Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday launched 100 tricycles to ease transportation challenges, stimulate macroeconomic economic activities, and reduce poverty.
The government also officially enrolled members of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) on the informal package of the state’s health insurance scheme a step the body hailed as beneficial while also commending the Governor for granting them official recognition.
“Today, we are launching 100 tricycles which our government guaranteed for members of TOAN. This is done through a partnership with SEAP Microfinance Institute, SIMBA/TVS, and TOAN. I commend all of you for this hugely beneficial partnership,” AbdulRazaq said at the launch of the 3-wheelers held at the Government House Ilorin.
“A major fruit of this partnership is the enrolment of TOAN members in the Kwara State health insurance. The health and economic benefits of this insurance cannot be overemphasised.
“Our profound appreciation particularly goes to SIMBA/TVS for the 12 month warranty in the tricycles and offer of free service for the same period. I also commend the firm for its decision to locate your Service, Sales, and Spares Centre in Offa in Kwara State. The attendant economic benefits of this step will be huge, and we promise to support you every step of the way.”
AbdulRazaq congratulated beneficiaries of the first phase of the community transport intervention project and urged TOAN and other transport unions to continue to work with the government on the strategy to ensure coordination, safety, and general security.
Executive Secretary Kwara 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 Oladokun Olatunde said the bank partnered the state government to boost the state economy and reduce pressure on the government.
Chairman Tricycles Owners Association of Nigeria Alhaji Saliu Gidado applauded the government of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for its interventions and for approving the certificate of the association to operate as Tricycles Transport Service provider under the state Ministry of Works, saying previous efforts to be independent like any other unions Kwara State had proved abortive.
“Today is also a landmark in the history of Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, because this is certainly the first time any government will be doing this for us. This will go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of the masses in the state in terms of transportation,” the chairman added.
In a similar development, AbdulRazaq also flag off of the distribution of empowerment materials to 500 women and girls across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
The empowerment equipments include refrigerators, generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines, makeup kits and hair driers.
