By Ibrahim A. Jagaba
Concerted efforts by the Lagos state chapter of the Northern Nigeria Youth Organization (NNYO), towards a better deal for the Arewa community in, Lagos, continued on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, as the organization received in audience, in its office, the Lagos state commissioner for waterfront infrastructure development, Arc. Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi.
The visit by the honorable commissioner, which was a climax of series of previous meetings with the Lagos state Arewa community symbol, centred around, the general good of the Northern community in Lagos state, side by side with the call on the people of Arewa in Lagos to align with the hopes and aspirations of the state of Lagos for the overall good of all residents of the state.
Reports gathered from the parley, indicated that, two burning issues, including, the recent okada ban in six local governments in the state and the imminent remodelling of the Alaba Rago market,topped the day’s discourse.
The commissioner, during his speech, urged the Arewa community in Lagos especially the commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada, to adhere strictly to the orders of the state, maintaining that, prevailing realities of the times, some of which includes the safety and security of lives and property, called for a firm decision by the government to safeguard the dignity and wellbeing of Lagosians generally.
The commissioner, also spoke on the plan to initiate a Lagos Northern Nigeria okada riders association, aimed at ensuring widespread compliance with the Lagos state traffic rules by members of the community who are in the business of okada across the state
Speaking further, he touched on the proposed temporary relocation of the occupiers of Alaba Rago marker, noting that, it was in line with the greater Lagos dream to regenerate the market to an ultra modern masterpiece as has been carried on a number of other similar old and unfit markets across the state.
While, concluding his narrative, the commissioner, commended the Northern Nigeria Youth Organization (NNYO), for their doggedness and sustained sacrifices, towards galvanizing the Arewa community unit in Lagos state; he further assured the youth organization of enrolment and inclusiveness in relevant programs and initiatives of the Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu led government, in line with the vision and aspirations of the state government model, enshrined in the T. H. E. M E. S agenda.
The chairman Lagos state chapter of the organization, who also doubles as the coordinator of the same organization across southwest, Nigeria, Ambassador, comrade, Salisu Sani DanMuttaqa, while, speaking, appreciated and commended the honorable commissioner and symbol of the Arewa community across Lagos and southern Nigeria, for the visit and sacrifices for the advancement of Arewa community good.
Comrade DanMuttaqa, assured the guest, that, NNYO will not rest on its oars, towards founding, stronger unity, progress and development for the Arewa community in Lagos, in tandem with the policy thrusts of Lagos state.
We shall continue to invest efforts in aggressive sensitization of our youths across the length and breadth of Lagos; we are convinced completely, that, there is no substitute for adherence to law and order anywhere, he has said.
In conclusion, the chairman and coordinator, urged okada riders of northern extraction in the state to adhere unconditionally to the extant traffic laws of the state as amended in the Lagos state 2018 reformed traffic laws
