Ogun state government organizes capacity-building workshop for drivers

Bolaji Obabiyi (Intern)

The Ogun State Government on Tuesday organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for drivers and artisans in the state civil/public service, as a proactive move to raise the standards of public service and improve safety on the roads.

Penpushing reports that the training themed “Safe Wheels, Healthy Living: Enhancing Efficient Driving for Drivers in the Civil/Public Service’, was held at the Staff Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

The training brought together drivers and transport officers from across state ministries and agencies, and was part of a broader effort by the state government to promote discipline, efficiency, and welfare at all levels of service.

Penpushing further reports that the initiative was also aimed not just to sharpen technical driving skills but to instill values of purpose, responsibility, and professionalism among participants.

The Permanent Secretary Bureau of Establishment and Training in the office of the Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs Lydia Fajounbo in her welcome speech explained that the training was about the wellbeing of the participants.

Penpushing also reports that Fajounbo while charging the participants to make use of the training opportunities to advance their knowledge, stated that, it was not only about learning, but will also have opportunities for test, adding that their welfare should equally be paramount

The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command Akinwunmi Fashakin in his lecture highlighted the importance of highway code and traffic signal, need for attitudinal change.

Penpushing reports that he spoke on need for attitudinal change towards knowledge gain, obeying traffic rules and regulations and signals, as well as encouraged participants to always exhibit decency in their operations.

The Ogun State Head of Service Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, described the workshop as a timely and essential intervention, tailored to equip the drivers with the necessary knowledge and tools to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and a strong sense of duty.

“This training is not just about how to drive vehicles. It is about how to drive purposefully with discipline, with professionalism, and with care for the lives entrusted into your hands’, Onasanya said.

Penpushing further reports that he emphasized that government drivers play a crucial role in the machinery of the state, and as such, their conduct reflects directly on the image of the public service.

“Let people see you and respect you as government drivers. Be neat, be disciplined, and act responsibly. The way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed. If you dress like professionals, you will be treated as such,” he advised.

Penpushing also reports that Onasanya stated that a central focus of the training is the intersection between health and productivity and urged participants to embrace the state’s health insurance scheme, describing it as a vital support system that ensures they remain healthy and fit for duty.

“Staying healthy is not optional. A healthy driver is a productive driver. We must pay attention to our wellness if we are to deliver quality service.  If a vehicle is not working well, you are endangering not just your life but the lives of your passengers and other road users. Maintenance is not just a duty; it is a moral obligation’, he emphasised.

Penpushing reports that Onasanya spoke about the dangers of neglecting vehicle maintenance, warning that poorly maintained vehicles are hazards on the road, stressing that maintenance is key

The Head of Service added that that this kind of training is part of a larger vision to build a responsive, responsible, and efficient public workforce that upholds the values of integrity, service, and excellence.

“Our drivers must understand that they are ambassadors of government. The people they transport from senior officials to guests of the state depend on them not just to arrive safely, but to experience professionalism and courtesy along the way,” he added.

Penpushing further reports that, the Permanent Secretary Bureau of Public Service Commission Oyedola Oyeneye in his remarks charged participants to approach their duties with honesty and transparency.

The Permanent Secretary underscored the importance of integrity in building trust within the civil service and ensuring the safety and reliability of government operations.

“Drivers must be truthful in their work. The trust placed in you as government staff is sacred. When you are sincere in your duties, you earn the respect of your superiors and the people you serve,” he said.

Penpushing also reports that he added that truthfulness should reflect in vehicle reporting, conduct on duty, and interaction with colleagues and supervisors, emphasizing that honesty is a non-negotiable value in public service.

Meanwhile, the two-day training covers a broad range of topics, including vehicle safety, defensive driving techniques, stress and time management, public service ethics, and health awareness, as well as interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, and question-and-answer forums.

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com