Ogun Local Governments Launch Health Scheme for 8,000 Okada Riders

In a joint effort to improve the welfare and safety of transport workers, the chairmen of Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South local governments have announced plans to enroll at least 8,000 commercial motorcyclists into the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme. The initiative is a proactive step to provide a critical safety net for a demographic often exposed to high-risk situations.

The chairmen, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo of Abeokuta North and his counterpart, Afeez Balogun of Abeokuta South, made the announcement at a press briefing in Abeokuta on Tuesday. The program is an extension of the state’s commitment to ensuring that residents, particularly those in the informal sector, have access to affordable and qualitative healthcare.

According to Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo, the choice of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as “Okada riders,” was strategic. He noted that data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicates that motorcycle-related accidents account for 45% of all accidents in the state, often leaving riders and their passengers without the financial means to cover medical expenses.

The scheme offers a comprehensive one-year health insurance coverage for a wide range of ailments, from common illnesses like malaria and typhoid to chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as basic surgical procedures. The chairmen clarified that the program is strictly voluntary and does not affect the existing daily ticketing system managed by the riders’ unions.

Abeokuta North Local Government has already begun the enrollment process, with over 3,000 riders already signed up. The Abeokuta South Local Government Chairman, Afeez Balogun, confirmed that his council would commence its own onboarding process for riders this week. The initiative has been praised by leaders of transport unions, who see it as a model for other local governments to follow in promoting community welfare and responsible riding.