The Kwara State Government on Thursday streamlined commercial motorcycle (okada) operators in the state from 65 to seven to check vices allegedly associated with the business.
State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, while presenting certificates of registration, new constitution and uniforms to the seven officially approved associations and their cordinating body, Kwara State Joint Commercial Motorcycle Association, said the development would make it impossible for unpatriotic people to hide under commercial motorcycle operations to cause problems in the state.
Ahmed was represented on the occasion by the Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dabarako.
He said due to the prevalence of the use of motorcycles for criminal activities, the state government and other stakeholders came up with the new drive to enhance okada operation.
He assured the associations that the government was ready to work with any individual or group with potential of improving the economic and social well-being of the people of the state.
He said it had become an offence for commercial motorcyclists to operate outside the ambit of the rules and regulations guiding their operations.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Mr. Bisi Fakayode, said the restructuring of commercial motorcycle operations in the State would instill discipline in members, ensure control and proper monitoring of their activities and safety and security of passengers.
