TRACE Unveils Traffic Enlightenment Hub in Ota to Tackle Rising Road Accidents
By Temidayo Babalola
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has inaugurated a Traffic Education and Awareness Centre in Ota Division, a move aimed at curbing road accidents and enhancing the protection of lives and property, particularly within Ogun West Senatorial District.
Addressing guests at the event, TRACE Public Relations Officer, Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, explained that the centre is designed to provide continuous education and sensitization for motorists and other road users, stressing that many traffic crashes can be avoided through timely information and behavioural change.
According to him, the initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive engagement. He noted that most accidents are traceable to identifiable causes and can be prevented when road users are adequately informed before incidents occur and properly guided afterward.
Akinbiyi further highlighted that the integration of technology and structured public enlightenment programmes at the centre would significantly reduce fatalities along major highways in Ogun State with particular focus on the Ogun West axis.
The Most Senior TRACE Commander, Assistant Director (Traffic) Elias Omonayajo, in his remarks stated that the commissioning aligns with activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary and reflects the agency’s philosophy of prioritising compliance over punitive enforcement.
He explained that the centre provides a structured environment where motorists can receive guidance and education at different stages of engagement with the agency, whether prior to, during, or after enforcement actions.
Omonayajo also revealed that TRACE has reinforced its crash investigation mechanism by assigning dedicated officers to each zonal command to examine accident cases and recommend preventive measures.
He noted that thorough post-crash assessments are critical to understanding root causes, adding that officers stationed across zones are tasked with analysing incidents within their jurisdictions and using the findings to drive public awareness and policy recommendations.
The Assistant Director disclosed that investigations would cover variables such as road infrastructure, mechanical faults and environmental factors. He added that comprehensive reports would be submitted to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies for corrective interventions.
Reaffirming the agency’s mandate, Omonayajo stated that TRACE remains committed to extending the lifespan of residents through strategic safety initiatives. He confirmed that three officers have been deployed to each zonal command, with plans to increase manpower as resources permit.
At the event, agency officials urged the Ogun West Command to intensify its campaign against road mishaps within the zone.
Responding, the Zonal Commander for Ogun West, Commander Ajibade Adekunle, pledged to strengthen community-based awareness drives, especially within educational institutions.
He disclosed plans to distribute reflective safety jackets and educational materials to schools, alongside the introduction of capacity-building programmes aimed at training teachers and education officers as safety advocates.
On collaboration with other agencies, Omonayajo clarified that accident investigations would be conducted jointly with bodies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police to ensure comprehensive and coordinated outcomes.
He explained that findings from such investigations would be harmonised and transmitted through the Ministry of Transportation to appropriate authorities, including the Ministries of Works and Environment, for necessary policy and infrastructural responses.
He added that crash statistics and analytical reports would be consolidated and communicated through a unified official platform to guarantee accuracy, transparency and a coordinated safety response across the state.
TMnews
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