Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that his government will continue to come up with innovative ideas and build the right partnerships that will bring about desired development and propel the state into a great future.
The governor stated this on Tuesday, January 21, at the official launch of the first phase of telecommunications and digitisation partnership between Globacom Limited and Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
The event was held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, noted that the partnership embodies the vision of his administration to use technology to address the challenges of governance, enhance efficiency and improve the quality of life for every citizen of the state.
He added that the innovation would create safer roads, reduce travel times, enhance the efficiency of the transportation network and also address challenges in road management through digitalisation.
The governor urged stakeholders to support the transformation and comply with traffic regulations and the state government’s efforts in digitising and optimising the traffic management system.
He said: “We celebrate today an innovative partnership through OYRTMA and Globacom Limited, a leading telecommunication giant in Nigeria, as we usher in a new era of digitalised traffic management in Oyo State.
“This partnership embodies the vision of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde in leveraging technology to address the challenges of governance, enhance efficiency and improve the quality of life for every resident of Oyo State.
“At the heart of governance is the drive to improve the quality of life for our people. Efficient transportation system is a cornerstone of that aspiration, as transportation is a life blood of any society. Our roads connect people to opportunities, goods to markets and communities to one another.
“However, as our cities grow and our economy expands, both our road safety traffic laws and urban mobility demand innovative solutions. The digitalisation of OYRTMA operations is a bold step forward in making these challenges surmountable.
“This collaboration is not just about technology, as most people would think, but about leveraging the innovation to create safer roads, reduce travel times and enhance the efficiency of our transportation network.
“We envision a system where data-driven insight enhances decision-making, digital tools streamline enforcement processes and advanced communication platforms that would foster real time communication.
“Imagine a future where traffic violations are detected with precision; where road users are educated through smart notifications and emergency responses are deployed swiftly and effectively. That’s where we want to see Oyo State, going forward.
“While technology is the bedrock of what we are talking about, this initiative will depend on us, as a people, the government, private sector and the citizens of Oyo State.
“Let me reiterate that this administration will foster innovation and partnership that propel Oyo State into the future. With this collaboration, we are not just solving today’s challenges but building a legacy for generations to come.”
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), noted that the collaboration represents a giant leap forward in collective effort to enhance road safety, optimise traffic flow, improve the experience of every road user and also modernise traffic management system in Oyo State.
He added that the first phase of the partnership will introduce a series of cutting-edge initiatives aimed at enhancing the internal operations and overall traffic experience for Oyo State residents.
Adesagba explained that the initiatives will include the launch of the closer user group designed for OYRTMA staff to improve communication, foster collaboration and streamline internal operations.
Other parts of the initiatives are advanced traffic management infrastructure through deployment of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras at strategic locations across the state for better monitoring; real time traffic management and control centre for quick response to emergencies and controlling of traffic as well as provision of operational equipment for overall operational effectiveness.
Adesagba maintained that the partnership is a clear demonstration of Governor Makinde’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive socio-economic growth, enhance public safety and foster a sustainable future for the citizens of Oyo State.
He thanked the governor for the recent recruitment of additional OYRTMA officers in the state and for his unrelenting support for the agency.
Delivering his goodwill message, the chairman, Globacom Limited, Dr Mike Adenuga, represented by Mr Yinusa Bello, commended Governor Makinde for his infrastructure development drive in the state, noting that his vision would help to deliver a safer environment for businesses to thrive.
Also, the Zonal Director, Globacom Limited, Mr Niyi Adejobi, said the roadmap to OYRTMA digitalisation would enhance the operational framework of the agency to save lives, reduce traffic offences, improve communication network and swift response to emergencies.
The event had in attendance the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni, represented by Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Audu; former Oyo State Head of Service, Mr Ebenezer Okebukola; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd).
Others were the chairman, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd); former chairman of OYRTMA, Col. Tayo Isola (rtd); chairman, Hospital Management Board, Dr Akin Fagbemi; Commissioners and other dignitaries.
