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Osun Govt victimizing us, Motorcyclists cries out

Published

6 years ago

April 16, 2019

Commercial motorcyclists in Osun state have cried out over alleged victimisation by the government of the state.

The motorcyclists stated that the government has embarked on arresting and detaining them for offence they did not commit.

One of the motorcyclists who spoke with our correspondent said two of them have been detained in Ilesa prison since last week Thursday because they protested against extortion by officials of the Osun Traffic Marshal, O’TRAM.

The motorcyclists had on Thursday, barricaded the popular Olaiya junction, Osogbo, Osun state capital, in protest against alleged extortion by officials of O’TRAM.

They caused traffic gridlock for some minutes before the intervention of policemen who dispersed them.

The O’TRAM was established under the Ministry of Transportation by the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to arrest any motorcyclist that fail to use helmet or violate traffic rules

The motorcyclists alleged that officials of the O’TRAM have been extorting them, thus preventing them from carrying out their job easily.

On Thursday morning, the motorcyclists alleged that the officials of the O’TRAM arrested one of them and ordered him to pay N5,000 to the account of state government while they released two persons who they might have collected money from them.

Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, Adeyemo Olamilekan, blamed the leadership of the motorcyclists for the ‘unfair treatment and harassment’ they are facing from police and government officials.

He alleged that their leadership are collecting N50 from them daily while the policemen and O’TRAM also disturb them. He frowned at the refusal of their leadership to intervene whenever they have problem.

He said, “We are paying N50 to the association everyday. Police will collect their own. O’TRAM will also disturb us. When they kill our members and collected their motorcycle, neither the police nor the union will do anything.

He said two of them that were arrested on Thursday have been remanded in Ilesa prison and have not been released.
Taiwo Olasunbo, who was the victim, admitted that he was wrong for attempting to ply one way, accusing officials of the state government of unfair treatment.

He said, “It is true that I wanted to ply one way at Ayetoro area, Osogbo, when they arrested me and immediately wrote N5,000 for me. I was begging them when I saw another person they arrested. I asked why they released him and they didn’t give any excuse.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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