The state governor surprised not a few persons, having mandated that ladies should be engaged as drivers for the state's public transport system, known as Edo City Transport Services (ECTS).
When Governor Oshiomhole informed the ECTS boss, Mrs Edugie Agbonlahor, early last year that he wanted a crop of girls to drive the Daewoo Luxury Buses plying the city, she was surprised, although pleased. Without hesitation, she set to work instantly, advertising for applications. But since such a development has never been seen anywhere in Nigeria, people did not take them seriously, and this resulted in the low turnout of girls.
One other factor that brought doubts into the minds of Edolites, as Edo people are fondly called, was the fact that the advert said that they wanted girls without experience. I laughed when I heard it, and that was why I never bothered to apply. I may have got the job too, since I was qualified too , says Efemena Agbodo, a passenger at Ring Road in a voice laden with envy at the lucky ladies driving the buses.
It was fascinating to see these young women, most of them between 22 and 25 years of age, driving the long, heavy, airconditioned buses as if they were driving small cars.
One of the drivers who simply identified herself as Blessing, told a source that though the job is stressful, she was never scared of driving on the highway. She explained that the type of training she received has given her all the confidence she needs: Initially, I would be wondering what if something goes wrong, but as time went on, my confidence increased. I can now drive without fear.
What a man can do a woman can do better?
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Good move! I wish them all the best. In addition they should also be protected from cases that could result in sexual assault.
ReplyDeleteGood governor u tried very well for bringing this type of job experience in Nigeria, now people will know that driving is a serious job not only for male but also for female and also to know that what man can do, woman can do more better.And for a woman to be a driver is not easy i also pray, may God Almighty safeguard them,protect them and give them wisdom and power to handle every difficulties and dangers on their way.
ReplyDeleteI hope other Governors are seeing this. Kudos to Comrade Governor
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ReplyDeleteCommendable decision coming from the Comrade Gov. Though there are female truck/luxury bus drivers, the ages of the Edo girl drivers makes them unique.
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