The chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Kwara branch, Alhaji Abdulrahman Onikijipa, says women engaging in transportation are far better than in the prostitution business.

Mr Onikijipa, who disclosed this in Ilorin on Friday, said transportation business was more honourable for women than prostitution.

According to him, most women see the transportation business as a man’s job and prefer to be wayward rather than engage in it.

“Transportation is not strictly for men as thought by some women. It is for both genders. Women engaging in the transportation business is far better than prostitution. Stop seeing transportation as men’s work.

“We have many women now here in Kwara driving taxi cabs, tricycles and Okada to earn a living. That is a big kudos to them,” Mr Onikijipa explained.

The RTEAN chair added, “We also have many women here as executives. They are part of the decision-making. We don’t discriminate in our association.”

The chief transporter also advised women to stop being idle or selling their bodies for a living and to engage in legal businesses.

Mr Onikijipa also advised passengers to be vigilant and stop boarding any available car to their destination. He said most transporters were fake and not legally registered with transport unions in Kwara.

“Be vigilant and go to the park to board a vehicle. Everyone should be conscious of the security situation in the country in order not to fall victim to kidnappers.

“Unlike all the roadside cars, they will take your details in the park—names, phone numbers, and next of kin—in case of eventuality,” he said.

Mr Onikijipa, however, warned unregistered drivers that they would be arrested and prosecuted if caught.

He also disclosed that RTEAN always conducted medical tests and sensitisation for its members every fortnight in Kwara.

Mr Onikijipa said the medical test was to keep the drivers fit and check their mental status before getting behind the wheel.

“We partner with the Kwara Ministry of Health and some NGOs to do the needful medically for our members,” said the RTEAN chief.

(NAN)