Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, flagged off the distribution of 15,000 free reflective jackets to commercial motorcycle riders in the state.

The governor stated that the exercise aims to ensure the safety and adequate security of all citizens in the state, emphasizing that the security of lives and properties is a key component of the strategic pillars in the roadmap for sustainable development for the years 2023-2027.

The governor’s message was conveyed through the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, during the flag-off ceremony organized by the Management Information Centre, Office of the Governor, held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.

He further explained that the initiative is designed to curb miscreants and other forms of criminality in the state, particularly those posing as motorcycle riders engaged in nefarious activities.

The reflective jackets distributed have a unique identifier and a barcode, with each commercial motorcycle rider registered with the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, according to the governor.

Emphasizing that the initial phase of distribution will be closely monitored and evaluated to assess compliance, he stressed that failure to comply with wearing the reflective jackets would be punishable.

The governor highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, aligning it with the administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property. He drew attention to a previous residents’ registration exercise and explained that the current initiative involves distributing reflective jackets to all commercial motorcycle riders in Oyo State.

The governor distributed 15,000 jackets free of charge to monitor the activities of commercial motorcyclists. Those without the jacket will be identified as unregistered riders and should be challenged, with security agencies taking note of this.

The unique identifier and barcode on the jackets, coupled with health insurance information, provide a means to verify the identity of each rider, enhancing the enforcement of laws and regulations.

Governor Makinde urged cooperation between commercial motorcycle riders and the state government to enhance the security and economy of the state. He also mentioned collaboration with stakeholders and the ultimatum given to encourage compliance.

Regarding the evaluation after distributing the initial 15,000 jackets, the governor stated that decisions on the need for more jackets or potential monetary charges would be made based on the effectiveness of the initiative and the level of compliance observed.

In conclusion, Governor Makinde called for sustained cooperation between commercial motorcycle riders and the state government to improve the security and economic well-being of the state.

Earlier in their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the Chairman of Oyo State Traffic Management Agency, Major Adesagba Adekola (rtd), emphasized the impact of motorcycle riders on the state’s economy and urged caution to ensure the safety of lives. They encouraged riders to be law-abiding citizens and adhere to traffic rules, with the government ready to enforce the rule of law on defaulters.

Representatives of relevant stakeholders in the transportation sector also urged the state government to maintain a friendly environment for their businesses to thrive. The meeting included leaders of motorcycle riders from various zones of the state, such as the Park Management System, Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN), and Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs, and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN).