By Princewill Mbonu/ The Chambers News
As part of efforts to ensure rule of law and stability in the state capital, the Anambra State Government has expressed willingness to collaborate with groups and organisations to ensure strict adherence to law and order, especially on state roads.
The state Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, who stated this when a group known as “Awka Youth Council” led by its Chairman, Comrade Ikechukwu Philip Ezenwa, paid her a courtesy visit at the Jerome Udorji State Secretary in Awka over pressing urban issues in Awka metropolis.
According to the Transport Commissioner who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Michael Obiekwe, the historic meeting marked a new chapter in community-driven development for the betterment of the town, and described it as a step in the right direction; which should be encouraged in restoring investors, residents and visitors’ confidence in the state.
While appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his tireless development of the state, which Awka as community has benefited majorly, Mrs. Igwebuike lauded the council’s unprecedented public-community volunteerism, saying that the community is getting better with the steps the youths are taking, and expressed willingness for the ministry to innovatively and committedly form a joint taskforce with the Awka Youth Council in order to tackle the challenges.
The Commissioner charged the youths to take actions on harmonizing tricycle rider associations and implementing profiling for enhanced security, among others.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Comrade Ezenwa, thanked the Transport Commissioner for embracing the council’s vision, highlighting their shared goal of building a thriving Awka metropolis.
He listed Heavy trucks congesting Igwebuike Road and Arthur Eze Avenue, mechanics occupying Ziks Avenue for car repairs; thereby causing obstructions, unregulated tricycle (keke) riders linked to rising security issues due to lack of identification and profiling, among others, as reasons for the council’s call for stricter regulations.