Oke LEGACY Support Network begins free safety training, fuel support for motorcyclists in Ogbomoso

The Oke LEGACY Support Network has commenced a free training and fuel-support programme for commercial motorcyclists in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, combining livelihood support with road-safety education.

The first phase of the initiative, which commenced today, brought together hundreds of commercial motorcyclists for practical training focused on safer riding, responsible use of motorcycles and compliance with road-traffic procedures. The programme was attended by Hon. John Abisoye Adisa-Oke, Ph.D., APM candidate for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency, alongside other political and community leaders, including Hon. Kabir Ayoade, among others.

Also present at the training were officials of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who engaged the participants on the importance of safety on the roads, responsible riding and the procedures and practices that can help reduce avoidable accidents and protect both riders and other road users.

For many commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, the motorcycle is more than a means of transportation. It is their livelihood — the means through which they provide for their families, pay school fees, meet household needs and keep their daily lives moving. The initiative therefore combines direct livelihood support with education designed to help riders carry out their work more safely and responsibly.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Adisa-Oke said the decision to include safety training was deliberate, noting that supporting people who depend on commercial transportation must also include helping them understand how to protect themselves, their passengers and other road users.

“For many of our motorcyclists, this is their work and their source of livelihood. When we support them, we are supporting families and communities that depend on them. But support must also come with responsibility. We want our riders to understand that their safety, the safety of their passengers and the safety of other road users are equally important.”

He further stressed the importance of riders understanding and following established road-safety procedures, adding that a safer transportation system benefits the entire community.

The training provided an opportunity for the participating motorcyclists to interact directly with road-safety and law-enforcement personnel, ask questions and receive practical guidance on responsible riding and road use.
Beyond the safety component, participants are also receiving fuel support to help reduce some of the immediate operating costs associated with their daily work. The intervention is intended to provide practical assistance to people whose livelihoods depend directly on commercial motorcycle transportation.

The programme is being implemented across the three local government areas of the federal constituency. Following the Ogbomoso North phase on October 1, the team is scheduled to continue in Ogbomoso South on October 2 and Oriire on October 3, extending the training and fuel support to more motorcyclists.

The Oke LEGACY Support Network said the programme reflects its commitment to listening to the everyday realities of people within the community and providing practical interventions that combine livelihood support, capacity building and public safety.