By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim.
The Chairman ,National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Yahay Ibrahim, has appealed to members of the union in the state not to follow hoodlums to disturb the peace of the masses in the state
He made the appeal at the 10th quadrennial state delegates conference on Thursday in Lokoja,north cebtral Nigeria.
The chairman, whose tenure and members of his executive council are affirmed and inaugurated for another tenure, also called on members to be good ambassadors of the union, “stay safe, be law a bidding, patriotic, honest and tolerate one another.”
He reminded members of the union that “we are professional drivers,let’s demonstrate that for the people to see.”
Alhaji Ibrahim commended the governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and other political stakeholders for the victory of November 11,2023 in the state.
According to him, the achievement of the election was possible by the governor’s total support and his belief in the governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his deputy, Mr.Oyibo Joel.
The union chairman commended Ododo for the overwhelming victory, adding that it was a victory for all.
He prayed God to guide, protect and direct the governor and governor-elect to the right path, for people of the state to enjoy more dividends of good governance.
In his speech, covering activities of the union from 2019 to 2023, its state secretary, Mr.Usman O.Telism, disclosed that the union constructed concrete drainage wall, worth N10 million, to safe guard the council office in Lokoja.
He added that the council drilled borehole for the supply of water to the staff, revived thrift and credit cooperative, purchased sound proof generator , gave adequate attention to staff welfare and foster unity and peace among members of the union in the state.
The secretary of the union, Mr. Usman o.Teslim, reading his address at the occasion.
He, however, identified the 2019 debt the union inherited from the previous executive council,negative digit and erosion that affected the state office of the union as some of challenges that confronted the union in the year under reviewed.
In his goodwill message, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Corps, NSCDC, kogi state command,Corps Ahmad Ahmad Gandi, stressed the need for strengthened collaboration between the security agencies and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The Commandant, who was represented by CSC Adinoyi Nathaniel Asun, said this was necessary to fight insecurity, terrorism, criminal acts and kidnapping cases.
He commended the joint efforts between the union and the security agencies in the state in nailing criminal activities, adding that it would boost efficiency, professionalism and safety in transportation sector.
Gandi called for a memorandum of understanding on various motor parks among the security agencies or personnel in order to checkmate crimes.
He expressed optimism that the presence of security agencies to constantly effect check at the entrance of the parks would help a long way to curb crimes.
“If this measure is hitherto put in place, security agents will put much confidence in the people or the motorists”he added.
According to him, security is everybody’s business, adding that the union workers need to be security conscious.
Gandi also called on the people to be very sensitive to security matters as well as report any suspicious move to the security agencies to forestall peace, tranquility, protection of lives and properties.
Our correspondent reports that all the branches of the union in the 21 local government areas, some members of the traditional council, agencies in transportation sector and other segments of population attended the occasion.
The Uneme dancers from Okene Local Government Area of the state thrilled the audience with their rich cultural dances.
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress as well as the Trade. Union Congress,TUC, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, KGIRS among other organizations also attended the event.
