The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), on Saturday, inducted honourary and regular mayors to expand the scope of volunteerism in traffic control and enforcement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Yusuf Suberu, FCT squadron leader of the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) mayor’s,  during the 3rd induction ceremony in Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the number of responses to participate as volunteers.

30 regular mayors and seven honourary mayors were inducted and decorated in Abuja.

According to Mr Suberu, volunteering marks an important aspect of service delivery to society because the rate of road traffic violations, crashes, injuries and deaths are on the rise and still worrisome.

He called for more proactive measures to reduce and finally eliminate the carnage effect of the low level of road safety education and poor road attitude of drivers, riders, and other road users.

According to him, this has resulted in avoidable traffic congestion and fatal crashes in various parts of the country.

“Surprisingly, the FCT, which has the best road networks, is still experiencing a very high rate of these traffic challenges.

“As part of the proactive measures by the DRTS, RTO/VIO mayors was established as a strategic measure to enhance effective traffic management, safety and security in Nigeria roads.

“The RTO/VIO mayors in the past few years of its establishment has been up and doing in complimenting the efforts of the DRTS and other relevant agencies.

“This is solely in the promotion of free flow of traffic as well as maintaining law and order on our roads,“ he said.

Mr Suberu, who doubled as the national coordinator, RTO/VIO mayors encouraged intending mayors to see the assignment as a call to help save the lives of road users

According to him, this will also be a way of contributing towards the reduction of the pressure of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) on the roads.

“I urge well-meaning Nigerians who have passion for the safety of irreplaceable lives and valuable properties to join the DRTS RTO/ VIO mayors’ volunteers.

“This is to further strengthen the mechanism of effective road traffic management and road safety in Nigeria.

“I want to use this platform to plead with international donors, corporate organisations, highly placed individuals and patrons to increase their support to the agencies and volunteer groups in road traffic management,” he said.

Earlier, the DRTS director, Bello Abdul-Lateef, called for more volunteerism from people on traffic-related matters.

Mr Abdul-lateef emphasised that the directorate and other vehicle inspection offices could not do it alone, saying that lending of hands by the public would curtail the difficulties with ease.

He commended the honourary and regular mayors saying that despite their tight schedules, they agreed to render service to humanity particularly taking the complication of traffic control and enforcement.

“I can conveniently say that we have moved from embryonic nature. This is because our work has been strengthened by the volunteers to help in managing road traffic crashes.

“We should all understand that road traffic management should not be left alone for the traffic agencies.

“I must commend the volunteers who have been working, we are proud of you as you have shown love to our fatherland, “he said.

Also, the assistant commissioner of police, (ACP) Habib Rabiu, reaffirmed commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service excellence in performance of duties.

“The responsibilities entrusted to each of you are of paramount importance.

“As Mayors of RTOs/VIOs, you are entrusted with the task of assisting the already existing traffic agencies in the management of traffic control and promoting road safety awareness among the public.

“Your role is not merely to assist the traffic management but also for education, outreach, and community engagement, decongestion of our roads, and safety of the road users in the FCT,” he said.

In his goodwill message, RT. Hon. Chinedum Elechi, the mandate secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), congratulated all inductees for heeding the demands of the moment to serve the public.

Mr Elechi, who was represented by the director of BRT buses, Richard Aderinwale, also commended them for their energy, time and resources in the area of traffic control and auxiliary amenities.

“Your induction today is, therefore, very timely and necessary. I have been informed that the Mayors’ is a special arm of DRTS/VIO. This includes men and women of proven integrity and passion.

“I urge you to take this initiation as a call to duty and your activities shall not go unrecognised by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s led administration,” he said.

The theme of the year 2024 induction ceremony is “Renewed Commitment to Ensuring Effective Road Traffic Management and Safety on our Roads”.

(NAN)