Bauchi Governor Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir deployed 500 cadets and marshals of the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) and have been officially commissioned to commence their duties.
Those selected for the parade stood at attention for four hours, during which some required support due to the intense heat, with sachets of water used to cool their boots.
State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, who is the Grand Patron of BAROTA and Reviewing Officer of the parade, arrived late due to receiving condolence visitors following the death of his stepmother.
Upon his arrival, the governor took the national salute and reviewed the parade. In his address, he apologised for the delay, citing the condolence visits as the cause.
Governor Mohammed emphasised the importance of BAROTA in managing traffic in the state, particularly given the increased volume of vehicles on the newly constructed roads by his administration.
He revealed that the agency’s target is to deploy 2,000 cadets and marshals across the 20 local government areas (LGAs) in the state to create employment and reduce youth restiveness.
He assured attendees that BAROTA is here to stay, noting that the agency would ensure efficient road traffic management, thereby reducing road crashes.
The Governor also commended security agencies for their continuous support and partnership in protecting lives and property. He pledged to continue working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and stability in the state.
Governor Mohammed charged the management of BAROTA, along with the cadets and marshals, to operate according to global best practices in road traffic management. He cautioned against malpractice, urging them to uphold the agency’s aims and objectives.
He further directed council chairpersons to liaise with BAROTA to establish offices at the local government level, ensuring the agency’s presence in all 20 LGAs for effective operations.
The Governor highlighted the importance of integrity, professionalism, and compassion in the agency’s operations. He assured the public that BAROTA would remain independent and free from interference, allowing it to function effectively.
Earlier, the Director General of BAROTA, Air Commodore Ahmed Tijjani Baba Gamawa (retd), expressed gratitude to the Governor for the enabling environment that led to the agency’s establishment. He described BAROTA as a significant legacy of the Bala Mohammed administration, noting that employing 500 young people at this time is a remarkable achievement.
The DG assured that the agency would meet the Governor’s expectations by ensuring professionalism in traffic management, leveraging the training provided to its personnel. He warned that the agency would not tolerate indiscipline and would take action against any personnel found wanting.
During the ceremony, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman, pledged the legislature’s continued support to enable BAROTA to function in line with its establishing laws.
The State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) commended the government for establishing BAROTA, stating it would complement the Corps’ efforts to ensure safer roads.
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Similarly, the State branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) assured its cooperation with BAROTA to promote road safety, lauding Governor Mohammed’s vision for creating the agency.
BAROTA’s functions include enforcing traffic laws, preventing and investigating accidents, raising road safety awareness, and advocacy. Its personnel are empowered to arrest offenders, impound vehicles, and remove obstructions.
Governor Mohammed’s commitment to road safety is evident in his plans to establish BAROTA offices in all 20 LGAs, facilitating efficient coordination and seamless operations across the state.
This initiative aligns with the Governor’s priority on human capital development through economic empowerment, particularly for the state’s youth.
With BAROTA now operational, the governor urged its personnel to serve with integrity, professionalism, and compassion, ensuring the agency tackles the challenges in the transport sector and guarantees safer roads for all.
