The Kwara State Commissioner Works Engr. Suleiman Rotimi has called the joint Okada Riders Union on the need to beef up security amongst their members as Government has observed the influx of Illegal riders into the state capital.
THE Commissioner disclosed this during a strategic meeting with members of the joint Okada riders in the State, which was held at the conference hall of the ministry on Thursday.
Engr. Rotimi emphasized that the umbrella of Okada Riders in the State include NATIONAL, ROAD, HERITAGE, CHAMPION, AWARENESS, HAPPINESS and COMMERCIAL, which are registered and recognized by the State Government as joint Okada Riders Union would be issued identification cards with barcode and new single uniforms as well as stickers to enhance easy identification and planning.
Engr Rotimi mentioned that as part of strategy to improve security, censor of all joint Okada Riders would be conducted and population of registered Okada Riders would be ascertained.
Equally, the Commissioner stresses the need for road tax payment and urged the riders to fashion out a realistic amount and mode of collection.
Engr Ritimi assured them of Government readiness to collaborate with financial institutions to facilitate social investment scheme in form of loan that will further boost the transport business in the State.
Responding, the President of joint Okada Union, J.P Ajewole Gabriel thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception and listening ear accorded them and express the union’s readiness to abide by the single uniform, road tax payment being proposed for the Okada riders in the State.
J.P Ajewole Gabriel urged the Ministry to check the influx of Illegal Okada operators in Tanke Oke-Odo and other areas to forestall security bridges in the State.
In his own contribution the Permanent Secretary Dr Yusuf Garba Manjo appreciated the joint Okada union for accepting the proposal on single uniform, stickers, identification cards/barcodes.
Dr Manjo assured the union that necessary machineries would be set in motion to make the proposal a reality within the shortest possible time
Dr Manjo also urged them to embrace the proposed raod tax payment as highlighted by the Commissioner, which he regarded as a statutory payment meant to be collected from the riders by the State Government.
In attendance were the Director of the Ministry of Works, CEO KWARTMA and the executives of the seven unions recognized as the joint Okada rider union.
