Kwara State Government has announced its continues data capture and issuing of identity uniforms with security features to commercial Okada riders in the state.
The State Transport Sanitisation Committee noted that riders without security-enabled identity uniforms will not be allowed in the state and also warns that it can recognizes the six-digit number written on the new uniform jackets.
In a statement issued by Temi Kolawole, Secretary, Kwara State Transport Sanitization Committee said, it doesn’t recognize any other numbering or naming done by the associations.
“This six-digit code will be tied to the transport operator identity cards and a publicly-searchable database to display the photo and details of all riders in the state. This will also promote accountability and responsibility among transport operators in the State.
The Committee, which was setup in June 2021, has been working on data capture and issuance of riders’ jackets (uniforms) to properly identify all operators within the transport sector and ensure that all operators are fully enumerated to enable the State have an overview of the best way to make the sector important.
“Members of the public within the transport sector who wish to carry out their legitimate activities are advised to present themselves for biometrics and collection of uniforms and which will lead to the issuance of identity cards that assign unique identity to each rider. “Government strongly believes that security of lives and security is its number one priority; therefore, its relationship with all persons and entities in the State shall be so guided.
To that extent, the government has resolved to bring all categories of riders in the State under one recognized Union of Okada Riders Association of Nigeria (ORAN) to allow for proper management, monitoring, and public safety.
“We similarly frown at the falsehood that the state government mandated the purchase and use of Face Caps on Okada and Keke Napep riders in the State. This is not true and should be discountenanced”.
Kolawole tasked all Members of the public to be wary of swindlers and enemies of peace who may parade themselves as either government agents or spokespersons.
