Stakeholders back Iliya Babandi, seek Wike’s support for DRTS cooperative

Stakeholders have commended the leadership of the President of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services Cooperative Society, Mallam Iliya Babandi, for promoting an open-door policy and carrying members along.

The commendation was made by the Traffic Transparency Initiative during an attestation and evaluation roundtable.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperative Liaison, TTI, Usman Ahmed, said reports and feedback received by the organisation showed that Babandi had embraced an inclusive leadership style.

He said, “So far, with the responses and reports before our group, the President has carried everyone along, which is the best style of leadership.”

Ahmed assured the DRTS cooperative leadership of the TTI’s support, particularly in capacity building.

He also called for greater cooperation among members of the cooperative to strengthen its operations and improve the welfare of its members.

The TTI official appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to provide incentives and other forms of support to the DRTS cooperative, citing the revenue generated by the agency for the FCT.

He said the cooperative deserved greater attention because it operates within a revenue-generating arm of the FCT Administration.

“For an important cooperative like the DRTS that exists within a revenue-generating arm of the FCTA, much support is required from the FCT authorities,” Ahmed said.

The TTI also urged the FCDA Mass Housing Department and the Transportation Secretariat to collaborate with the DRTS cooperative.

According to the initiative, such collaboration would help address the housing and transportation challenges confronting members of the cooperative.

The organisation further advised the DRTS leadership to invest more in the cooperative to secure its financial future.

It said investments in viable businesses could generate additional revenue for the cooperative and provide financial support for members in times of need.

“When the DRTS management invests in the cooperative in different business areas, the proceeds could serve as a lender of last resort,” the TTI stated.

The initiative stressed that stronger institutional support, strategic investment and cooperation among members would be critical to building a sustainable DRTS cooperative.