AMAECHI PERCY ONYEJEKWE
AWKA
Drivers Welfare Club of Nigeria (DWCN) has urged Federal and State governments to formally recognize drivers as professionals contributing to economic development of Nigeria.
Comrade Monday Elumigbe, National President and founder of DWCN made the prayer during the 2025 launch and flag-off of Drivers Safety Manifest and Biometrics in Anambra and inauguration of DWCN Anambra State Chapter at the Dora Akuyili Women Development Center, Awka, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Delivering his key note address, Elumigbe, alleged that despite their immense and risky nature of job drivers nationwide had been grossly marginalized , regarded as touts and ielements who deserve inhuman treatment and dismissal at will without benefits.
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He said that non recognition of drivers as important part of the labour force had contributed to touting, criminality and other vices associated with motor parks in the country.
The National President of DWCN who was flanked by the Anambra State Chairman of the group, Chief Ikechukwu Obiegbu Ikeobi, paton of DWCN Rotarian (Dr.) Jude Nwokike, Zonal Chairman, South East DWCN, Dr. Okolo Ikechukwu, His Royal Majesty Obi Gibson Nwosu, Ezeuzu 11 of Awka representatives, Vehicle Inspection Officer of the State (VIO) Achuam M I, government officials among others, explained that DWCN was prepared to partner with Federal and State governments to provide an enabling environment for drivers , to harness the potentiality of drivers for effective service delivery in the country and Anambra , adding that the group has provided a data base of the drivers for government and drivers to qeueu in.
Elumigbe who unveiled a welfare package for drivers that included insurance scheme, training, legal services, financial support to bereaved members , VIO ,FRSC, police and other sister agencies to make use of the Drivers Data Base Scheme to regulate the excess of drivers and be able to identify drivers at leves by face .
He said to end insecurity in parks government needed to recognize drivers as professionals, stressing that the welfare scheme would be available only to licensed drivers in the country.
The Commissioner for Transport in the state Barrister (Mrs.) Patricia Igwebuike represented by Engr. Michael Obiekwe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport expressed delight at efforts of DWCN adding that the Anambra State government was ready to work with the group for good of the state.
Speaking the FRSC State Sector Commandant, Joyce Alexander represented by one of her senior officers describe DWCN as a good one pointing out that road infractions nationwide otherwise known as RTC has human factor as its major cause. She said drivers excesses would be promptly reported to the group and urged them to obtain their driving licence.
Anambra State Commandant of the NSCDC represented by DC Prominence Ukobi in her speech urged drivers in Anambra to continue to do their jobs lawfully but avoid job switching, becoming something else at night at the detriment of the society.
Enenike Nebechukwu of the Tangerine General Insurance who briefly classified aspects of insurance explained that it was important for drivers to insure themselves for its many benefits.
Rotarian (Dr )Jude Nwokike Patron of the group advised drivers to egister with the DWCN and expressed the hope that reckless driving would be addressed by the group.
The event was organized the State Chairman, Chief Ikechukwu Obiegbu Ikeobi in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Police , FRSC and other government agencies according to DWCN and has the theme ‘Importance of Drivers Welfare In Our Growing Economy.
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