Hundreds of commercial motorcycle riders popularly called ‘okada’ across Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday benefited from a large-scale free fuel distribution exercise facilitated by Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD), the Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The initiative, carried out under the “RAD of Hope” platform and tagged “Fuel of Hope,” saw hundreds of motorcycle operators receiving free fuel across several filling stations within the council area.
Hon. Dabo, a key aide to Seyi Makinde, said the gesture was designed to support grassroots workers whose daily activities sustain local commerce and mobility across various communities.
According to her, commercial motorcycle riders remain critical players in the local economy, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where they serve as the most accessible means of transportation.
She maintained that the current economic reality was already overwhelming on households with small income sources adding that the sudden fu hike occasioned by the war between the US, Israel and Iran has increased the pressure on these households.
She explained that it was important for her to try to find ways to ameliorate their sufferings and challenges amid the ongoing fuel hike challenges in the state and by extension, her local government area.
“This initiative is about recognising the tireless efforts of our okada riders who work tirelessly every day, rain or shine, to keep our communities moving,” Dabo said while addressing beneficiaries during the distribution exercise.
“They are the silent drivers of our local economy. Through the RAD of Hope initiative, we want them to know that their efforts are valued and that leadership must remain connected to the grassroots.”
She described the fuel distribution as the first in a series of community-focused empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods across Lagelu and other parts of Oyo State.
“This is not just a one-off event. It represents the beginning of a long term commitment to empower our people, support local businesses and strengthen community development across Oyo State,” she added.
Dabo also used the occasion to commend Governor Makinde for creating opportunities for women in leadership and for implementing policies she said continue to drive inclusive development in the state.
“I must sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support for women in leadership and for his commitment to people-centered governance.
His policies continue to create room for impactful service and grassroots development,” she noted.
Several beneficiaries, who spoke with journalists at the various filling stations where the exercise took place, described the initiative as a relief that would ease the burden of rising operational costs.
They described the move as a timely and thoughtful intervention amid rising transportation costs.
A commercial motorcycle operator in the area, Mr. Ibrahim Sadiq, said the gesture would go a long way in supporting riders struggling with the cost of fuel.
“Fuel is one of our biggest expenses. What Hon. RAD has done today shows she understands the challenges we face daily. This support means a lot to us,” he said.
Another rider, Mr. Adewale Oladimeji, commended the initiative and urged other public office holders to emulate similar grassroots-focused programmes.
“This is the kind of support that directly touches ordinary people. When leaders remember those of us at the grassroots, it encourages us and strengthens our belief in government,” he said.
The RAD of Hope initiative, driven by Hon Dabo alongside her humanitarian platform, the Baby Blue Angels Foundation, focuses on social welfare, community empowerment and strengthening the connection between political leadership and local communities in the area.
Political stakeholders and community leaders in Lagelu who attended the programme also praised the initiative, describing it as an example of practical grassroots engagement that reflects the development philosophy of the Makinde administration.
They expressed optimism that continued empowerment programmes of this nature would not only improve livelihoods but also deepen citizens’ participation in governance across the state.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that Lagelu Local Government, one of the largest council areas in Oyo State, hosts several semi-urban communities where commercial motorcycle transport remains a major means of daily mobility for residents.