TRICYCLE OPERATORS IN ABA URGED TO EMBRACE SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES.

Over 200 tricycle operators in Aba Zone have undergone a one-day seminar on road safety, security and professional development aimed at promoting safer roads across Abia State.

Declaring the seminar open, Governor Alex Otti urged the operators to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and embrace safe driving practices. Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Associate Professor Obioma Nwogbe, the governor described the training as a valuable opportunity to acquire life-saving knowledge and improve professional competence rather than a routine exercise.

A facilitator and Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba, Uduma Uduma, said the seminar was designed to promote a safer motoring environment. He urged operators to maintain their tricycles regularly and comply with traffic rules to reduce road crashes.

The Divisional Police Officer, Abayi Division, Mr. Okereke Amos, described the initiative as timely and called for regular safety seminars. He also stressed the importance of training operators on reporting security-related information to law enforcement agencies to help combat crime.

Speaking on behalf of the Abia State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Assistant Commander of Narcotics in charge of Prevention, Sensitisation and Training, Mr. Frank Nwaohamuo, warned operators against drug abuse, noting that substance use significantly increases the risk of road crashes.

Earlier, Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Comrade Victor Azubuike, said the seminar was organised to equip operators with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance safety, security and professionalism. He added that participants were also trained on financial management and healthcare.

Some participants, including Unit Chairman Mr Chinagorom Azu and Chairman of High Life Cemetery Unit, Pastor Victor Mbah, described the seminar as enlightening. They said it broadened their understanding of defensive driving, passenger safety, drug abuse prevention, health insurance and security awareness, while commending Governor Otti and the ASTOPU leadership for the initiative.

The seminar featured sessions on defensive driving, traffic rules and regulations, tricycle maintenance, passenger safety, financial management and health insuranc