service to the citizens (customers) are provided in an improve, efficient, transparent, fair and timely manner. A Servicom Office in the Presidency was therefore established for that purpose. Similarly, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’S) were directed to create. Servicom Units and appoint Nodal Officers to promote the initiative.

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

08

OBJECTIVES OF SERVICOM Among the major objectives includes to: ■ Provide quality service to the people ■ Set out the entitlements of the citizens; ■ Ensure good leadership; ■ Educate the citizens (customers) to their rights; ■ Empower public officers to be alert to their responsibilities in providing improved, efficient, timely and transparent services.

DEFINITION AND CONCEPT The 21st Century Chambers Dictionary (Revised Edition) defined standards as “An established or accepted model” or “something that functions as model of excellence for other similar things to be compared to, measured or judged against” or “A degree or level of excellence, value, principle and quality”.

STANDARDS AND PRACTICES/PERFORMANCE ■ Standards are set for all main services provided by the organization ■ Standards take account of national or statutory standard which will reflect local priorities ■ Standards are challenging, precise, measurable and realistic ■ There should be a system in place which will monitor performance against all standards RECEPTION AREA

■ Service area accessible to everyone ■ Clear directions and signposts are provided ■ Customers can reach the service without difficulty ■ There are no physical or bureaucratic obstacles to access ■ Consideration must be given on needs of ethnic minority communities, remote communities, and the very poor.

■ Cost / charges be set which are within the reach of all customers and potentials customers

■ Facilities must meet customer needs e.g. adequate waiting areas, convenience and refreshment availability, cleanliness and state of repair, etc.

COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS ■There must be complaints procedure ■ Easily accessible, easy to use ■ Procedure guarantees investigation and resolution ■ Procedure must have time limits for response ■ There must be a complaints offer/ desk ■ Front-line staff to be trained which will empowered them to deal with complaints at point of contact ■ Record must be kept of all complaints which would include details of timeliness and resolution and management to carry out regular analysis of complaints received.

CUSTOMERS FRIENDLINESS ■ There must be reasonable explanation for delays, which are not a regular occurrence ■ Staff are perceived to provide a prompt service ■ Customers are told of any foreseen interruptions to service and unforeseen interruptions are explained PUBLICISE SERVICES AND ACCESS ■ The organization publishes information on the full range of service provided ■ The organization gives full details of where and when services are provided ■ Ensures information is available to all customers and potential customers by using a variety of information means ■ The cost of the customers of all service should be clearly displayed at all service outlets ■ All information should be given in plain language with a minimum of technical and legal jargon CUSTOMERS FEEDBACK

■ There must be a plan for systematic consultation with customers on regular basis ■ Consideration be given the most suitable ways of obtaining feedback from customers, staff, and partners, which result must be analysed and reported regularly to management ■ There must be a systematic publishing of the results of comments TRANSPARENCY

■ Cost and payment procedures are clearly detailed at all service outlets ■Appointment procedures clearly detailed at all service ■ Staff adhere to procedures and do not given unfair preference to certain customers ■ All front line staff wears name / appointment badges and display name: person in charge, customer service and complaints officer ■Organizations explains the reasons for any poor performance EFFICIENCY ■ Performance targets are set for individuals and department ■ Improvement plans exist for implementation revision and update ■ Staff receive adequate training to fit them for their role especially training on customer care and complaints handling STAFF MOTIVATION ■ There should be incentives and rewards for good performance and penalty for poor performance ■ The organization recognizes which other services and agencies it is dependent upon to deliver a full range of services

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

09

to its customers ■ There are overall targets for the achievement of the business of the organization. There targets are largely met and variances are explained STAFF ATTITUDE ■ The organization has produced a customer care policy which takes into account the needs all customers ■ Staff are observed to be polite, friendly and attentive to customers as well as to treat customers with sensitivity ■ Staff recognize the need to preserve the privacy and dignity of customers ASSIGNMENT ■ What is your honest opinion about public sector customer service experience?

■ What is responsible for the state of service delivery in the public sector?

PROBLEMS / CHALLENGES OF SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

■ Ineffective leadership and supervision ■ Poor organizational culture ■ Ineffective planning/strategies ■ Favouritism, Nepotism, Tribalism, spirit de corps ■ Lack of trust and confidence leading ■ Improper inter personal relationships ■ Poor staff attitude ■ Inadequate knowledge and skills ■ Inadequate experience ■ Inadequate working tools / nationals ■ Inadequate funds ■ Lack of motivation ■ Bureaucratic delays ■ Undue political interference ■ Inadequate staff / wrong development ■ Inability to take critical decision locally ■ Absence of a schedule of duties ■ Creating of awareness on Servicom among the staff and customers e.g. SERVICOM sensitization workshop, Stakeholders forum, use of posters, handbills, stickers, bill board, banners and flyers are lacking.

■ Inadequate creation of visitor’s room / customers THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF SERVICOM IN FRSC FRSC is one of the first organizations that totally embraced SERVICOM as one of service reforms introduced by the Federal Government to improve the quality of service rendered by public servants for the betterment of Nigeria citizens especially at the FRSC National headquarters Abuja and its nearby commands where the service reform initiatives has

been institutionalized 2005. After the inauguration of FRSC SERVICOM and May 26th, by Mr. Obe the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Strategy and National Coordinator, SERVICOM, in the presence of FRSC management we swung into immediate action by carrying out sensitization and public awareness lecture on Federal government civil service reform ethics on quality service delivery in all the departments and Corps offices of the National Headquarters and the nearby commands. From the inauguration till date, it may interest you to know that the commission has sponsored the retraining of SERVICOM staff at different workshops including that of ASCON in Badagry, Lagos state. This has brought a radical positive change in most of FRSC staff as SERVICOM has to do with developing positive behavioural and attitudinal change towards prompt and timely service delivery to all our customers. The majority of staff at the headquarters now works with high level of SERVICOM consciousness.

IMPROVEMENT REALIZED AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF SERVICOM SERVICES ■ This has brought a radical positive change in most of the FRSC staff as SERVICOM has to do with developing positive mental, behavioural and attitudinal change towards service delivery.

■ Staff of FRSC now works with high level of SERVICOM consciousness.

■ By the introduction of SERVICOM customers of FRSC are now being treated courteously, fairly, politely and timely. This could be seen at customer’s service point such as Account/cash office, Duty office, Head of operation among others.

■ FRSC has made its activities known to the public through the internet and series of public awareness lectures effectively and efficiently via the Corps Public Education Office. Moreover, the commission has distributed over 30,000 charters to the public we are also prepared to produce more for distribution across the nation as part of our sensitization and awareness campaign mechanism.

■ Road users are being provided with the current wider knowledge and appreciation of the ethics of good monitoring / proper use of the roads.

■ As a result of the wide network on the road safety activities and expectations from the public, the SERVICOM has been receiving series of complaints verbally and formally from the road users which were resolved satisfactorily with utmost dispatch.

■ FRSC SERVICOM has greatly improved in the area of rescue of accident victims which now receive prompt and immediate attention. Standby and recovery vehicles are strategically position for immediate attention.

■ Clearing of obstruction on the road without delay or hesitation, securing and ensuring safety of properties of accident victims for the rightful owners on proper identification has always been guaranteed.

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

10

■ Quick production of driver’s license in the FRSC HQ of the federation as well as the 36 states in conjunction with the states Board of Inland Revenue is now one of the service improvement recorded. Plate number replacement centres are being established in FRSC zones to reduce pressure in NVL plant in Lagos.

■ FRSC has now improve in the provision of adequate suggestion boxes which are placed at strategic locations for customer suggestion and complaints which has helped some of our management decisions and improves the quality of service being rendered.

■ FRSC has embarked on training of its staff regularly in order to enhance their proficiency in service delivery as we believe that people without knowledge is like people without a future.

SERVICOM RATING IN FRSC In 2007, SERVICOM rating of the Corps was 3rd position amongst all public institutions in the country. But with the commitment demonstrated by the Management the Corps aimed at positioning the FRSC as a world class organisation, the rating progressed to the 2nd position in 2008. By 2009 the Corps had climbed to the 1st position, which it still maintained till date.

Decade of Action for Road Safety is attainable!

Let’s Join hands to create a Safe Road in Nigeria

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

12

Rio+20 the future we want OUR COMMON VISION

■ We, the Heads of State and Government and high-level representatives, having met at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June 2012, with the full participation of civil society, renew our commitment to sustain-able development and to ensuring the promotion of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for present and future generations.

■ Eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge facing the world today and an indispensable require-ment for sustainable development. In this regard we are committed to freeing humanity from poverty and hunger as a matter of urgency.

■ We therefore acknowledge the need to further mainstream sustainable development at all levels, integrating economic, social and environmental aspects and recognizing their interlinkages, so as to achieve sustainable development in all its dimensions.

■ We recognize that poverty eradication, changing unsustainable and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production and protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development are the overarching objectives of and essential requirements for sustainable develop-ment. We also reaffirm the need to achieve sustainable development by promoting sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, and promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems that supports, inter alia, economic, social and human development while facilitating ecosystem conservation, regeneration and restoration and resilience in the face of new and emerging challenges.

■ We reaffirm our commitment to make every effort to accelerate the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 ■ We recognize that people are at the centre of sustainable development and in this regard we strive for a world that is just, equitable and inclusive, and we commit to work together to promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental protection and thereby to benefit all.

■ We reaffirm that we continue to be guided by the purposes and principles of The Charter of the United Nations, with full respect

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

13

for international law and its principles.

■ We also reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace and security, respect for all human rights, including the right to development and the right to an adequate standard of living, including the right to food, the rule of law, gender equality, the empowerment of women and the overall commitment to just and democratic societies for development.

■ We reaffirm the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as other international instruments relating to human rights and international law. We emphasize the responsibilities of all States, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, to respect, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability or other status.

■ We acknowledge that democracy, good governance and the rule of law, at the national and international levels, as well as an enabling environment, are essential for sustainable development, including sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development, environmental protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger. We reaffirm that to achieve our sustainable development goals we need institutions at all levels that are effective, transparent, accountable and democratic.

■ We re affirm our commitment to strengthen international cooperation to address the persistent challenges related to sustainable development for all, in particular in developing countries. In this regard, we reaffirm the need to achieve economic stability, sustained economic growth, promotion of social equity and protection of the environment, while enhancing gender equality, the empowerment of women and equal opportunities for all, and the protection, survival and development of children to their full potential, including through education.

■ We resolve to take urgent action to achieve sustainable development. We therefore renew our commitment to sustainable development, assessing the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing new and emerging challenges. We express our determination to address the themes of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, namely, a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

14

â– We recognize that opportunities for people to influence their lives and future, participate in decision-making and voice their concerns are fundamental for sustainable development. We underscore that sustainable development requires concrete and urgent action. It can only be achieved with a broad alliance of people, governments, civil society and the private sector, all working together to secure the future we want for present and future generations..

FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION AND FOLLOW-UP A. Thematic areas and cross-sectoral issues We recognize that in order to achieve the objective of the Conference, namely, to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, as well as to address the themes of a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development, we commit to address remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, to address new and emerging challenges and to seize new opportunities through the actions enumerated below in this framework for action, supported as appropriate through provision of means of implementation. We recognize that goals, targets and indicators, including where appropriate gendersensitive indicators, are valuable in measuring and accelerating progress. We further note that progress in the implementation of the actions stipulated below can be enhanced by voluntarily sharing information, knowledge and experience.

Sustainable transport

â– We note that transportation and mobility are central to sustainable development. Sustainable transportation can enhance economic growth and improve accessibility. Sustainable transport achieves better integration of the economy while respecting the environment. We recognize the importance of the efficient movement of people and goods, and access to environmentally sound, safe and affordable transportation as a means to improve social equity, health, resilience of cities, urban-rural linkages and

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

15

productivity of rural areas. In this regard, we take into account road safety as part of our efforts to achieve sustainable development.

â– We support the development of sustainable transport systems, including energy efficient multi-modal transport systems, notably public mass transportation systems, clean fuels and vehicles, as well as improved transportation systems in rural areas.

We recognize the need to promote an integrated approach to policymaking at the national, regional and local levels for transport services and systems to promote sustainable development. We also recognize that the special development needs of landlocked and transit developing countries need to be taken into account while establishing sustainable transit transport systems. We acknowledge the need for international support to developing countries in this regard.

For the full text of the commitment document, click on the link below: Http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/LTD/N12/436/88/PDF/N1243688.pdf?OpenElement

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

16

one-on-one with

Olagunju Olumide May we know you?

I am Olagunju Olumide Micheal, Corps Commander I am presently the Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander, Kaduna State Sector Command What is your background?

I wrote WASC and passed with 3 alpha grade and 4 credits in 1978. I studied English & Literary studies between 1978 and 1982 at the University of Calabar BA (Hons). I obtained Masters in Education (M.Ed) in 1985 from the University of Ibadan. The topic of my project for BA (Hons) degree in 1982 was Human Factor in causes of Road Accident: A case study of “The Road” and the “Swamp Dweller” authored by Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka. As at 1982, I was already a Vanguard of the campaign for safety on our roads. I studied all the publications of Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and I believed in his philosophy. Prof was my mentor and Hero. Although, as at 1982 I never knew FRSC would come into being but in my degree Thesis, I recommended a concerted action of government and sensitization of road users on the wanton killings by accidents on our roads. You can say that I predicted the advent of FRSC as far back as 1982. I only believed in a course and that someday Nigerians would accept that the main cause of wanton killing on our roads is human factor. Road users would one day embrace safety consciousness and that is the Mission of the Corps now. I joined the Corps in June, 1989. Professor Wole Soyinka inspired me but, it was Commander Ayodeji Oyedokun (rtd) who influenced me most.

of Lagos Command. Oyedokun was our Commander while I was his next in Command. Oyedokun was Senior Route Commander (GL10) while I was Route Commander (GL09). There were four (4) other Officers who were Assistant Route Commanders and 13 Marshals. The team of 19 Officers and Men left FRSC HQ Annex, Bodija Osuntokun office Ibadan for Lagos as pioneer Staff in June, 1989.

How did you conceive the idea of staff housing cooperative?

I conceived the idea to establish FRSC Housing Cooperative out of passion for investment and necessity of welfare. In 2004 when I was HOS Personnel, RSHQ (Admin and Finance Department) some of the Units in the Department such as Pension & Insurance, Staff Welfare, NHF and Medicals were not rendering services that had “high” impact on the well being of staff. By “impact” I mean service that touch staff in a special way and capable of increasing staff productivity and Loyalty. Let me give specific example; no staff of FRSC benefited from Federal Mortgage Bank loan facility as at 2004 inspite of FRSC diligent subscription to NHF since 1996 when NHF deduction commenced from staff salary. My primary aim was Staff Welfare: To boost accommodation for staff. I observed that officers on posting to HQ Abuja had serious accommodation problem. I observed that some who were close to retirement were willing to adjust their date of birth so as to elongate their service. Staff from the field commands on visits or assignment to FRSC HQ Abuja scrambled for space at guard house. Some officers on posting to RSHQ slept in the offices while Marshals willingly slept in Guard room simply to pass the night when they were not defaulters.

How? What are your key selling qualities?

I assisted Ayodeji Oyedokun to establish Lagos Command. It was my first major assignment on the very first week I assumed duty; being posted from Ibadan to Lagos for the establishment

Discipline and service ; that may explain why out of 23 years of my service in the corps, I have been a Sector Commander for

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

17

over 17 years in Rivers, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Anambra, Ogun and now Kaduna State(s) I cannot tolerate sloppiness, indolence and lack of focus. I am a practical man. I am a man of vision and mission. I set personal targets and I commit myself and resources to achieving set goals.

What do you consider your greatest achievements?

My greatest achievement is creating positive impact in any environment I find myself. I lead and I mentor. Without being immodest, many officers of the Corps who have passed through me see me as a Role Model. Don’t forget that I have commanded seven (7) Sector Commands and by this, I can qualify as a “career Sector Commander or certified Sector Commander”. It is not funny because we are not many in the Corps that can be decorated with Service medal of CSC meaning “Certified Sector Commander” What were the initial challenges you had with the staff housing cooperative scheme?

The vision of making FRSC a world class Organization is very realistic. How soon is what I do not know, but the process to me has started and the movement is on a high speed. Therefore arriving at the destination of a world class is close. FRSC should invest more in training and capacity building of its work force. I observed that the percentage of staff driving the corps towards achieving its vision is low compared to the strength or figure of those staff that are not working or diligent enough because they lack capacity. Iam in Kaduna and I see what the military is doing on training and capacity building. To be honest FRSC is yet to begin if we compare our training to the military. Huge fund is required; FRSC performance is souring today to my mind on commitment and passion of a few. These few are the ones I can say have joined the service of the Corps with the desire to work for the money they earn while there are many and majority who have come for salary and not for service. So our training should be fashioned on the doctrine of service to humanity and the nation.

What advice do you have for younger officers aspiring to become like you one day?

At the initial stage, my greatest challenge was membership: getting Staff to believing that the Housing scheme can work.

We printed leaflets to sensitize staff and manyof the leaflets and handbill ended in waste bin. Many Commanding Officers in the field Command did not distribute these leaflets and we had no fund for road shows.

Such a staff should be ready to see and accept that WORK maketh a man. God does not answer PRAYER alone but God is quick to answer PRAYER backed by WORK. Any Staff who wants to follow my path should be ready to be a champion of challenges.

What of present challenges?

What are your hobbies?

■ Completing Lokogoma Housing Estate in Abuja ■ Paying development loan collected from UBA ■ Beneficiaries of House Unit in the estate not meeting their

Farming, Sports (Tennis), Visiting and Mentoring.

financial obligation as current financial realities demands.

■ Obtaining or securing release of approved NHF loan by Federal Mortgage Bank.

Do you believe you can overcome these challenges tol deliver these houses?

Yes: (A) By UBA consideration and debt forgiveness or “write off” if possible. (B) If Federal mortgage bank release of approved loan to staff beneficiaries. (C) Federal Housing loan board release of loan to staff that have applied What again would you like to pursue?

I would be organizing career talk with special focus on building a career in FRSC and how to prepare for graceful retirement.

Health Talk and healthy living is my passion. I would be investing in farming. But honestly, I want to go back to school.

Do you believe FRSC can truly transform into a world class organization?

Where have you received great supports ?

My wife was God’s precious Gift to me. My Children have been my major assets. My siblings have been there for me all through. The support has been great from my friends too.

How do you see FRSC in the next 100 years?

In the next 100 years, FRSC should go Digital. The Corps should use HI-TEC in its enforcement. Speed Camera, High Power Motor Bike should be deployed. The Corps should develop and train drivers who can pursue erring motorists. Enforcement of Traffic Regulations without Arms is no more fashionable and ineffective. FRSC must acquire its own permanent accommodation and stop renting or depending on other agency’s good will.Training of Staff should be crafted on the Doctrine of Service.

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

18

OFFICE ETIQUETTE:

getting along with others

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

19

O

ffice etiquette means being thoughtful when interacting with your colleagues. It is something that helps smooth the wheels of daily interaction within the office. Office Etiquette or Office Manners is about conducting yourself respectfully and courteously in the office. The essence of good manners and etiquette is to be respectful and courteous at all times and with everybody. Getting along with people you'd probably never ask home to dinner is essential for good work outcomes and a happy co-existence, and it's office etiquette that ensures this even where there is mutual dislike or disinterest. Moreover, office etiquette ensures that you don't become office enemy number one because you've been irritating people with unhelpful habits or remarks. Not that you're deliberately aiming to be an office challenge but there are some actions that can result to the discomfort of your colleagues.

Moreover, office etiquette is the key deciding factor in how your colleagues will respond to you and come to your rescue when you need help. The manner in which you conduct yourself within the office environment among people who effectively become your "second family" will determine how you're viewed and the ease with which you will be supported by others around. Office etiquette is about observing a simple set of rules for getting along with other people in an organizational context. Just as living in a society requires us to follow a set of conventions and rules, observing appropriate social behaviour within the work context ensures team respect and an everyday working experience. While most etiquette remains unwritten, just because it isn't down in black and white and pinned to the notice board doesn't excuse lack of observance.

There will always be a larger proportion of any social group expecting that the unwritten conventions of etiquette be observed regularly, with few exceptions and no matter how unusual, unruly or authentic you feel like being, there will always be boundaries of respect for others that you need to heed, as will be made clear in the remainder of this article.

DRESS PROPERLY Some offices like FRSC have a predefined dress code where you have to wear uniform to work and must be followed strictly. However, if you do have the privilege of working at a place which does not define a dress code perhaps a Corps member, IT student, then it's up to you to dress appropriately. Remember that the office is not a party place and you will have to dress in a way that commands respect both from your colleagues and clients. The dress code has a strong influence in establishing the trust that your client places in your abilities in giving them their money’s worth. Dress professionally, or in the manner expected at your particular work site. Do not wear ultra-casual, provocative or evening attire to work.

BE PUNCTUAL Being prompt to work is very vital, especially if you have an engagement. It shows that you respect the time of your colleagues and in turn it will require them to respect your time too. The popular saying that would fit in this situation is that ‘Time and tide wait for no one’. Lead by an example and everything else will fall into place.

AVOID GOSSIP Office gossip might not make or break your career but it can cause a lot of pointless anxiety which should be avoided at all costs. You would not want someone to gossip about you and neither will the next person. In some cases, if the source of some spiteful gossip can be traced back to you, then your job can be in danger.

Limit your comments about colleagues or senior officers to positive ones only. Office grapevines can be faster than the speed of lightning; anything negative you say will get around and may reflect poorly on you, or possibly label you as the organisation gossip.

ASK BEFORE BORROWING If you're at good terms with your colleagues, then it may appear all right if you borrowed a pen or a paper from their desk without asking. Well, the fact of the matter is that it is not all right. It is very important that you ask first and then borrow. This attitude of yours will ensure that people also treat your things with the same respect and your things are not missing (read borrowed) when you get back to your seat after a meeting.

ALWAYS SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU A few nice words can keep the disposition of the office uplifting or at least keep the mood from turning fetid.

When you pass co-workers in the passage and this person isn't particularly your friend, smile or nod.

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

20

Acknowledge that they are there. You don't have to run over and hug them but just say hello. As an officer, always pay compliment to those above you. Think about what kind of message you send when you look the other way to deliberately avoid contact.

DON'T CONSTANTLY INTERRUPT PEOPLE Doing so will suggest that your time or opinion is more important than theirs. If your colleague is on the phone but you need to ask a question, don't linger. Tap them on the shoulder and whisper that you need them for a minute (or leave a quick note in front of them) and ask them to call or see you when they are done.

If your colleague is having a work related conversation don't interrupt - just wait for them to finish or ask them to see you when they are through. Keep your interruptions of others to a minimum and always apologise if your intrusion is an interruption of a discussion, someone’s concentration or other activity.

Don’t hang around while waiting for a co-worker to get off the phone. Leave a note for them to call you or return later.

REFRAIN FROM BEING LOUD For those without an office door to close, the most recurrent complaint made is about noise from other people in the work environment. Keeping your voice down should be a priority in all work communications.

Speak clearly without shouting. Loud people are a vexation.

BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS’ NEED FOR PRIVACY Don’t read someone else’s faxes, emails, mail or computer screens. Remember that when you send emails, never write anything that would be a problem if forwarded; simply by virtue of the fact that anyone can forward an email, you need to be alert to this potential. Show respect for each other’s workspace. Knock before entering.

AVOID BEING A SOURCE OF ODOURS We are put off by smelly people. So, be sure to shower regularly and use a suitable deodorant. Eating odorous food at your desk, removing your shoes or air freshener during the day can upset those sensitive to odours. Nobody wants a whiff of smelly feet no matter how much you think you can't smell them and the odour of lunch is a very personal thing, so don't assume it's as delightful to someone else's nose as it is to yours. Besides, just what are you doing eating at your desk anyway? Go out and get some fresh air!

KEEP YOUR WORK AREA TIDY A messy desk shows how confused and careless you are, and that you're not clear about yourself. Also, it can reflect your personality or personal life at home. So don't let people think that you're always an unorganized person. Keep your desk neat.

interview Abraham Maslow identified three basic needs of man as food, clothing and shelter. Owing a decent accommodation which is one of the basic needs of man is the dream of every public servant and the FRSC National Housing Fund was setup to achieve that goal for its staff. Insight crew had a chat with the Head, National Housing Fund, Officer Ebenzer Adebisi, Assistant Corps Commander (ACC).

May we meet you?

I am Ebenezer Davies Adebisi ACC. I hold a Bachelor degree in Economic at the Ahmadu Bello University and Masters in Public Admin at Adebisi Ajasin University. I joined FRSC in 1991 when RSHQ was in Lagos and in 1992 I was transferred to Abuja alongside the present PSO to prepare a structure for RSHQ to move to Abuja. In 1996, I was posted to Osun after the mass recruitment exercise. During the exercise, I was the Secretary of the Committee. In 2003 I was promoted to the rank that was then known as Assistant Area Commander (AAC) and appointed Unit Commander in Ogbomosho and later moved to Victoria Island Unit Command. In 2004 I was moved to Abaji Unit Command till 2008 when I was posted to the National Housing Fund, Abuja where I am presently the Head of Unit (HOU).

FRSC transparency and faithfulness with the scheme. I am pleased to inform you that we do not owe the Federal Mortgage Bank a dime. We are one of the few organizations in Nigeria not owing the Federal Mortgage Bank. However, despite our efforts and commitments, we are not enjoying much from the scheme. We carried out a research and interviewed our staff and the analysis thereon showed that under the housing scheme only one percent of FRSC staff have enjoyed mortgage facilities. In order to enable staff benefit from the scheme, when the Federal Government came with the Public Private Partnership, the unit sat down to design the domestication of the Housing Scheme in FRSC.

The National Housing Fund is about mortgage. The law requires that the Corps remits 2.5% of every staff’s salary in FRSC to the fund, the essence is to create a pool of fund from which to access money for staff to own personal houses, which might be difficult to do as an individual. By law we can assist staff to access this fund and also process accrued benefits to the beneficiary.

The scheme was rolled out ten months ago. When it was commissioned, we promised FRSC staff that within two years there will be evidence of delivery in the scheme and in the first phase which is spanned to five years, we intent to deliver 5,000 houses or functional plots under sites and services whereby we give plot, build foundation and access funds for the beneficiary to complete the building. So far, we have delivered an estate at Gwawgalada named after the first Corps Marshal, Dr Olu Agunloye. We have also acquired 3,000 plots in several states. We have almost concluded the acquisition of estates for staff in Yola, Bauchi and Calabar. We also have lands in Lagos Metropolitan City Project. We have lands in Jigawa, Dutse, and Ibadan in Oyo State, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State, Enugu and Port Harcourt.

Since you came on board what impact have you made on the scheme?

What relationship do you have with the staff housing cooperative scheme?

At the level of relationship with FRSC and Federal Mortgage Bank, when we started e-payment, we keyed into the system of our contributions to the Federal Mortgage Bank to establish

The relationship is at the level of mortgage service. All housing projects functions under the National Housing Fund.

As the HOU National Housing Fund what are your basic responsibilities?

FRSC INSIGHT AUGUST 2012

22

What do you ascribe to be responsible for the level of relative success achieved by your Unit?

All glory goes back to God. In the Book of Joshua, the word of God says you should be courageous in all you do. It is that grace for courage from God and the enabling environment provided by the COMACE and his management team that made us achieved what we have achieved thus far. For the first time I had an encounter with the COMACE (not one on one but through memos) that was when we were to deliver our first Estate in Gwagwalada, all we requested for he gave to us and since then every of our request has always been granted. He has also encouraged us by issuing us letters to all state governors and his fatherly advice has been helpful. Another great supporting shoulder is the DCM Admin and Human Resources whom I will rather refer to as father than a boss.

Worthy of note that I will want to place on record is the nonexecutive interference of the Corps Marshal and his Management Team. Ever since we stated every word we get from him is that of encouragement and not manipulation and I pray that such culture should be established in FRSC for good idea to flow.

The FRSC is transiting to becoming a world-class organization do you see this as a reality?

Yes, it is. I can quote from Dr Agunloye during the commissioning of the Estate in Gwagwalada. He said FRSC is already a world-class organization. It is uncommon ideology in Nigeria public service to embark on a multi billion naira project without negative manipulations from the system to discourage you. This type of negative manipulation has not been so in FRSC, which is certainly a mark of a world-class organization.

What vision would you be leaving behind at end of your tenure as HOU Housing?

The vision I will like to leave is for every FRSC staff to own a house without any financial stress. This we have worked out by only delivering these houses with only 20 to 30 percent deposit and even the deposit you do not need to run around for it. We are collaborating with First Bank and Diamond Bank to pay on behalf of staff. All you need is just to fill our membership form and when the houses are available, we hand over the keys to you. Presently, 112 units are ready in Calabar, Cross River State, 100 is also ready in Bauchi State, 50 in Yola, while another set is ongoing in Ogun State. This is based on understanding between the Unit, FRSC, Federal Mortgage Bank, First Bank, our private developers and State Governments.

will determine the number to be provided. What we have decided to do in order to take care of future staff to be employed is to keep on acquiring lands whenever and wherever they are available either through the federal government, monthly contributions or from State Governments. For instance in Ekiti State, 20 hecters of land have been approved for us to build. In Ogun 50 hectares, in Oyo 20 hecters, in Jigawa 3.2 hectares, in Enugu we have bought 20 hecters. In FCT we have acquired 8.2 hectares along airport road, while negotiation is on in Mpape district in Abuja to acquire between 15 and 20 hectares and there are promises from other States to allocate lands to us. Strategically with all these, we will be able to make provisions for available space for every staff within the next five years, even if the buildings are not completed.

How do staff to benefit from the housing scheme?

Just to subscribe as a member and make monthly contributions. You can benefit for allocation on the day you joined based on availability of houses.

What are the major challenges your unit faces in realizing its goals?

Internal is only the Pull Down Syndrome especially among the doubting Thomas's who believe the scheme is not realizable.

To mitigate that we have publications of all the statement of accounts on our web page for every member to access the statement of accounts. Externally, is fund, especially when you need to go extra miles in accessing this mortgage on behalf of staff from either the Federal Mortgage Bank or the Staff Housing Loans Board What advice do you have especially for staff that have not joined the scheme?

We have for now only 500 subscribers. I will advise staff to be disciplined about their personal income management, the reason is that whether you like it or not you need a house for yourself and family. It is difficult to do it alone that is why we want to work together to enable us pool resources together to be able to deliver houses for as many as possible.

What type of support do you receive from your family?

My wife is also a road safety staff, I married her as a young officer with only one pip then, she understands the nature of my job and gives me maximum support.

Who is your role model?

You said your vision is to provide houses for every staff, do you have a strategic plan considering the number of staff presently in the Corps to realize this ambition?

Bishop David Oyedepo.

What are your hobbies?

Our strategic approach is doing it in phases, phase one is to provide 5,000 houses. When we get to the second phase we

Reading, following documentary programme and politics.

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

INSIDE FRSC

| IN THE NEWS | DECADE OF ACTION | PUBLICATIONS | SPEECHES |

LIFESTYLE

| PHOTO SPEAKS | MANY MORE

INTRODUCING

www.frscinsight.com 01 | To create awareness on the many issues and challenges of safety on roads.

02 | To create adequate, systematic and effective awareness on the many achievements made so far by the FRSC towards actualizing the Decade of Action For Road Safety.

03 | To involve the stakeholders in actualizing the Decade of Action on Road Safety by communicating the parts they could play in the process and getting their feedback on the activities of FRSC. 04 | To give the global audience deep insight and fresh perspective on FRSC activities 05 | To promote transparency in FRSC and project the organization's image positively.

06 |To give the employee a strong of sense morale and accomplishment