If you are currently in Oyo State, there’s a chance you have seen or even enjoyed the convenient transport services provided by the Omituntun SAfER Bus Scheme. It’s the brainchild of Gov. Seyi Makinde, launched with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing public transportation in the state. Even if you haven’t set foot in the state, the far-reaching benefits of the transport initiative are told far and wide.
Yet, it is just one of the many positive changes the Peoples’ Governor has brought to transportation in the state. For example, the expansion of the Ibadan-Iwo Road, the dualization of the Ibadan-Oyo Road, and the construction of new flyovers bridges in strategic locations like that of circular road, olodo bridge are other notable projects in the ambitious road construction and rehabilitation program, which improves connectivity and reduces travel times for commuters.
Ronald Reagan says “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” In the case of the Oyo State Pacesetter Transport Services, Governor Seyi Makinde recognized the importance of placing the right person at the helm. His selection of Hon. Dr Ibraheem Oladeji Salami Dikko as the head of the scheme was a strategic decision that has demonstrably yielded positive outcomes since his appointment as the first of it’s kind, Sole Administrator and Chairman PTS.
How Hon. Dikko Has Proved to Be the Right Man for the Job
Dr. Dikko Salami brought with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the transportation sector. His track record of successfully leading and managing complex projects instilled confidence in the scheme’s effectiveness and viability. Just within the space of a few months, he actively engaged with stakeholders, including drivers, conductors, vendors, commuters, and communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
In his usual style of always exploring opportunities to make the already-good transport services of Oyo State even better, he made a visit to the Center of Excellence, Lagos State on the 28th of November, 2023. He met with Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAMATA, and they both discussed collaborations and opportunities that can benefit both states’ transportation systems. Here are the three cardinal points of their discussion.
Identified Opportunities for Collaboration
They touched on ways opportunities for collaboration and improvement can create a more efficient, effective, and sustainable transportation system that benefits citizens, and businesses in both Lagos and Oyo States. This includes knowledge and expertise sharing where the two states can benefit from sharing best practices and expertise in areas like traffic management, data analytics, and infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, they discussed joint procurement and clear collaboration on procurement of equipment, materials, and services, which can lead to economies of scale and cost savings for both states.
Emphasis on Interstate Movement Improvement
Dr. Dikko’s visit to Lagos and his discussions with Mrs. Akinajo placed significant emphasis on improving interstate movement. This focus stems from the recognition that efficient and seamless movement of people and goods across state borders is vital for economic growth, regional development, and social well-being.
Key opportunities for improvement lie in establishing interconnected public transportation networks, integrating various modes of transportation, and streamlining logistics and freight management.
Collaboration between states in these areas can lead to standardized ticketing systems, coordinated timetables, dedicated freight corridors, and harmonized regulations, ultimately creating a smoother and more efficient transport system for all stakeholders.
By prioritizing interstate movement improvement, both Oyo and Lagos states can unlock significant economic opportunities, enhance inter-regional collaboration, and improve the overall quality of life for their citizens.
