In Ogun State, government has introduced new reflective jackets to be worn henceforth by commercial motorcycle riders known as “okada riders” across the State. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Barrister Gbenga Opesanwo who made this known while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta indicated that it is part of the measures put in place by the government to ensure safety of passages and their luggage. Opesanwo said the policy which had been approved by the State Executive Council made it mandatory for all commercial motorcyclists to obtain identification cards, registered reflective jacket which has serial riders permit number conspicuously written on them. According to him, the identification numbers and units of all riders would be computerised, pointing out that if a passenger or security agent reports any of them for committing any crime, the information stored would become handy to track them. “Apparently, there are bad eggs among commercial motorcycle riders who had been involved in crimes like kidnapping, raping, smuggling and other social vices, this new reflective jackets would help put a stop to all these, because even where they succeed to escape, the reflective jackets with all the information registered against their name would make it easier to trace them” said Opesanwo. He added that apart from promoting security and safety of passengers and luggage, the wine colour reflective jacket would also prevent night accidents as well as assist in differentiating between private and commercial motorcyclists. Barrister Opesanwo therefore enjoined members of the public who patronize the motorcyclists to first of all take note of the information written on their uniform so that they could recall such in case of eventualities.
Source: OGSG set to curb commercial cycle-related crimes (http://www.ogunstate.gov.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=659:ogsg-set-to-curb-commercial-cycle-related-crimes&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=67)