As part of strategic moves toward improving road traffic management, the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has held its inaugural workshop for over 100 marshals.
The deputy governor of the state, Barrister Bayo Lawal represented by the Commissioner for Works, Professor Dawud Sangodoyin, declared the workshop open.
The one day event, which held today at the Western Hall of the State Parliamentary Complex, State Secretariat, Ibadan also witnessed the official induction of the first initiator of road traffic management which later transitioned into OYRTMA, Major Rauf Adekunle Salau (rtd), as the Patron of OYRTMA.
In his brief address on behalf of the deputy governor, Professor Sangodoyin highlighted the importance of the marshals to the overall effective road management plan of the state government.
He noted that the Seyi Makinde led government has remained committed to road infrastructure as a catalyst for its economic expansion.
While commending OYRTMA for its consistency in terms of growth and capacity development, he assured that the welfare of the agency’s personnel and the state workforce will continue to be at the center of government’s policies and programs.
The one day inaugural workshop which has been described by stakeholders at the event as an important step in enhancing road safety and ensuring smoother traffic flow across the state has gained wider nod.
The workshop, which attracted over 100 voluntary participants, was designed to train volunteers who will support OYRTMA in managing road traffic across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Agency, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), in his welcome address stated that the initiative was part of the state government’s wider strategy to address the growing traffic challenges in urban and rural areas alike.
Westernmirror.com.ng had reported earlier that the executive governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, commissioned additional 500 newly recruited personnel in Iseyin at the NYSC Orientation Camp, to bolster the agency’s workforce.
During the workshop, OYRTMA boss emphasized the importance of the voluntary marshals’ role in complementing the efforts of the agency’s full-time staff.
The training, according to retired Major Adesagba, covered various aspects of traffic management, including the implementation of traffic regulations, emergency response protocols, and effective communication with road users.
Adesagba assured the OYRTMA Marshals that the agency is committed to creating a supportive legal framework as well as provision of digital identity that would engender seamless operation on the road.
“Today is a historic occasion for OYRTMA and our beloved state–” The Pacesetter State”. We are here to witness the inaugural workshop of our newly inducted patron
The workshop also included various sessions including first aid and basic vehicle maintenance aimed to equip volunteers with requisite essential skills to handle a variety of situations they may encounter on the roads.
Some of the volunteers and members of the OYRTMA Marshals who spoke to newsmen shortly after the event, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to road safety and were optimistic about the support promised by OYRTMA.
One of the OYRTMA Marshals, Mrs. Kashifa Olosho Olayiwola, Secretary to the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, who noted that no fewer than 150 cases of various traffic offense have been treated in the last one week, said the OYRTMA Marshals has the full backing of her agency to carry out its mandate noting that traffic law violations also include open grazing on the road, warning that anyone found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted.
In his remarks, while going memory lane in the evolution of the agency, the newly inducted patron lauded Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership and the recent commissioning of 500 newly recruited OYRTMA personnel to enhance on the agency’s workforce.
He expressed satisfaction in the evolution and transformative transition of the agency so far and reaffirmed his continuous support.
Present at the event were the Vice Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan, represented by the Registrar and other top management staff of the institution.
Highlights of the event was the official conferment and decoration of Retired Major Rauf Adekunle Salau as the Patron of OYRTMA by both the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Sangodoyin and the chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba (rtd).