The leadership of Hausa communities in Oyo has committed to instituting a taskforce to move against roadside parking and display of goods in the Sabo area of Ibadan, the state capital.
The assurance was given, when Chairman, Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr Adesagba Adekoya, met with the Seriki Hausawa of Ibadanland, Ali Zungeru and his council of chiefs at his Sabo palace, Ibadan.
Adekoya said the meeting was to seek the cooperation of leaders of Hausa communities who dominate the area and have a crucial role in ensuring law and order at Sabo.
He promised to seek the permission of the state commissioner for youth and sports development, Wasilat Adegoke, to traders around Sabo to use part of the premises of Lekan Salami stadium as parking space.
This, he said, was also another avenue through which the state can generate revenue.
Speaking, the Seriki Hausawa of Ibadanland, Ali Zungeru, while commending the peaceful approach of the state government to addressing the issue, pledged readiness to support and collaborate with moves by government aimed at a serene, safe, and orderly environment.
Meanwhile, the OYRTMA has kicked off operation “Safe Trip: We are all responsible,” as part of its Easter special patrol schedule across the state.
According to a statement by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, OYRTMA, Mr Adekoya Adesagba, the objective of the exercise is to ensure effective traffic management, timely clearance of obstructions, prompt rescue/emergency services on a 24-hour basis, and collaboration with other safety/security agencies in the state.
According to him, the operation covers strategic routes such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; Olodo-Monatan-Iwo Road Interchange, Mokola-Sango-UI Agbowo-Oojo, Agodi Gate-Oje-Bere-Molete-Challenge, KM 110-Apata-Omi Adio, Total Garden-Yemetu-Bere, Oja ba-Agbeni, Oke Ado-Oke Bola-Dugbe-Adamasingba-Eleyele, Oyo, Ogbomosho and Saki among others, before, during, and after the Easter Celebrations.
The operation, which commenced on Wednesday, 27th March 2024, through Monday, 8th April 2024, involves the full deployment of OYRTMA operational resources from all our commands across the State.
Officers are to be stationed at strategic beats and choke points along major roads and intersections to monitor and address the excesses of recalcitrant motorists.
This approach, according to the Chairman, is necessary, due to the anticipated heavy flow of human and vehicular movement during the Easter Celebration, which may lead to traffic congestion, vehicle breakdowns, obstructions, and road traffic crashes.
He, however, advised drivers to avoid excessive speed, night travels, overloading, worn-out tires, and driving in prohibited directions (one-way), considering their associated risks.
The chairman warned that any vehicle contravening traffic laws during the celebration period will face penalties (impoundment) and will not be released until the operation concludes on Monday, 8th April 2024.
