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Thepledge Big Story: Are Okada Riders Still Banned In Lagos?

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By Augustine Akhilomen

Since the total ban on Okada riders in some major roads in Lagos on May 18, 2022, by the current administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, it does appear that the enforcement has taken a slow pace as many of the Okada riders are seen plying some of the key areas tagged as no-go-areas.


From Oshodi, Ikeja, Surulere, Mile 2, Mile 12, Apapa, Ojuelegba, Airport road, Berger, Lawanson, Okota, Magodo, Agege and many other areas which the governor has directed the police and special task force to ensure total compliance, but it all seem to have changed, as these commercial riders have become more embolden, creating chaos and insecurity on the roads.

It would be recalled that the ban on okada riders goes back to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who in the year of his exit as governor decided to give Lagosian a parting gift by banning Okada riders in 2007.

Tinubu’s immediate successor, Babatunde Fashola also announced an Okada ban in March 2012. After Fashola, it was the turn of Akinwunmi Ambode’s government to ban Okada riders in 2017.

Even the current ban is Sanwo-Olu’s second attempt in less than four years his administration has spent in an attempt to put a stop to the menace caused by these riders. The incumbent governor announced the first ban in February 2020. Lagosians are now asking, ‘what has changed’? Is there enough ‘will’ to implement this intractable issue, or the government has become helpless in enforcing its own laws?

Besides accidents, fatalities and armed robbery cases, security issues are some the top reasons frequently given by the government for the banning of Okada operations in the state

However, many observers believed that banning okada riders from major roads has been a huge challenge for successive governors in the state because of its popularity and patronage by Lagosians to navigate tight corners.

Again, Okada riders, according to most residents, are so popular with many Lagosians because of the poor road infrastructure and the lack of a multi-modal transport system in the state.

Many roads across the state are in very bad shape and the government’s inability to tackle flooding also means that during the rainy seasons, commercial buses are, in the main, unavailable in most areas, hence, Lagosians have to rely on Okada riders to get to their respective destinations.

Government seriousness and commitment in tackling these issues and enforcing the laws will be a major step toward achieving a long-lasting solution to the Okada riders’ menace.

Early this year, precisely January 2025, the Lagos State Government launched a campaign targeting motorcycles, popularly known as okada, operating on restricted routes within the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated that “the campaign aims to unequivocally halt motorcycle operations in specified restricted zones, ensuring public safety and optimizing the city’s transportation network.”

But then that has not stopped some okada riders from plying some of the restricted routes by the Lagos govt.

They have indeed, become the lord of the roads and oftentimes, pay their way out to avoid any form of arrest or harassment by security operatives.

Reacting to this development, a public affairs commentator, Dr Akinyemi Salami told Thepledge that the ban on okada riders failed due to the government’s inability to maintain total enforcement.

“What do you expect from Okada riders when the government has failed to stand its ground on orders issued to them?

“This is not the first time that such will be occurring in the state because other previous governors have made efforts to ban okada.

“The Lagos state government’s failure to carefully analyze the progress made by the enforcement is one of the reasons why Okada riders will never take them seriously.”

In the same vein, an environmentalist Durotayo Olamide told Thepledge that poor follow-up on the part of the government has paved the way for Okoda riders to sneak their way back in the major roads across the state.

“Although the Lagos State government has done enough to impose a ban on Okada riders, they have not effectively carried out their responsibility.

“The compliance in the last year has been poor and that will be down to those saddled with the responsibility.”

Others are also of the view that the government should employ more hands to make the enforcement more effective. “Lagos is a mega-city, we cannot afford to have a transportation system powered by tricycle and okada riders. That should not be acceptable in this modern time”, says Abdulateef Abiodun, a cab driver.

With just a year and a half left before the completion of Sanwo-olu’s tenure, the question on the lips of many observers is whether there will ever be a total ban that Okada riders will comply with honourably or if the government will have the will and machinery to enforce this ban on okada that has become a stain on the image of the state. Only time will tell!

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Electricity: Peter Obi blasts Tinubu over failed promises

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu over what he described as failed campaign promises, especially on electricity.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi reminded Nigerians of when Tinubu said they should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to provide steady electricity.

Obi said that thirty two months after taking office, instead of living by his powerful words, Tinubu has now abandoned the national grid, which has been performing abysmally under his watch.

According to him, Nigerians do not expect 100 percent fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100 percent effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist.

The former Anambra State governor added that leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles.

The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, further stated that it is gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. He added that one would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately citizens, can benefit.

He lamented that if those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?

“Those were the powerful words then that inspired hope among Nigerians who longed for light in their homes, stability for their businesses, and growth for their nation.

“Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled categorical electoral promise, and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any, we read of a provision in the 2025 budget of about ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in the 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance. Now we are being sarcastically told that the Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.

“Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future.

“However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed. You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” he wrote

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NSF: Abiodun approves over ₦450m cash rewards for Team Ogun medalists, coaches

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The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.

The governor announced the approval on Monday in Abeokuta during a ceremony held in honour of the medalists, noting that the state finished second overall with 239 medals — its best outing in the history of the festival.

In a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.

He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed to athletes and officials had been fully settled.

Abiodun added that “the immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony”

The governor also announced what he described as “a historic reward package for medalists: ₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists, ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists”.

He said additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.

He said, “The gesture is aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across the state to embrace sports as a viable career path.”

Abiodun reportedly further approved “special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply”.

He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.

The governor highlighted what he called the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing the hosting of international competitions, improved infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.

He appreciated sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.

Looking ahead to the next festival in Enugu, Abiodun urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.

He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.

The latest approval comes months after some athletes who represented the state at the festival staged a protest during the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, alleging non-payment of earlier promised rewards.

The athletes, who gathered at the arcade ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said the government had failed to fulfil its pledge eight months after the competition.

One of them, a wrestler, Kehinde Paul, had appealed to the governor to redeem the promise, saying many of the athletes depended on the incentives for their livelihoods.

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Threats won’t stop Nigerians from voting Tinubu out – ADC tells Wike

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of war against anti-Tinubu candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Monday, the party described the comment as irresponsible and dangerous.

According to the statement, it would not stop Nigerians from deciding who to vote.


The ADC said the minister’s remarks were troubling, especially at a time when the country is facing economic hardship, insecurity and political tension.

“We consider the Minister’s declaration of war against so-called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetoric from those entrusted with public office.

“Nigeria must not be turned into a ground for settling political scores; it is a constitutional democracy. Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who wrongly assumes that holding public office means owning the country,” the statement warned.

The party said it was reminding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nyesom Wike and other officials of the administration that Nigerians cannot be bullied or pressured.

It added that any attempt to threaten or force voters into submission only shows fear and exposes what it described as growing anxiety within Wike, Tinubu and the APC over their level of public support, as well as a widening disconnect between the government and many citizens.

“If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.

“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal. We are prepared to mobilize democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defense of the sanctity of the ballot,” the statement added.

“If they are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate,” the ADC said.

The party also vowed to resist any attempt to interfere with the outcome of the election.

“Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal,” the statement read.

The ADC insisted that no declaration of war or political pressure would override the voice of the electorate in the February 21 polls.

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