OPERATION ZERO ACCIDENT: ANAMBRA TRAINS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS O'star Eze

ANAMBRA state Ministry of Road, Rail and Water Transport in conjunction with Mustard @ Divine Technologies recently held an intensive training exercise for over 50 enforcement officers on best practices, right work ethics and attitudes that would guide them as they enforce the procurement of the compulsory handbook by all road users in the state.

Comrade Edwin Akolisa, CEO/ President of Mustard @ Divine Technologies, the contractor of the Operation Zero Accident Project, while speaking to the press during the  event which held at Queen's suite, Awka, explained that the training exercise was the climax of preparations to commence rigorous check on Anambra state roads to see that all road users in Anambra state, whether commercial or private, motorcyclists or motor vehicles, are equipped with the handbook which contains salient information on road signs, road codes and road rules and regulations.

Speaking further, the Consultant intimated that the enforcement exercise was a follow up to the launch and sensitization program for procurement of the Driver's handbook which has run for over two months. "The intent is ensure that government's vision to enlighten road users on all the rules, regulations and codes, which has been fingered as the primary cause of road mishaps, through the Driver's handbook, is actualized."

He went on to describe the structure laid out for the operation; "We have a supervisory team at the state level and then have assigned a Representative each to all the 21 local governments of the state. These representatives have also appointed enforcement officers who will be in the field to check motorcyclist and motor vehicle users to ensure they have procured the handbook."

Mr Akolisa therefore encouraged all motor vehicle users, whether private or commercial, to comply with the initiative as it was for the good of all.

Earlier during the workshop, the chief facilitator, Honourable Nze Emmanuel Jide, Majority Leader, Anambra West Legislative Council Commander, Safety Chapol and Eschapol, charged the enforcement officers to be disciplined in all ramifications, as they discharge their duties and desist from abuse of their powers. Basic details concerning how to carry out their functions, as well as possible challenges and how to properly attend to them were also addressed during the question and answer session.

Hon. Collins Agbasiere, one of the stakeholders of Operation Zero Accident Project and the Chairman, Counsellors' forum, Anambra South, who was also present during the training exercise, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the event, while commending the organizers, especially the state government for the "innovative programme that would go a long way in minimizing road accidents in the state."

One of the participants in the workshop, Chief Adolphus Mmaduabuchi, from Ekwulobia, who happened to be one of the enforcement officers representing Orumba North/South described the workshop as quite instructive and revealing. He expressed high hopes for the soon-to-commence enforcement exercise saying that the programme has gotten him and his colleague fired up to give their best in ensuring the Operation Zero accident project is a resounding success.

Also present at the event was the project supervisor, Muolokwu Tom-Ray.