As the rainy season intensifies across the country, residents of Ekiti State have sought alternative ways to shield commuters of motorcycles popularly known as okada from heavy downpours.
In this report, our correspondents gathered from a cross-section of Ekiti residents, who called for the revolution of the state’s transportation system through the introduction of umbrellas in line with what is obtainable in other states.
A businesswoman, Mrs Olukayode Silas decried that the inability for okada riders to provide shield to commuters have hampered her business whenever there is a heavy downpour.
According to her, “the rainy season is something we cannot change but can be managed. Sometimes, I arrive late to my business because of the rain and sometimes you don’t see taxi’s but you can see okada’s very fast.
“So, if the okada riders can have something that can protect their passengers from the rain, it will be nice. I can come to my business on time and also close on time, whether it rains or not. If the Government can come to our aid in this direction, it will very nice.”
A respondent and serving corps member, Johnson Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State, narrated how he nearly missed his monthly biometrics clearance.
He said: “There is a dire need for an umbrella motorcycle in this state. When I first arrived here, I didn’t notice the difference between Ekiti state and mine until the day I wanted to go for clearance and it was raining seriously.
“I stepped out with the mindset of using an okada since a taxi doesn’t ply the Bank Road. But then, there was no okada in sight. It was after the rain that I saw one, and I almost missed my clearance.”
Another corps member, Daniel Osazee from Edo state expressed genuine hope that this innovative idea, if implemented by the government would be for the betterment of both the motorcyclist and the passenger.
An okada rider, Mr. Samuel Gbenga, emphasized that the introduction of umbrella motorcycles will serve the okada riders better noting that the innovation has been adopted in other states like Akwa Ibom and will help them to provide quality service for their passengers.
However, he mentioned that the umbrella should not be made compulsory for Okada men stating that it should be voluntary and its purchase should not be regulated by anybody or association, as this will curb any monopoly that may arise.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Ekiti State Association of Okada Riders, Kunle Asaolu expressed optimism that the initiative would bring succour to the residents.
According to him, “The idea will be a viable solution because during rainy days, Okada men wouldn’t need to pause and wait for the rain to stop. This also has great economic benefits, in that they will go out for their business in both weather without any disruption.
“Normally, during rainy seasons like what is happening now, the rain falls directly on both the rider and the passenger, but with the umbrella, the weight of the rainfall will be fair.
The idea is a welcome development.” He added.
He called on the state government to think towards this direction adding that the innovation is timely and if executed will have positive impact on both the government and the okada riders.
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