No fewer than three persons, including a commercial motorcyclist, died yesterday as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus crushed them in Lagos. Although the identities of the deceased could not be ascertained because of the attendant pandemonium, it was learnt that the three victims were young men. The victims, according to sources said, died as the motorcyclist was trying to evade arrest by a police patrol van enforce the Lagos Traffic Law on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. According to an eyewitness, Matty Odoh, the incident, which occurred at Awoyaya Bus Stop, while the patrol team was chasing the motorcyclist, infuriated onlookers who razed the van. It took the intervention of the Nigeria Army’s Quick Response Group (QRG) to restore normalcy, he said. Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide could not be reached for comments as phone calls to her number were unanswered. The army’s 81 Division spokesman, Colonel Omale Ochagwuba, said he was not aware of the incident.
Tag: motorcyclists
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FRSC centralised registration of commercial motorcyclists
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Anambra, Mr Hyginus Omeje, has suggested centralised registration for commercial motorcyclists in the country.
Omeje told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka over the weekend that such centralised registration makes it possible for the motorcyclists to get security codes.
He said that such registration should be handled by one agency to ensure uniformity, adding that the codes would identify each motorcyclist with his area of operation.
The commander said the codified helmets and vests would address the twin risks associated with motorcycle riding which included safety and security issues.
Omeje also said the sector was working hard to enforce compliance with the ban on motorcyclist from the federal highways in the state.
He insisted that the motorcyclists did not have any business on the highways, and that the personnel would continue to impound motorcycles that flouted the rule.
Omeje maintained that the command did not have problems with motorcyclists but insisted that their activities must be regulated.
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Ekiti distributes safety kits to motorcyclists
The Ekiti State government yesterday distributed 2,000 helmets and 5,000 reflective jackets to commercial motorcyclists.
It said commercial motorcyclists were crucial to transportation and security.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Sola Adebayo, lamented the increasing cases of bag snatching, kidnapping and robbery by commercial motorcyclists and warned them against abetting or committing crime.
Adebayo said considering their important role in the society, the government decided to give them helmets to protect them and their passengers and reflective jackets for easy identification.
He said: “Now that the government is playing its part by providing good governance through the provision of good roads, I admonish you not to misuse the reflective jackets for criminal activities. Leaders of your association should have proper a record of members and organise seminars to improve your relationship with other road users.”
Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Tayo Ekundayo explained that commercial motorcyclists were a product of the difficult economic downturn, but continued to play a crucial role in the transportation sector.
Ekundayo said: “The distribution of jackets and helmets will put to rest rumours that the government is planning to ban commercial motorcyclists.”
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation Femi Adeleye said: “Just yesterday, the governor gave car loans to teachers. Today, he has given you jackets and helmets. The jackets have numbers, so do not lend anyone your jacket. You will be arrested, if your jacket is used to commit crime.”
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Two motorcyclists remanded over firearms possession
An Ikeja High Court yesterday remanded two commercial motorcyclists, Augustine Jude and Innocent Agho, in kirikiri Medium Prison for alleged illegal possession of a pistol.
Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya gave the order following their arraignment by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Jude (28) live at 12, Ashore Street, Isashi, Lagos; Agho (27) has no fixed address.
The defendents are facing a one-count charge of illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecutor, Mr Adebayo Aroun, said they committed the offence on December 1, 2011, about 11am, at 10, Anibaba Road in Sabo, Lagos.
Aroun told the court that the defendents had in their possession, a pistol, with intent to commit an offence.
According to him, the offence contravened Section 296 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The illegal possession of firearms attracts between 14 and 20 years imprisonment.
The defendents pleaded not guilty to the charge, but have not filed their bail applications.
Justice Ogunsanya adjourned the case to January 30, next year.
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Why motorcyclists shunned Ikpoba-Okha taxis
The inauguration of 100 new Suzuki cars bought for ex-bike riders in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government was done with funfare. During the inauguration, supposed beneficiaries dressed in uniforms of the Road Transport Employers Association stood by each of the taxi parked at the Ikpoba-Okha secretariat where the event took place.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole who performed the inauguration was full of praises for the council boss, Itohan Osahon-Ogbeide for taking a step ahead to provide palliatives for the former commercial motor-cycle operators in the state.
The Governor banned the use of commercial motor-cycle in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor and some parts of Uhunmwode and Ovia North Local Government Areas in May this year.
Oshiomhole at the inauguration said: “The value of these vehicles shows how a local government can complement the efforts of the state government. It was my lot to try to take into account the overall interest of our state, I found myself having to reverse myself when I announced the banning of Okada. It was not the best mode of transportation and for many of us who have travelled to other parts realised that it remains a shame.
“But I had offered to support them because they were my allies during the struggle to reclaim my mandate. When the interest of the overall security of the state compelled me to reverse myself and to invest my political capital in order to enhance the security of the state, I had to take the painful but inevitable decision to ban the use of motorbike for commercial purposes in the three core local government that constitute the heart of Benin City.
“I did promise that we would try to provide palliative jobs for okada riders as well as take long term decision to increase the fleet of the Comrade bus and provide cars for the original okada riders. We are still working on that; so, for me it was a brilliant surprise when the Chairman of the local government invited me to come and commission these taxis. I am not ashamed to say that you have worked faster than me”.
Hon Osahon-Ogbeide had said the taxis were bought as part of her empowerment programme for former bike riders and that the venture was a Private-Partnership-Programme (PPP) inclusive of insurance cover cost, which places each vehicle at N1.9 million each and the beneficiaries are to pay in installments for a three-year duration.
She explained that the choice of Suzuki motor cabs was due to its cost effectiveness, ruggedness and the assurance of three years warranty of the product.
Checks showed that supposed beneficiaries are to bring a guarantor who should be a civil servant from level 13 and above and are expected to pay N2100 daily for three years before the taxi could become theirs or the guarantor forfeit his pension.
One month after, the taxis are yet to be seen in the streets of Ikpoba-Okha. Sources at the council told the Nation that persons who stood as beneficiaries during the inauguration were paid to perform the act.
The taxis are currently parked at a residence at Osadebey Avenue in the Government Reservation Area waiting for interested persons to apply. Commercial bike-riders whom the cars were bought for appeared not to be interested.
Some who spoke to the Nation said the palliatives measure came late after many of them have readjusted and bought old cars through hire purchase at cheap and affordable prices.
Henry who uses an Audi 80 for cab said the N1.9m for the Suzuki cars was too expensive for him.
“I prefer to use this and not have any problem. How will I work N1.9m in three years? Where will I get a guarantor? They should have placed the price at N1.2m or N1.5m.”
Others said roads in Ikpoba-Okha are not motorable for the use of the new cars.
Philip, a former bike rider who now work as a bus conductor said the council boss should have fixed the roads before buying the taxis.
State President of RTEAN, Osakpanmwan Eriyo, who is in charge of giving out the vehicles could not be reached for comments on why the cars were parked at the GRA residence.
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‘Don’t ban us in Ogun’, motorcyclists beg Amosun
Commercial motorcyclists yesterday urged Ogun State Governor Ibikuinle Amosun not to ban them from operating in the state.
The motorcyclists, under the aegis of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders’ Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), converged in Abeokuta, the state capial, at a seminar organised for them, tagged: ‘Ride to live’ .
They said a ban on their operation would create more security challenges, increase unemployment and affect many homes.
The association’s Chairman, Chief Samsudeen Apelogun, said commercial motorcycling has created jobs for many people and is contributing to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) .
Adebayo said: “Banning commercial motorcycles is not the solution to the problems associated with commercial motorcycling. At a point in this country, we had serious problems with fake drugs. The pharmaceutical companies were not shut. The war against fake drugs was initiated and fought seriously.
“The banning of commercial motorcycles by some state governments would do us more harm than good. It is obvious that the level of unemployment has increased and many more youths rendered jobless. If care is not taken, more youths will take to crime.
“Do not forget that financial insecurity is very fundamental and if we are truly serious about making our country a secure place for all, we must give the necessary attention to the financial independence of our people.”
House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi and the National President of the association, Sheu Maihula Babangida, were at the event.
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Hidden truths about commercial motorcyclists
The ban on commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) in some parts of Lagos, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Plateau states have elicited some reactions from members of the public, accusing the government as wicked and irresponsible.
Many are of the opinion that commercial operation of motorcycles is a fall-out from the government’s failure to create jobs for the teaming unemployed youths.
My research, however, reveals that it is not all okada riders that go into the job because of the rate of unemployment. Some of them are plumbers, motor mechanics, farmers, welders, and fashion designers among others.
There is an unfortunate trend in this generation of youths in Nigeria. They want to run before crawling. Wise men built up wealth overtime but they want to acquire wealth overnight. A 20–year old boy is already eyeing a Murano car.
I know of one okada rider who was working in a business centre earning N20,000 per month. When I requested to know why, he told me that as an okada rider, he earns N20,000 within one week as against his former N20,000 monthly salary. This urge for quick income is the hidden truth about the rush into okada riding, though some people are into it because of other reasons.
This singular reason of moving on the fast lane by the youths of today is responsible for drug abuse and the recklessness of most of these okada riders (the rush for trips).
Bricklayers, carpenters, fashion designers and several other professionals are complaining of not having enough apprentices because they have rushed into okada riding.
There are some small scale business owners that are in need of staff that can be earning N10,000 to N20,000 per month as the starting point but most of the youths of today don’t want to start small and grow. They want to use blackberry within one month of employment.
Okada riders should be law-abiding for the safety of lives.
How many okada have or use side mirrors?
How many okada riders have reflective jackets?
How many okada riders have good crash helmets for self and passengers?
How many okada riders had thorough training on how to ride, hazard perception and defensive riding?
Their association should commit more energy to capacity building programmes for their members (the okada riders).
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Lagos to prosecute motorcyclists for vandalising public properties
The Lagos State Government said it will prosecute all persons who were allegedly involved in the vandalism of some of its properties during the October 24 protest by commercial motorcycle operators.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye made this known on Wednesday in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Ipaye said some BRT buses and other government assets were vandalised by some of the commercial motorcycle operators, who were protesting their being restricted from plying 475 roads in the state.
“I cannot tell you the number, I was just getting the reports that arrests were made, some have already been taken to court.
“But I can assure you that we are determined to ensure that those people face proper legal procedure that should follow such a very, very criminal vandalism of public assets,” he told NAN.
He said it was wrong for the protesters to take the law into their hands to express their grievances against a government policy.
The attorney general debunked the allegations that the police and other law enforcement agencies were arbitrarily arresting commercial motorcyclists who were plying side streets.
Ipaye said a list of the prohibited areas was compiled by the government before the law came into effect, stressing that the agencies were working with that directive.
“The issue whether you are where you should be or not, must be determined by reference to the list.
“And when you are in doubt, you should consult that list. It has been variously publicised, printed by the ministry of information.
“When you are in doubt and you are an operator, in fact, I expect all the unions in that industry to have that list and to circulate it among their members,” the attorney general said.
Ipaye also faulted those criticising the policy on the basis that the government had failed to provide an alternative means of livelihood for the commercial motorcycle operators before implementing the restriction.
He said their operations were only being restricted on 475 roads out of over 9,000 roads, adding also that there were other available employment opportunities in Lagos State.
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Commercial motorcyclists, outdoor workers risk eye problem
Commercial motorcycle riders and roadside traders risk having an eye problem called Pterygium, a three-month data obtained by a Lagos Eye Hospital, Pietros, has said.
The hospital has been conducting free eye screening for those interested since May and the data collected after three months, showed that cases of Pterygium, mostly found in Okada riders and roadside traders, formed one-third of diagnosed cases.“When we first started, average of 100 people came in for the free screening. Now, we do have about 40 people and cases of Pterygium have been quite common, about one in every three people,” said Shola Oyelakin, the hospital’s General Manager.
Those diagnosed with the eye defect, he said were found to be Okada riders, food sellers, and roadside traders, who are exposed all day to the cause of the defect, which are dust, smoke, wind, and sunlight.
Pterygium, he said, is a patch of tissue that obstructs vision by developing sideways from the lens, and ends up obstructing vision. Once it develops, surgery is the only solution. There is probability of relapse after surgery if exposure to the causal agents continues.
“The best is prevention and that is through limiting exposure by using sunshades,” he said.
The data also shows that more people below 50 are developing cataract, which Oyelakin attributed to drug abuse and trauma, high blood pressure and diabetes.Oyelakin said: “Cataract is usually the most common eye problem, but it is age related. However, we have seen that people below 50 years are increasingly having cataract,” advising people to stop self-medication.
He added: “You may have similar symptoms, but the causes may be different. However, because an eye drop bought over the counter works for an eye problem, people will use it for any eye problem with similar symptoms, not knowing some eye drops should not be used for more than certain days.”
year because eye problems are better prevented. What we have seen is that people do not take eye problems serious until they have started affecting vision,” he said, disclosing that half of the number visiting daily for screening, at least have one eye defect.
“It shows we have poor attitude to eye health,” he said. He advised government to ensure that primary healthcare centres conduct eye check-up, especially to prevent retinal problems and glaucoma.
“Only one eye hospital does retinal surgery in Nigeria and the surgery is not only expensive, it is 50-50. Glaucoma is common in Africa and it has no known surgical cure. It is better prevented because it does not even give any symptom until about 50 percent of the eye is damaged,” he said.