Okada riders in Imo get safety, security kits worth N5m

About 110 commercial motorcyclists, a.k.a. okada riders, in Imo State have received helmets, reflective jackets, and other safety and security kits worth N5 million courtesy of the Nigerian sports betting company Bet9ja.

The gesture was in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Imo State Sector Command, during a safety programme with the theme ‘Promoting Safe Transportation for Motorcycle Operations in Imo State’.

The Guardian learnt that the programme would be carried out across the 27 local councils of the state.

The beneficiaries were drawn from registered motorcycle associations operating within and around Nekede, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and the Ihiagwa axis of Owerri West Local Council, irrespective of their states of origin.

Grand Master of Bet9ja, Dr George-Smart Obinna Unegbu, who presented the items on behalf of the company, said the initiative was aimed at promoting road safety and checking insecurity in the area.

Earlier, the State Corp Commandant of FRSC, Evaristus Ebeniro, emphasised the need for the riders to be security conscious, embrace provided means of identification, and be their brothers’ keepers to help smoke out criminal elements disguised as motorcyclists.

The State FRSC Coordinator, Dr Happiness Ikechukwu, said the donation was timely. She urged the motorcyclists to use the equipment and show appreciation for the donor’s concern for their safety and welfare.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Sunday Ukeh, expressed joy for the kind gesture and prayed to God to bless the donor.