In a bold step to reinforce grassroots security and deepen community engagement, the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, on Tuesday launched a community-focused initiative, providing free 5-liter petrol gifts to members of the Motorbike Riders Association in Awgu North.
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The initiative, unveiled during a strategic engagement meeting with the motorbike riders — popularly known as okada riders — reflects the Chairman’s commitment to inclusive governance and innovative security partnerships.
The meeting opened with a prayer led by Hon. Egbo Solomon, Administrator of the Mbanabo North Development Centre, setting a tone of unity and collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the LGA legislative council, Rt. Hon. Brown Moses Okorie, Deputy Leader and Councillor, emphasized the invaluable role of the riders in local intelligence and neighborhood vigilance, urging them to be proactive in safeguarding their communities.
The Chief Security Officer of Awgu LGA also praised the riders’ ongoing contributions to security, describing them as “the first responders and silent sentinels of our rural areas.”
In his keynote address, Hon. Okolo hailed the motorbike riders as “the eyes and ears of the community,” acknowledging their unrivaled mobility and deep-rooted presence across towns and villages.
To support and encourage their role, he announced and distributed 5 liters of petrol to each rider — a gesture aimed at boosting their operational capacity and enhancing their patrol efforts.
“Motorbike riders are more than transporters — they are frontline partners in our community security architecture,” Hon. Okolo told reporters during an exclusive interview with UGAMATV. “Security is a shared responsibility, and we must empower those who help us see and hear what the authorities sometimes cannot.”
This initiative marks a significant shift in how local governance approaches security — recognizing informal workers as vital stakeholders in public safety.
By offering material support and formal recognition, Hon. Okolo has repositioned motorbike riders as trusted allies in community surveillance and emergency response — a model that could inspire broader policy replication across rural Nigeria.
Hon. Tochukwu Chukwu
Special Adviser General Media and public, Awgu LGA Chairman