LAGOS TRAFFIC RADIO URGED TO FOCUS ON RE-ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan has tasked the State-owned Traffic Radio 96.1FM to rise up to the challenge of unruly practices on Lagos roads by redirecting the content of its programmes to a change of attitude and promotion of a culture of brotherliness among road users.

The Commissioner, who made the appeal on Friday at the Maiden edition of the Lagos Traffic Radio, LTR, retreat in Lekki, suggested that special attention should henceforth be placed on traffic updates and traffic news at 10-minute intervals.

He said the State Government has realised the urgent need for the broadcast station to devote ample airtime for sensitisation of road users on acceptable and road-friendly attitudes while driving on Lagos roads.

Bamigbetan said that the rate of lawlessness among some road users is on the increase, describing it as very worrisome and unacceptable to the State Government.

He added that a change in attitude and appeal to the psyche of drivers, commuters and other road stakeholders was needed to bring about a saner situation on Lagos roads.

“We have realised that the limited numbers of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA officials on our roads is not responsible for the traffic snare being witnessed across the State because there is no amount of law enforcement officers that will be adequate to maintain sanity on our roads if road users do not cultivate the right attitude while on Lagos roads”, Bamigbetan emphasized.

He appealed to the management of the broadcast outfit to assist in reducing the burden of maintaining orderliness on Lagos roads by focusing the content of its programmes on ‘conscientising’ the mindsets of every resident of the State especially the road users.

The Commissioner maintained that LTR is essential in solving transportation challenges across the State especially during this yuletide season, just as he urged members of the public to make the station their choice when planning their journey during this end of the year and beyond.

The Acting General Manager of the Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle said that the theme of the Retreat “Reinvigorating The Brand In A Competitive Market” reflects the need for the management team of the broadcast outfit to pay attention to the core mandates of the Station, especially now that some privately-owned radio station are competing for traffic news reportage with Lagos Traffic Radio.

He expressed the hope that the Retreat would bring about solutions to issues that may be slowing down the progress and effectiveness of both the overall business process and service of Lagos Traffic Radio.

Akanle stated that the Retreat would also afford the participants the opportunity for redirection, having in mind the core mandates of the broadcast outfit and also consolidating on the gains of the station.

“One of the best things that have happened to Lagos is the creation of the Lagos Traffic Radio, LTR to assist motorists and commuters make an informed decision that would reduce their travel time in the city where three million vehicles ply the roads every day,” the Acting General Manager said.