In a landmark move to enhance the welfare, safety, and health of transport operators, the Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo led administration has enrolled 3,000 commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada riders into the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme. The enrolment, which forms part of the Safe Road, Safe Passenger, Safe Rider campaign, was officially launched at Oba Odeleye Green Park, Ori-Omi, Sokori, Abeokuta.
The initiative provides one-year comprehensive health insurance coverage—fully paid for by the local government—for both riders and their passengers in the event of road accidents. Beneficiaries will have access to quality healthcare services at accredited hospitals under the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA).
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo described the programme as a proactive measure to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the transport sector. He stressed that the campaign’s ultimate goal is to foster a safer, more secure environment for all road users while promoting a culture of responsible riding.
“Life is precious, and your families are waiting for your safe return,” he told the riders, urging them to ride cautiously, avoid hard drinks, and desist from dangerous competition with other road users.
The Secretary to the Local Government, Engr. Mrs. Mutiat Agbaje, highlighted that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve the health of residents and enhance road safety. She called for collective responsibility and strict adherence to safety measures to help reduce accidents in the communities.
Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Bamidele Hassan commended the LG Chairman for the life-saving gesture. He also informed riders about the availability of electric motorcycles introduced by the State Government that can be purchased at subsidised rates through their union leaders, and urged them to treat passengers with dignity.
Speaking on the insurance scheme, Dr. Dosunmu of OGSHIA explained that after the first year covered by the LG ensuring continued access to quality healthcare.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Prince Hadi Sanni, praised the Chairman’s foresight and assured that the riders would comply with all safety and operational guidelines.
Representatives of major transport unions, including Alhaji Mukaila Oniyide of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycles Organisation (ROMO) and officials of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), were in attendance, alongside other industry stakeholders. Union leaders hailed the policy as a model for other local governments to emulate, while many riders expressed gratitude, noting that it eases their minds and motivates them to operate more responsibly.
The event was attended by the Vice Chairman of Abeokuta North LG, Hon. Taiyelolu Egbeyemi; APC Party Chairman in the Local Government, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, Seriki Hausa Egbaland, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Hassan, Rep.of Omala of lmala, Legislators; Supervisors; Special Advisers; Special Assistants; APC stakeholders, Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Kikelomo Munirat Ajayi; Directors; and Heads of Departments and Units.
With this enrolment, Abeokuta North becomes one of the first local governments in Ogun State to implement such expansive insurance coverage for Okada operators and their passengers, setting a benchmark for road safety and community welfare.
Signed
Oluwakayode Ajibola
Head of Media & Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman.
8/8/2025