Ukaegbu Wants Keke Operators to Become Ambassadors of Road Safety as ASTOPU Trains Riders 

Abia State Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu has urged tricycle operators to become ambassadors of road safety by strictly adhering to traffic regulations and embracing safe driving practices.

The call was made at a one -day seminar organised by the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) Aba Zone for tricycle operators in Aba with the aim of ensuring safety and security on the Abia roads.

Declaring the seminar open, Ukaegbu enjoined them to regard the programme as an opportunity to acquire life-saving knowledge and improve their professional competence rather than a routine exercise.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Associate Professor Obioma Reuben Nwogbe, the Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration to building a modern, safe, orderly and efficient transportation system in Abia.

According to him, achieving that objective requires the collective efforts of transport operators, unions, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.

He 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.

He stressed the need for the tricycle operators to obey traffic laws, respect other road users, maintain their vehicles regularly, avoid dangerous driving practices and always prioritise the safety of their passengers.

The Divisional Police Officer, Abayi Aba, CSP Okereke Ogbonnaya Amos while appreciating the training as a welcome development advised that it would be a continuum. He added that they should be trained on how to give information to the security agencies in the state to enable them to tackle security problems .

Also speaking on behalf of the State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training, Frank Nwaohamuo, stressed the need for the tricycle operators to live a drug-free life saying that it would lead to minimal road clashes.

According to him, tricycle operators must not look for stimulants, warning that “Stimulating drugs will give you the false impression that you have all the strength in the whole world.”

“Under the influence of these drugs, you may see a trailer as if it’s a bike, and you are in trouble.

You know, drugs will distort your sense of judgement, it will distort your decision-making mechanism, it will even change your behaviour, it will change your way of thinking, the way of reasoning” Frank stated.

Another facilitator and Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety, Aba, Uduma Uduma

said the essence of the seminar is to create a safe motor environment in the state.

He urged the operators to take good care of their 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 disclosed that the seminar was organised to educate the tricycle operators on the things they need to know things they need to do on the road to ensure security and safety.

He said that at the end of the training, the operators are expected to know how best to follow the traffic rules, drive safely, manage their finances and take adequate care of their health.

In an interview, some participants including, Unit Chairman, Mr. Chinagorom Azu and the chairman of High Life Cemetery Unit, Pastor Victor Mbah appreciated the organisers of the seminar for providing them a platform to learn road safety rules and other important lessons that would improve their operations.

The Eagle News reports that the seminar covered such topics as Defensive Driving, Traffic Rules and Regulations, Keke maintenance, passenger safety, financial management for operators, health insurance, while facilitators were drawn from FRSC, NDLEA, and the Nigerian Police Force.