The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has commissioned a Traffic Enlightenment Centre in Ota Division as part of renewed efforts to reduce road crashes and safeguard lives and property across the state, particularly within the Ogun West Senatorial District.
The centre was inaugurated during a ceremony attended by TRACE officials, security and safety agencies, media representatives, and other stakeholders. The agency described the facility as a critical component of its preventive, compliance-driven approach to traffic management.
Speaking at the event, TRACE Public Relations Officer, Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, explained that the Enlightenment Centre was designed to educate and sensitise road users before, during, and after traffic incidents, noting that many crashes are preventable through proper awareness and information.
“The centre is created for the promotion and sustenance of lives and property. Accidents and crashes have causes, and before they occur, there is a need for education and sensitisation. Even after they occur, enlightenment remains essential,” Akinbiyi said.
He added that the integration of technology and structured public education at the centre would help reduce crash fatalities along major traffic corridors in Ogun State, especially within the Ogun West command.
Also speaking, the Most Senior TRACE Commander, Chief Traffic Officer Elias Omonayajo, said the commissioning of the centre coincided with activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State and reflected the agency’s emphasis on compliance before enforcement
“As a traffic compliance and enforcement agency, compliance comes first. We need a place where road users can be properly acquainted and educated before, during, and after apprehension,” Omonayajo said.
He disclosed that TRACE has strengthened its post-crash investigation framework by deploying officers to all zonal commands to determine the causes of road crashes and develop preventive strategies.
“After a crash, there must be an investigation. We have posted officers to the zonal commands so that every zone can investigate crashes within its area, determine what caused them, and enlighten the public to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
According to Omonayajo, investigations will examine factors such as road conditions, vehicle defects, and environmental issues, with findings forwarded to relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies for necessary action.
We value life, and the agency was created to ensure the longevity of our citizens. That is why we have established crash investigation representatives across the zones,” he added.
He noted that three officers have currently been deployed to each zonal command, with plans to expand the initiative as more personnel become available.
During the event, TRACE officials urged the Ogun West Command to intensify efforts at reducing road crashes within its jurisdiction. In response, the Zonal TRACE Commander for Ogun West, Commander Ajibade Adekunle, said the command would prioritise public enlightenment programmes, particularly in schools.
“We are looking forward to distributing enlightenment materials and reflective jackets to schools. We also plan to organise ‘train-the-trainers’ programmes for teachers and key education officers,” Adekunle said.
Addressing questions on whether crash investigations would be conducted individually or collectively, Omonayajo explained that TRACE would work in synergy with other safety agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police.
“All agencies will work together to unravel the causes of crashes and avert future occurrences. Reports will be collated and forwarded through the Ministry of Transportation to relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Works or Environment for policy and corrective action,” he said.
He emphasised that crash data and findings would be harmonised and released through a single official channel to ensure consistency and a coordinated response.
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