By MaryAnn Chukwuma
The Anambra State Government has trained public service drivers on road safety regulations, defensive driving techniques and professional conduct as part of activities marking the first batch of the 2026 Anambra Human Resources Development Week.
The week-long capacity-building programme, organized through the Office of the Head of Service, concluded on June 3 at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka, with participants urged to prioritize safety, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking at the training session, the Head of Service, Mrs. Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, Esq., mni, said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo places high importance on safety and professionalism within the public service.
She noted that drivers play a critical role in government operations, conveying public officials and citizens daily and therefore must adhere strictly to traffic regulations and professional ethics.
Addressing participants on workplace etiquette, Mrs. Iwouno emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, proper appearance and healthy living, stressing that professional drivers should project a positive image through their conduct and lifestyle.
She also cautioned against indiscretion and gossip, warning that careless remarks could misrepresent or damage the reputation of their principals.
The Head of Service advised drivers to avoid sharing sensitive information that could compromise the security of government officials, noting that seemingly harmless disclosures could expose principals to security risks.
“You must remain focused on your assigned responsibilities and avoid unnecessary involvement in the affairs of your principals. Professionalism requires discipline, discretion and contentment,” she said.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, facilitated technical sessions on defensive driving, vehicle maintenance and road crash prevention.
Speaking during the training, Chief Route Commander Ihediorah Ezeala stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, describing it as a fundamental safety practice that protects both drivers and other road users.
He recommended the use of maintenance logbooks to ensure proper documentation and monitoring of vehicle servicing records.
Also speaking, the FRSC Sector Public Enlightenment Officer, Superintendent Route Commander Ifeanyi Eke, described defensive driving as strict compliance with road safety regulations, including speed limits and other traffic rules.
He urged participants to cultivate safe driving habits at all times to reduce the risk of accidents on the roads.
Route Commander Okolonji, who addressed the participants on distracted driving, identified distraction as one of the leading causes of road crashes and emphasized the need for total concentration while behind the wheel.
“Driving demands maximum attention at all times. Activities such as eating, making phone calls or operating electronic gadgets while driving significantly increase the risk of accidents and should be avoided,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Anambra State Coordinating Council of Technical Workers Association (ANSCCTWA), Mr. Echezona Daniel, commended the Head of Service for organizing what he described as a highly beneficial programme for drivers in the state public service.
He appealed for the introduction of life insurance schemes for drivers to provide support for families in the event of unforeseen incidents, citing the recent death of a driver while on duty.
Mr. Daniel also called for the resumption of prerequisite training programmes for drivers eligible for conversion at Grade Level 08, noting that the last exercise was conducted more than two years ago.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Iwouno expressed appreciation to the College of Permanent Secretaries for their financial and intellectual contributions to the success of the training programme.
She also thanked Governor Soludo for his continued commitment to workers’ welfare and human capital development in the state.
The training formed part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance capacity, improve service delivery and promote professionalism across the Anambra State Public Service.
MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
