Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained that his commitment to issues pertaining to the transport sector was a key motivation for the establishment of the Park Management System (PMS) in the state.
The Governor said the decision to establish the PMS is actually paying off as the hitherto frosty relationship between the government and public drivers in the state has improved greatly.
The Governor gave the hint while declaring open a two-day training workshop for drivers in both the public and private sector in the state.
The workshop themed “Social Responsibility, Team Building and Conflict Management in Oyo State Public Sector” is being organized by the States Ministry of Establishment and Training in collaboration with the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), University of Ibadan at the Omolayole Hall, International Conference Centre, UI, Ibadan.
Makinde represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), Mr Mojeed Mogbanjubola assures that he will always put the interest of the people at heart while formulating policies in the transport sector.
Makinde said “As a government that is committed to the wellbeing of the entire citizens of the state, I wish to emphasise that issue 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 of the state government that had always embraced peaceful resolution of disputes amongst the various union members.
“I wish to reaffirm that this government will give priority to all and sundry irrespective of religious and political affiliation, I have been assured that the training programme will provide avenue for you to air your views and even grievances.
“My commitments to issues pertaining to the transport sector led to the establishment of the State Park Management System which has greatly improved the hitherto frosty relationship between the government and drivers in the state.
“I restate my commitment to keep your interest at heart while formulating policies in the transport sector. This commitment has influenced and continue 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 in embracing dialogue and this training will equip participants with various ways of conflict resolutions and management.”
Speaking on the essence of the training, the host commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin expressed optimism that the training workshop will help the drivers from both the public and private sector to synergize 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 mind 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 well to the development of the state.”
Sangodoyin assures that at the end of the training, the participants would have gained knowledge driven by peace model in ensuring effective security system, as well as creating a seamless economy in the state.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, UI, Professor Babatunde Ekanola in his goodwill message thanked the government for providing the necessary environment for the premier university to perform its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the people of the state.
Participants at the workshop includes 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.
