ABIA – The state government has charged tricycle operators to become ambassadors of road safety by adhering to traffic regulations and embracing safe driving practices.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu who gave the charge while declaring open a one -day seminar for tricycle operators under The Abia State Tricycle Operators Union, ASTOPU, Aba Zone said the seminar exposes operators on safety measures while operating on the roads.
The Commissioner, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Associate Professor Obioma Nwaogbe, enjoined them to regard the programme as an opportunity to acquire life-saving knowledge and improve their professional competence rather than a routine exercise and reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to building a modern, safe, and efficient transportation system in the state.
He said to achieve the objectives of the seminar, cooperation of transport operators, unions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders is key and expressed optimism that such collaboration would help reduce road crashes, improve public confidence in the transport sector and create a transportation system that reflects the aspirations of the new Abia.
Speaking, the Divisional Police Officer, Abayi Aba, Mr Okereke Amos described the training as a welcome development, and appealed for regular training on information sharing.
Also, speaking on behalf of the State Commander, NDLEA, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, in charge of Prevention, Sensitization and Training, Mr Frank Nwaohamuo stressed the need for tricycle operators to leave a drug-free life in order to minimize road crashes on the road.
The Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety, Aba, Uduma Uduma said the essence of the seminar is to create a safe motor environment in the state and urged the operators to take good care of tricycles, observe traffic rules and regulations in order to promote a safe driving environment in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union, ASTOPU, Comrade Victor Azubuike noted that the seminar was organized to educate tricycle operators on the need for them to be safety and security conscious, adding that the operators are expected to know how best to follow traffic rules, manage their finances and take adequate care of their health.
