Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, on Monday, inaugurated 100 tricycles to ease transportation challenges, stimulate macroeconomic activities and reduce poverty.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that government also officially enrolled members of Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) to the informal package of the state’s health insurance scheme.
NAN also reports that TOAN members commended the move, describing it highly beneficial and hailed the governor for granting them official recognition.
“Today, we are inaugurating 100 tricycles guaranteed for members of TOAN, in conjunction with SEAP Microfinance Institute, SIMBA/TVS and TOAN.
“I commend all of you for this hugely beneficial partnership,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor also commended SIMBA/TVS for the 12- month warranty in the tricycles, with an offer of free service for the same period.
“I also commend the firm for its decision to locate your sales, service and spare parts centre in Offa.
“The attendant economic benefits of this step will be huge, and we promise to support you in every step of the way,” he added.
AbdulRazaq noted that the administration had also implemented four major programmes and interventions that were meant to save and create jobs as well as prevent people from falling into destitution.
NAN reports that the governor was making apparent reference to some initiatives funded under the State Social Investment Programme.
According to him, the interventions include soft loans for traders and transporters, and grants running into millions of naira for victims of October 2020 EndSARS protests.
He said that his government had also granted non-interest loans to 170 young people to strengthen them or get their businesses started.
AbdulRazaq added that farmers were also not left out of the exercise.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Intervention, Kayode Oyin-Zubaire, said that the community transport intervention project was a direct response to the request from TOAN members.
He added that the intervention was a total departure from the traditional empowerment programmes.
“Each beneficiary has committed himself to an equity contribution.
“We have agreed with SEAP Microfinance that all equity contributions will be refunded to beneficiaries who completely liquidate their credit under the 18-month period of the intervention.
“Apart from the insurance on their vehicles, we have equally enrolled all beneficiaries with State Health Insurance Agency,” Oyin-Zubair said.
Executive Secretary, State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Bunmi Jetawo-Winter, encouraged all the affected tricycle operators to immediately present their enrolment cards to their respective health facilities to access subsidised health care services.
In his remarks, Executive Programme Director, SEAP Microfinance Bank, Dr Olatunde Oladokun, said that the bank decided to partner government to boost the state economy and reduce pressure on it.
“We are supporting the state government to strengthen public-private partnership,” he said.
Chairman of TOAN, Alhaji Saliu Gidado, applauded the AbdulRazaq-led administration for its interventions and for granting the association approval to operate as tricycle transport service provider under the state Ministry of Works.
He explained that previous efforts to be independent like any other union in the state had proved abortive.
“Today is a landmark in the history of TOAN in Kwara because this is the first time any government will be doing this for us.
“This will definitely go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of the masses in the state in terms of transportation,” Gidado added. (NAN)
