OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital was agog on Friday 27, June, as Cdr. Olaseni Ogunyemi, retires from the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, as the Commander General and Chief Executive, after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 and serving as the head for 10 years.
The colourful Pull-Out ceremony was well attended by friends, relatives, Senior Officers of the Agency, Government officials and several well wishers who took turns to pour encomiums on him, recounting his laudable achievements and transformative landmarks whilst in charge of TRACE.
In his goodwill message, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, acknowledged the good things spoken about Seni Ogunyemi, saying, "I'm not surprised at the good things spoken about Seni Ogunyemi, I also find him a very amiable person, a very reliable individual, someone who will go out of his way to ensure your success, your well-being, your wellness, sacrificing for
others in ways that are beyond what you normally expect of any individual.
"I also know people here today have thanked the state government for supporting TRACE, but what he has been able to achieve in his 10 years of leadership in TRACE is beyond any support
that the government has offered him and his Agency. He's an industrious individual. I wish, I still had my connections with the World Bank, I would have loved for a case study to be done on TRACE, to find out how this Commander was able to manage it in such difficult circumstances, defying understanding and logic." He added.
The Commissioner expressed wishes that Ogunyemi will put together his memoirs to educate the public on how he was able to sustain the Agency, maintaining a high professional standard that is greatly appreciated today.
Dairo expressed fears however, that, it will be very difficult to fill the shoes Commander Ogunyemi's is leaving behind, but prayed and hoped the good Lord
will help in finding a suitable and capable replacement.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Head of Service, HOS, Ogun State, represented by Barrister Dipo Ogunfowora, started by saying that Seni Ogunyemi is an icon, a trailblazer, a phenomenon, an innovator and an unstoppable
force.
He emphased that he is an eclectic, dynamic, cerebral and articulate Commander General/CEO of the Traffic Compliance and Employment Agency.
According to the Head of Service, "Commander
Ogunyemi has the ears of the Governor with the enabling support of the result driven Commissioner for Transportation, Engineer Dairo, who was able to convince His Excellency
in securing a recent approval to appoint a sizable number of new officers for TRACE.
"We thank His Excellency also for this approval and also for the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercise in
which a large number of TRACE officers benefited."
The Head of Service further said, 'I should emphasize that it was a thoroughly conducted interview exercise where TRACE officers did conduct themselves very well.
"When Ogunyemi got into TRACE, his entrance was unheralded, but his unprecedented pullout today is with much pomp and glamour, another testament to the evolution of the agency over the years. He has been celebrated not only in the service, but because our dear Commander is a man of
many parts. We have a broad spectrum of well-wishers from the past and the present.
"The HOS wants me to specially congratulate you and let everyone know that you started well in 2015 and you are ending well 10 years after. Your choice as Commander General was not misplaced as the outfit witnessed many successes and new growth during your tenure. You built a new crop of dedicated and diligent officers that have continued to making our dear state
proud, driving the establishment with new technology and of course, the movement of the Administrative Office to these spacious premises, which has housed TRACE now for two years.
"TRACE is no longer a young organisation, having being around for more than 20 years, benefiting from the
watchful eyes and nurture of Commander Ogunyemi's 20 years involvement, spanning from the pioneering efforts of Major Sunmola and Commander Songodimeji, now becoming one one of
the respected elder citizens from which TRACE can continue to drink from his wealth of
knowledge and experience." He conclude.
Praying that as TRACE has flourished under him, it shall continue to prosper even further and surpassing all
expectations.
He however charged the most Senior officer who will take over the
administrative running of TRACE and other senior officers in the agency, not to let the
flags down but should continue to leverage on the high standards set by Commander Ogunyemi and surpass them, promising that the office of HOS will continue to show special interest in TRACE and
ensure that due diligence is done in line with the extant rules guiding the State Civil Service.
Other speakers, including the Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, represented by Abono,
Taju, Oladende, AIG Shola Subair, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, body of Permanent Secretaries, the Controller of the National Immigration Service and other high ranking leaders in government, academia, civil societies, Women wing of Security Agencies and well meaning individuals expressed glowing testimonies of the achievements of the retiring Commander while at the helms of affair in the TRACE Agency.
It will be recalled that his retirement activities kick started with a Press briefing in Abeokuta to mark the countdown where he gave account of his stewardship since assuming responsibilities as the head of the Agency in 2015.
The TRACE Commander General used the event held at the Agency's headquarters at Ajebo Road, Abeokuta to recount his stewardship since assuming responsibilities as the Agency's boss in 2015, while declaring that the week long event is a 3-in-1 celebration, involving his retirement activities, comemorating the 20th year of the creation of the TRACE Agency and the hosting of the 10th annual Corps Commander's Conference.
Ogunyemi started by giving praises to Allah for his successful years and times at the Agency and to thank Prince Dapo Abiodun, the State Governor, for the opportunity to serve in that capacity, describing TRACE as a seed planted 2 decades ago and has now germinated and blossomed, symbolizing the Agency's resilience, dedication, relevance, and collective
commitment of operatives, road users, stakeholders, sister agencies and the government of
Ogun State.
With a sense of pride, Cdr. Ogunyemi averred that TRACE started from a humble beginning in 2005 to becoming a vital organ in the promotion and propagation of road safety, traffic management, and public enlightenment in Ogun State, saying TRACE has evolved into a model agency, unique in style, dress code, methodology, and
admired within and beyond the State as a beautiful bride, adding,
these two decades have been defined by dedication, innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships under his leadership.
He said, "we have worked tirelessly to build public trust, improved assess to commerce, reduce road crashes, instill discipline among road users, professionalized the traffic officer’s career and saved lives as well
as property
"My stewardship in TRACE has better equipped the agency in Human Capacity
Resource Management, Material/Equipment Resource Management and Information/Public
Enlightenment Resource Management. Under Human Capacity Resource Management, TRACE under my watch was professionalized
with better career prospects for officers and men through training and retraining programmes." He added.
Cdr. Ogunyemi went on to speak about the improved internal operational and administrative structure with several collaborative organs, including the TRACE
Special Operation Force Unit, TRACE Whistle Blower Initiative and the TRACE Emergency Traffic Services (TETS), all contributing to prompt and timely response to
rescue/emergency services, saying, "these has led to 41.11% reduction on total number of crash cases;
31.25% reduction in total number of fatalities and 29.49% in the total number of serious cases."
This is beside expansion of TRACE, through the creation of additional 27 Operational Commands, made up of 7 Area Commands, 12 Deputy Area Commands and 8 Corridor Commands, across the
geo-political traffic pattern of the state, with TRACE having 66 Commands
across the Ogun 18 major traffic corridors, Cdr. Ogunyemi said.
On Information/Public Enlightenment Resource Management, Ogunyemi said the advocacy drive through various media platforms has helped
to create a strong social network within the operatives and the larger society.
Talking about challenges, he admitted that the journey has not been without challenges, "but through commitment and
collaborative effort, we have made remarkable progress. One of our greatest challenge, apart from patrol vehicles, tow vehicles, power bikes and other safety tools is inadequate staff strength which is being addressed by the government with the approval to recruit 1000 new officers."
Speaking about his retirement, Ogunyemi said, "My retirement is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter for me, and for TRACE. Permit me to thank His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his constant support, past and present administrations for believing in the
vision of TRACE.,,"
Ogunyemi also appreciated the media for their continued partnership in pushing the Agency's message to the general public, particularly the motoring public.
He ended up with appreciation remarks for the Engr. Noimot Akindele-Salako, Deputy Governor of Ogun State and the Chairman of the Ogun State Road Safety Advisory Council, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya for their collective roles in promoting and
sustaining growth in the transportation sector of the state.
With special appreciation going to Engr. Gbenga
Dairo, FNSE, Commissioner for Transportation, for his pioneering efforts in rebuilding, rebranding and repositioning the
transportation sector in Ogun State, Ogunyemi said.
On the first day of the Corps Commander's Conference, held on Thursday at the Valley View Auditorium, Abeokuta, commemorating the Agency's twentieth anniversary and the retirement of Cdr. Seni Ogunyem from active service, Engr. Noimot Akindele-Salako, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State gave huge commendation to the Agency for the laudable achievements since creation.
Commander Ogunyemi in his welcome address at the Conference, themed; 'Building Resilient Leadership and Management Models for Traffic Personnel/Managers in Ogun State, said, TRACE as an Agency of government is saddled with the control of traffic in the State and is assiduously working daily to achieve that mission objective despite challenges, adding that the Agency had continued to uphold the core values of the system and is consistently committed to educating the motoring public on compliance to traffic control and safety management in the State, while commending the present administration for endorsing the recruitment of 1000 staff to strengthen the workforce.
In her response, the Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman Road Safety Advisory Council for the State, said the state-owned traffic agency has proved its mettle in the face of growing urbanization and its complexities.
While stating that the theme of this year's Symposium was both timely and relevant, as it considered the increasingly complex traffic environment shaped by population growth, industrial expansion and new mobility patterns, she added that ability of TRACE operatives to adapt, lead and manage traffic effectively was no longer optional, but essential.
Stressing that she has worked closely with TRACE and it has proven to be more than just a traffic agency but had gone all out and beyond to educate motorists on necessary safety measures and managing congestion in urban centres, towards ensuring swift emergency responses on the state's traffic corridors.
"These symposium and conference are much more than ceremonial events, they are strategic platforms to up skill officers, promote professionalism, and reimagine the future of traffic management in Ogun State," she said.
While she commended the retiring Commander General/CEO, TRACE, Cdr 'Seni Ogunyemi for his commitment to institutional growth through such educative symposium, the deputy governor urged the body to sustain its culture of discipline and service delivery.
In recognition of the efficiency of TRACE, she said the governor recently approved the recruitment of 1000 additional personnel to buoyed its operation and increase the staff strength.
On his own part, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, congratulated TRACE,stating that they had something in common as he began his reign 20 years ago as the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland.
He said the traffic agency "is doing a fantastic job," and he prayed for continuous improvement, "as their best is yet to come."
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet and Security, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, also felicitated TRACE, stating that the agency had distinguished itself in traffic control and safety management.
He urged the Agency to continue to give its best, take advantage of the conference to learn new innovations in traffic control and safety management as well as ensure accuracy in data collection.
Also, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, noted that TRACE has proved its mettle "as it is recognized as a veritable agency which operates efficiently, very quick and accurate in disseminating information about traffic."
He commended the outgoing CG/CEO, Seni Ogunyemi for motivating his team in improving and increasing their knowledge to help them in carrying out their responsibilities.
On his part, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Shola Subair (Rtd), commended the Agency for attaining the milestone in traffic management, saying the training would help to broaden the knowledge of officers in traffic management, law and enforcement, while pledging that his office would continue to render support where necessary.
In their separate well wish remarks, Ogun State Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sarah Ehindero, the Commander Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Commandant Ekundayo Omolade and the Commander Federal Road Safety Corp,s Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, congratulated the agency for its 20 years celebration, its founding fathers and officers of the Agency.
He said TRACE and other Security Agencies work in synergy towards a safe road and protection of lives and property, while also commending their commitment and doggedness to efficient traffic control and safety management.
The pioneer TRACE Commander, Major Dapo Sunmola(Rtd) said the journey so far had been smooth, saying TRACE began in a small office at the Ministry of Transportation before it became a full-fledged Agency, commending the leadership of the Agency for their commitment, determination and dedication to duties, as well as the officers for their efforts in traffic control and safety management.
In his presentation, Prof. Sola Adeyanju of Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, listed the qualities of a resilient leader to include Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, Effective decision making skills, Inspiration of Confidence in others , Good Communication skills, Viewing challenges as opportunities among others.
While he noted that for one to perform his leadership role effectively, "one must you be Physically sound,Mentally sound and Emotionally balanced," he added that a resilient leader must be able to bounce back from setbacks, and motivate his or her followers.
"Leadership development is a lifetime journey and not a quick trip .Never stop learning all leaders are learners...the moment you stop learning you stop living," he said.
On the second day of the Conference, Engr Tokunbo Odebunmi, the Chairman, Ogun State Civil Service Commission, advised officers and Men of the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, to embrace the culture of continuous learning, which is the key to effective decision making, while collaborating effectively with sister Agencies to improve safety, optimize road traffic flow and reduce traffic crashes in Ogun State.
Adding that aside acquiring knowledge, it is also essential to prioritize health and safety while on duty, as it directly impacts on well-being and job performance.
Advocating that, maintaining physical and mental health, taking breaks and being aware of potential hazards in the workplace increases productivity.
In his words, "Everyone of you should try to know his or her health status which includes blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, weight, and mental health. Regular checkups, screenings, and self-awareness are key to knowing your health status,"
Engr Odebunmi also encouraged the personnel to find alternative source of income in addition to the salaries before their retirement, as this will enable them have a longer lifespans.
He enjoined them to increase their chances of promotion through active pursuant of relevant certifications that demonstrate their skills and commitment to career advancement, adding that certifications enhance knowledge, dedication to professional development, and to make them a more competitive candidate for promotion within their current role or in a new position.
He commended the outgoing TRACE Corps Commander/CEO, Cdr Olaseni Ogunyemi for his tireless efforts in bringing stability to the agency. He described him as a competent road traffic manager, a very disciplined, hardworking, dutiful and focused leadership.
Delivering his paper on the topic: 'Coaching and mentoring in traffic management, Ogun State Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Transformation Office', Mr Jola Oyeneye, said: "Mentorship is the bridge that turns potential into performances. He added that a mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.
"Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called coach supports a learner or client in achieving a providing training and guidance," he stated.
According to him, coaching and mentoring in traffic management includes: "Improving traffic control skills; safety and compliance; foster leadership and decision making capabilities within traffic management teams; adapt to changing traffic corridors and build a knowledge and motivated workforce."
He highlighted challenges of coaching and mentoring to be: "Resistance to change; lack of time and limited resources; difficulty in monitoring progress and measuring process: conduct awareness sessions and create a culture that values coaching and mentoring; allocated time for development and leverage in in-house expertise and use feedback tools and performance metrics to access progress."
He stated that best practices include: "promoting culture of continuous learning; set clear expectations; foster open communication; encourage a growth mindset; recognizing reward progress; customize coaching/mentoring to individuals' need and the use of technolog.
No comments:
Post a Comment