Metro
As Okada, Keke Marwa Go Off Lagos Roads Today: Time to Think Again
By Eric Elezuo
With the kind of crowd of protesters witnessed at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa on Friday, it is obvious that the ban on commercial motor cyclists otherwise known as okada, and tricyclists, better known as keke marwa on designated routes in the state, is an accident waiting to happen, or rather a time bomb waiting to explode.
The state government on January 28 announced its decision to phase out the activities of the operators on major residential and business hubs, including Ikeja, the state capital and the islands, which served as the major residential quarters of the rich.
What is more baffling is the fact that the government added the more organised and digitalised motorcycle hailing start-ups in its blanket ban. Yes, everyone understands how menacing the regular okada operators can be on the roads, but what may have prompted the government to include the startups which include but not limited to Max.ng, Gokada and ORide.
In the few months they have existed in the city that has concentrated on its mega status, the bike-hailing outfits have proved to be a relief to Lagos commuters as they navigate their way in the chaotic Lagos traffic. They have, to a great level maintained decency and stayed on the lane of regulation. But on February 1 (today), there activities on the roads will be cut short, means of income abrogated and millions once more thrown into the labour market. Of course, there are no jobs anywhere, which in the first instance was the reason for over 90 per cent of the operators (most of whom are graduates) to engage in the profession.
Reports also said the bike-hailing outfit have also proven attractive to investors raising million of dollars in funding.
We understand that the major reason for the ban may not be far from the need to ensure adequate and necessary security and safety especially as motorcycles and tricycles are known for a tendency to disregard traffic laws, involvement in accidents and oftentimes used as the means of transport for armed robbery attacks and operations. But what will the multitude of about-to-be-denied means of livelihood resort to if not…your guess is as good as mine.
A few weeks ago, a graduate, who has a well paying job in a financial organisation, was said to have organised a robbery operation against his own organisation. Note that this guy had a job, and by all intent and purpose, is well paid. Now, how would the thought process of a jobless man flow. Especially, when he realises that it is the same state that should take care of him is responsible for his misfortune.
The Lagos State government must as a matter of urgency review its decision, and revert. A more thorough regulatory approach will be a step in the right direction. It must also consider that bikers whether the organised or otherwise are great source of revenue to the state. It is on record that the startups are made to cough out N500 everyday as levies to transport unions. Whichever way we look at it, a lot more people other than the okada riders, will feel the brunt of this ban, as well thought out as it may be.
Again, this, coming just few days after the Nigeria Navy evacuated to nowhere residents of Tarkwa Bay in the Apapa area, will create a mindset in the people of the insensitivity of the government towards their wellbeing. Or maybe the master plan of the state does not include okada.
The Minister of Defence Minister, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa, (rtd), has warned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other persons in the country against including bandits in northern brotherhood.
General Musa, via a statement on Wednesday in Maiduguri, declared: “A friend of a thief is a thief,” warning Nigerians against supporting terrorists and bandits in any form.
He said that the warning statement is neither accidental nor symbolic; explaining that it is a clear response to narratives previously promoted by Sheikh Gumi, who described bandits’ hiding in the bush as “our brothers” and argued that society cannot do without them.
General Musa’s message draws a firm line between compassion and complicity. While empathy has its place, justifying or normalising terrorism only strengthens criminal networks that have devastated communities, displaced families, and claimed innocent lives.
Labeling bandit as “brothers” does not reduce violence it legitimizes and undermines national security efforts.
The Defence minister’s warning serves as a reminder that terrorism thrives not only on weapons but also on moral cover. Anyone who excuses, defends, or shields criminals through words, influence, or silence shares responsibility for the consequences. In matters of national security, neutrality is not an option.
Nigeria cannot defeat banditry and terrorism while dangerous rhetoric blurs the line between victims and perpetrators. The choice is clear: stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling crime.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated an operational vehicle to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 2 Police Command (comprising Lagos and Ogun States), National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
This is in furtherance of efforts to strengthen inter-state policing, intelligence coordination, and rapid response operations across Lagos and Ogun States.
The vehicle presented by the Director of Administration, LSSTF, Mr. Degbola Lewis, representing the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan was received by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, AC Operations, Zone 2, ACP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi, on behalf of the AIG, Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade.
The donation reinforces LSSTF’s commitment to enhancing operational mobility, patrol efficiency, and strategic command oversight. These are critical to crime prevention, enforcement, and the maintenance of public order within the Zone 2 policing jurisdiction.
Metro
Aare Emmanuelking Visits Alaafin of Oyo, Reiterates Adron Homes’ Support for Traditional Institutions
The Chairman, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s cultural diversity and traditional institutions during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.
According to the Adron CEO, the visit reflects the company’s belief that national development must be anchored on respect for heritage, culture, and indigenous authority across all ethnic nationalities.
“Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. At Adron Homes, we recognise that culture and tradition are not obstacles to development, but the very foundation upon which sustainable progress must be built,” Emmanuel-King stated.
He emphasised that Adron Homes’ engagement with traditional institutions is inclusive and nationwide, cutting across regions and ethnic lines as part of its broader vision for unity and shared prosperity.
“Our respect for traditional institutions is not limited to any one region. We honour royal fathers across Nigeria because they are custodians of our identity, values, and social stability,” he added.
The Adron Chairman noted that the company’s expanding footprint across several states continues to contribute to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment, while aligning modern real estate development with indigenous values.
“We remain committed to building communities that serve present needs without eroding the cultural heritage that future generations must inherit,” Emmanuel-King said.
He further reaffirmed Adron Homes’ readiness to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation, tourism, and community development, stressing that collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions is vital for inclusive national growth.
In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, commended Adron Homes for recognizing culture and tradition as pillars of development, offering royal prayers for the company’s leadership, continued success, and the peace and unity of Nigeria.
The visit concluded with royal blessings and goodwill, reinforcing Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural solidarity, inclusivity, and a diverse future for Nigeria.
