The Vehicle Inspection Office VIO and the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, say they’ll work together towards achieving safety on federal capital territory roads.
The organizations made the announcement during a courtesy call by the executives of the FCT Council of the NUJ, led by its Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche on the VIO Director, Mr Wadata Bodinga.
The Director said that the synergy between the VIO and NUJ has yielded positive results in saving lives and property in the FCT.
The director also promised that the agency will continue to build on the existing relationship with NUJ.
He said that there was need to change public perception about VIO and that personnel are being trained to always be firm but courteous while discharging their responsibilities.
“Nigerians are not happy with the VIO. It is important to have the media behind us at all times for support. We are trying to ensure that despite the fact that it is our duty to penalize offenders, we should do it with a human face. It is a win-win situation. We should continue to have the synergy and better relationship to achieve our mandate”, Bodinga said.
He also appealed to the NUJ to always reach out if any of its officials behaved in a wrong way.
He hinted that a town hall meeting would soon be conveyed for stakeholders to air their views for smooth operation of the VIO.
“The issue of the town hall meeting cannot be overemphasized. It will go a long way to address some issues. It will enable people in the transport sector to have a say about issues such as Covid-19, dispatch riders, Bolt drivers and other road users.
Dispatch riders are not Okada. If they are not Okada, they must upgrade their motorcycle to at least 200 cc and above. And they must register in the name of a company. We also need to find a way to improve and meet up with technology”, he director said.
The VIO Deputy Director Operations, Dele Yaro, in his remarks said that NUJ has helped the VIO tremendously over the years.
He advised the NUJ to seek ways to filter fake journalists tarnishing the image of the NUJ.
The Chairman of the NUJ FCT, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, said that the NUJ will continue to partner with VIO and encourage them.
He also stressed the need for VIO Special Corps to support the department when necessary.
“People need to understand that there’s a need for decadence and decorum on the roads. Residents should be aware of the roles of the VIO at all times. We will offer our platforms for you to achieve the desired results”, Ogbeche said.
Both agencies agreed to work together towards achieving road safety on FCT roads.
Nneka Ukachukwu
