The Abia State Government has called on members of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, to serve as ambassadors of road safety by complying with traffic regulations and adopting responsible driving practices.
The appeal was made on Monday by the State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, during a one-day training seminar organised for tricycle operators in Aba to enhance safety and security on roads across the state.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Associate Prof. Obioma Reuben Nwogbe, the commissioner declared the seminar open on behalf of the state government and encouraged participants to see the programme as an opportunity to acquire life-saving knowledge and improve their professional skills rather than treating it as a routine exercise.
Ukaegbu said the state government expects tricycle operators to play a greater role in promoting safe transportation and reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration to developing a modern, efficient, orderly and secure transport system in Abia State.
According to him, achieving this goal requires the active collaboration of transport operators, unions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. He expressed confidence that such cooperation would reduce road accidents, strengthen public confidence in the transport sector and contribute to building a transportation system that reflects the vision of the New Abia.
He explained that the seminar would equip operators with practical knowledge in several areas, including defensive driving, road safety, security awareness, tricycle maintenance, financial management and operational best practices.
"With this training and seminar, the ASTOPU chairman will take tricycle operators to the next level in terms of safety, security and operations because the programme covers defensive driving, safe driving, security awareness, tricycle maintenance, financial management and other important areas," Ukaegbu said.
The Divisional Police Officer of the Abayi Division, Aba, CSP Okereke Amos, described the seminar as a commendable initiative and urged that it should be held regularly.
He noted that tricycle operators should also be educated on how to provide timely and useful information to security agencies to support efforts at combating insecurity across the state.
"It is a good programme. I hope it continues to educate operators on their safety and on how to relay useful information to security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state," Amos said.
Also speaking, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Frank Nwaohamuo, who represented the State Commander, urged operators to stay away from drug abuse, stressing that living drug-free would help minimise road accidents and improve public safety.
The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba, Uduma Uduma, said the seminar was organised to promote a safer road environment. He advised tricycle operators to maintain their vehicles properly and strictly obey traffic laws to ensure safer roads for all users.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Comrade Victor Azubuike, explained that the training was designed to educate operators on the knowledge and responsibilities required to ensure safety, security and professionalism while carrying out their daily activities.
Some participants who spoke with DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, including Unit Chairman Mr. Chinagorom Azu and the Chairman of the High Life Cemetery Unit, Pastor Victor Mbah, expressed satisfaction with the seminar.
They said the training exposed them to valuable lessons on defensive driving, avoiding drug abuse, protecting passengers, health insurance and general road safety.
The participants also commended Governor Alex Otti for ongoing road infrastructure improvements across the state and applauded the leadership of ASTOPU, Aba Zone, for organising the educational programme.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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