OGUN CELEBRATES TRACE FOR RESILIENCE IN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

 OGUN CELEBRATES TRACE FOR RESILIENCE IN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has described the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps TRACE, as an essential arm of public safety as it continues to play vital roles in saving lives daily.

Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele who was the Chairperson of the Ogun State Road Safety Advisory Council, stated this while declaring open, the TRACE at 20 Symposium and 10th annual TRACE Commanders Conference, with the theme: ‘Building Resilient Leadership and Management Models for Traffic Personnel/Managers in Ogun State’ at the Valley View Auditorium, Isale - Igbein, Abeokuta.

She noted that the theme of this year's Symposium was both timely and relevant, as it considered the increasingly complex traffic environment shaped by population growth, industrial expansion and new mobility patterns, saying that the ability of our traffic personnel to adapt, lead and manage effectively was no longer optional, but essential.

The Deputy Governor said over the years, the Agency had proven to be more than just a law enforcement body, but had gone all out and beyond to educate motorists on necessary safety measures and managing congestion in urban centres, towards ensuring swift emergency responses on our expressways.

"These symposium and conference are much more than ceremonial events, they are strategic platforms to up skill officers, promote professionalism, and reimagine the future of traffic management in Ogun State," she said.

She appreciated the leadership of the Agency under the watch of the State Ministry of Transportation, for providing a forum for critical reflection, professional development and strategic engagement, saying it had reinforced TRACE’s role as a forward-looking Agency in the advancement of traffic management across the State.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele highlighted the strong support that the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, had continually given to TRACE, saying that the recent approval for the recruitment of 1,000 additional officers was a clear reflection of the high priority Government places on road safety and the effectiveness of traffic management in Ogun State.

 Contributing, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet and Security, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, felicitated TRACE on its 20th anniversary and 10th annual TRACE Commanders' conference, adding that over the years the Agency had distinguished itself in traffic control and safety management. 

He urged the Agency to continue to give its best, take advantage of the conference to learn new innovations in traffic control and safety management as well as ensure accuracy in data collection.

Also, Commissioner for Transportation in Ogun State, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said TRACE since inception had distinguished and established itself as one of the best road traffic management agencies in the country, an organisation proven to be effective and efficient in safety of lives at all times, urging its officers to be more committed and serve all with sincerity of purpose.

 Speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, (AIG) Shola Subair (Rtd), commended the Agency for attaining the milestone in traffic management, saying the training would help to broaden the knowledge of officers in traffic management, law and enforcement, while pledging that his office would continue to render support where necessary. 

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, felicitated TRACE, noting that their service were worthwhile and commendable, while praying that God would continue to work with them and give them the wisdom to discharge their duties effectively. 

In their separate remarks, Ogun State Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sarah Ehindero, the Commander Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Commandant Ekundayo Omolade and the Commander Federal Road Safety Corp, Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, congratulated the agency for its 20 years celebration, its founding fathers and officers of the Agency, saying TRACE and other Security Agencies work in synergy towards a safe road and protection of lives and property, while also commending their commitment and doggedness to efficient traffic control and safety management. 

The pioneer TRACE Commander, Major Dapo Sunmola, said the journey so far had been smooth, saying TRACE began in a small office at the Ministry of Transportation before it became a full-fledged Agency, commending the leadership of the Agency for their commitment, determination and dedication to duties, as well as the officers for their efforts in traffic control and safety management. 

In his welcome address, the TRACE Commandant, Commander Seni Ogunyemi, said as an Agency of government with the control of traffic in the State, TRACE had continue to wax stronger despite all turbulence, adding that the Agency had continued to uphold the core values of the system and consistently committed to the traffic control and safety management in the State, while commending present administration for endorsing the recruitment of 1000 staff to strengthen the workforce.

 

Idongesit Jonah and Temitayo Taylor,

 Information and Public Relations Officers, Office of the Deputy Governor.