By Itoro Ekwere
A cross-section of Ekiti State indigene has come out to decry the use of motorbikes popularly known as OKada without its complementary umbrella to shade commuters from downpour or sunshine.
In a series of interviews conducted commuters expressed their views, stating that the transportation system in Ekiti State needs to be revolutionized to meet what is obtainable in the neighboring states.
Maneuvering the rainy season, according to road users, will be easier, safer, and drier if there are umbrella motorbikes to transport passengers to their destinations with the state’s unpredictable weather patterns.
In an interview with Mrs. Olukayode Silas, a businesswoman who sells Veggies at Ojo aba Market, said that “the raining season is something we cannot change but can be managed . . . sometimes I come late to my business because of the rain and sometimes you don’t see taxis fast but you can see bikes fast. So if motorbikes 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 be very nice.”
In another interview, a Corp member, Johnson Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State, narrated how he nearly missed his Clearance because of rain. He said, “There is a daring need for an umbrella motorbike in this state. When I first arrived here, I didn’t notice the difference between this 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 Pavilion Road. But then, there was no Okada in sight. It was after the rain that I saw one, and I almost missed my clearance.” He added.
Another Corp member, Daniel Osazee from Edo state, said that the idea will make sense, though he has not seen such a thing before. He expressed genuine hope that this innovative idea, if implemented by the Government, would be for the betterment of both the driver and the passenger.
Mr. Samuel Gbenga, an Okada rider in Ado-ekiti, when interviewed, was of the opinion that “umbrella motorbikes will serve the Okada riders better. He said that the innovation has been adopted in other states like Akwa Ibom and infusing it into the system will help Okada riders to provide quality service for their passengers.
However, he mentioned that the umbrella should not be made compulsory for Okada men. He said it should be voluntary and its purchase should not be regulated by anybody or association, as this will curb any monopoly that would arise.
In all the responses gathered, residents of the state thought that an umbrella should be introduced into the transportation system by the State Government as it will not just keep them dry during rainy days but also help them get to their destinations in time.
Speaking with Mr. Kunle Asaolu, the Chairman of Ekiti State Association of Okada Riders, on Tuesday, said that he understands the plight of the people, especially during the wet season, and the umbrella motorbike will bring succour to the residents.
He said, “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 wet seasons like what is happening now, the rain falls directly on both the driver and the passenger, but with the umbrella, the weight of the rainfall will be fair. The idea is a welcome development.” He added.
Mr. Kunle called on the State Government to think in this direction. He stated that this innovation is timely and, if executed, will have a positive impact on both the Government and the Okada riders.
