Safety concerns over reckless and non-compliance to the use of helmet by commercial motorcycle riders popular known as ‘Okada’ operators, spurred members of the special marshal and partnership of the Federal Road Safety Commission to action recently to educate the operators at their different parks within the Lagos metropolis.

The enlightenment campaign which was written in Pidgin English for better understanding on leaflets circulated to the okada riders was to make them to constantly aware of the need to take precautionary measures when riding motor bikes.

Part of the messages inscribed on the leaflet  enjoined the riders to avoid speeding, and not to over take and enter the roads any how, and to ensure that their bikes have better tyres and lights. But the principal message was the need for them to always put on their helmet and ensure that their passengers also do the same.

According to the state secretary of the special marshall, Lekan Kuku, who led a team of  marshals to a park at Anthony bus stop along Ikorodu road, the campaign was to sensitise okada riders on how to use helmet and as well get feedback from them on why it has become difficult for them to comply.

Meanwhile, some of the okada riders said most of their passengers always refuse to use helmets claiming that most of the helmet might not be hygienic.

One of the operators, Nathaniel Jakada said it has become worrisome to riders when law enforcement officers would arrest riders and not the passengers for the passengers failure to use the helmet. He also called for government’s intervention to compel motocycle sellers to always add  two helmets when they sell their motorcycles to buyers.

Kuku said it might become necessary for the commission to seek legislation compelling passengers to use helmet but advised bike operators to always clean their helmets with disinfectant.