Business
Traders Blame Traffic Hold-Up On Taxi Drivers
Traders at the ever-busy
University of Port Harcourt round-about have blamed the persistent traffic congestion experienced in the area on the activities of taxi drivers.
Some of the traders who spoke to our correspondent on the traffic situation at the junction, said the taxi operators who ply Rumuokoro, Rumuola and Rumuokuta axis were the main cause of the hold-ups.
According to Mrs Evelyne Eme who sells fish, vegetables among other items, the taxi drivers load their passengers on the road.
Mrs Eme said the taxi operators have no responsible union that would call their members to order , a situation she said was largely responsible for the chaotic traffic problems which sometimes causes accident in the area.
Another trader, Mr John Uchendu who delas on Women’s clothings said the traders do not come out to sell their goods.
He also blamed the taxi drivers for taking undue advantage of the space left from motorists and other road users, adding that the taxi drivers use both lanes thereby blocking motorists coming from Rumuokoro, Ahoada and Choba maintown respectively.
He therefore called on the appropriate authority to call the taxi operators to order to sanitise the area.
However, some of the taxi operators when contacted rather blamed the slow pace of work on the East West road for the hold ups.
“My brother, when this road is finished, hold up will disappear, said Daramola Ade, a taxi driver.
He opined that so long as the drivers were going about businesses, there was no way hold ups would not be experienced in the area.
A man who claimed to be a taxi union official who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said the rise in unemployment has made many people to go into the taxi operating business.
According to him, there was no proper co-ordiantion by the taxi operators, stating that their operations as regards loading of their vehicles is “Survival of the fittest.”
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
