Okada Riders Endorse New Healthcare Scheme in Abeokuta, Praise Governor Abiodun

By Adenike Olowe

Motorcycle Transport Unions in Abeokuta metropolis have declared full support for the newly launched Health Insurance Scheme for Okada Riders, an initiative of the Executive Chairmen of Abeokuta South and North Local Governments, Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez (BOA) and Dr. ‘Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo.

The endorsement was made on Tuesday, 30th September, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat, Ake, where leaders of major Associations — the Arewa Okada Riders Association, the Articulate Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation (ROMO), and the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders of Abeokuta (ACCOMORA) — commended the policy, describing it as a groundbreaking welfare package for transport workers.

So far, more than 5,000 commercial motorcyclists have been registered under the Scheme, which provides Primary Healthcare Services, prescription drugs, ambulance services, and both minor and major surgeries.

It also covers medical bills for riders and passengers in case of accidents, while extending healthcare access to riders’ families.

Speaking at the gathering, Abeokuta South LG Chairman, Hon. Balogun Olaniyi Afeez (BOA), emphasized that the initiative is rooted in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Healthcare vision for the State. He applauded the Governor for introducing 24-hour ambulance services across Ogun, which he described as a critical boost to the scheme.

“Ogun State now has 24-hour ambulance services, and that’s a big step forward. We must appreciate the Governor, His Excellency Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun CON, for this,” Balogun said.

In his remarks, Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Hon. ‘Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, represented by the Vice Chairman Hon. Tayelolu Egbeyemi, urged unions, community leaders, and security agencies to sustain their collaboration with Local Governments to ensure the Scheme’s success.

He further appealed to Okada riders to remain law-abiding and united.

The Serki Hausa of Abeokuta, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Hassan, praised the programme, disclosing that about 80 percent of Okada riders in the city are Hausa and have already benefitted.

He described the scheme as a lifeline for his community.

Also present was the Area Commander of Police, ACP Oni Omololu, who represented the Ogun State Commissioner of Police.

While commending the initiative, he cautioned riders not to see the insurance cover as an excuse for reckless riding, stressing the importance of safe driving practices.

Comrade Olamilekan Sonde (Awikonko), State Secretary of ROMO, echoed the Unions’ support, calling the scheme a “pro-people policy.”

“We should not see this initiative as anything bad. It is a good idea, and we must support them to achieve it,” he said.

According to Hon. Mustapha Kodaolu, Secretary of Abeokuta South LG, in his opening remarks, he started that the scheme remains one of the most comprehensive welfare policies for transport workers in Ogun, as it safeguards both riders and their dependents.

The meeting drew the presence of notable figures, including Hon. Chief Mrs. Oluranti Ogunmokun, Vice Chairman of Abeokuta South; Hon. Hadi Sanni, Special Adviser to the Governor on Ethnic Matters; Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, APC Chairman of Abeokuta North; Hon. Henry Fagbenro, APC Chairman of Abeokuta South; Union Executives; Political Appointees; Principal Officers of the two Councils; the DSS; and Divisional Police Officers.

Widely praised as a model for community-based Healthcare in Ogun State, the scheme is expected to expand across the Abeokuta metropolis in the coming months, bringing broader access to affordable healthcare for commercial motorcyclists, Tricycles, Motorists and their families.