Abia Trains Tricycle Operators To Improve Road Safety

The Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to building a safe, orderly and efficient transport system as the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, organised a one-day capacity-building seminar for tricycle operators.

The seminar, held on Monday, in Aba, focused on improving safety, security and professionalism among operators through training on defensive driving, traffic rules and regulations, vehicle maintenance, passenger safety, financial management and health insurance.

Declaring the seminar open on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac, urged tricycle operators to become ambassadors of road safety by complying with traffic regulations and embracing responsible driving practices.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Associate Professor Obioma Nwogbe, the commissioner described the training as more than a routine exercise, saying it was designed to equip operators with practical knowledge that would enhance their professionalism and improve road safety.

“With this training and seminar, the ASTOPU chairman is going to take the tricycle operators to the next level in terms of safety, security and operations.

“Keke operators will be exposed to defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, financial management and other important areas. After this training, there should be noticeable changes in every operator across the state,” he said.

Ukaegbu expressed optimism that participants would leave the programme better informed and more committed to promoting safe transportation across the state, adding that the initiative would also be replicated in Umuahia.

He reaffirmed Governor Otti’s commitment to developing a modern transport system, stressing that collaboration among transport unions, regulatory agencies, security agencies and other stakeholders remains critical to reducing road accidents and restoring public confidence in the transport sector.

The commissioner further advised operators to obey traffic laws, maintain their vehicles regularly, avoid reckless driving and prioritise the safety of passengers at all times.

He also commended the organisers, facilitators and security agencies for supporting initiatives aimed at improving safety and professionalism in the state’s transport sector.

The Divisional Police Officer of Abayi Division, CSP Okereke Ogbonnaya, described the seminar as a commendable initiative and urged the organisers to sustain the programme.

“It’s a nice programme. I wish it would continue to educate them on safety and on how to relay useful information to security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state,” he said.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Frank Nwaohamuo, warned operators against the use of illicit drugs, noting that substance abuse impairs judgement and significantly increases the risk of road crashes.

“Stimulating drugs give a false impression of strength while affecting the brain, the spinal cord and one’s sense of judgement.

“Under the influence of drugs, you may see a trailer as if it is a bike, and you are in trouble. Drugs distort decision-making mechanisms, alter behaviour and affect the way people think and reason,” he warned.

The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba, Mr. Uduma Uduma, urged operators to remain safety conscious despite the improved condition of roads across the state.

“Our roads are good now, and that tends to encourage excessive speeding. This sensitisation is to remind operators that safety must always come first,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of ASTOPU, Aba Zone, Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the seminar was organised to expose operators to best practices in road safety, traffic management, financial literacy, healthcare and vehicle maintenance.

He expressed confidence that the training would improve service delivery and promote professionalism among tricycle operators.

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

They said the seminar broadened their knowledge of defensive driving, passenger safety, health insurance, security awareness and the dangers of drug abuse.

The participants also commended Governor Alex Otti for ongoing road rehabilitation projects across the state and applauded the leadership of ASTOPU, Aba Zone, for organising what they described as a landmark training programme for tricycle operators.