Joel Ajayi 

The National Youth Service Corps has admonished drivers in its employ to always abide by safe driving protocols while on the highways.

It also urged them to pay due attention to the condition of the official vehicles in their possessions, their personal safety, that of other officers and road users, as well as the public property being conveyed.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Deputy Director Press and Public Relations of the Scheme, Emeka Mgbemena shortly after NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim declared open NYSC Drivers’ Workshop with the theme; “Accident Management and Control: A Guide For Professional Drivers.” 

He said Management would continue to train the drivers to tackle the present-day challenges of safe driving.

He advised the workshop participants and other members of staff of the Scheme to  imbibe the ethics of hardwork, honesty and integrity.

“As a matter of policy, Management will continue to reward honest and hardworking members of staff, while erring ones will be sanctioned in line with extant rules and regulations”. 

“On our part, we remain committed to improving your welfare, while also providing the enabling environment for you to perform your duties  optimally”, he said.

The Director-General implored the participants to use the opportunity of the workshop to equip themselves with latest driving techniques, safety tips and how to deal with highly computerized vehicles.

In his address, the Director, General Services Department, Mr Emmanuel Attah, who said the roles of drivers are very critical to the operations of the NYSC Scheme added that, “this workshop is technically designed to enhance the understanding of our drivers in all safety rules, acquaint them with modern methods, basic maintenance and routine inspection”, he said.

He added that efforts are on-going not to relent in repositioning the department to ensure effective service delivery to the Scheme.

Attah said constant training of NYSC Drivers would enhance their skills, and also ensure that officers can safety go about their official duties, while official vehicles are protected from accidents and damage, thereby, reducing cost of repairs, maintenance and replacements.

He urged the drivers to be honest and dedicated in the discharge of their assigned duties and avoid expenses without official approval.

“Failure to adhere to this will be met with strict disciplinary measures.”

“I wish to remind you that preventive measures costs less in the short and long run, than the penalties for neglect.”

“Discipline behind the wheels, and in our personal lives and habits is an essential factor in ensuring accident-free journeys”, he said.

In the first lecture titled; “Defensive Driving Techniques and Personal Safety of a Professional Driver”, which was delivered by a Chief Road Traffic Officer, from the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) FCT Abuja, Mr Ojo Lawrence, he advised the participants to ensure a good and healthy living standard before, during and after driving in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Also in the second lecture, “Role of Agencies on the Highway”, which was delivered by a Deputy Route Commander from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Sagir A Atiku, he said all vehicles must be equipped with full security gadgets to enhance safety.

He also advocated for a periodic assessment of the drivers’ competencies.

“There is need to ensure adequate safety and security as a major component of public transport in  Nigeria”, he added.

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