The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has called on its officers to shun drug abuse and other substances capable of compromising their physical and mental fitness, stressing that traffic management requires sound judgement, alertness and discipline to protect lives and property.
The Chairman of OYRTMA, Maj. Adesagba Adekoya (Rtd.), stated this during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Oyo State Command, in collaboration with OYRTMA, for officers on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and other dangerous substances, held at the Water Conference Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Maj. Adesagba emphasised the importance of the sensitisation, recalling his experience working with the NDLEA during his military career, where similar interventions produced positive results in curbing drug abuse among personnel.
Maj. Adesagba urged OYRTMA officers to take the programme seriously and apply the knowledge gained to their duties. He stressed that road traffic officers bear a critical responsibility to protect lives and property and must therefore remain physically and mentally fit at all times in discharging their duties while on the road.
The chairman further noted that the job of traffic management requires sound judgement, alertness, and discipline. According to him, any action capable of compromising an officer’s fitness could affect their ability to safeguard road users and public property.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA team, Superintendent of Narcotics Achichi, who led the delegation on behalf of Commander Oluwarotimi Adetula, CN, Commander of Narcotics, Oyo State Command, said the visit was aimed at sensitising OYRTMA personnel, especially the field officers, and exploring areas of collaboration between both agencies.
SN Achichi explained that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA is also committed to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse. He added that the agency conducts necessary tests and provides rehabilitation support where required to help people overcome drug dependence.
He encouraged OYRTMA personnel to see the NDLEA as a partner ready to provide guidance, support, and intervention in matters relating to drug abuse. He stressed that cooperation between both agencies is key to protecting the public from the dangers of substance abuse.
Delivering the lecture, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Peter Akinbode defined a drug as any chemical substance that alters the way a person feels, thinks, or behaves. He said drug abuse occurs when substances are used in harmful ways, including excessive doses or contrary to medical recommendations.
ASN Akinbode warned against the abuse of tramadol and other illicit substances and identified three major categories of drugs based on brain effects: stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. He listed peer influence, stress, fatigue, and negative experiences as major factors that push people into substance abuse.
The lecturer cautioned that drug use by drivers leads to impaired concentration, poor judgement, and delayed reactions, which increases the risk of road crashes. He added that for traffic officers, drug abuse could compromise their effectiveness in saving lives and protecting property; hence, there is a need for a drug-free workforce.
In his vote of thanks, the General Manager of OYRTMA, Commander Ayoade Adeoye, appreciated the NDLEA for the sensitisation and called for stronger NDLEA-OYRTMA collaboration, increased awareness, and personal responsibility towards ensuring safer roads in Oyo State. He charged officers to take the message seriously and uphold a drug-free service.
“If you see, you talk. Reporting is not about condemning anyone but about helping the person access the right support and intervention,” Commander Adeboye said.
Packaged by Temitayo Afolabi
