by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Director of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), Chief VIO Mrs Anna Mweltok, has paid a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jos, to introduce herself and other members to seek partnership, discuss, and share in the progress of what is coming to Plateau State.
She was speaking during the courtesy call on the NUJ EXCO, yesterday, while revealing that, “Plateau State VIO is to host a National Conference of VIOs this year. This is the first time the National VIO Conference is coming to Plateau.”
She noted that, “Each year, the conference moves, from one state to another. Last year, it was hosted in Minna, Niger State, and it was my first time attending it.
“I moved to Jos at the end of 2023, and just 24 hours into the conference, it was announced that Plateau State would host the next one,” she said.
The Chief VIO explained that, “The 2025 National VIO Conference is scheduled for October 27th to 30th. Chiefs and members of the VIO from across the country will be here in Plateau for four days.
“We cannot do this without the NUJ. No matter the challenges we face together, we remain one. We are striving for the progress of Plateau State,” she stated.
“We want to make Plateau great. We want to make it a place others admire. I believe the decision to bring the conference here shows that people already admire Plateau. Many other states lobbied to host the conference, but without any struggle, it was moved to Plateau,” she said.
“So, we are here to humbly ask that we work together and put other things behind us. This is a new era for VIOs in Plateau. People have noticed changes – even on the roads. The appearance of VIOs has changed, too.
“We also hope people will experience our tourism and enjoy our beautiful weather. Please, help project Plateau’s image positively.
“While praying for continued collaboration, we also welcome your advice as we go forward. No one is perfect, but with teamwork, we can do great things,” she stated.
Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Ayuku Pwopo, asked that their (VIOs’) officers should continue to act professionally on the roads and let them ensure road safety and vehicle fitness, but do so with understanding and decency, especially in certain situations.
She also told them that there is need for (re)training them, saying, “because they are the ones spoiling the image of the organization. We want sanity of the organization. The new technology coming up by the VIO will help change the narrative of the state, and is going to be a good image in the state.”
She also observed: “There is need for more employment in the organization, because the last employment was in 2005.”
She appreciated them for recognizing the NUJ as a key partner in the State, and congratulated them for a remarkable achievement to have the first female Chief VIO in Nigeria.
She also challenged the VIO Public Relations Unit to do more, adding, “We need to hear more about what the Chief VIO is doing. If you stay quiet, nobody will blow your trumpet for you – you have to blow it yourself.”
The NUJ Chairman assured them that, the NUJ will continue to partner with them, as they do with other organizations. “We are partners in progress, working together for the good of Plateau State.
“However, we also want to appeal that, as you prepare for the conference, please, carry us along. Sometimes people visit us like this, but when the event comes, there’s no follow-up or engagement. If you involve us, journalists are always open and willing to help promote your activities.”