Oyo State Government on Thursday commenced the distribution of 15,000 customised reflective jackets to commercial motorcyclists to aid the state security architecture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were handed to some leaders of the commercial motorcycle unions at a ceremony held at the Parliament building, state secretariat Agodi, Ibadan.
Gov. Seyi Makinde, represented by the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, in his remarks at the event, said the present administration had prioritised security of all residents in the state.
According to him, the initiative to register and distribute customized reflective jackets freely to all motorcycle riders across the state is part of measures to ensure safety and security of lives and property.
He explained that the distribution would enable the government to actually monitor activities of the motorcyclists.
“So anyone who doesn’t wear the reflective jacket is not a registered member of okada riders and should be challenged while security agencies should take cognisance of that,” he said.
The governor implored commercial motorcycle riders to support the state government’s efforts to check the nefarious activities of some individuals disguising as Okada riders.
He also admonished the operators to abide by the rules and regulations guiding their operations.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged the union leaders and members to support government policies aimed at tackling criminal activities across the state.
According to him, commercial motorcycle operation is very significant among the transport sector, as such the state government recognises its importance.
He recalled that the state government refused to ban commercial motorcycle operation in spite of calls from different quarters in 2022 when Lagos and one other neighbouring state carried out the ban.
He urged the riders to always obey state law and regulations to stay safe.
The commissioner disclosed that the government had established an agency known as Law Enforcement Agency that would ensure full compliance with laws in the state.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr Adesagba Adekola, said his agency would ensure full compliance with rules and regulations guiding motorcycle operations in the state.
Adekola urged all okada riders to make sure that they register and use the free customised reflective jackets so as to fish out criminals among them.
The State Chairman, Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Mr Solomon Olugbode, expressed the readiness of the members to adhere strictly to government directive.
Olugbode appreciated the present administration for its love and concern toward the welfare and well-being of members of the association in the state, (NAN). READ ALSO:
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