From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
It was jubilation galore when 398 officers and other ranks of the Ogun State traffic management outfit, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), were decorated with new ranks.
The ceremony, held at the TRACE headquarters located inside the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) Complex, Abeokuta, was graced by top government functionaries, members of TRACE Board and well-wishers.
It was a day many of the newly promoted officers had been waiting for, as they appeared immaculate in their ceremonial uniforms, exuding high hope of wearing their new ranks.
Apart from the decorating the new officers and men, the event was also used to inaugurate three new operations vehicles for effective traffic management.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun lauded TRACE for doing a Yeoman’s job in ensuring free flow of traffic in the state. He acknowledged that the agency needed more hands to fulfil its obligations and disclosed that more personnel would be employed noting that the current staff strength of 585 in the traffic management outfit is grossly inadequate.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor gave TRACE management a pat on the back its ability to manage road traffic in the state, despite the shortage of staff.
He explained that the Corps Commander of the outfit had already intimated him about the need to employ more personnel in recent meetings, which he has resolved to do:
“We are aware of shortage of manpower and equipment. We appreciate the roles the agency is and has been playing on our roads. The government has met with the management with the view to employ more staff, and that would be implemented in due course.”
He reiterated his administration would continue to support the agency and encourage its operatives, to ensure more productivity.
The TRACE Commander, Seni Ogunyemi, said arrangements were in top gear for the construction of the agency training camp and permanent headquarters on a three-hectare of land at Ajebo, Abeokuta.
He gave assurance that the agency would continue to strive and re-dedicate itself to the Corps mission and vision statement of ensuring service delivery through the promotion of safety on Ogun State corridor.
On those promoted, Ogunyemi said they should know that promotion “is a reward for excellence and service, as well as a call for additional service and responsibility.”
The Head of Service, Abayomi Sobande, urged all promoted officers, to note that the reward of hardwork was more work, and called on them to reciprocate the gesture:
“You must continue to uphold the sanctity of the service, most especially as enshrined in the public service rules. You must see your promotion as a call for more service to the government and good people of Ogun State.” He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Pension, Babatunde Agbaje.
Special Adviser to the governor on Transportation, Gbenga Opesanwo, advised the TRACE operatives not to betray the trust reposed in them and should not engage in acts that could tarnish the image of the organisation.