By Demilade Adeniyi
The Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, has advocated the introduction of traffic education curriculum in Lagos schools.
Fashola who was the lead speaker at the 10th anniversary colloquium of the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, which held at the D’Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, said to achieve greater impact on all its transportation initiatives, it might be necessary for the government to begin the transportation advocacy right from primary and secondary, up to tertiary institutions with appropriate curriculum that could help change the orientation and perception of citizens to transportation and traffic issues and regulations.
Fashola, a former governor of the state, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Alhaji Hakeem Bello, commended the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for going ahead with the completion of all modes of mass transportation, especially rail system with the Blue and Red Line rails said by the time the rails are delivered, the administration would have been able to complete the loop and jigsaw that will give Lagos its pride of place as the foremost state with reliable intermodal means of transportation.
Fashola whose administration berthed the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM, commended the Eyitayo Akanle led management of the radio for keeping the dream of the radio alive through quality programmes, which has made the radio to become a reference point not only within the country but also on the African continent.
Describing traffic radio as a child of necessity which has improved the quality of lives of residents of the state, Fashola said Lagos Traffic Radio is the go to station even by the Federal Ministry of Works, especially anytime it had to embark on rehabilitation works that will require traffic diversion to get the people.acquinted with the Ministry’s programme of activities adding that they have always been top notch in delivery.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu while praising his predecessor who as the station’s visioner laid the foundation for the station said Lagos Traffic Radio has become a major part of his administration’s THEMES Agenda as it has been helpful in drumming advocacy, and traffic advisory to Nigerians living in the state on traffic planning and transportation initiatives of the government.
Sanwo-Olu who was represemted by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso praised the Lagos Traffic Radio for improving on the listenership rating which according to a recent survey stated that over two million people now listen to the radio daily, while its social media page which has improved geometrically is giving a robust impression of acceptability and increased feedback opportunity for listeners.
Sanwo-Olu said his government will continue to support the radio station in its efforts to continue to push the good works of the government especially in transportation.
In his goodwill remarks the Commissioner for Transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde said the theme: Achieving integration of intermodal transportation for economic growth, is timely as it addresses the bold initiative of the government in moving the state’s huge population, which he said has been projected to hit 120million in the next 40 years.
He said urged town planners and transportation planners to always work together in order to ensure that transportation solutions will not end up becoming another albatross and a problem for the government.
Just as multimodality integration is the way to go, Oladeinde advocated integration of transportation timetable especially when the rail is eventually provided to ensure that people do not need to wait for more than five minute, to enjoy their ride, whether rail, or any of the bus options or even via ferries.
He equally said the government is working at the integration of a single payment system which is the Cowry card which ultimately will drive down the cost of transportation when it is eventually fully integrated.
In his remarks, LTR General Manager, Eyitayo Akanle praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the overall success of the station.
He also singled out the Minister for Works for birthing the radio station, which he said has continued to wax stronger as a result of the determination of the government to provide traffic solutions and advisory to the commuters.
The panelists, among them professor of Geography and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Bamidele Badejo, Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr (Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, and President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CILT) Barr. Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro, who is represented by Mr Tony Ehiguese gave fresh insight to the lead paper, even as they all agreed that the state need to engender a new transportation culture by teaching both primary and secondary students basic transportation safety.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to prominent Nigerians who have contributed to the making of the radio station. Among awards presented are the Visioner and Excellence Award category which was awarded to the Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Fashola, Award of Excellence to the Governor in Appreciation of the station’s 10th year journey awarded to the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Award of Excellence for the Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
Other category of awards are; Contribution to the Establishment of Traffic Radio, awarded to Prof. Ayo Badejo, under whose tenure as Commissioner for Transportation the station was berthed, same award was also awarded pioneer Managing Director of LAMATA Dr Dayo Mobereola, former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, former Commissioner for Transportation Dr Kayode Opeifa, and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba.
Other categories of Awards of Excellence was also given to; former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Ranti Odutola, under whose tenure the station came was established, Former General Manager Traffic Radio Mr Lekan Ogunbanwo, former GM Radio Lagos/Eko FM Mrs Tinu Aina-Badejo, Mr J.O Coker, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso and to the Chairman Lagos State Civil Service Commission Mrs Reginald Olubunmi Fabanwo.