Delta Assembly Aspirant, RTN Melvin Akpomiemie Kogoro Launches Free Transportation for Students in Sapele After Okada Ban

By Endurance Ikanone

Delta State House of Assembly aspirant for Sapele Constituency under the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and founder of the Youth O’ Clock Movement Worldwide, RTN Melvin Akpomiemie Kogoro, has once again strengthened his reputation as one of the most people oriented and humanitarian driven aspirants among contenders within the NDC and other political parties following the launch of a free transportation initiative for students affected by the recent Okada ban in Sapele.

The intervention, which commenced on Tuesday 12th of May 2026, across strategic locations in Sapele town, is aimed at assisting students facing transportation difficulties after the restriction on commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada.

Kogoro said the initiative became necessary after witnessing the daily hardship faced by students who now trek long distances to school or arrive late due to the shortage of affordable transportation.

According to him, education remains one of the strongest foundations for societal growth and should never be disrupted because of economic or transportation challenges.

Speaking during the commencement of the programme, Kogoro explained that he could not ignore the growing suffering among students and parents across Sapele.

“I was deeply touched by the condition of these students after the Okada ban,” he said.

“Every morning, you see young children trekking long distances just to get to school. Some arrive very late because transportation has suddenly become difficult for many families.

As someone who believes strongly in the future of our youths and education, I could not remain silent while these children suffer. That is why I decided to provide free transportation for students across strategic locations in Sapele.”

He maintained that the initiative was purely humanitarian and consistent with his long standing commitment to youth development and educational support across Delta State.

The free transportation service currently operates from major locations including Tropical by Mopol Zone, Amukpe, NDDC Junction in Amukpe, Gana Market, and Oton by the Bending Corner, where buses now pick up students daily and transport them to school free of charge.

Students are expected to board the free buses between 7:30am and 8:30am every morning at the designated pickup points across Sapele.

Residents, parents, and community stakeholders have continued to commend the intervention, describing it as timely, practical, and impactful.

Many residents believe the initiative has further distinguished Kogoro among aspirants under the NDC and other political parties, especially because of his consistent humanitarian activities and direct grassroots interventions over the years.

Students themselves have also expressed appreciation for the initiative.

A student of Ufuoma Secondary School identified simply as Success praised Kogoro for always identifying with students and young people in Sapele.

“We are very happy about what RTN Melvin Kogoro has done for us. Before now, many students trekked to school and some arrived late almost every day. Since this free bus started, things have become easier for students and parents. God will bless him because he truly cares about students,” she said.

Beyond the transportation initiative, Kogoro has over the years remained actively involved in several education focused humanitarian programmes.

His scholarship schemes have supported students at primary, secondary, and higher institution levels, especially children from less privileged homes who struggle to continue their education.

He has also organized large scale distribution of exercise books and educational materials to pupils in primary and secondary schools across several communities in Sapele.

In addition, Kogoro has distributed sanitary pads to female students in schools as part of efforts to promote hygiene, confidence, and uninterrupted learning among the girl child.

One of the most notable stories connected to his humanitarian work dates back to 2021 when he reportedly came across a Facebook video of a brilliant student of Chude Girls Grammar School, Erhinyodavwe Oghenenavew, who was battling a severe ear condition that required urgent medical treatment.

Moved by her condition and determination despite the health challenge, Kogoro reportedly reached out immediately, paid for the student’s medical treatment, awarded her scholarship support, and further assisted her with the sum of ₦300,000 for her education and welfare.

Residents say such consistent interventions have continued to strengthen Kogoro’s relationship with students, youths, and grassroots communities across Sapele and Delta State.

Many believe that among aspirants under the NDC and other political parties, Kogoro has increasingly positioned himself ahead of many others through visible humanitarian projects, youth empowerment programmes, and sustained educational support initiatives that directly impact ordinary people.

For many residents, his latest free transportation programme is not just a response to the Okada ban but another reflection of his longstanding commitment to education, youth development, and compassionate leadership.