Hotel, FRSC Donates Helmets to Okada Riders in Kwara, Promotes Safety

Beloved Hotel and Suites, Ayedun,  Kwara, in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Thursday donated 100 helmets to commercial motorcyclists in Ayedun community, Oke-Ero Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted commercial motorcyclists from various communities, including Ayedun, Ekan, Kajola, Imoji, Ilale, Erinmope, and Omu-Aran among others.

Commander Muftau Irekeola, FRSC, Kwara Command, at the empowerment in the hotel premises, reminded the riders of the legitimacy of their operations, as guided and permitted under the Nigerian constitution.

Irekeola also tasked them with the need to always safeguard their lives, hence, the use of safety helmets while riding.

“Your operation as a commercial motorcyclist is genuine and duly recognized under the law.

“You are not different from other operators in the nation’s transport sector, hence, you need to be safety conscious at all times.

“Many of you have become better persons, built houses, and achieved other things through this okada business, and whatever brings out legitimate money must be taken seriously.

“I want you to take advantage of this laudable gesture by always wearing your safety helmets for your protection and that of your passengers.

“Wearing safety helmets remains the most effective way of reducing head injuries and fatalities from motorcycle crashes.

“Motorcycles expose the riders crashes because it has no windshield, doors, windows or a seat belt to secure and protect the riders, hence the use of helmets for the safety of the riders,” he said.

The FRSC boss commended the donor, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Beloved Hotel and Suites, Elder Jimoh Olalekan, for their concern for the wellbeing and safety of the operators through the donation of the safety helmets.

The Obajisun of Ayedun, Oba Olusegun Rotimi, praised Olalekan for being a good ambassador of the community at all times.

Rotimi, who described the donation of the crash helmets as very timely and highly impactful, urged the beneficiaries to make optimum use of the items to ensure their safety during their operations.

In his remarks, Mr Jimoh Olalekan, CEO, of Beloved Hotel and Suites, said the empowerment was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the hotel.

According to him, commercial motorcyclists’ operation plays crucial roles in the daily transportation needs of the people.

“They bridge the gap between distant locations, facilitate trade, and ensure countless families have access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

“However, these benefits often come at a cost, which is an alarming number of road accidents involving motorcycles, many of which result in preventable injuries and fatalities.

“Today, we take a bold step to address this challenge. We are proud to unveil, due to our collaboration with FRSC, an initiative that is both practical and life-saving,” he said.

Also, Hon. James Fadipe, Chairman, of Oke-Ero LGA, expressed gratitude to Olalekan and the FRSC for their collaboration towards ensuring peace, unity, and safety in the council.

Fadipe, represented by Mr. Michael Oguntoye, Assistant Director, Peace and Security in the council, expressed the readiness to work closely with both parties to ensure the desired safety and peaceful co-existence.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olaniyan Ife, General Chairman, Okada Riders Association, Oke-Ero LGA, thanked Olalekan and FRSC for prioritizing their safety through empowerment.

He promised the judicious use of the items and also pledged their cooperation to make the roads safer for transport operations.

NAN reports that the event also had in attendance representatives of traditional rulers from Egosi-Ile, Iloffa, and Kajola.

Representatives of security agencies including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense, and vigilante groups were also in attendance. (NAN).