Ogun Deputy Gov, Alake, Others Salute TRACE’s Resilience In Traffic Management

Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the paramount ruler and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo among other dignitaries saluted the efficiency and resilience of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency TRACE in managing traffic as it celebrates its 20 years of existence.

They all spoke at the TRACE at 20 Symposium and 10th annual TRACE Commanders Conference, with the theme: ‘Building Resilient Leadership and Management Models for Traffic Personnel/Managers in Ogun State’ held at the Valley View Auditorium, Isale – Igbein, Abeokuta.

In the well attended programme, the deputy governor who is the Chairman Road Safety Advisory Council for the state said the state-owned traffic agency has proved its mettle in the face of growing urbanization and its complexities.

While she stated that that the theme of this year’s Symposium was both timely and relevant, as it considered the increasingly complex traffic environment shaped by population growth, industrial expansion and new mobility patterns, she added that ability of TRACE operatives to adapt, lead and manage traffic effectively was no longer optional, but essential.

Major Dapo Sunmola(Retd) and Cdr ‘Seni Ogunyemi at the event

She said she has worked closely with TRACE and it has proven to be more than just a traffic agency but had gone all out and beyond to educate motorists on necessary safety measures and managing congestion in urban centres, towards ensuring swift emergency responses on the state’s traffic corridors.

“This symposium and conference are much more than ceremonial events, they are strategic platforms to up skill officers, promote professionalism, and reimagine the future of traffic management in Ogun State,” she said.

While she commended the retiring Commander General/CEO, TRACE, Cdr ‘Seni Ogunyemi for his commitment to institutional growth through such educative symposium, the deputy governor urged the body to sustain its culture of discipline and service delivery.

In recognition of the efficiency of TRACE, she said the governor recently approved the recruitment of 1000 additional personnel to buoy its operation and increase the staff strength.

On his own part, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, congratulated TRACE,stating that they had something in common as he began his reign 20 years ago as the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland.

He said the traffic agency “is doing a fantastic job,” and he prayed for continuous improvement, “as their best is yet to come.”

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet and Security, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, also felicitated TRACE, stating that the agency had distinguished itself in traffic control and safety management.

He urged the Agency to take  advantage of the conference to learn new innovations in traffic control and safety management as well as ensure accuracy in data collection.

Also, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, noted that TRACE has proved its mettle “as it is recognized as a veritable agency which operates efficiently, very quick and accurate in disseminating information about traffic.”

He commended the outgoing CG/CEO, Seni Ogunyemi for motivating his team in improving and increasing their knowledge to help them in carrying out their responsibilities.

On his part, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Shola Subair (Retd), commended the Agency for attaining the milestone in traffic management, saying the training would help to broaden the knowledge of officers in traffic management, law and enforcement, while pledging that his office would continue to render support where necessary.

In their separate well wish remarks, Ogun State Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sarah Ehindero, the Commander Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Commandant Ekundayo Omolade and the Commander Federal Road Safety Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, congratulated the agency for its 20 years celebration, its founding fathers and officers of the Agency, saying TRACE and other Security Agencies work in synergy towards a safe road and protection of lives and property, while also commending their commitment and doggedness to efficient traffic control and safety management.

The pioneer TRACE Commander, Major Dapo Sunmola(Retd) said the journey so far had been smooth, saying TRACE began in a small office at the Ministry of Transportation before it became a full-fledged Agency, commending the leadership of the Agency for their commitment, determination and dedication to duties, as well as the officers for their efforts in traffic control and safety management.

In his welcome address, the TRACE boss, Cdr Seni Ogunyemi, said as an Agency of government with the control of traffic in the State, TRACE had continue to wax stronger despite all turbulence, adding that the Agency had continued to uphold the core values of the system and consistently committed to the traffic control and safety management in the State, while commending present administration for endorsing the recruitment of 1000 staff to strengthen the workforce.

In his presentation on the theme: ‘Building Resilient Leadership and Management Models for Traffic Personnel/Managers in Ogun State’, the guest lecturer, Prof. Sola Adeyanju of Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, listed the qualities of a resilient leader to include Adaptability,Emotional Intelligence, Effective decision making skills, Inspiration of Confidence in others , Good Communication skills, Viewing challenges as opportunities among others.

While he noted that for one to perform leadership role effectively, “one must you be Physically sound, Mentally sound and Emotionally balanced,” he added that a resilient leader must be able to bounce back from setbacks, and motivate his or her followers.

“Leadership development is a lifetime journey and not a quick trip .Never stop learning all leaders are learners…the moment you stop learning you stop living,” he said.