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), visited Hon. Pastor Frank Onwumere, 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 visit aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the NURTW and the Office of the Special Adviser to enhance motor park management and address illegal parking issues within the state. Amb. Udeh expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, anticipating it will boost the transportation sector, facilitate smooth traffic flow, and support overall growth in Imo State.
Amb. Udeh praised Onwumere’s appointment by Governor Uzodimma, calling it a well-deserved recognition of his leadership abilities. He described Onwumere as a “square peg in a square hole” and emphasized the strong relationship between the NURTW and the governor’s administration.
We are thrilled by your appointment and the continued support from Governor Uzodimma,” Udeh stated. “During his first tenure, we saw significant benefits from the Shared Prosperity Administration, including the empowerment of our members and a pilgrimage to Israel to pray for his re-election. The success of his administration is evident in the current happiness of the Imo State populace.”
Udeh noted that the current administration has transformed the NURTW from a group once viewed negatively into an organized, professional entity. He reaffirmed the union’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 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 other key figures within the NURTW.
In response, Hon. Frank Onwumere expressed his pleasure at the visit and eagerness to work closely with the NURTW to ensure effective motor park supervision and reduce 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 an 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.
