The Transporters for Tinubu 2027 support group has again extended its free medical services to the dei-dei motor park in the Federal Capital Territory.

There are also plans to provide soft loans to the Transporters

Named the Drivers’ Care Initiative, the outreach is part of an ongoing programme to provide support for transport workers across the Federal Capital Territory, following similar events at Jabi Park and other locations.

The initiative focuses on three areas: free eye testing and care, sensitisation of commercial drivers on drug abuse, and access to soft loans through the Transporters Cooperative Society.

Speaking at the event, Programme Director Mrs. Chinwe Uwaegbute said the programme was created to address health and welfare issues affecting transport operators.

“Transportation is central to national development, and drivers work hard to keep the economy moving. But the nature of their work exposes them to health challenges, fatigue, and welfare concerns that affect road safety,” Uwaegbute said.

She noted that regular eye checks are critical for accident prevention. “Drivers may be confident on familiar routes, but that confidence must be backed by regular medical checks. Today is day four of this initiative, and we are glad to bring it to drivers at Dei Dei Park. We want to ensure their eyes are healthy and their bodies are fit. This is our way of saying thank you for keeping Nigeria moving,” she said.

Uwaegbute added that road safety requires collaboration between agencies like the FRSC, VIO, and NDLEA, as well as transport unions and private sector partners. She described the initiative as consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which focuses on human capacity development and social responsibility.

Optometrist Dr. Kelechi conducted free eye tests for drivers at the park and provided care for those with vision problems that could affect their ability to drive safely.

Andy Okoho, a representative of the Transporters Cooperative, spoke about the financial benefits available to members. He said membership allows drivers to save for vehicle purchases, access emergency funds, and obtain low-interest loans within 48 hours.

Okoho also highlighted the cooperative’s digital platform, which lets members track their savings through a mobile app. “When you register, you get an app. If you save 50,000 naira, you wake up and see it on your phone,” he said.

He explained that the cooperative aims to help transport workers become vehicle owners, handle emergencies, and plan for the future.

Officer Ndubuisi Agabus of the NDLEA addressed the gathering and warned commercial drivers about the dangers of drug abuse. He said a large number of road accidents in Nigeria are linked to drug use and urged drivers to stay away from substances that impair judgment.

He noted that commonly used items like kolanut, alcohol, and coffee are socially accepted but can affect mood and judgment when taken in excess. He also raised concern about the sale of high-dose Tramadol in parks and markets, describing the 250mg variant as banned and dangerous.

“When someone buys and takes 250mg of Tramadol, their perception on the road changes. They may see a person crossing and think it’s a fly passing,” Agabus said.

He linked drug abuse to other crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery and urged drivers to avoid influences that promote drug use. “Your wife loves you. Your children want you home. Your parents expect you alive. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t abuse any substance when you are about to drive,” he said.

He led the gathering in a chant: “Say no to drugs, say yes to life.”

Agabus called on transport unions to partner with the NDLEA in spreading the message across motor parks nationwide.

Chairman of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), FCT Chapter, Alhaji Musa Saidu, commended President Tinubu’s policies. He recalled the 50% passenger fare reduction during the last Christmas season and the provision of CNG buses for intra-city and interstate travel.

“This is a president that has done a lot. We saw these opportunities during Jonathan’s era, and since then, it is President Tinubu who has revived them. May Allah grant him long life,” Saidu said.

He urged drivers to avoid drug abuse and prioritise safety, and called on organisers to sustain the initiative for the long-term benefit of transport workers.

The Drivers’ Care Initiative will continue across the FCT in the coming days, with plans to engage union leaders and grassroots structures in delivering health services and supporting the Renewed Hope agenda.

Transporters for Tinubu 2027 is a support group committed to mobilising the transport community in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, while advocating for the welfare, safety, and development of transport workers across Nigeria.