Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde says the introduction of the Park Management System has put an end to agelong era of brigandage and thuggery in the transport sector in the state.
Speaking through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola at the opening of a 2-day specialised training for drivers in public and private sectors at Omolayole Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Friday, the governor maintained that the sector was the hub of economic engagements in the state and as a result, there must be an enabling environment for it to thrive.
The training was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Establishment and Training, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Resources Development University of Ibadan, with the theme: “Social Responsibility, Team Building and Conflict Management in Oyo State Public Sector.”
The governor, who stated that the establishment of the PMS in the state has fostered a good relationship between the government and public drivers in the state, said the current administration in the state was committed to the wellbeing of the entire citizens and would do everything to restore peace and security.
He added that all forms of violence and brigandage would be stamped out in the state.
According to him, “As a government that is committed to the wellbeing of the entire citizens of the state, I wish to emphasise that issues relating to security cannot be undermined.
“The transport sector, being the hub of economic engagements in the state, deserves an enabling environment devoid of rancour and discord.
“This training could not have come at a better time, as this could be regarded as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, of the state government, which has always embraced peaceful resolution of disputes among the various union members.
“I wish to reaffirm that this government will give priority to all and sundry irrespective of religious and political affiliations. I have been assured that the training programme will provide an avenue for you to air your views and even grievances.
“My commitment to issues pertaining to the transport sector led to the establishment of the state’s Park Management System, PMS, which has greatly improved the hitherto frosty relationship between the government and drivers in the state.
“I restate my commitment to keeping your interest at heart, while formulating policies in the transport sector. This commitment has influenced and continues to inform this administration’s resolve to restore peace and security to all the nooks and crannies of the state by stamping out all forms of violence and brigandage.
“Security of lives and property was a serious challenge in Oyo state. In order to stem this unsavoury tide, this administration resolved to embrace dialogue and this training will equip participants with various ways of conflict resolutions and management.”
Speaking on the essence of the training, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Prof Dahud Sangodoyin, expressed optimism that the training workshop would help the drivers from both the public and private sector to synergise in the interest of peace and development.
He expressed concern on the attitudinal issues of drivers in both private and public sector, saying “there is a need to re-orientate ourselves and it calls for drastic change in our cultural values to engender good governance.
“The ministry’s decision to mount this training programme was as a result of the quest to create more informed minds among the road transport workers in the state, as well as drivers in the state public/civil service on social responsibility, team building and conflict management.
“Through the various topical issues to be discussed, our drivers in the state will be rebranded and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the 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 CSR to the people of the state.
Participants at the workshop included drivers in the employ of the state government, members of the PMS, drivers in private transport companies operating in the state, private drivers, among others.
