By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Twenty members of the Ogun State chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have received certificates in conflict resolution after completing a three-day training programme organised in collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

The programme, facilitated by FUNAAB’s Institute of Communication and General Studies under its Peace and Development Studies Programme, was designed to equip transport operators with skills to manage disputes, improve relationships with passengers and run their businesses more effectively.

The certificates were presented to the beneficiaries at the association’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Tuesday by the state chairman of RTEAN, Alhaji Akibu Titilayo Efele, who was represented by the Deputy Chairman (Administration), Otunba Segun Johnson.

Speaking with journalists after the presentation, RTEAN State Secretary, Tiwalade Akingbade, said the training was intended to help members handle conflicts more effectively in their interactions with passengers, drivers and other members of the public.

He noted that transport operators interacted daily with people from different backgrounds, making conflict management an essential skill in their profession.

“As transporters, the perception in society is that we are difficult to deal with. Yet, we interact with many people daily, particularly passengers. That is why acquiring the skills to manage conflicts is very important to us,” Akingbade said.

He explained that the training also addressed the need for members to manage their drivers and operate their transport businesses more efficiently.

“We are employers. We own vehicles and have drivers working for us whom we must manage. That is one of the reasons we decided to undertake the course,” he added.

Akingbade said participants could further their education through additional qualifications, including advanced certificates and diplomas in conflict resolution.

He commended FUNAAB for making the programme accessible and praised the facilitators for delivering the lessons in ways participants could understand and apply.

The RTEAN secretary disclosed that the programme had generated interest among other members, with more than 20 prospective participants reportedly awaiting subsequent sessions.

According to him, positive feedback from the first batch had encouraged others to enrol.

“The 20 participants are the first batch, and so far, so good. More than 20 people are already on the waiting list because those who attended the programme have shared their experiences and the benefits they gained, which impressed others,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Osioyemi Osinyemi Olasunkanmi, described the training as an eye-opener, saying it had changed his perception of the university and demonstrated that transport union members could benefit from structured academic programmes.

He commended the organisers and lecturers for the quality of instruction and expressed confidence that participants would apply the knowledge gained in their daily activities.

Olasunkanmi added that the beneficiaries were now positioned to serve as ambassadors of the road transport sector by demonstrating improved conduct and better relationships with the public.

RTEAN Members Benefit from Medical Screening

In a related development, RTEAN members benefited from a medical screening exercise organised at the association’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The exercise featured blood pressure and blood sugar checks conducted by health professionals to identify potential health concerns and encourage participants to seek timely medical attention.

Dr Fashola Caleb of the Ogun State Ministry of Health said medical personnel had identified some participants with possible health problems and provided appropriate counselling.

“We have attended to many people, and some came with complaints that we were able to address. We also identified some individuals with possible health problems and counselled them appropriately,” Caleb said.

He added that participants requiring further investigations had been advised to visit nearby hospitals promptly.

According to him, more than 100 people had been screened or attended to during the exercise, with additional members continuing to come forward several hours after it began.

Caleb urged commercial drivers to prioritise their health, warning that medical emergencies while driving could endanger passengers and other road users.

“Drivers need to pay attention to their health because we do not want them to experience medical emergencies while on duty. Such emergencies could put other people’s lives at risk,” he said.

He advised drivers to undergo regular medical examinations, follow medical instructions and seek professional attention whenever necessary.

The doctor also recommended periodic eye-screening exercises by transport associations and urged them to bring medical services closer to drivers at motor parks and garages to encourage participation.

He further advised commercial drivers to avoid alcohol before driving, keep their driver’s licences up to date, maintain their vehicles properly and comply with road safety regulations.

Caleb called on other transport associations, including those representing commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, to organise similar health programmes, noting that regular medical screening could help detect illnesses early and save lives.