Olusina Ajidahun, co-founder of Priv Health, has emphasized the importance of courtesy from ride-hailing riders towards Uber and Bolt drivers. He suggested that passengers should match their preference for conversation and avoid disrespect that could harm the dignity of drivers. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
“It takes nothing to be kind and courteous to people,” said Ajidahun. “For the ones that are elderly and don’t want to converse, I keep my cool and enjoy the ride. Honestly, it costs nothing to be kind and courteous to Uber/Bolt drivers. They are humans and deserve respect.”
Rider-respect initiatives and platform policies are becoming increasingly important as concerns about driver safety in ride-hailing services grow. Major companies are adopting measures to deter misconduct and promote better passenger behavior. For instance, Uber introduced a verified-rider badge and trip-recording features in the United States in 2024. This move came after reports indicated that 68% of serious sexual assault incidents on its platform involved drivers as victims, according to Reuters. These developments reflect broader discussions regarding gig-worker protections, rider accountability, and regulatory oversight within the mobility sector.
According to Reuters, Uber’s introduction of a verified-rider badge in 2024 followed its 2021-2022 safety report findings. The report showed that 31% of reported sexual assault incidents were committed by drivers against riders, while 68% were against drivers. Additionally, the company said it had blocked approximately 15,000 rider accounts using fake names.
There is limited publicly available global data comparing driver satisfaction or retention in markets with rider courtesy campaigns versus those without. However, early pilot results from Uber in the U.S. indicated that riders flagged with the verified badge gave drivers five-star ratings more frequently and were associated with fewer driver complaints. This suggests a plausible correlation between rider verification features and an improved driver experience, according to The Verge.
Olusina Ajidahun, also known as “Dr Sina,” is a Nigerian medical doctor, digital-health strategist, and entrepreneur who co-founded Priv Health alongside Joseph Anya. His background includes neurology training, health-tech advising, and online influence on men’s wellness issues in Nigeria, as reported by Punch.
Priv Health is a Nigerian telehealth startup founded in January 2024 specializing in men’s health and wellness. It offers discreet online consultations, diagnostics, and prescriptions for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and hair loss—its mission is to make men’s health accessible and stigma-free according to Techpoint Africa.
