OKADA Ban has made many people become jobless and hopeless –

The National President of Amalgamated and Commercial Motorcycle Riders, Repairs Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Prince Shamsideen Apelogun has lamented that the ban on Okada operation has made many people become jobless and hopeless. 


Apelogun maintained that the banning of Okada operations will not solve the insecurities problems facing the people of Lagos state.


He said this at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the association in Ogun State. 


He maintained that the policy of the Lagos state government is meant at targeting the less privilege in the society. 


The ACOMORAN president however appealed to the Lagos state governor, His Excellency, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu to reverse the decision to ban Okada operations in some parts of the state.


According to him, the major argument against commercial motorcycle is the issue of accident but from the statistics available to us from the office of the Bureau of Statistics, accidents caused by motorcycle is not on the first three.


He added, “I really do think that banning commercial motorcycle without providing alternative, as was done in Lagos will never be the panacea for the problems facing the Lagos State government and Lagosians in general. 


“That policy is a demonstration of government’s insensitivity to the plight of the people. Many have not only gone back to the labour market, many of the organised firms that invested into our sector has huge debts hanging on their neck now.


“Today, if care is not taken, many of those that has been thrown back into labour market might find solace in crime.”


Meanwhile, Mr. Kayode Showunmi has been elected Chairman, ACOMORAN in Ogun State.


Showunmi emerged unopposed following the decision of his close contestant, Kolawole Ishola to step down from the chairmanship race.


The peaceful election held at the ACOMORAN secretariat in Abeokuta also saw all other 29 executive members emerged through a consensus decision. 


In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Kayode Showunmi urged members of the association to remain formidable, urging them not to allow the emotion of election to divide them as association.


He assured members of his administration’s resolve to ensure overall welfare of members through constant workshop and seminars for members.


Showunmi noted that, the new executive would thrive to accomplish its five cardinal programmes which include; Discipline, Empowerment, Insurance policy, security of members and welfare.


He commended other contestants for the show of sportsmanship before, during and after the election, urging all aggrieved members to join hands with the executive in the best interest of the association.


Other elected members are; Aare Fatai Temidayo, as Secretary, Alowolodu Adeleke Alao as Treasurer, Moshood Akanni Suliman as Deputy Chairman 1, Yusuf Murtala Okubisi as Deputy chairman 2.


Others include; Lawal Olusegun Samson as Assistant Secretary, Obafemi Daud Akanbi as Financial Secretary, Akinlola Awosanya as PRO, Agboola Oladipupo as Welfare officer 2 and Adewale Odunlami as Organizing Secretary.
TMnews