society
WHY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT BAN ON OKADA IS IN OUR COLLECTIVE INTEREST
WHY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT BAN ON OKADA IS IN OUR COLLECTIVE INTEREST
When the Lagos state government announced a total ban on the activities of commercial motorcycles (okada) operations as a means of public transportation in six local government councils and nine local councils development areas to take effect from the 1st of June 2022, Lagosians received the good news though long overdue with mixed feelings bordering on concerns about the enforcement of the Lagos state transport sector reform law (2018) for the umpteenth time.
The announcement of this ban by the state government came at a time the citizenry apprehension about okada threat to public safety and security of life and property occasioned by the security challenges in the country had reached the crescendo. The ban was widely applauded and commended across all segments of the society as a necessary response of a listening government to the concerns and aspirations of its people for whom it exists to serve.
Recall that in 2006, the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the restriction of okadas operations in the state between 7pm and 6am due to the security threat of a spike in armed robbery operations. In 2012, the administration of Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) enacted the Lagos state traffic law (2012) to regulate the activities of commercial motorcyclists (okada) as a means of public transportation because of its menace to the security of life and property of Lagosians. The law prohibited the activities of okada on major highways, bridges and designated roads.
The enforcement of the Lagos state traffic law (2012) under former Governor Fashola was largely successful and brought huge relief to the citizenry who were groaning under the tyranny of the okada riders on the roads, though opposition to the law persisted from expected quarters, who claimed that the crime rate will spike as those who would have lost their means of livelihood by this restriction, will have no option but to take to crime.
But contrarily, available statistics obtained from relevant agencies after the enforcement of the law, revealed that crime rate dropped drastically, same for okada related accidents and fatalities as well as sanity being restored to the roads which had become chaotic due to the recklessness and lawlessness of the okada riders who had no regards for traffic laws, as they rode against traffic and knocked down pedestrians at will, injuring, maiming or killing them, flouted the law by carrying more than the officially allowed 1 passenger, disregarded the wearing of safety helmets for themselves and the passenger, mounted sound systems with loud speakers on okada and sadly, a lot of the okadas were not registered and the riders unqualified to ride which contributed in no small measure to the high rates of accidents on the road.
Actually, the Lord be your Savior, if as a motorist you are involved in an accident with an okada operator, whether you are innocent or guilty, they will pounce on you and you will be lucky if you are not molested, beaten, injured and your vehicle not burnt by an army of okadas riders who have turned into a mob. Infact their terrorism on the roads as a threat to law and order at all times is unparalleled as they attack, injure and even kill law enforcement agencies operatives in the course of their official function, statistics and data abound to corroborate this assertion.
The state government organized several stakeholders engagement to review the Lagos state traffic law (2012) and at one of the summit, several persons and groups came up with presentations commending the state government for the bold step of enacting the law which had succeeded in reducing avoidable accidents and deaths on the roads, reduced crime rate enabled by okada, restored sanity to the traffic situation and even forced young men back to the farms from environments far from Lagos as attested to by participants, for example, an elder statesman from one of the North Central zone states, stated that before the enactment and enforcement of the law, youths from his part of the country (Kogi) were trooping into Lagos like droves on a daily basis to make quick money by riding okada between Ikorodu and Mile 12, and abandoning acquiring education, vocational skills and working on the farms. He narrated sadly, how before the enforcement of the law, that at least on a daily basis, 3 or 4 corpses of the okada riding youths were returned to the villages to be buried, but that since the enforcement of the law in the past 9 months then, they had yet to record a death and are happy that the youths are returning back to the villages to continue with life devoid of the hazards that come with riding okada to earn quick money that comes with injuries, partial or permanent disability or even death as a result of okada crashes.
However since the enactment of the Lagos state traffic law in 2012 till date, a lot of water has passed under the bridge to the extent that the law was reviewed and amended to become the Lagos State transport sector reform law (2018). While the law remained in force, the enforcement in 2020 had to contend with several obstacles which included covid-19 outbreak, EndSARS protest of 2020 among others. In the midst of all these developments, states from across the six geopolitical zones like Enugu, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Edo, Zamfara, Kaduna, Cross River, Borno among several others continued to ban the operations of okada as a means of public transportation because of safety and security concerns. Infact, in July 2022, the Federal government after a National Security Council (NSC) meeting, came out with a hint on the possibility of a nationwide ban of okada so as to cut off the sources of funds of terrorists and bandits.
Thus, in deference to the loud calls from Lagosians for a total ban of okada in the state in view of security concerns and an examination of the phased ban in six local government councils and nine local council development areas, the Lagos state government convoked a stakeholders summit to review the ban in the aforementioned LG’s/LCDA’s and chart the way forward.
At the summit which held on Tuesday August 16th 2022 and was well attended by stakeholders from the academia, youths, community leaders, traditional and religious leaders, artisans, civil society organizations, persons living with disability, security and traffic management agencies personnel, the media among several others, the resolution at the end of the summit was a unanimous call for a total ban on okada as a means of public transportation in the state after presentations from stakeholders which was intellectually driven.
Major highlights of the summit were presentations by experts which revealed an 86% reduction in crime rate and a 63.7% decline in okada related accidents and reduction in the admission and treatment of okada related accidents patients at public health institutions since the ban took off on June 1 2022 compared to the statistics for May 2022 and before. The threat to public safety and security of life and property, the lack of documentation, identification, nationality and place of abode of the okada riders were highlighted as a major cause of societal concern because of the nature of the business. Also, the large army of our youths who no longer want to acquire education or vocational skills to carry out artisan jobs but have taken to the quick money of riding okada, has necessitated the influx of foreigners from Benin Republic, Togo, etc for our masons, bricklayers, tillers, plumbers, etc needs, is a threat to our security and future. The threat of food security is real as our youths have abandoned the farms for the quick money of okada business which has resulted in untimely deaths and physical disability as a result of okada crashes and so should be a source of concern for any society that has an eye on the future.
Again, we are not unconscious of the arguments from the opposition to the law by those who assume and claim that a total ban on okada will deprive the operators of their means of livelihood and spike the crime rate, but unfortunately for this school of thought, modern societies are run on the basis of information and evidence gathering and not assumptions and claims not backed by verifiable evidence. The statistics and facts gathered from the field by experts, researchers and statutory agencies, point in the opposite direction even in 2022 as it did in 2012 and so their arguments in the face of available data, statistics and fact does not hold water and should be discountenanced.
Most importantly, the threat to our humanity posed by okada induced increasing crime rate, crashes and jungle justice mentality of attacking, injuring and even killing their passengers over dispute in fares as attested to by the death of a sound engineer in the Lekki axis of Lagos in May 2022, unleashing mayhem on the roads whenever one of them is involved in an accident, disregard for public and personal safety by not wearing helmets, nor provide for their passenger, knocking down pedestrians at will by riding against traffic in utter disobedience to traffic rules and regulation, attacks and killing of security operatives such as the death of CSP Kazeem Abonde the operations officer of the Nigeria police force Lagos state command who was killed at Ajao estate of Lagos state for the crime of performing his statutory function of enforcing the law in September 2021, etc. The environmental hazard caused by the noise and air pollution of okada is a threat to our human existence. We can go on and on about the tyranny and threat to our existence by okada as a cancer which must be addressed frontally.
Based on the above analysis of the pros and cons of okada ban, it is indisputably clear that the announcement by the Lagos state government on Thursday 18th August 2022 of the extension of the ban on okada in four local government councils and five local council development areas to take effect from September 1 2022, is a responsible response to the democratic wishes of Lagosians by a government that places premium on its primary responsibility of securing the life and property of its citizens and its obvious to all and sundry that this ban though in phases, is in our collective interest for our tomorrow which is a collective responsibility.
God bless Lagos State,
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thanks.
Yours Sincerely,
Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt
Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a coordinated kidnapping attempt by armed bandits targeting two communities, killing one suspect and launching a manhunt for others who escaped with injuries.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following a distress call received at about 12:30 a.m. reporting simultaneous attacks on Illela Village, also known as Achida Town, and Kwargaba Hamlet.
“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, responded swiftly to the distress call,” he said. “Our operatives, who were already on high alert, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.”
Rufa’i disclosed that the security forces overpowered the assailants after a prolonged exchange of gunfire, neutralising one suspect who was dressed in military camouflage, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.
“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” he added.
However, before the arrival of security personnel, the bandits reportedly shot and killed a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group. His body has since been recovered and released to his family for burial.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
society
The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria
The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – April 23, 2026
Successful actors, producers and movie makers like; the Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi were among the facilitators who trained 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria at the just concluded Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP) 2026.
The groundbreaking 6-day Intensive Filmmaking Masterclass and Spiritual Formation Program, were 60 emerging Christian filmmakers from Nigeria and Zambia were trained in Abuja was held at the Gospel Cinema International /High Definition Film Academy (HDFA) Facility in Gwarinpa.
The program brought together a distinguished lineup of facilitators from Nigeria and the United States, positioning AGFP as a leading platform for faith-based filmmaking development in Africa.
Among the international facilitators was Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers, known for films such as The Forge, War Room, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, Overcomer, Fireproof, who delivered a powerful session titled “Heart of The Filmmaker.” Also featured was Cameron Arnett, who led sessions on “Christ Over Career” and acting for film.
Other notable speakers included Nick Carey (Kingdom Story Company), who spoke on “The Making of a Faith-Based Blockbuster Movie,” as well as Bob Saenz (Screenwriting Masterclass), Beverly Holloway (Acting Masterclass), David Cook, Adam Drake, Prince Daniel (Aboki), Lummie Adevbie, Chris Odeh, and Jennifer Keltner (Identity & Storytelling), among others.
The program opened with a strong spiritual foundation, including worship and a keynote by the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, titled “Calling & Identity: Film as Spiritual Influence/Programming,” which challenged participants to view storytelling as a tool for cultural and spiritual transformation.
Participants were grouped into four production studios—House of Gideon, House of Caleb, House of Joshua, and House of David—and underwent three days of intensive masterclasses and workshops across screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, and producing, alongside deep spiritual formation.
On Day 4, teams developed and pitched short film concepts for professional review and approval. Day 5 was dedicated to full-scale production, with all four teams executing their projects under real industry conditions.
The program culminated on Day 6 with:
A Pitch-A-Thon, where 20 filmmakers presented original projects for funding and collaboration.
A public screening of four short films produced during the program
Professional feedback from a panel of judges.
Certification of all participants
Awards for best Screenplay, Cinematography, directing, editing, acting, and overall best short film.
The closing ceremony featured a powerful commissioning session led by Pastor Ikenna Okeke, where participants were prayed for and consecrated as “God’s Creative Army.”
Speaking after the event, the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, described AGFP 2026 as “a movement to raise storytellers who will shape culture and influence nations through truth-driven films.
Films that honor God”
With its successful debut, AGFP is now preparing for its next edition, following its mandate to train 300 Christian filmmakers across Africa and develop a slate of six global faith-based films over a three-year period.
The Africa Gospel Film Project continues to position itself as a catalyst for purpose-driven storytelling, industry excellence, and spiritual transformation in African cinema.
society
A Renewed Momentum: How the Chief of Army Staff is Repositioning the Nigerian Army for Decisive Impact
*A Renewed Momentum: How the Chief of Army Staff is Repositioning the Nigerian Army for Decisive Impact*
By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.
In times of prolonged security challenges, it is easy—almost convenient—for critics to amplify setbacks while ignoring measurable progress. Yet, across Nigeria’s diverse and complex theatres of operation, a different story is steadily unfolding: one of resilience, tactical evolution, and renewed operational effectiveness under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS, Nigerian Army), Lt General Waidi Shaibu.
What we are witnessing today is not a media hype or propaganda—it is the outcome of deliberate reforms, improved coordination, and a reinvigorated fighting spirit within the Nigerian Army.
*A Clear Shift in Operational Effectiveness*
Recent developments across, but not limited to Benue, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Edo, and the South-East underscore a critical truth: the Nigerian Army under General Waidi Shaibu is not on the back foot. On the contrary, it is increasingly proactive, intelligence-driven, and responsive.
From the successful rescue of kidnapped civilians in Benue, to the interception of armed militias in Plateau, and the neutralisation of insurgents in Borno, the pattern is consistent—swift response, precision engagement, and tangible outcomes.
These are not isolated victories. They reflect:
– Improved intelligence gathering and utilisation.
– Faster troop deployment and mobility.
– Enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
– Better morale and combat readiness among personnel.
Such coordination, especially in asymmetric warfare, does not happen by chance. It is a direct reflection of leadership at the top.
*The Chief of Army Staff: Lt General Waidi Shaibu Driving Reform and Results*
Since assuming office, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu has brought a renewed sense of urgency and clarity of purpose to military operations. His leadership style appears anchored on three critical pillars:
*1. Operational Aggression with Discipline*
Troops are no longer merely reacting—they are taking the fight to criminal elements. Whether dismantling terrorist camps in the North Central states or repelling coordinated attacks in the North-East, or engaging the Unknown Gunmen in the SouthEast, the Nigerian Army is demonstrating initiative and dominance.
*2. Intelligence-Led Warfare*
Modern conflicts are won as much with information as with firepower. The increasing success in intercepting logistics suppliers, uncovering IEDs, and preempting attacks shows a system that is becoming smarter, not just stronger.
*3. Joint Force Synergy*
The collaboration between the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS, and local security groups has significantly improved. Operations in the South Eastern part of the Country and other regions highlight a unified national security architecture—something that has long been advocated but is now visibly taking shape.
*Addressing the Culture of Criticism*
It must be said plainly: criticism is not inherently wrong in a democracy. However, what is deeply problematic is the pattern of uninformed, selective outrage that ignores context, dismisses progress, and undermines morale.
Those who hastily label every security incident as evidence of failure often:
– Ignore the complexity of asymmetric warfare.
– Overlook the sacrifices of frontline personnel.
– Fail to acknowledge the vast geographical and logistical challenges involved.
Worse still, some narratives are built on speculation, ethnic bias, or incomplete information—such as prematurely attributing crimes to specific groups without verification.
This does not help the nation. It weakens it.
*The Reality of the Battlefield*
Nigeria is not facing a conventional war. The threats are:
– Decentralised.
– Embedded within local communities.
– Adaptive and unpredictable.
From insurgents and bandits to kidnappers and economic saboteurs, the battlefield is fluid. Success, therefore, must be measured not by the absence of incidents, but by the capacity to respond, contain, and degrade threats over time.
By this standard, the Nigerian Army is making undeniable progress.
*The Human Element: Courage and Sacrifice*
Behind every operation report is a human story—soldiers who leave their families behind, who endure harsh terrains, who confront danger daily so that millions of Nigerians can live in relative safety.
Some pay the ultimate price.
To reduce their efforts to mere statistics or dismiss them outright is not just unfair—it is unjust.
*A Call for National Support*
The progress being recorded today must be sustained, and that requires more than military effort. It demands:
– Public cooperation with security agencies.
– Responsible media reporting.
– Community vigilance against criminal infiltration
– Constructive, informed criticism where necessary.
Most importantly, it requires national unity in purpose.
*Conclusion: A Force Worthy of Confidence*
The Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu is demonstrating that with the right direction, commitment, and strategy, meaningful progress is possible—even in the face of complex security challenges.
The gains may not always make screaming headlines, but they are real. They are measurable. And they are building momentum.
Rather than constant condemnation, what the Armed Forces deserve at this critical time is recognition, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Because beyond the noise of criticism lies a simple truth:
these men and women are standing between order and chaos—and they are holding the line.
This article was written by Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, an entrepreneur and an opinion moulder from Ibadan, Oyo State.
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