By OLALEKAN AYENI
While education is a priority in advancing knowledge of usage of an entity, Ogun TRACE, West area command has provided another avenue to get drivers and other road users back to track by providing a befitting Orientation and re-orientation Centre in Ota.
In a bid to enhance operational efficiency, improve road safety and reduction of accidents, the most senior officer of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Cdr Elias Omonayajo, yesterday – Tuesday February 10, 2026, led the agency’s officials to commissioned a Traffic Enlightenment Centre in Ota Divisional Command, Ogun West Senatorial District.
Cdr Omonayajo began the laudable event with inspection of quarter guard at the entrance of the Command before proceeded to the official commissioning in the present of other officers, security and safety personnel which includes TRACE Director of Administration and Supply, Alhaji Abdullah Adeduntan; the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Cdr Babatunde Akinbiyi; Cdr Morolake Filani;
Ota Divisional Commander, Hammed Salau; Agbara, Cdr. Onasoga A.O; Atan Cdr Ogunleye; Cdr Aduroja; Cdr Kojeku; Cdr Victoria Olaoke.
Speaking after the commissioning, Cdr Omonayajo, said the centre coincided with activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State and underscored the agency’s philosophy of compliance before enforcement.
“As a traffic compliance and enforcement agency, compliance comes first. There must be a place where road users are properly educated and acquainted with traffic rules before, during and even after apprehension,” Omonayajo said.
He disclosed that TRACE has strengthened its post-crash investigation framework by deploying officers to all zonal commands to investigate the causes of road crashes and develop preventive strategies.
“After a crash, there must be investigation. Officers have been posted to the zonal commands to investigate crashes within their areas, determine their causes and enlighten the public to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
According to him, investigations will focus on factors such as road conditions, vehicle defects and environmental issues, with findings forwarded to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies for necessary action.
“We value life, and TRACE was created to ensure the elongation of the lives of our citizens. That is why crash investigation representatives have been established across the zones,” Omonayajo 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.
TRACE officials at the event also urged the Ogun West Command to intensify efforts aimed at reducing road crashes within its jurisdiction.
In his response, the Zonal TRACE Commander for Ogun West, Commander Ajibade Adekunle, assured that the command would prioritise public enlightenment, particularly in schools.
“We plan to distribute enlightenment materials and reflective jackets to schools and organise train-the-trainers programmes for teachers and key education officers,” Adekunle said.
Clarifying issues on crash investigation procedures, Omonayajo explained that TRACE would work in synergy with other safety agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police.
“All agencies will collaborate 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 Ministries of Works or Environment for policy and corrective action,” he said.
He added that crash data and investigation findings would be harmonised and released through a single official channel to ensure consistency and coordinated response.
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Speaking at the event, TRACE Public Relations Officer, Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, described the facility as a critical component of TRACE’s preventive and compliance-driven approach to traffic management, noting that the centre was established to educate and sensitise road users before, during and after traffic incidents
He said most road crashes are preventable through adequate 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 must be 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-related fatalities along major traffic corridors in Ogun State, particularly within the Ogun West axis.
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