By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Acting Head of Service of Benue State, Dr. Eunice Ihu, has called on drivers of Benue Links Nigeria Limited to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline and decorum in the discharge of their duties to guarantee the safety of passengers and other road users.
Ihu made the call in Makurdi while declaring open a three-day defensive driving training workshop organised by the management of the state-owned transport company.
She described the exercise as a strategic investment in human capital development, improved operational efficiency and quality service delivery.
The Acting Head of Service urged the drivers to demonstrate patience and responsibility on the highways, adhere strictly to traffic regulations and apply the knowledge gained during the training to prevent avoidable road accidents.
She also appreciated the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies for their contributions towards the success of the programme.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Mr. Joseph Jir, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lillian Ode, described the training as particularly important ahead of the ember months and the Christmas and New Year celebrations, when road traffic is usually high.
She maintained that the protection of human lives must remain the priority of the company, rather than revenue generation.
Ode consequently urged the management to institutionalise regular driver training, strengthen supervision and ensure proper maintenance of vehicles to minimise road crashes and protect passengers and property.
Earlier, the General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, said the workshop was organised to equip drivers with essential defensive driving techniques, professional skills and safety awareness.
He explained that the training was especially necessary in view of increased travelling activities expected during the festive and election periods.
Fanafa disclosed that the company has over 1,800 drivers, adding that the training sessions would be documented and circulated to other drivers who could not participate because of operational exigencies.
Speaking with FirmNews, the Head Driver of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Mr. Terfa Atim, commended the General Manager and the management team for considering the drivers worthy of the training.
He said the workshop had provided participants with an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and improve their understanding of professional driving practices.
Atim expressed confidence that the lessons learnt would enhance the drivers’ performance, promote safer journeys and improve the overall standard of service delivery by the state-owned transport company.
