Oyo State Government has organised a workshop on social responsibility, team building and conflict management for drivers in the State public and private transport sectors, focused on enhancing mutual relationship between the drivers.
While declaring open the 2-day workshop held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, expressed his administration’s resolve to restore peace and security across the State by stamping out all forms of violence and lawlessness.
The Governor affirmed that the transport sector, being the hub of economic engagements in the State, deserved an enabling environment devoid of rancour and discord, noting that his commitment to issues pertaining to the transport sector was a key motivation for the establishment of the Park Management System (PMS) in the State.
The decision of government to introduce the PMS was necessitated by the leadership tussle that rocked the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the State and Governor Makinde revealed that the establishment of the PMS is actually paying off, as the hitherto frosty relationship between the government and drivers in the State’s public sector has improved greatly.
Makinde said, “This training could not have come at a better time, as this could be regarded as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the State government that had always embraced peaceful resolution of disputes amongst the various union members.
“I wish to reaffirm that this government will give priority to all and sundry irrespective of religious and political affiliation. I have been assured that the training programme will provide avenues for you to air your views and even grievances,” he stated.
Attitudinal change
Speaking on the essence of the training, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin, expressed optimism that the workshop would help the drivers from both the public and private sectors to synergise in the interest of peace and development, saying there was a need for re-orientation and attitudinal changes which calls for drastic change in cultural values to engender good governance.
Sangodoyin said, “The Ministry’s decision to mount this training programme was as a result of the quest to create more informed mind among the road transport workers in the State, as well as drivers in the State public/civil service. Through the various topical issues to be discussed, our drivers in the State will be rebranded and contribute meaningfully well to the development of the State.”
He assured that at the end of the training, the participants would have gained knowledge driven by peace model in ensuring effective security system, as well as creating a seamless economy in the State.
The acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Babatunde Ekanola, in his goodwill message, thanked the government for providing the necessary environment for the premier University to perform its Corporate Social Responsibility to the people of the State.
Participants at the workshop include drivers in the employ of the state government, members of the PMS, drivers in private transport companies operating in the State and private drivers, among others.
The workshop, themed: “Social Responsibility, Team Building and Conflict Management in Oyo State Public Sector”, was organised by the State Ministry of Establishment and Training, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), University of Ibadan.
Emmanuel Ukoh
