The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has stressed the administration’s commitment to enhancing the safety of road users across the state.
Salako-Oyedele disclosed this at the 20th Anniversary and 10th Commanders’ Conference of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency held at the Government House in Abeokuta, the state capital on Wednesday.
According to the DG, the recent approval for the recruitment of 1,000 officers onto the TRACE workforce across the state was part of efforts to ensure an efficient traffic management system in the state.
Salako-Oyedele noted that the inter-agency collaboration among traffic managers across the state had also contributed to the peace and tranquillity enjoyed by road users across the state.
She said, “Understanding the critical role the agency played on our roads, His Excellency recently approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional officers to enhance its operational strength across the state.
“This deliberate investment reflects the high priority our administration places on road safety and the effectiveness of traffic management in our state.
“I must also acknowledge the enduring spirit of collaboration that exists among our security and enforcement agencies.
“The presence of the leadership and representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the So-Safe Corps underscores the fact that road safety and traffic management require synergy across institutional boundaries.”
She lauded TRACE for its commitment to the safety of road users across the state.
In her words,” Over the years, TRACE has proven to be more than just a law enforcement body, it has become an essential part of public safety; educating motorists, reducing accidents, and saving lives.
“From managing congestion in urban centres to ensuring smooth motoring on our expressway, TRACE has become synonymous with discipline and order on our roads.”
In his welcome address, the TRACE Commander General, Seni Ogunyemi, noted that the 20th anniversary celebration showed the resilience and growth of the agency since its inception.
He said, “Two decades on, TRACE is not just celebrating the passage of time, but the power of purpose-driven service, consistent leadership, and resilient men and women who wear the uniform with pride and integrity, in its unique colour.
“The agency’s establishment filled a critical void in traffic control and road safety management within the state and in doing so, laid a foundation that has since supported millions of lives, businesses, institutions, and commuters.”
He continued that several initiatives of the agency led to a reduction in road crashes and fatalities across the state.
Ogunyemi, who will be bowing out of the service on Friday, urged the incoming administrator to sustain the good vision of the agency.
“For the incoming leadership, the task ahead is greater, the vision must be sustained and the lives we aim to protect on our roads must remain the central focus of our mission,” he said.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the state Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Security, Shola Subar, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Ogun NSCDC Commandant, Remilekun Ekundayo, and the Ogun Sector Commander of the FRSC, Akinwunmi Fasakin among others.
