The Oyo State Government on Thursday commenced the distribution of 15,000 customised reflective jackets to commercial motorcyclists to aid the state’s security architecture.

The items were handed to some leaders of the commercial motorcycle unions at a ceremony held at the parliament building, state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Musibau Babatunde, said the present administration had prioritised the security of all residents.

According to him, registering and distributing customised reflective jackets to all motorcyclists across the state is part of measures to ensure the safety and security of lives and property.

Mr Makinde explained that the distribution would enable the government to monitor motorcyclists’ activities.

“So, anyone who doesn’t wear the reflective jacket is not a registered member of okada riders and should be challenged while security agencies should take cognisance of that,” he said.

The governor implored commercial motorcycle riders to support the state government’s efforts to check the activities of individuals disguising as Okada riders.

He also admonished the operators to abide by the rules and regulations guiding their operations.

The State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, urged the union leaders and members to support government policies to tackle criminal activities.

He recalled that the state government refused to ban commercial motorcycle operations despite calls from different quarters in 2022 when Lagos and another neighbouring state carried out the ban.

He urged the riders to always obey state laws and regulations to stay safe.

In his goodwill message, the chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Adesagba Adekola, said his agency would ensure full compliance with rules and regulations guiding motorcycle operations in the state.

Mr Adekola urged all okada riders to make sure that they register and use the free customised reflective jackets to fish out criminals among them.

(NAN)