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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
500 cadets and marshals of the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) have been commissioned to officially start performing their duties.
The cadets and marshals had trooped to the Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square at the Government House, venue of the ceremony as early as 9am for the programme scheduled for 10am.
Those selected for the parade ceremony were made to be on the stand for 4hrs during which some of them had to be given support due to the intensity of the heat as satchet water was used to cool their booths.
The State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed who is the Grand Patron of BAROTA and Reviewing Officer of the parade could not come at the scheduled time because he was busy receiving condolences over the death of his stepmother, Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang was in Bauchi for the condolence at the time.
As soon as the Governor and his entourage arrived, he took the National salute and reviewed the parade after which he addressed the gathering by first apologised for keeping them waiting due to the visitors on Condolences.
The Governor stressed the importance of BAROTA in traffic management in the State considering that with good roads built by the administration, the volume of traffic has increased as there are now more vehicles plying the roads.
He added that the target of the cadets and Marshals is to have 2000 of them who will be deployed across the 20 LGAs in the state in order to create employment and reduce youths restiveness.
Mohammed added that his administration will continue to prioritise good governance and inclusive in order to promote and deepen democratic services.
He assured that BAROTA has come has come to stay in the State as it will ensure that there is effective and efficient road traffic management thereby reducing crashes on the roads.
He also appreciated security agencies operating in the State for their continuous support and partnership in the protection of lives and properties of the citizens assuring that his administration will continue to partner relevant stakeholders in ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the State.
The Governor charged Management of BAROTA, the Cadets and Marshals to operate in line with the global best practices of road traffic management and control for sustainable growth and development.
He warned them against sharp practices that will defeat the aims and objectives of establishing the Agency assuring that government will provide an enabling environment for them to operate.
Mohammed also directed Council Chairpersons in the state to liaise with BAROTA on how to have Offices at that level for effective and efficient operation st stressing that the plan is to have the presence of BAROTA in all of the 20 LGAs.
He emphasized the importance of integrity, professionalism, and compassion in the discharge of their duties and assured the public that his administration will not interfere with the agency’s operations, allowing it to maintain its independence and effectiveness.
The Governor also cautioned against laxity, indiscipline, and corrupt tendencies, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with the agency’s mandate and policy objectives.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General of BAROTA, Air Commodore Ahmed Tijjani Baba Gamawa (rtd) commended the Governor for the enabling environment leading to the establishment of the Agency.
He described BAROTA as one of the many legacies and achievements of the Bala Mohammed led administration saying that employing 500 able bodies young people at this period is not a mean feat.
The BAROTA DG assured that the Agency will live up to the expectations of the Governor by ensuring that the traffic management and control was professionalized in the state considering the training received by the personnel.
Gamawa stressed that the Agency will not condone indiscipline in whatever form and will not hesitate to deal with any of the personnel found wanting.
During the ceremony, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman assured that the House will continue to accord the Agency all the required legislative support to enable it function in line with the laws establishing it.
Also speaking, the State Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) commended the state government for establishing BAROTA which he said will complement what the Corps is doing to ensure safer roads.
In the same vein, the State branch of NURTW assured that its members will cooperate with the Agency in order to ensure safety on the roads lauding the vision of the Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir in establishing the Agency.
BAROTA’s functions are multifaceted, encompassing traffic law enforcement, accident prevention and investigation, road safety awareness, and advocacy. The agency’s operatives have been empowered to arrest offenders, impound vehicles, and tow away obstructing vehicles.
Governor Mohammed’s commitment to road safety is evident in his administration’s efforts to establish BAROTA offices in all 20 local government areas of the state. This move will facilitate efficient coordination and seamless operation of the agency throughout Bauchi State.
The Governor’s vision for a safer Bauchi State is aligned with his administration’s priority on human capital development through economic empowerment and engagement, especially of the state’s youth.
With BAROTA, Governor Mohammed aims to create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable road transportation system that benefits all citizens.
As BAROTA begins its operations, Governor Mohammed has urged the agency’s personnel to serve with integrity, professionalism, and compassion as the agency’s primary objective is to tackle the myriad challenges facing the transport sector, ensuring safer roads for all users.
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