Oyo Deepens Traffic Discipline As OYRTMA Launches Youth Volunteers Programme
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — IN a bid to curb rising road accidents and improve traffic discipline across the state, the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), in collaboration with the Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), has launched the OYRTMA Youth Volunteers Programme.
The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday at the Oyo State Local Government Staff Training Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, is aimed at promoting civic responsibility, road safety awareness, and responsible road usage among youths and commuters.
No fewer than 100 youths, mainly students randomly selected from across the state, were inaugurated as pioneer volunteers under the programme. The volunteers are expected to serve as ambassadors of traffic discipline and responsible road use within their communities and institutions.
The event attracted government officials, student leaders, transport stakeholders, and youths from various tertiary institutions across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Babatunde, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in the Governor’s Office, Dr. Bode Ladipo, reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety of road users.
According to him, the initiative was designed to reshape public attitude towards road use and reduce accidents across the state.
He noted that indiscipline and poor adherence to traffic regulations had continued to contribute to dangerous driving habits, traffic congestion, and loss of productive man-hours.
Professor Babatunde described the programme as part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen community participation in traffic management and public safety initiatives.
Addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (retd.), said the programme was created to engage youths as active partners in promoting safer roads and reducing traffic-related offences in the state.
He explained that the youth volunteers would help educate motorists, pedestrians, and fellow students on traffic regulations, responsible road usage, and respect for constituted authorities.
In their separate remarks, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), and the Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Agency, Prince Adebowale Falana, urged the volunteers to demonstrate discipline, punctuality, integrity, and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
They commended the initiative, describing it as a platform that would provide leadership opportunities for youths while instilling patriotism, discipline, and social responsibility.
The officials stressed that involving students and young people in governance-related programmes would help bridge the gap between government institutions and the younger generation, while also promoting a culture of lawfulness in society.
Justice Aderemi further emphasised the importance of the rule of law in maintaining order on the roads and within communities, urging the volunteers to uphold professionalism and integrity at all times.
Highlights of the event included the official inauguration of the pioneer youth volunteers as well as orientation sessions on traffic control and public conduct.
Some participants expressed optimism that the programme would not only improve road safety awareness but also empower youths to contribute meaningfully to societal development.