Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday said he did not ban commercial motorcyclists in the state, because they "play an important role in Nigeria's economy.

Commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada or Achaba riders have been banned in some states of the federation, especially in the north.

Kwara State recently organised Okada riders into groups while a uniform was designed for them as part of efforts to stream-line their operation.

Ahmed while receiving Okada riders under the aegis of Kwara State Joint Motorcycle Riders' Association, said members of the group are rendering legitimate service.

He said instead of out-rightly banning their activities, they could be organised and given rules under which they can operate.

He charged motorcyclists to be security conscious at all times.

Earlier, Chairman of the association, Alhaji Abdulraheem Akanbi, pleaded with the governor to contest for a second term in office. He also called on the governor to assist the association in addressing the challenge posed by Area Boys who extort them in the course of their operation.