Delta Govt Graduates 51 Drivers From Training School

BY EBI NIEKETIEN /TEJIRI EDAFE

THE Delta State Government has reiterated its commit­ment to the welfare and capacity building of drivers in the state public service, as 51 Chief Drivers/Operatives graduated from the 2024/2025 training school programme.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Asaba, the Commis­sioner, Directorate of Transport, Mr. Agofure Onoriode, represent­ed by the functioning Permanent Secretary, Engr. Victor Omoniyi, noted that the training was designed to equip Chief Drivers and Operatives on Salary Grade Level 07 with the requisite skills to qualify for lateral conversion to the Works Superintendent Cadre, as well as to prepare them for higher responsibilities in the service.

While congratulating the grad­uands for successfully com­pleting the six-month training despite prevailing economic challenges occasioned by fuel subsidy removal, he revealed that the programme, which has been running since 2006, has produced a total of 1,158 gradu­ates since inception.

He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his un­wavering support for the welfare of drivers, disclosing that the governor had recently approved a new capacity-building initiative for drivers and mechanics in the state public service, which would be implemented soon.

The commissioner urged the graduands to put into practice the knowledge gained during the programme and remain dedi­cated in their duties.

Giving a rundown of the train­ing, the Director, Mechanical Engineering Services, Engr. Itimi Kingsley, said the academic ses­sion commenced with inaugu­ration ceremony both in Asaba and Warri respectively, with 58 participants.

He noted that 29 students graduated with distinction, 9 students with upper credit, 12 students with lower credit, 1 student with pass while seven students were unable to com­plete the programme.

The overall best graduating student from Warri, Mr. Aaron Ekarume, expressed apprecia­tion to the Commissioner and management of the Directorate for their support and commit­ment towards the welfare of public service drivers.

He also extended apprecia­tion to his fellow graduands and everyone that contributed to the success of the academic session.