Aregbesola Empowers Okada Riders to the Tune of 57.5million naira
By: Adebayo Rasheed Mabayoje
In another effort towards empowering the people and boosting the Osun economy, governor Rauf Aregbesola today announced the distribution of 500 motorcycles worth 57.5million naira to commercial motorcycle riders in the state.
The development is contrary to allegation from the opposition that Osun government plans to ban motorcycle transportation in the state.
Addressing the mammoth gathering of commercial motorcycle operators and other members of the public at the Nelson Mandela freedom park in Osogbo, Governor Rauf Aregbesola reiterated the commitment of his government towards banishing poverty and unemployment in the state.
He said every action and steps of his administration towards banishing hunger and making life better for the people of the state have been already mapped out before assuming office.
While urging the the different factions of the commercial motorcycle riders to come together and form only a body to be known as “Osun Okada Riders Association” the Governor pointed out that it is the only way by which they can enjoy more benefits from the government.
He then explained that each rider that will be given a motorcycle is expected to make a daily payment of 500 naira to an account at Sterling bank everyday till they complete the amount for each motorcycle without interest, this according to the Governor will enable their association to buy more motorbikes for other members who don’t have.
The Governor used the occasion to announce that the present administration in the state will not relent in its efforts towards making life better and meaningful for the people of the state.
He urged electorates in the state to be law abiding before, during and after the August 9 elections, stressing that they should not feel intimidated by the presence of security Personnel in the state as they have only been deployed to the state to maintain peace during the forthcoming elections.
The state helmsman also charged the people to troop out enmass on election day to perform their civic duties while also calling on them to ensure that they monitor their votes to make it count.
Also speaking, the state Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Gboyega Famoodun stated it is in recognition of the efforts of the commercial motorcycle riders towards economic growth that government decided to embark on the project.
He enjoined them to continue to be law abiding and disciplined while doing their job.
In their separate remarks, the leadership of the various associations under the aegis of “Accomoron, Mutum and Anacowa” led by their various chairmen, Prince Olu Agunsoye, Comrade Gbemiga Ajenifuja and Comrade Jimoh Rasheed respectively all expressed appreciation to the Governor for the gesture which they said will go a long way in alleviating poverty in the state.
The programme was attended by thousands of excited commercial motorcycle riders popularly called “Okada” who thronged the Nelson Mandela freedom park”