The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, approved hazard allowance for personnel of the State Road Traffic Management Authority, with effect from Thursday, August 1, 2024.

He stated this during the passing-out parade of the 500 newly recruited OYRTMA officers/men and the inauguration of its marshals, held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iseyin.

The governor also inaugurated the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; two permanent secretaries, G.O Oyedele, General Administration and Akeem Salami of Cabinet and Special Services and 47 others as Marshals.

The step, according to the governor, would enable the personnel to contribute their quota to the development of the state through diligent and dedicated service.

“On our part as an administration, we will continue to prioritise your welfare as we have always done for all our workers since we assumed office in 2019.

“You asked for hazard allowance and I agree with you that you face quite a lot of hazards. The work we have asked you to do is fraught with a lot of hazards. So, your hazard allowance is approved and will be effective August 1, 2024. I want to wish you well and thank you for the work you are doing for our state,” he said.

The governor, therefore, charged them not to misplace their priorities or focus on enriching themselves unjustly.

He also charged the new OYRTMA Marshals to work effectively and with absolute commitment.

“We are here today at the passing-out parade of 500 newly recruited OYRTMA officers. Our presence here indicates how important this exercise is to our administration.

“So, this recruitment is to strengthen the capacity of OYRTMA, because when the agency is strengthened, the rule of law in the state is strengthened.

“We want a state where all laws will be obeyed, especially traffic laws. To achieve this, we need to sensitise our people and enforce the laws. To sensitise our people, we formed the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development. They will be going round to let our people understand the law,” he added.

The governor thanked officers and men of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, for collaborating with OYRTMA in training the new personnel.

Earlier, the state OYRTMA Chairman, Maj Adekoya Adesagba (retd), who appreciated the governor for his support, said, “The recruitment process was rigorous and thorough, designed to ensure that only the most qualified and capable individuals joined our ranks.”

At the event were former deputy governors of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju Constituency, Dele Adeola; former Speaker of state Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice E.A. Taiwo; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni.

Also in attendance were a former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, represented by High Chief Omotoso Olubiyi, service commanders and other dignitaries.