Following the ban placed on Okada riders and tricycle operators in some areas of Lagos State, the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government in Ogun State has said the State would not be a dumping ground for the banned Okadas.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Remmy Hazzan made this known while fielding questions from journalists in Abeokuta, saying government’s major concern was provision of meaningful employment for the citizens and not to encourage people to venture into Okada business.
Hazzan, who highlighted kidnapping, robbery and high level of insecurity as some of the activities associated with the use of motorcycles, added that, ‘’virtually every day, there is always one accident or the other, as a result of their reckless driving; and those banned should not have it in mind that if Lagos is a no go area, then Ogun is’’.
The Special Adviser maintained that security of lives and property was of utmost importance to the present government, saying, Okada, according to the National Transportation Policy, was not a recognised means of transportation in Nigeria.
He noted that the State government recently established the Ministry of Transportation, to come up with policies and put in place proper transportation system, assuring of government’s readiness to give necessary support to those genuinely interested in transport business.
Speaking on Okada riders that wants to sneak into the State, the Special Adviser called on all unions in the transportation sector to report to the appropriate quarters, any strange or unregistered rider, imploring all stakeholders to see themselves as real partners in progress for the development of the State.
