Harmattan: Ekiti commercial motorcycle operators lament low patronage

Commercial motorcycle operators in Ikole, Ekiti, say they were getting low patronage because of the severe harmattan cold being experienced in the area.
A cross section of the motorcyclists who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikole-Ekiti yesterday said the development had affected their daily income.
They said passengers now preferred to board tricycles, popularly called Keke because it had covered body which protected them against the inclement weather.
Mr. Samson Mayomi told NAN that some passengers had stopped patronising motorcycles due to the biting cold, especially in the morning.
Mayomi said the weather was becoming unfavourable for commercial motorcycling “but we persevere as we do not have other means of livelihood.”
“We put on thick cloths such as sweaters and socks to reduce the effects of the cold but some passengers do not bother to wear thick cloths,” he said.
Mr. Olawale Abisan, said his daily income had reduced to N1, 200 from N2, 500 due to the situation.
He said: “I do encourage my customers with little children to board Keke to their places of work in the morning and pick them back in the afternoon.
“We, too, have our own season when business booms; hot weather will come after the harmattan and people will begin to patronise us again.”
In his reaction, Mr Victor Agu cautioned operators who indulged in taking alcohol as remedy to the cold weather to desist from the practice because of its harmful effect on their health.