Governor Seyi Makinde has presented free reflective jackets to commercial motorcyclists in Ibadan, the state capital, as part of efforts to improve security and safety and reduce crimes associated with the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes in Oyo State.
According to the governor, the decision is a follow-up to an earlier registration of operators in the state, emphasizing that one of the administration’s strategic pillars under Omituntun 2.0 and the Roadmap to Sustainable Development from 2022 to 2027 is security of people and property.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Babatunde Musbaudeen, speaking on behalf of the governor at the symbolic presentation held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, said the government had demonstrated friendliness and empathy towards commercial motorcyclists and called for reciprocation through cooperation and support from operators.
He claimed that the decision would allow the government to adequately monitor the actions of ‘okada’ riders through its agencies, warning that anyone who does not wear the fluorescent jacket is not a registered Okada rider and will be questioned and arrested by security personnel.
The commissioner called on leaders of the ‘Okada’ Riders’ Association in the state to join hands with the government to achieve the intended result in its strides towards safety and security on the road.
He further noted that a security barcode had been embossed on the reflective jackets, making it impossible for anyone to fake it.
He urged commercial motorcyclists to endeavour to comply with the government’s directive to paint their motorcycles in the approved colour for identification and to make it easy to fish out those he described as unscrupulous elements in the society masquerading as ‘Okada’ riders.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, highlighted the magnanimity and friendly disposition of Governor Makinde towards commercial transporters, particularly ‘Okada’ riders.
Oyelade maintained that, while other states, including Lagos, had taken a stricter stance, Governor Makinde, taking into account the source of livelihood of ‘Okada’ riders, household finances of their families, and the socioeconomic impact of commercial motorcyclists on the state’s economy, had been liberal on operators in the state and refrained from taking a similar strict stance.
He urged commercial motorcyclists in the state to repay Makinde’s generosity by adhering to all existing and relevant state regulations that govern their operations, adding that offenders would face the full wrath of the law.
The commissioner stated that Makinde’s magnanimity stemmed from his humble upbringing and reaffirmed that the state government would not accept any act of violence.
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