By By: Aderohunmu Abdulrokeeb
Traffic lights are being stationed on roads to aid movement of vehicles and for the continuous safety of lives and property. The alarming rate of casualties on the road skyrockets despite the provision of traffic lights. These casualties are also borne out of the refusal of obeying the traffic rules both by the pedestrians and the motorists on the road. Another major problem that constitutes these casualties is the lack of on-site traffic officers who are expected to maintain decorum and punish traffic offenders
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. The World Health Organization further emphasised that Africa has the highest annual road fatality rate, despite having only a marginal share of the world’s car fleet. Also, WHO estimated that 41,693 deaths on Nigerian roads was 2.82 percent of the global total, while the World Bank ranks Nigeria 54th among countries with recorded road accidents.
In this report, AfrikTimes spotlights how a concerned Nigerian is making a social impact in this regard. At the traffic lights installation spots along the University of Ibadan/Bodija road, there has been a noticeable improvement in the acknowledgements of the presence of traffic lights signals among road users, and this is made possible because someone volunteered to monitor how the traffic rules are being obeyed. Prince Chikonazie, a volunteer traffic controller interviewed by Afriktimes, now directs traffic at the school gate due to consequent road casualties and the lack of proper monitoring of traffic signals.
He briefly introduced himself to Afriktimes, citing his experience as a commander of traffic.
“My name is Prince Chikonazie from Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State. My father is a Naval man. I am a warrant officer of the Boys’ Brigade, first battalion, commander of the traffic section,” he said. He added that he controls the traffic in the stadium on the 27th of May and 1st October, Independent day. Now in Ibadan, Prince’s primary duty is to secure a fruit stall opposite the University of Ibadan
From his response, he had a bitter experience when he first came to Ibadan, his traffic control uniform was stolen coupled with his phone. He stated that many people know his stories.
“I’m planning to sew another uniform but I don’t have funds but I’m trying to gather something,” he added.
He further narrated what motivated him to volunteer in controlling the traffic at the University of Ibadan first gate. Prince travelled down to Ibadan, Oyo State on December 22, 2025. However, in January, 2026, he witnessed an accident along the UI road and that alone prompted him to take up the duty of controlling the traffic.
“I am just doing this freely, I’m not getting paid, this traffic control is on my own freewill.” he said.
He further highlighted his challenges with this volunteering role, citing the negligence of Okada riders and the constant flouting of traffic rules by the student. He narrated that many Okada riders tore his jacket while on duty. Students are not obeying the traffic light. He also noted that some people cursed or abused him while performing his duty.
Prince Chikonazie proffer practical solutions to avoid how drivers on the road disobey the traffic rules, he suggested that “bumps” should be constructed in Nigeria’s roads. “The lack of bumps caused road accidents” he added
He concluded that he will keep giving his best to ensure that road users use the road effectively.
“I will try my best in making things easier on the road,” he said.
Proofread by Oluwatayo Ogundare, AfrikTimes
