…Motorcycle, tricycle operators to pay ₦100, ₦200 daily

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

In a bid to curb leakages, extortion and multiple ticketing, the Osun State Government has approved a unified ticketing system for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators across the state.

The move followed a meeting between the state government and the leadership of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders.

The meeting, which was moderated by the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Sesan Oyedele, was held at the State Secretariat.

Hon. Oyedele said the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke would not fold its arms while the people are being extorted by unscrupulous elements.

He explained that while the state government is determined to boost its revenue profile, the Ministry of Transportation, under his watch, will not allow leakages and extortion to thrive.

Oyedele further stated that the Adeleke-led administration will continue to do all within its power to ensure that no commercial operator is short-changed.

While emphasising that the state government will continue to foster unity among transport unions, the commissioner announced that, henceforth, every Okada rider will pay a daily fee of ₦100, while tricycle (Marwa) operators will pay ₦200.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association in Osun State, Comrade Sikiru Ayobami, popularly known as Ado-Ignona, thanked the state government for its timely intervention.

He assured the government that peace and unity would continue to reign within the association.

Ayobami maintained that the leadership of the association would not show favouritism but would be fair to all members.

Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Isiaka Yahaya; the Director of Transport Operations; and Engr. Ayodeji Oyewole, among other directors of the ministry.