As part of efforts to ensure strict compliance with traffic rules, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) today embarked on a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at minimizing road accidents and raising awareness against reckless driving.
Enforcement personnel of the agency led by its chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.) apprehended no fewer than 58 numerous road traffic offenders across various locations within Ibadan metropolis.
The enforcement operation started out at Bus Stop Gate enroute Iwo Road through Ojoo, and back towards UI enroute Sango to Mokola under Bridge–Civic Centre Junction where the personnel had a brief prolonged operation before heading to Idi-Ape where the enforcement exercise finally terminated.
The operation according to Adesagba, aimed at promoting road safety and reducing accidents, targeted violations such as reckless driving, overloading, and failure to comply with traffic rules.
Categories of offenders apprehended
Different categories of offenders which involves private and commercial motorists driving on one way against traffic, engaged in unlawful parking, vehicle overloading, and others who tried to escape upon sighting officials of OYRTMA were apprehended.
Westernmurror.com.ng had earlier reported that the agency’s boss had last week announced plans to further enhance road safety and surveillance by installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across key roadways in the state.
According to the OYRTMA boss, the installation of these cameras was part of the agency’s strategy to ensure safer commuting by road users by easily identifying traffic offenders.
Speaking to newsmen at Mokola Round About on Wednesday, October 23, shortly after an enforcement exercise, Adesagba disclosed that the operation, which was a frequent and periodic exercise involving the deployment of personnel and equipment to parts of Ibadan metropolis known for frequent traffic violations aims to send a clear message to commuters.
He emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring safer roads for all users; private and commercial vehicles, and has urged drivers to adhere to traffic regulations to avoid penalties.
Adesagba, who noted that the enforcement operation was also part of commemorative exercise of his exact one year in office after his appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2023, stated further that the ongoing efforts will continue, with a focus on deepening stakeholders relationship and public awareness campaigns to educate motorists about safe driving practices.
“Today marks my one year since the day I was graciously appointed by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. And instead of sitting down at the comfort of my office, we decided to come out to evaluate our enforcement drive on traffic rules compliance.
“The strategy of road traffic management all over the world is enforcement. We have apprehended numerous people involved in one way infractions, unlawful car parking, and other violators.
“So, we’re here today to improve on our enforcement drive and to also look at areas that require necessary adjustments in our operations in furtherance of our mandate as traffic management authority.” Adesagba said.
Speaking on collaboration with stakeholders and efforts made towards ensuring adequate dissemination of the agency’s awareness campaign, Adesagba said, “we’ve taken our campaigns to various garages, markets, and other public places.
“We’ve devolved powers to state and unit commanders and in their different zones. We’ve had jingles on radios, even my GM was at the state Broadcasting Television yesterday, all in our enlightenment efforts. So, it is very sad that despite all our efforts people still violate traffic rules.
“The danger is unimaginable because it endangers lives of the pedestrian users and even the motorists themselves especially in this ’ember’ month. A lot of people are on the road for one thing or the other, a lot of functions are fixed for this period, therefore, there’ll be lots of movement on our roads.”
Warning against what was described as ‘drink and drive’ attitude of motorists, Adesagba who affirmed that the full wrath of the law would fall on road traffic violators said, “there’s need to stop driving while drunk. When you want to drive don’t drink, and if you are drunk please, don’t drive.
“This is raining season, there’s need to ensure your vehicles are well maintained to avoid unforseen circumstances on the road.”