By Praise Chinecherem
Over 100 drivers and technicians in Anambra State workforce have commenced free promotion training under the Anambra State Co-ordinating Council of Technical Workers Association (ANSCCTWA).
The 6-month Batch 15 mandatory conversion course was for drivers and technicians on grade level 7.
Declaring the workshop open in Awka, Head of Service (HoS), Barr Theodora Igwegbe said the training was to improve service delivery among drivers and technicians in the state.
She charged the workers to imbibe discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties in the state.
She said, “We have gathered because we want to embark on a programme to improve your skills. We want you to realize that there are best practices to embrace to do your work well in the state.
“This course is aimed at improving service delivery in Anambra state. Without the training, none of you will be able to progress.
“The main reason is to help you in your career progressions, to do what you are employed to do very well.
“The training had been held 14 times under previous administrations but the present administration considered present economic hardship in the country to deliver it free of charge to the workers.”
Describing the training as part of welfare package of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to civil servants to advance in their respective careers, Igwegbe urged participants to take it seriously, warned culprits of chances of losing opportunity of being converted.
A Drector in the ministry, Mr Bayo Ojeyinka urged the participants to use the training to change the narrative about drivers by demonstrating professionalism and devotion to their job.
He said, “Most of us are interested in what we are supposed to get. All those things must change. We have to change our attitude to our work.
“There is nothing like a chief driver in the civil service. We gave you this work to elevate you and not to depreciate you.”
Engr. Bennett Aniekwe, a Director in the Ministry of Public Utilities also advised participants to shun truancy but take the programme seriously to excel at the end of the exercise.
Responding, Chairman of the drivers association, Mr Daniel Echezona described the exercise as a relief to his members whom he lamented, had stagnated on the job.
He expressed optimism that the exercise would not only assist in changing drivers narratives, but would help to better their lots.
“The training is not solely for drivers, but also for tailors and caterers as it is a prerequisite for advancement in the service,” he noted.
