By Chibuzo Obidike
Anambra State Government has commenced the rebranding of commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada raiders in the state.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike stated this during the flag off of the enrollment of the motorcyclists in the state into the data base of the state ministry of Transport.
The flag-off held in Nanka, Orumba North Council Area.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Igwebuike said that meeting is important as a way to sensitize and educate motorcyclists on government policies and programmes and to make it known that the ongoing enrollment is free of charge, which after registration, each rider is entitled to identification number and vest.
According to Commissioner Igwebuike, motorcyclists should endeavor to pay the weekly state government levies to avoid penalties and explained that any registered commercial motorcyclist who pays his due as at when due will be enrolled into Anambra Health Insurance Scheme.
The Transport commissioner commended the convener of the event, Mr. Emeka Uganeme for the procurement of helmets for motorcyclists in the area and challenged other well-meaning individuals to emulate such deeds.
The Chairman of the event, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene urged commercial transporters to always ensure they take care of their health needs before plying the roads as their health and attitude will determine their use of the road.
The convener of the event, Architect Uganeme said that he intends to contribute to his community especially because of loss of lives by motorists and residents of the town, and advised the people to always use helmet when boarding a bike as life has no duplicate.
He assured the state government that the community through the various pits of motorcyclists will ensure compliance and key into the state government activities.
Lectures on safety on roads by men of Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC, formed the highpoints of the event.
ABS News