The deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, says Lagos State has started enjoying the advantages of the Okada ban.

According to him, that is because the rate of motorcycle-related accidents in the state has decreased from 28 to 7.

Obafemi Speaking on Channels TV, said Okadas have become a means for committing crimes and they cannot wait for a major disaster to happen.

He reiterated the state government’s stance that the ban is mainly for security and safety reasons.

He said, ‘The truth of the matter is that Okada is becoming an avenue to perpetrating crimes. And we cannot wait until a major disaster happens.

He continued, saying, “Data from the 27 General Hospitals in the state indicated that on the average monthly, we record 28 deaths related to Okada.“

“In the last two to three weeks since the ban, the accident rates have reduced from 28 to 7. So, if we saved 21 lives, is that not important? So, this is about saving lives,” he added.

In addition, the deputy governor hinted on the fact that commercial riding has made several people dodge other occupations. According to him, the nation is short of artisans and it’s having an adverse effect on the economy.

“The truth of the matter is that the Okada and Keke business is having an impact on our economy. As it is now, we don’t have artisans again in Nigeria.”

“You want to lay tiles and people have to come from neighbouring countries. Is that the future that we want? Lagos has 17 of those skilled centres and technical schools,” he said.

“We know that it is not everyone that will go to the university but let us train our kids so that they can earn well using their hands. And Okada is taking that away from our children,” He concluded.