The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, in collaboration with the Special Assistant on Students Affairs and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, has officially launched the OYRTMA Youth Volunteers Programme.
The development is coming as a direct response to rising road carnage, loss of lives, and worsening traffic conditions in the state.
Hundred youths majorly students, randomly picked across the state were committed as pioneer volunteers under the programme, and have been commissioned to serve as ambassadors for responsible road use across the state.
The program according to organizers, is targeted at promoting traffic discipline, civic responsibility, and road safety awareness among youths and commuters across the state.
The official unveiling held on Tuesday, May 19, at the Oyo State Local Government Staff Training Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The event was well attended by government officials, student leaders, transport stakeholders, and youths from various tertiary institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Babatunde, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in Governor office, Dr. Bode Ladipo, reaffirmed the commitment of the government to safety of road users.
Professor Babatunde said the initiative was designed to reshape road behavior while cutting down on accidents across the state, adding that indiscipline and poor adherence to traffic regulations had led to lost man-hours and dangerous driving patterns.
The initiative according to him, was described as part of efforts by the state government to deepen community participation in traffic management and public safety.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the official launch, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd.), noted that the programme was designed to engage young people as active partners in creating safer roads and reducing traffic-related offences in the state.
According to the agency boss, the youth volunteers would serve as ambassadors of road safety, helping to educate motorists, pedestrians, and fellow students on traffic regulations, responsible road usage, and respect for constituted authorities.
In their separate remarks, the chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi(rtd) and Chairman, Oyo State Youth Agency, Prince Adebowale Falana, charged the youths to be diligent, disciplined, punctual and committed to integrity in their new responsibilities to assist the government.
They commended the initiative, saying the programme would provide youths with leadership opportunities while also instilling discipline, patriotism, and a sense of social responsibility.
They stressed that involving students and young people in governance-related initiatives would help bridge the gap between government institutions and the younger generation, while also fostering a culture of lawfulness within society.
Justice Aderemi emphasized the importance of rule of law in maintaining orderliness on the roads and within communities, urging the volunteers to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Highlight of the event was the official inauguration of pioneer youth volunteers, orientation sessions on traffic control and public conduct.
Participants at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would not only improve road safety awareness but also empower youths to contribute meaningfully to societal development.