Chidoka introduces radar gun speed detector for tourists’ safety: Says; we will professionalise commercial driving: Launches Operation Thunderstorm

By Wale Ojo-Lanre - updated: Wednesday 01-07-2009

Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal,
Chief Osita Chidoka demonstrating
during the launch of radar gun
speed detector in Ibadan recently. THE Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal, Chief Osita Chidoka, is not only an enigma but also a young man who has continued to daze and dazzle his critics.

His performances within a year as the chief road monitor in Nigeria has proved that the wisdom of Solomon is not only for the Methusellahs.

In fact, this young man, on Thursday, 25 June, at Ibadan proved to the whole world that his appointment was not a mistake but divinely inspired for the sake of travelling Nigerians and tourists.

He evidently proved that Nigeria is full of focussed, proactive and abundantly resourceful youngmen who can perform wonders and turn stone to bread if given the chance.

The Corps Marshal was in Ibadan, Oyo State to launch ‘Operation Thunderstorm’ purposely targeted at eliminating reckless driving on Nigerian’s roads.

His manner of delivery was not only eclectic but efficacious which drove his message into the hearts of the stakeholders who included, the powerful members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Okada Riders, Nigeria Police, Immigration, NUJ, NDLEA, private cabs operators, Customs, Civil Defence and Prisons.

“We need you. Nigeria needs you. Your family needs you. You are so important to this life. You are more useful here on earth. Life is good. Life needs you. You don’t need to rush to death. You are an asset. Wait and enjoy your sweat. Don’t allow somebody else’s to eat the fruit of your labour. Don’t kill others.”

These and other conscience-pricking words were what he employed to convey his message of stopping death and accidents on our roads.

He did not only employ words, but also sandwich his message with songs rendered melodously.

He discussed with enthusiastic glee the Federal Government’s intention to protect the lives of travelling Nigerians and tourists.

“The Federal Government has decided to keep the death rate through accidents as low as possible. We will not allow you to waste your life and others because you are so special to us. Thus, we are introducing this Radar Gun, which is the speed detector. This is an instrument which will tell and indicate the speed at which you are cruising. It tells no lie.”

Chief Chidoka also informed the stakeholders that: “before December we are going to roll out our programme of actions aimed at professionalising commercial driving in Nigeria.”

He pointed out that “Driving is a noble profession in developed countries. In fact, it is easier to obtain a University degree than commercial driving license in Britain and USA. Commercial driving is a specialized unit because of what is involved. It is not like a private driving which is limited to yourself, your family and others, but by being a commercial driver, you put many people and things at risk. We want to sanitize that unit.”

“By professionalizing commercial driving you people will be respected, honoured and regarded. You will no longer be seen as worthless people or being referred to as the floatsome and jetsam of the society. For the public well knowing, anybody who has the CDL is not only tested but has been certified worthy to drive, hence, the public respect, honour and regard for him.”

At the end of the day, all the stakeholders present agreed that Chief Chidoka is eminently qualified, intelligently worthy and morally competent to be the Chief Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

De-Vine International Hotels: 50 rooms of exquisite splendour in Ibadan

Front view the hotel CAN 80 per cent of hotel and hospitality buyers be wrong by declaring that the new hotel which was commissioned in Ibadan, Oyo State by Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja is the best in Oyo State?

Arguments do not help matters or solve an issue where sight, sound, taste and empirical evidence can suffice.

No eyes can miss the delightful building that glitters at Km 4, Abeokuta Road, Apata, Ibadan.

It is beautiful. Have a look once again at the picture. The fact is that the beauty inside, is much better and great than the blazing wall of glass and brass outside.

The concept was apt and right from conception. This is because generous space was allocated outside the fence, far beyond the authority’s enforcement as shown that it was not a cocoa warehouse converted to hotel.

Also, inside the fence, there is a large arena for packing which conveniently takes 200 cars.

What first takes you in is the horticultural effects which add environmental value to the hotel.

The propeller of this vision, Michael Olatunbosun Sasere definitely brought to bear his long years sojourn and hibernation in intercontinental hotels all over the world.

This is one hotel where the right thing falls to the right place.

The staff knows the magic of holding warmly to a customer who they offer personalised affectionate service.

Everything about this hotel speaks quality, luxury, posh and splendour.

It is truly, a new definition of service and facilities in the hospitality industry in Oyo State.

To use the description of an international auto business mogul, Chief Fola Sadela, one of the guests at the opening ceremony. “This is 50 rooms of exquisite splendour.”

And to be honest, it is not only 50 rooms of exquisite splendour but a total hotel which caters for all categories of hospitality buyers.

It is true that the 50 rooms well furnished. It is a combination of tiles, marble, chandeliers, therapeutic beddings, plasma tv, reading table and rest chair, while the bathrooms are smooth.

There are two presidential apartments, with fixtures and fittings that are presidential in quality and shape, as well as the royal suites which are simply royal in design and fittings.

Its Votika Hall, is a new concept in event room with seating capacity of 2,500 having a long gallery in addition. Supporting this, are two functional halls of 50 and 100 seating capacity.

The Olympics swimming pool has its functional bar with life jacket and trainers for in-house guests while the gym is proudly up-to-date in terms of equipment.

The cyber parlour is of 24 hours internet access while the bar is supplies exotic local, intercontinental wines and liquor.

The environment is tightly secured and the whole hotel so well structured for a discerning guest to consumate his hospitality dream..