By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Bolaji Oreagba has charged youth to be good traffic ambassadors and agents of change to their families in order to ensure orderliness and safety always.
Oreagba gave the admonition on Thursday, while addressing pupils and children of Kids Court School, Surulere, Lagos who visited the Agency at Oshodi.
The pupils were educated and trained on rules and regulations in traffic management in Lagos.
According to the General Manager “Students numbering over fifty (males & females) were educated on various traffic signs which include Prohibitory and Warning signs which must be obeyed by motorists on our roads”
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs Department (LASTMA) Mr. Adebayo Taofiq quoted that the General Manager saying that the pupils were enlightened on the negative impacts of traffic congestions on human life and the need to regularly ensure free flow of traffic on roads.
Represented by Assistant Controller, Adeoye Oluyemi James (Rover), Oreagba explained further that traffic management and control are central to human activities. According to him, traffic affects all aspects of human endeavours and pursuits as it determines travel time and arrival.
He emphasized on why students and other pedestrians must not walk on the road while backing traffic flow, crossing in between two big vehicles, crossing at non- Zebra crossing designated areas and crossing on the highways including other road activities students should desist from for safety.
The General Manager confirmed that the Lagos State School Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme (LASTSAP) is a carefully designed and unique traffic education programme for primary/secondary school students aimed at developing a better understanding of road traffic safety/reducing the impact of trauma on our roads…it is also aimed at protecting the future and ensuring sustainable development by catching them young”
He maintained that youth segment is an essential key in the development of any nation, because they have the potential and capability to make change happen for themselves, their communities and the rest of the world.
Mr. Oreagba stressed that in order to enhance transparency and as part modern technological innovations in addressing transport management challenges, the Lagos State Government recently deployed 500 Traffic Management Solution (TMS) devices (hand-held cameras) to personnel of the Agency.
Earlier in her address the Key Stage Lead of the School, Mrs. Oluwatunmise Oluwaseyi thanked the entire Lastma management for the time devoted to educate their pupils on laws pertaining traffic management and control in Lagos.
She further said that inculcating traffic/road signs into students at a tender age would go a long way in reducing all man-made infractions and accidents on roads.
Members of the public were implored Incase of any observations/ comments to call Lastma hotlines on 08100565860, 08129928503 & 08129928597.
