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By Maryam Abubakar Gulma in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Wednesday unveiled specially coded security jackets for okada riders across the state in a strategic move to strengthen security and enhance public trust in commercial motorcycle transportation.
The initiative, launched at the Government House in Lokoja, is designed to ensure easy identification of genuine motorcycle operators while discouraging criminal infiltration within the sector.
Governor Ododo commended okada riders for embracing lawful means of livelihood, noting that their engagement in the transport business contributes significantly to economic development and social stability in the state.
He explained that each jacket is uniquely coded with the details of registered riders, making it easier for passengers and security agencies to identify legitimate operators.
According to him, the measure will not only boost passenger confidence but also serve as a critical tool in combating crime.
“These jackets are not just uniforms; they are security instruments. With proper identification, we can reduce criminal activities and make our communities safer,” the governor said.
Ododo urged the riders to remain vigilant and guard against any attempts to duplicate or misuse the jackets, stressing that collective responsibility is key in tackling insecurity.
He further acknowledged that not everyone can be employed in the formal sector, emphasizing that the okada business provides a vital source of income for many citizens while supporting the state’s economic growth.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging Nigerians to embrace indigenous enterprise, urging them to “produce what they eat and consume what they produce.”
Ododo praised Federal Government’s commitment to reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing the steel project as the cornerstone for Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), the State Chairman, Abdullahi Ovoro Ovurehu, lauded the Ododo administration for its ongoing road infrastructure projects, particularly within township areas, which he said have improved the operations of commercial motorcyclists.
He reiterated the role of okada riders in supporting security efforts across the state and appealed to the governor to address the issue of multiple taxation allegedly imposed by state revenue agencies.
Ovurehu also called for greater political inclusion of okada riders, noting their numerical strength and grassroots influence.
Similarly, the National President of MOUN, Dr. Razaq Olushola Sotayo, represented by the Kwara State Chairman, Abdulaziz, described the okada transport system as the largest informal transport network in the country.
He maintained that riders are largely law-abiding, adding that if properly supported, they can outperform many other sectors of the economy.
The unveiling ceremony marks a significant step in Kogi State’s broader strategy to integrate informal sector players into its security architecture while promoting economic empowerment.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
