Ogun launches ‘Operation Safe Highway’

By Omobolaji Adekunle

The Ogun State  Government has launched “Operation Safe Highway,” a sensitisation program aimed at ensuring road safety and enforcing regulations on roof racks and overloading.

This announcement was made during a press conference by the Public Relations Officer, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement (Trace), Babatunde Akinbiyi, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

Akinbiyi said that the state government has partnered with High-Tech Demographic Consulting Limited transport unions, and financial institutions to achieve this goal.

The Chief Executive of  High-Tech Demographic Consulting Limited Ajewole explained that the partnership aims to educate drivers on road safety and enforce compliance to enhance road safety to protect infrastructure, and maintain order. Ogun State is introducing strict regulations on roof racks and carriers. The move aims to reduce accidents, prevent damage to roads, and improve security.

Ajewole added that there are penalties for non compliance, urging the Ogun State Government to support the implementation of this scheme, citing its importance for public safety, economic development, and sustainable road networks.

The sensitisation program will include jingles in major Nigerian languages on TV and radio and road shows, flyers distribution and social media campaigns. A task force will be established, comprising security agencies, transport unions, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance.

The program will cover all local governments in the state, with a focus on senatorial districts. The sensitisation program will be a continuous process, with evaluation and enforcement phases to follow.

The Ogun State Government urged all road users to participate in the safety drive, emphasising that safety is everyone’s responsibility.