The Managing Director of Imo Transport Company (ITC)Emeka Duru has disclosed that strategic safety measures have been put in place by the management to ensure passengers safety during and after Yuletide.

In an interview with newsmen, Duru disclosed that his team has articulated effective measures and strategies that will guide the company in its operations to ensure accident-free season.
He said: “My team is really prepared for the season and we have put several measures on ground to ensure total safety ofour customers. Let me state it clearly that safety remains our priority especially during the Yuletide period and we are indeed committed to achieving that in line with our safety guidelines. We are conscious of the fact that it is a period of fortune for establishments like ours if well planned and a time of failure for those that have refuse to plan well. Our drivers and other staff have been sensitised accordingly to implement the measures as stipulated by the management.”
Duru, who spoke in the state capital, Owerri, further disclosed that under the concession agreement with the Imo State Government that transferred the management of ITC to Global Ginika Services Ltd, a whopping N2.2 billion has been injected into the company. This, he said, has led to the procurement 290 brand new buses with 64 additional loading bays opened across the country and Ghana within eight months, adding that over 1,000 jobs have been already created for Imolites by the new management of the company.
The ITC boss disclosed that an operational frame-work has been designed by his team to attract direct investment of N5 billion that will create additional 3,000 employment opportunities in line with the job creation policy of Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha Rescue Mission Agenda within 24 months.
He described the recent protest by some staff of the company as unwarranted and uncalled for considering the new welfare package introduced by the management which he said includes payment of N20,000 minimum wage.
He however attributed the protest to the handiwork of infiltrators and some disgruntled elements that have vowed to frustrate Gov. Okorocha’s effort towards strengthening all facets of the economy including government ailing establishments including ITC.
According to Duru, “The protest so far as I know was uncalled for considering our commitment to carry everyone along. As I am speaking now, the October salary is being paid and of course we are paying N20,000 minimum wage. Apart from that, we have put several measures on ground to boost staff welfare and to impact positively on our neighborhood through our well-articulated Corporate Social Responsibility. That is why we have a free water scheme for people living within the vicinity and our staff.”
He boss described as unfounded the allegation that the present management participated in the auctioning of some unserviceable buses in the company adding that such exercise in government establishments is always carried out by relevant government agencies and ministry.
Duru lamented over the actives of the franchise owners whom he said have continued to oppose measures put in place by Gov. Okorocha to sanitise and reposition the company as the best organised road transport company in Nigeria.

•Photo: Gov. Okorocha of Imo State.