By Douglas Princemola
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Imo State Council, led by State Chairman Amb. Apostle Sam Udeh (Ezeumuokorobia), paid a significant courtesy visit to the office of Hon. Pastor Frank Onwumere, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Motor Parks Supervision and Illegal Parking. The meeting took place at Heroes Square, New Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
The purpose of the visit was to solidify the collaboration between the NURTW and the Office of the Special Adviser to ensure the effective management of motor parks and address illegal parking issues within the state. Amb. Udeh expressed his enthusiasm for the newly established partnership, which he believes will bolster the transportation sector, facilitate smooth vehicular flow, and foster overall growth in Imo State.
During the visit, Amb. Udeh commended Onwumere’s appointment by Governor Uzodimma, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his leadership capabilities. He praised Onwumere as a “square peg in a square hole” and highlighted the strong bond between the NURTW and the governor’s administration.
“We are thrilled by your appointment and the continued support from Governor Uzodimma,” Udeh stated. “Under his first tenure, we saw tremendous benefits from the Shared Prosperity Administration, including the empowerment of our members and the opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage to Israel where we prayed for his re-election. The success of his administration is evident in the current happiness of the Imo State populace.”
Udeh further acknowledged that while the NURTW had previously been mischaracterized, the current administration has redefined the union’s role, transforming it from a group once seen as “toutish” into an organized, professional entity. He reaffirmed the NURTW’s commitment to supporting Governor Uzodimma and expressed gratitude for the administration’s ongoing support.
“We are here to reinforce our support for your appointment and to establish a robust partnership between our two offices,” Udeh affirmed. “The success of Governor Uzodimma’s campaign and our subsequent support in the 2023 gubernatorial elections is a testament to our dedication to his leadership.”
The delegation included prominent NURTW members such as Chief Emma Ugwuegbulem (Emmankirisi), Vice Chairman of the Imo NURTW; Hon. Deacon Paul Ajunwa (Ishiopi), SSA on Political Matters; Chief Livinus Ukaegbu (Akwaraike), Chief Taskforce Manager; Chief Vitalis Onugha, Chief Security Consultant; Comr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Okereke, State Treasurer; and several other key figures within the NURTW.
In his response, Hon. Frank Onwumere expressed his pleasure at the visit and his eagerness to work closely with the NURTW to ensure effective supervision of motor parks and the reduction of illegal parking. He urged commercial road users to adhere to traffic regulations to support the smooth operation of transportation services in Imo State.
“I am committed to delivering on the responsibilities of my office,” Onwumere assured. “We will work diligently to supervise all motor parks and encourage compliance with traffic laws to enhance government revenue and ensure a free flow of traffic.”
The visit concluded with a heartfelt exchange of pleasantries, the presentation of a first aid kit from the NURTW to Onwumere, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
This visit signifies a strengthened relationship between the NURTW and the Imo State government, as both parties aim to achieve the 3R (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery) agenda for the advancement of Imo State’s transportation infrastructure and services.
