The National Leadership of the Ilupeju Youth Development Association (IYDA) has urged commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders operating in Ifeloju Local Council Development Area to shun reckless riding, avoid alcohol while on duty, prioritise their health, and remain law-abiding to sustain the peace and unity of Ilupeju Ekiti. The association stressed that “life has no duplicate” and warned against acts of violence capable of disrupting the community’s peaceful coexistence.
The National President of IYDA, Comrade Lawrence Ibitoye, gave the charge on Saturday during the congress of the Okada Riders’ Association held at Menara Market Square, Ilupeju Ekiti. Leading members of the newly inaugurated IYDA executive on a courtesy visit, Ibitoye commended the riders for their contributions to transportation and socio-economic development in the community, describing their services as vital to the town’s growth.
While acknowledging the importance of their operations, the youth president appealed to the riders not to arbitrarily increase transport fares, noting that doing so would place unnecessary financial burden on residents. He also urged them to prioritise safety by avoiding excessive speeding and other traffic violations capable of endangering lives. Ibitoye further advised the riders to take good care of their health through regular medical check-ups, adequate rest, and healthy living, stressing that good health is essential to sustaining their livelihoods and supporting their families.
Ibitoye observed that many of the riders are graduates who ventured into the commercial motorcycle business due to unemployment. He encouraged them not to abandon their aspirations, urging them to regard the occupation as a temporary means of livelihood while pursuing better employment opportunities. He further advised certificate holders to apply for available government and private sector jobs, while those without formal qualifications should return to school or acquire vocational skills, noting that entrepreneurship and technical skills remain viable pathways to economic success.
The IYDA president appreciated the association’s support for the immediate past youth executive led by Engineer Femi Fagbemi and appealed for continued cooperation with the new leadership to advance the unity and development of Ilupeju Ekiti.
In their responses, the state coordinator of Ifeloju Okada Riders’ Association, Mr. Kayode Osabinu, and the Secretary commended the visit and pledged their support for the new IYDA executive, also praised the leadership qualities of Engineer Fagbemi. Also speaking, the association’s new General, Mr. Omowaye Bankole, appealed for employment opportunities for commercial motorcycle riders, explaining that many members are graduates who took to the business after failing to secure jobs. He assured the youth body of the association’s commitment to promoting peace and unity in Ilupeju Ekiti.
Other IYDA officials on the visit included: the Vice President, Mrs. Mary Adeojo; Public Relations Officer, Prince Ojo Oluwole; Secretary, Comrade Stephen Oluwagbemi Ogunleye; Welfare Director, Mrs. Ayeni Oyeyemi; and Director of Sports, Chief Adeleye Sunday Ola.
