Edo State Governor has unveiled the first computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre in Benin City, aimed at ensuring road worthiness of vehicles, thereby enhancing road safety for commuters.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Governor emphasized the role of an effective transportation system in the safety and development of the state.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making necessary investments in the transportation sector, he noted that the centre is designed to deploy advanced equipment and technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of vehicle inspection services in the state.
Reflecting on the centre’s role in providing a technology-driven platform for vehicle administration, the Governor expressed disappointment in the previous manual vehicle inspection processes in the state, adding that the VIO computerized inspection centre, a public-private partnership, would offer fully automated and seamless vehicle inspection services.
Obaseki said: “When we review our security report every month, one thing that is unveiled, is the high incidence of vehicular accidents. Sometimes, it gets to some worrying limits where we are losing more people on the roads than from crimes.
“For us in Edo, transport is life; it is core, and we would make all the requisite investment in all aspects of the transport industry, from building the infrastructures to ensuring that we support the private sector in improving the quality of road transportation.
“As part of the master plan for the transport sector, this is the beginning of many things to come. I want to thank our partner; I would like to commend their professionalism for expediting the plan to get this done within the shortest possible interval. I would also like to commend the professionalism of the Transport Authority; we have commissioned many projects that were conceptualized by them.”
In her welcome address, the Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, stated that with the establishment of the computerized centre, vehicle inspection officers would be able to discharge their duties more effectively.
Agbonlahor said: “We thank Governor Obaseki for creating the much-needed enabling environment for the private sector in the state, particularly, the transport system. We enjoin all motorists to embrace this computerized vehicle inspection service which is a global trend, aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and expansion of the lifespan for all our vehicles. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.
“This project, in partnership with Temple Group Ltd. is the first of the 18 centres to be built in all the 18 local government areas of the state, and would also boost the internally generated revenue of the state.”
Also in attendance were: Edo State Deputy Governor, HE Godwin Omobayo; Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi; PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Group Managing Director, Temple Group Ltd, Mr. Segun Obayendo; representatives of transport unions, amongst others.
