No fewer than 2,000 commercial motorcyclists also known as Okada riders have benefited from Mato Mandate Group (MMG) free fuel subsidy palliative across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.
The group was put together by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC in Ondo state, Hon Mathew Oyerinmade (MATO).
Addressing the riders at the grand finale of the event in Akure on Wednesday, the Chairman, MMG Ondo State, Dr. Rotimi Wilson said the free distribution of fuel which had kicked off last week Tuesday in Ifon and later to other parts of Ondo South, North and Central senatorial districts climaxed in Akure, the Ondo State capital at Optima Filling Station, Cathedral.
Dr. Wilson who noted that each Okada rider got N3,000 fuel, explained that the goal of the gesture was to bring smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries.
Dr. Wilson who said the project had been a great success and had impacted many, urged all beneficiaries to also extend hands of fellowship to other members of the larger society by reducing transport fare as the goal is to cushion the overall effects of high fuel price on transportation cost.
He admitted that Hon Oyerinmade recognizes their roles and appreciate them.
Also giving his remarks, the Director of Media and Publicity for the group, Hon Segun Odidi said the project is the first phase of the program and that it is Hon Oyerinmade’s way of keeping faith with the mandate to bring smiles to the faces of the less privilege in Ondo State.
Barr. Odidi who said no fewer than 2000 Okada riders benefited across the 18 local government areas of the state further described Hon Oyerinmade as a philanthropist who is committed to the wellbeing of the people.
He also noted that plans are underway to kick start the 2nd phase of the program which targets market men, women and artisans saying beneficiaries in the 2nd phase will benefit food palliative and cash to help boost their fortune in their respective businesses.
He affirmed that MMG will reel out scholarship and grants for students in order to take care of the needs of teeming youths.
In his assessment of the impact of the gesture, Barr. Odidi said one of the goals of the project is to support efforts of the present administration and bring succour to the suffering masses stressing further that where there is too much hunger, people will revert to crime.
He also noted that MMG is now a movement working towards extending its tentacles across southwest Nigeria.
Also speaking, one of the leaders, Mrs. Rebecca Adewo applauded Hon Oyerinmade for coming up with the initiative saying the day’s gesture will no doubt go a long way in bringing relief to many homes.
She also used the opportunity to admonish the okada riders to put the fuel into good use and replicate the gesture for the good of the larger society.
Responding on behalf of all the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Okada Operators in Akure South, Oluwatuyi Olagundoye (aka Eweje) thanked MMG for bringing free fuel palliative to its teeming members just as he appreciated Hon Oyerinmade for recognizing their roles and encouraging them as nothing of this magnitude has ever been given out as palliative to its members across board.
