15/09/2014
SPEECH BY BARR. D. N. EGBUNA, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ONITSHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT/CHIEF HOST AT THE OCCASION OF THE INAUGURATION/PASSING OUT PARADE OF THE ONITSHA NORTH TRAFFIC AUTHORITY OFFICERS ON THE 28TH DAY OF MARCH 2014
Recognition of Dignitaries...
First of all, I would like to thank the men on parade this morning, for a fine display of marching and arms drill. I must commend you for the effort in the preparation of this Passing Out parade.
Two months ago, you walked into the training school as young men unsure of what lay ahead, but today, you will march out as proud para-military, ready to serve Onitsha North, its people and its interest. I would like to congratulate you for having successfully completed the period of training, for which to most of you would have been a challenging and yet very rewarding lifetime experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we are gathered here today to witness the inauguration cm passing out parade of the Onitsha North Traffic Authority wardens also known as ONTA, we are aware that enforcement is a key lever in addressing road accidents. In this regard over the past two months, over 100 Traffic Officers underwent specialized training. Today, and for the first time in the history of Onitsha North, we are pleased to unleash into our traffic policing system these highly-trained and dedicated officers. ONTA is specialized traffic intervention force that is now available for deployment to deal with any traffic situation within Onitsha North. These men have received training in advanced driving, inter-personal communications, anti-corruption, dealing with diplomatic personnel, first aid and incident management.
Indeed, today is the culmination of a successful completion of a rigid ten weeks program of vigorous training in classroom lectures, skills training and jungle exercises. Without doubt, the training they have gone through has instilled in them discipline, good behaviour, and obedience which are important to be demonstrated at all times. This will make a huge impact in their career to ensure that they carry out their tasks with their utmost ability.
After today, most of you will be posted to various points where traffic has become a nightmare in Onitsha North where you will be expected to assist the Regular Traffic Agents in carrying out any traffic tasking so as to decongest our roads and allow for the free flow of traffic. This call comes with an enormous responsibility where you are expected to prepare yourselves and be ready for any call of duty at any given time. You are expected to be aware of our Council's affairs and development and must learn to relate to this.
ONTA has provided the Vision and the Will to move reforms, eradicate corruption, rebuild and reshape our Council. Let me, therefore, remind you that greatness in the Onitsha North Traffic Authority will not be measured in your years of service or the rank you attain, but will be measured by the sacrifice one is willing to make for the good of our Council. As members of ONTA, it is your duty to keep the oath of allegiance which you have affirmed to uphold at all times.
I am therefore proud to say that today's Parade is unique as you are the first recruits to pass out under the new Bye-law that was assented by my Executive Office in March this year. This Bye-law enshrines principles and values that gives voice to our collective aspirations and guarantees social rights for individuals. Therefore, do not allow yourselves to be easily manipulated by external pressures and influences around you.
As Traffic Enforcement Officers, be just, be firm and steadfast. In these trying times that we are facing in our council regarding traffic congestion, ONTA is expected to play a vital role in maintaining traffic law and order on our roads. There are many obstacles in our path, and your enlistment into ONTA today, is of great assistance to our cause. We must sacrifice for our future and those of our children, as we all deserve a better Onitsha.
Remember you are now part of a para-military service that is renowned all over the world so therefore, put your months of endurance and pain into practice and go forth to uphold the high ideals forged through the years by the FRSCN. It is not so much an occupation, but rather a calling to serve your council with dignity, pride and at heart.
Let me once again thank you all for coming. To the hardworking staff of the ONTA Training Group, thank you for the efforts in training these fine young men into para-military soldiers of the Onitsha North Traffic Authority [ONTA].
To family and friends, I would also like to acknowledge your assistance and endless support to make this day eventuate for your sons and loved ones. I ask for your continued support as they turn a new chapter today in their Para-Military career.
Thank you and God bless
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