Anambra State Government Empowers Motor Vehicle Related Trade, Service Operators

The Anambra State Government through the state Ministry of Transport, over the weekend, held a one-day training and sensitization programme for motor vehicle related trade and service operators in the state.

The Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Patricia Igwebuike, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Michael Obiekwe, in her speech, said the programme was intended to empower participants in their various endeavours.

She urged the participants to take the messages of the day down to their members, saying that government has taken steps and is determined to regulate their operations for their benefit and that of the members of the society.

On his part, a consultant at the event and Cordinator on Special Trade Licence, Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Ambassador Fidelis Nnadi, said every law is made for the good of the society, adding that the programme was all about safety of lives and property in the state. He commended the state government for commencing the implementation of relevant laws in the state.

Others who spoke at the occasion, including the Head of Transport Operations, Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Mr Christian Okeke, and Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Mr MacDonald Achuam, said the programme was necessary to enlighten participants about relevant laws that affect their operations.They added that the benefits include ensuring that businesses are known beyond immediate environment, as well as having government coverage.

Meanwhile, a car dealer, Mr Bosa Okenwa, an automobile electrician, Mr Izuchukwu Agbo, automobile mechanic, Mr Uchenna Aniebonam, and a panel beater, Mr Amobi Uzor, who participated in the training, commended the state government for efforts in sanitizing and regulating their operations.

Agbo, Aniebonam and Uzor, however called on government to establish a mechanic village in Awka, the state capital to help them in their operations, and in generating more revenue.

Responding, the permanent secretary of the ministry, assured them that the state government is currently making arrangements for the establishment of a mechanic village in the state capital.

The training was attended by auto-spare parts dealers, auto service centers, mechanic workshop operators, caterpillar dealers, caterpillar spare parts dealers, tricycle dealers and repairers, motorcycle dealers and repairers, tow truck operators and tyre dealers.

Others were auto mechanics and technicians, vehicle dismantle and recyclers, articulated vehicle spare parts dealers, motor vehicle dealers, battery dealers, vehicle accessories dealers, panel beaters/artisans, vehicle assemblers/ vulcanizers.

Olusola Akintonde