Ekiti State Commissioner for Transportation , Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe has appealed to transporters and other key actors in the transportation sector to take urgent steps to reduce the cost of public transportation in the State.
The Commissioner made the appeal in Ado Ekiti during a meeting held with all Stakeholders and key actors in the transportation sector in the State in order to alleviate the hardships being faced by commuters.
The Commissioner engaged the Stakeholders in a productive dialogue, acknowledging the challenges being faced by both commuters and transporters.
He highlighted the importance of finding a balance that would ensure that Commuters can afford the transport fares while at the same time ensuring the sustainability of transportation business in the State.
The Commissioner for Trade, Industries, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola emphasized the State Government’s commitment to improving the transportation sector in the State and ensuring the welfare of its citizens.
Also speaking,the Director General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso noted that the State Government would constructively engage relevant stakeholders in the sector in more dialogues until a consensus is reached in the interest of all .
Mrs Oso-Omotoso called on the public to take advantage of the numerous opportunities being put in place by the administration of Governor Oyebanji under various developmental pillars as well as the various empowerment programmes which are all designed to make life easy for the people of the state.
Responding, the Chairman of National Drivers’ Union in Ekiti State, Mr Falope Oloforo said that all the Drivers Unions in the State are willing to support government’s efforts to reduce transportation fares.
After thorough deliberation, the Stakeholders reached a consensus on a fare reduction strategy, taking into account the current economic realities.
The agreed fare reduction would be implemented across all modes of transportation in the State, including buses, taxis, motorcycles and Tricycles.
Present at the Stakeholders meeting were the SA on Public Transport, Mr Gbenga Ogundare, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Dele Ogunsemoyin, Chairman, Cooperative Drivers Union, Mr Kehinde Afolabi, Deputy State Chairman for Okada Riders, Mr Adelegan Oloworo , and Secretary of the Association, Mr Bola Oyetunbi and other notable personalities in the transportation sector.