The National President of the Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), Alhaji Lateef Olalekan Olayanju, has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, community organisations and commercial motorcycle operators to promote a safer environment across Osogbo and Osun State.
Olayanju made the call on Wednesday during a security awareness meeting with commercial motorcycle riders held at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo in Osun State.
The meeting brought together representatives of security agencies, OPU leaders, members of the Osogbo Elder Council and executives of the Commercial Motorcycle Riders' Association to discuss road safety, responsible riding and security consciousness.
Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Olayanju, explained that the initiative was designed to educate motorcycle operators on their responsibilities in maintaining public safety and strengthening cooperation with security agencies.
The Chairman of the Osogbo Elder Council, Alhaji Agboola, was also present at the engagement.
In their separate presentations, security officials educated the riders on the need to prioritise personal safety, protect passengers and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
The Nigeria Police Force representative, ACP Segun Abifarin, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) representative emphasised strict compliance with traffic regulations and responsible riding practices to prevent avoidable accidents and protect lives.
Similarly, the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DC Oguntifa, who serves as the corps' Public Relations Officer in Osun State, urged motorcycle operators to exercise caution when accepting passengers.
He advised riders to remain observant of their surroundings and the conduct of prospective passengers, while warning against operating at late-night hours under circumstances that could expose them to security risks.
Oguntifa also stressed the importance of wearing crash helmets and complying with established safety measures whenever they are on the road.
He further encouraged the operators to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, individuals or criminal activities to the nearest police station or appropriate security agency.
According to him, commercial motorcycle operators occupy an important position in community security because their daily activities take them across different neighbourhoods, giving them opportunities to observe developments and identify unusual activities.
The sensitisation meeting also sought to strengthen mutual trust between motorcycle operators and security agencies, promote information sharing and discourage riders from unknowingly providing support for criminal activities.
The engagement provided an opportunity for operators to receive direct security guidance from relevant authorities, while reinforcing the message that their responsibilities go beyond transporting passengers to their destinations.
Other notable personalities at the meeting included the OPU National Treasurer, Alhaji Sanusi Akinlabi; Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Motorcycle Riders Association, Comrade Oladokun Oluwaseun, popularly known as Dudu; Osogbo Local Government Chairman of the motorcycle riders, Mr Adeoye Kazeem Austin; the Chief Security Officer of the Ataoja Palace; and several commercial motorcycle operators in Osogbo.
Security representatives in attendance included the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oja-Oba, Bodede Femi David; the DPO of Dugbe Police Station; and officials of the FRSC and NSCDC.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to promoting responsible motorcycle operations, strengthening community-police relations and supporting security agencies in the collective effort to protect lives and property across Osogbo and Osun State.
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