Abia Govt Intensifies Drive for Safe, Efficient Transportation System

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a modern, safe, orderly and efficient transportation system, saying the goal can only be achieved through collaboration among transport operators, unions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.

The government said such cooperation would help reduce road crashes, boost public confidence in the transport sector and create a transportation system that reflects the aspirations of the New Abia agenda.

Speaking at a one-day seminar organised by the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, urged tricycle operators to become ambassadors of road safety by strictly adhering to traffic regulations and embracing safe driving practices.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Associate Professor Obioma Reuben Nwogbe, the commissioner described the seminar as an opportunity for operators to acquire life-saving knowledge and enhance their professional competence, rather than viewing it as a routine exercise.

According to him, the training would equip operators with practical knowledge in defensive driving, road safety, security awareness, tricycle maintenance and financial management.

“With this training, the ASTOPU chairman is taking tricycle operators to the next level in terms of safety, security and operations. The programme covers defensive driving, safe driving, security consciousness, vehicle maintenance, financial management and other critical areas.

“It is expected to generate positive changes among operators, and the government looks forward to seeing improvements in the conduct of every tricycle operator in the state after the training,” he said.

Ukaegbu also urged operators to obey traffic laws, respect other road users, maintain their vehicles regularly, avoid reckless driving and always prioritise the safety of their passengers.

He commended the organisers, facilitators, security agencies, transport unions and other partners for their commitment to promoting safety and professionalism in the transport sector.

Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abayi Division, Mr. Okereke Ogbonnaya Amos, described the seminar as a commendable initiative and recommended that it be held regularly.

He urged transport operators to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information that could help tackle crime and other security challenges in the state.

The Assistant Commander of Narcotics in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Frank Nwaohamuo, stressed the importance of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.

He warned that the use of stimulants impairs judgment, alters behaviour and increases the risk of road accidents.

“Drugs distort your sense of judgment and decision-making. Under their influence, you may misjudge distances or speed and endanger both yourself and your passengers. They affect the brain, spinal cord and the entire reasoning process,” he said.

Similarly, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba, Uduma Uduma, said the seminar was designed to promote a safer road environment by educating operators on safe driving practices.

He urged them to maintain their tricycles properly and comply with traffic rules and regulations at all times.

“What we are doing today is to sensitise operators on the need to remain safety-conscious while using our roads,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the seminar was organised to educate operators on road safety, security, financial management and other essential aspects of their profession.

He expressed confidence that participants would leave with improved knowledge of traffic regulations, safe driving techniques, personal health management and financial planning.

Some participants, including Unit Chairman Mr. Chinagorom Azu and the Chairman of High Life Cemetery Unit, Pastor Victor Mbah, described the training as enlightening.

They said the programme exposed them to safe driving techniques, the dangers of drug abuse, passenger safety, health insurance and security awareness.

The participants also commended Governor Alex Otti for improving road infrastructure across the state and appreciated the ASTOPU Aba Zone leadership for organising what they described as the first training programme of its kind for tricycle operators.

The seminar featured lectures on defensive driving, traffic rules and regulations, tricycle maintenance, passenger safety, financial management, health insurance, group discussions and interactive question-and-answer sessions.