Asaba, Delta State – In a major boost to road safety and traffic management in Delta State, the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) on Wednesday unveiled newly acquired and refurbished operational vehicles, inaugurated the DESTMA Intelligence and Provost Units, and awarded certificates to distinguished officers and men of the Authority.
The event, held in Asaba, was graced by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, representing His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, alongside the Board Chairman of DESTMA, the Director-General, Engr. Benjamin E. Okiemute, the Director of Operations, Engr. Oedema Francis and other dignitaries.
In his address, Hon. Agofure emphasised the importance of the occasion as a milestone in advancing traffic management and improving service delivery across the State. “These newly acquired vehicles are critical to operational mobility and enforcement activities,” he said, adding that the vehicles will enhance the Authority’s ability to manage traffic efficiently, respond swiftly to emergencies, and maintain order on Delta State roads.
He also highlighted the critical role of the newly inaugurated Intelligence and Provost Units, stating that they will strengthen internal accountability, promote compliance with traffic laws, and uphold professionalism among officers. “These units will enforce discipline, ensure safety, and improve public confidence in traffic management services,” he said.
The Commissioner commended the Governor’s continuous investment in human capital, infrastructure renewal, and innovative governance in the transport sector. He also acknowledged the Director-General, the Board, and the DESTMA management team for restoring enforcement operations, improving revenue generation, and transforming public perception of the Authority.
The Board Chairman of DESTMA, Chief Peter Idion, expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the Authority. “Today’s unveiling of vehicles and inauguration of new units is a testament to our commitment to strengthening the capacity, discipline, and efficiency of our officers,” he said.
He added that the Provost Unit will serve as the watchdog of the Authority, enforcing professionalism and ethical conduct, while the Intelligence Unit will enhance proactive surveillance, data-driven decision-making, and informed enforcement. He also commended officers for their dedication, noting that public trust in DESTMA has increased due to their hard work.
Engr. Benjamin Okiemute, the Director-General, highlighted the transformative journey of DESTMA under his leadership, noting that when he assumed office, the Authority was largely moribund with low morale and insufficient resources. “With the Governor’s support and the M.O.R.E Agenda, we have revitalised DESTMA into a professional and efficient Authority,” he said.
The DG outlined key initiatives, including the acquisition and refurbishment of operational vehicles and tow trucks, the establishment of the Provost and Intelligence Units, and the creation of the DESTMA Band Department to foster team spirit and community engagement. He also highlighted the award of certificates to outstanding officers as a measure to boost morale and promote a culture of excellence.
The DG further revealed that DESTMA currently operates in only seven out of twenty-five Local Government Areas in the State and appealed for additional manpower to expand operations and meet growing traffic management demands.
Engr. Oedema Francis, the Director of Operations, provided insight into the Authority’s core mandate, explaining that DESTMA was established in 2013 and inaugurated in 2016 to manage and regulate traffic, enforce road safety, and ensure orderliness for all road users. He stated that under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori and the M.O.R.E Agenda, the Authority is poised to reach greater heights, enhance operational efficiency, and improve service delivery across Delta State.
The Governor’s representative, the DG, the Board Chairman, and the Director of Operations all underscored the importance of collaboration between DESTMA, the Ministry of Transport, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Road Safety Corps. They reiterated that this synergy is crucial for effective traffic management, enforcement, and public safety.
The event concluded with recognition of officers who have excelled in service delivery, a celebration of the newly refurbished vehicles, and the official inauguration of the Provost and Intelligence Units. All speakers expressed confidence that these initiatives would enhance discipline, professionalism, and efficiency, further positioning DESTMA as a model traffic management authority in Nigeria.
Governor Oborevwori, through his representative, pledged to review officers’ appeals and continue supporting initiatives that advance traffic safety, operational efficiency, and the M.O.R.E Agenda, which prioritises mobility, orderliness, road safety, and enforcement across the State.
Delta State is now set to enjoy a new era of traffic management, with improved operational capacity, enhanced enforcement, and a more disciplined, professional workforce dedicated to safe, orderly, and efficient roads.
