Tag: MOBILIZES SUPPORT AHEAD OF POLLS

By Chidinma Ajemba and Ngozika Omenankiti

The Anambra State Ministry of Transport has held its quarterly Town Hall Meeting with transport stakeholders across the state, aimed at appreciating the achievements of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts in addressing sector-specific challenges, and mobilizing political support ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

Held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Hall in Awka, the event drew a large and diverse representation of stakeholders from across the transport industry, including unions, agencies, and private operators.

In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Transport, Patricia Igwebuike (Esq), commended the impressive turnout and described it as a testament to the stakeholders’ trust and confidence in Governor Soludo’s administration. She noted that the governor’s interventions through the ministry have significantly improved transport operations and the welfare of service providers in the sector.

“I encourage all of you to remain committed to this administration by exercising your civic responsibility. Those who live and work in Anambra should vote here,” the Commissioner said, while also urging members to take advantage of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration to register or transfer their voter cards to Anambra State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr. Michael Obiekwe, described the meeting as part of the ministry’s broader strategy to promote an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable transportation system. He emphasized the economic importance of the sector, stating that “the transport sector with its diverse reach and numerical strengths drives the economy of the state”.

He charged all stakeholders to be good and faithful vanguards in communicating to the world all projects and programs that governor Soludo has achieved in the transport sector.

A major highlight of the event was the Drivers’ Education and Awareness Session led by officers of the Vehicle Inspection Service Department (VIS), Mr Macdonald Achum and Mr Stan Okoye, along with Mr Obinna Okeke of the Anambra State Road Transport and Management Agency (ARTMA). The session focused on traffic regulation, safety standards, and best practices in transport operations while the interaction section was facilitated by Head , Transport Operations,Mr Chris Okeke who also anchored the event.

In separate goodwill messages, the Managing Director and Chief Superintendent General of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), Comrade Celestine Anere, and former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emma Udaekpe, called on transporters to unite and support Governor Soludo’s re-election to ensure the continuation of the government’s development programs. They also urged unity among transport unions and stakeholders, stressing that only through collaboration can the state’s transformation agenda be fully realized.

Also present at the Town Hall meeting were representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), ARTMA, Inland Waterways Transport Union, Drivers Welfare Association, Bus and Luxury Drivers Association, Heavy-Duty Transport Operators, Courier Service Providers, Motorcycle and Tricycle (Keke) Unions, as well as private transport companies.

Stakeholders took turns to express appreciation to the governor for ongoing infrastructural improvements, policy reforms, and economic development projects that have had direct and positive impacts on the transport sector. While acknowledging that some challenges still remain, they expressed optimism that Governor Soludo will continue to address these issues if given a renewed mandate.

The meeting concluded with a strong show of unity and renewed commitment by all stakeholders to support the governor’s vision of building a livable, prosperous, and smart Anambra State.

• Ajemba and Omenankiti are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *