Commercial tricycle operators in Abia State have undergone a one-day safety and security seminar organised by the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, as part of efforts to promote responsible driving and strengthen road safety across the state.
Declaring the seminar open on behalf of the Abia State Government, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, urged operators to become ambassadors of road safety by obeying 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 training as an opportunity for operators to acquire life-saving knowledge, improve their professional competence and contribute to a safer transport system.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration to building a modern, safe and efficient transportation network, stressing that collaboration among transport unions, security agencies and other stakeholders remains key to reducing road crashes and improving public confidence in the sector.
According to the Commissioner, participants received training on defensive driving, road safety, vehicle maintenance, financial management and security awareness to enhance professionalism among tricycle operators.
The Divisional Police Officer of Abayi Division, CSP Okereke Ogbonnaya Amos, commended the initiative and urged organisers to sustain the training programme, noting that operators should also be equipped with skills to provide useful information to security agencies in tackling crime.
Also speaking, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Frank Nwaohamuo, cautioned operators against drug abuse, warning that the use of illicit substances impairs judgment, increases the risk of road crashes and endangers the lives of passengers and other road users.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), represented by Unit Commander Uduma Uduma, urged participants to maintain their tricycles properly, obey traffic rules and avoid excessive speeding, especially with the improved road infrastructure across the state.
Earlier, ASTOPU Chairman, Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the seminar was organised to equip operators with practical knowledge on road safety, financial management, health awareness and security, with the goal of improving service delivery and ensuring safer roads.
Some participants described the programme as impactful, saying it exposed them to safer driving practices, the dangers of drug abuse, passenger safety measures, health insurance and the importance of complying with traffic regulations.
They also commended the Abia State Government and the leadership of ASTOPU for organising the capacity-building programme, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained would improve safety and professionalism among tricycle operators in the state.
