From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) Minority Leader,Hon. Adeleye Lukman Olalekan, has disclosed why he sponsored a motion urging the state government to exempt teachers, healthcare professionals, first responders, emergency service personnel, and essential workers from paying toll fees at the Ijebu-Ode/Mojoda/Epe road during official working hours.
The state government had earlier announced its decision to toll the expressway connecting the Ijebu axis of the state to Epe in Lagos State.
But Adeleye, who is representing Odogbolu State Constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly, moved a motion at the floor of the House, urging the state government to exempt teachers, healthcare professionals, first responders, emergency service personnel, and essential workers, from paying the toll on the highway during official working hours.
The lawmaker whose motion received overwhelming support from his colleagues, explained that exempting essential workers from toll payment would provide financial relief to critical workers living in Imagbon, Imaka, Idiru, Itamakapo, and Odonoko in the Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.
Adeleye stated further that the proposed exemption period for teachers would be from 6a.m to 6p.m, Monday to Friday, while health workers would be exempted from Sunday to Saturday.
He added that he sponsored the motion in order to recognize the critical roles played by teachers and health workers in maintaining public health, safety, and welfare.
“The motion urges the state office of Public-Private Partnerships to include teachers and health workers in the list of exempted individuals and it also proposes inviting the Director-General of the Public-Private Partnership Office to interface with the house for better understanding of the request.
“The measure was necessary to encourage efficient service delivery, especially within rural communities.
“These essential workers dedicate their time and skills to public welfare. Exempting them from toll fees will not only ease their financial burden but also ensure that they remain committed to serving our communities without unnecessary obstacles”, Adeleye submitted.