The Nation Newspaper

Tag: TRICYCLE

  • Tricycle operators in Lagos get free fuel

    Tricycle operators in Lagos get free fuel

    In celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, over 5,000 tricycle operators in Alimosho Constituency, Lagos State have received free fuel vouchers worth over N25 million.

    The initiative, led by the Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) of NURTW, Zone C, Azeez Abiola, also known as Istijaba, aimed to support the operators amid the country’s challenging economic climate.

    Abiola reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of tricycle operators, emphasising that the union is working with law enforcement agents to ensure operators abide by regulations.

    Read Also: CBN introduces electronic FX matching system for transactions

    Initially targeted at operators in Alimosho, the initiative saw participants from other areas, including Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ojokoro, and Ikeja.

    “We were surprised by the turnout from other zones, but we are happy to make people happy. We all know how tough the economy is today. That’s why we are assisting our members with free fuel to celebrate Independence and to give them a sense of belonging,” Abiola said.”

    The fuel distribution, valued at N5,000 per beneficiary, was conducted at strategic locations across Alimosho, including Kola Alagbado, Command/Abule-Egba, and Ayobo Ipaja, where tricycle operators gathered to collect their free fuel.

  • Tricycle union warns members

    The Alimosho-Akowonjo branch Chairman of Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), Comrade Isiaka Yekeen, has given a seven-day ultimatum to operators to comply with the group’s rules or be sanctioned.

    The warning followed the alleged anti-association activities of the Nigeria Air Force Base Shasha tricycle unit which is under the branch.

    Isiaka said the unit had failed to comply with the Lagos State Government’s directive that operators must belong to one umbrella body, TOOAN.

    He said: “Our association is the only recognised tricycle body authorised by the Lagos State Government to control the affairs of tricycle in the state with affiliation to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), which was established in 1978.

    “Over the years, the green painted NAF Base Shasha tricycles have never complied with the government’s directive.

    “They claimed to be conveying passengers and goods to NAF Base. This claim contradicts the situation on ground. With the help of the Air Force Base, the tricycle operators compete with our members by carrying passengers along Shasha and Orisunmibare roads.

    “We have written to them and held meetings with the Air Force Base, asking them to stop interfering with the activities of the union. We asked their branded tricycles to restrict their activities to the NAF Base, but over time, they convey passengers beyond the barracks.”

  • Gas cylinders fall on tricycle as trailer runs into ditch

    A gas cylinder-laden trailer yesterday fell into a ditch, spilling its content on a tricycle at Matori, Mushin, Lagos.

    The trailer, marked Lagos MUS -356 XD, was trying to negotiate the Ladipo round-about on Fatai Atere Way, Matori when the accident occurred around 3.28pm.

    The scene was cordoned off. Motorists and Okada riders resorted to alternative routes.

    The Nation learnt that the owner of the tricycle marked JJJ 12 QE took it on installment plan from a micro finance bank barely a month ago.

    Men from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit came with a crane to remove the trailer from the ditch.

    Lagos State Fire Fighters also came to the scene.

    The tricycle owner, Mr Raimi Atanda, said: “I was inside my tricycle. I was coming from Cappa to Daleko. A car in front blocked me. I just heard a loud sound. Immediately I ran away; my passengers also ran away. I came back and saw the damage done to my tricycle.

    “I just got the tricycle not up to a month on installment basis. The gas company will have to buy another. I don’t think we can repair this.”

  • Women urged to become commercial tricycle ridders

    Women urged to become commercial tricycle ridders

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    More women have been urged to become tricycle riders as a means of livelihood.

    Business Head of Simba Group, Minish Rohtagi made the call in Lagos on Thursday during the celebration of the 2018 Women’s Day, Simba group to announce plans to empower women.

    The group promised providing a baby center and scholarship for tricycle riders.

    He said that the group is reaching out to other states to get other women to ride the tricycle and enjoy the benefits offered by the company.

    According to him, a governor of a northern state has promised that fifty tricycle drivers will be given to the group.

    Read Also: ‘Don’t phase out motorcycles, tricycles’

    “We are reaching out to other states too, apart from Lagos, and these also include the northern states. We already have the word of one of the northern governor that we will have fifty female tricycle drivers. This is heartwarming, because we would have assumed that it would have been difficult to get female drivers in northern states.

    “We give free services to women riders.  We are thinking of more packages like a baby center for women tricycle riders for example, and we also intend giving out scholarships.”

    Speaking on the contributions of Simba group on the society, the Marketing Head, El Hadj Seck said many tricycles have been produced for Lagos drivers and more will still b produced.

    “More than 60% of tricycles used all around Lagos come from Simba group, and they are standard tricycles. Our tricycles have features like dashboard, in-built music players and so on and a very strong chassis. We test our products day by day to see that it is working well.

    “We have been doing women empowerment over the years, and we hope to do more to better the lives of women in the society.

    One of the female riders, Ada Jesus, told The Nation that the scheme has been very helpful to her. “I am thankful to Simba group, I have benefitted from them, and I am able to feed myself and family.”

     

  • Protest: Commercial tricycle operations suspended

    The Plateau State government has slammed an indefinite suspension on commercial tricycle operators, popularly called Keke Napep, in Jos, the capital.

    The ban covers Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

    The suspension followed yesterday’s protest by the riders, which turned into a riot. They were said to be protesting exorbitant taxes imposed on them by government agents.

    The protesters carried green leaves and declared a stay-at-home for their members.

    But a faction refused to obey the stay-at-home order.

    Some youths, posing as the association’s executive members, started harassing those defying the order.

    Tricycles and other vehicles were smashed and a clash ensued between the hoodlums and security agents who came to arrest them.

    Following the chaos, the government announced a suspension of commercial tricycle operations in the city.

    A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Cornelius Shoibail, said: “The Plateau State government has observed with dismay, how Keke Napep operators have taken laws into their hands in Jos metropolis.

    “In view of this, the government has suspended their operations in Jos Bukuru metropolis till further notice, starting from Monday (yesterday). The public is advised to go about their lawful business and security operatives are to take note.”

  • Ogun to spend N203.3m to control gully erosion

    Ogun to spend N203.3m to control gully erosion

    The Ogun Government says it will spend N203.3 million to control gully erosion in 2018.

    Mr Bolaji Oyeleye, the State Commissioner for Environment, disclosed this on Monday, while defending the ministry’s 2018 budget proposal before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation at the assembly complex, Abeokuta.

    Oyeleye noted that the money would be spent on execution of designs already prepared for amelioration and rehabilitation of some already environmentally-degraded areas in the state.

    Represented by Mr Kunle Osota, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, the commissioner added that N203.3 million was to prevent degradation and arrest gully formation that could cause damage to the ecosystem.

    Oyeleye said N87.9 million had been earmarked for the rehabilitation and repair of water ways across the state.

    Read also: Ogun to spend N30.7bn on roads in 2018

    He added that the ministry had proposed N25 million on repairing and rehabilitation of existing markets and parks across the state.

    ‘‘The ministry will embark on beautification and landscaping at various locations such as Totoro, Ago-Oba roundabout, Ijaiye roundabout, Ake roundabout and Sagamu /Ikenne roundabout.

    “In 2018, we want to acquire 12 Mercedes-Benz Compactor Trucks , 18 Global Power Push Mower, four tricycle Tip Loaders for effective evacuation of refuse across the state,’’ he said.

    He said the ministry had proposed N4.5 billion as capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure would gulp N625 million with N665 million as expected revenue.

    NAN

  • Don’t phase out motor cycle, tricycle operations, FG tells States

    Don’t phase out motor cycle, tricycle operations, FG tells States

    The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, on Thursday urged states and local governments in Nigeria to integrate motor circle and tricycle operations into their transportation system instead of planning to phase them out.

    Amaechi said motor cycle and tricycle operations have been playing vital roles in nation building and development as they are primary means of transportation in many – difficult – to – reach areas of the country.

    The Minister made this known in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the inauguration of the state Secretariat of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN).

    Amaechi who was represented by the Deputy Director, Mass Transit Administration in the ministry, Foluke Oni, noted that it is plausible to allow Nigerians to “choose the means of transportation that suit them.”

    He, however, strongly recommended a continuous use of helmets, training and retraining of riders as well as an insurance cover for motor cyclists, try cyclists and users to guarantee safety on the roads.

    “There is need for states and local governments to integrate these tricycles and motor cycles operations into their mode of transportation and should begin to think more on how to enhance their operations rather than thinking of phasing them out

    “Tricycles and motor cycles are important in the area of provision of essential and easy to reach transportation all over the country.

    “Just like in the developed nation, we should ensure that the citizenry have the opportunity of choosing the form of transportation that best suit them.

    “There is need therefore for greater understanding of inevitable presence of tricycles and motor cycles operators for an improved and affordable transportation access for rural and some urban dwellers,” Amaechi said.

    Also, a federal lawmaker representing Yewa South and Ipokia Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Kunle Akinlade, called for the integration of motor cycle and tricycle operations into the nation’s transport system, saying many of them are employers of labour in the trade.

  • Tricycle owners seek autonomy from NURTW

    Lagos State Council of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) has appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to grant them autonomy from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    Its Secretary, Comrade Pius Bamgbelu, made the appeal after a crucial stakeholder’s meeting in Lagos at the weekend following a rift with NURTW.

    He said the request was urgent in order to exonerate TOAN from the violence over the death of a NURTW chieftain, Alhaji Rasaq Bello aka Hamburger.

    “TOAN members are known to be law abiding and will not like to be associated with violence or illegal act that will be detrimental to the already existing peace in the state,” Bamgbelu said.

    Bamgbelu explained that TOAN is not a member of the embattled NURTW which operation has now been suspended by the state government.

    He said TOAN is a trade union registered under the Trade Union Act Cap T.14 2004 NO.0124 and is presently affiliated to the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

  • Suspected tricycle thief held

    Suspected tricycle thief held

    Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives have arrested a member of a five-man gang that steals tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep and motorcycles aka Okada in Lagos.

    Ekene Chukwuan, 21, was arrested after he and four other members of his gang broke into an apartment at 49, Falana Street, Iyana-Ejigbo Lagos, and stole one tricycle and one motorcycle around 2am.

    A statement by RRS said Ekene told detectives how he was introduced into stealing by his mentor named ‘Alhaji’.

    RRS quoted him as saying: “I relocated from Amukoko to Ijora in search of greener pastures because I was told there is money in Ijora and Mushin. I work as a truck pusher at Ojuade market where I helped people convey their goods from one location to another before Alhaji told me to stop the work for better one.

    “Alhaji told me he was called for a work by one ‘Ajona’ and asked me if I will like to join in the job, promising me a better pay and less stress. I accepted Alhaji’s idea but didn’t know we are going for stealing.

    “On getting to Ejigbo, Ajona who is the leader told us to stay in a place till nightfall before entering into the apartment where we unchained a motorcycle and a tricycle. We put the motorcycle inside the tricycle and Ajona drove the tricycle.

    “We were on our way when RRS men chased us. We were trying to escape but had accident and immediately ran away, but the police caught me.”

    Ekene told the police that “we sell stolen Keke Napep between N75,000 and N80,000, while motorcycles are sold for between N30,000 and N40,000.”

    The owner of the motorcycle, Nduka Oyekachi Innocent, who was alerted of the theft and invited to RRS office, said: “I parked my tricycle in my compound at 49, Falana Street, Iyana-Ejigbo, and went to bed. I woke up the following morning only to discover that it was missing. I searched everywhere, including the drainages because I was so much devastated. Immediately, I went to Ejigbo Police Station to report the incident before I was informed later that RRS officers have arrested one of the suspected thieves.”

    Nduka said he wept on discovering that his tricycle was missing because he got it on hire-purchase from a businessman.

    Recovered from the suspect were an iron cutter, a tricycle and a motorcycle.

    Police said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

  • Enugu police sensitise tricycle operator on security

    ‘He advised the group to close ranks with the police for a safe and secure environment and state by cooperating with them and reporting promptly any threat to security of their environment as well as their smooth operations to the police and other relevant
    security agencies’

    The Enugu State Police command has interacted with commercial tricycle operators, sensitising them on the need to be law abiding, and safety and security conscious as well as partnering with the police in fighting crime.

    The one-day sensitisation on security for the operators was held at the IMT Campus II Park. Attending were no fewer than 600 tricycle operators.

    The police spokesman in Enugu, Ebere Amaraizu, a Superintendent who represented the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Dan-Mallam Mohammed told them that there was need for them to be law abiding in order to run away from issues that will put them in conflict with the law.

    He advised the group to close ranks with the police for a safe and secure environment and state by cooperating with them and reporting promptly any threat to security of their environment as well as their smooth operations to the police and other relevant security agencies.

    He also informed participants that the state command under the close watch of CP Dan-Mallam Mohammed has intensified action against any form of extortion of cyclists by police personnel at stop and search as the command has promptly mobilised its x-squad and monitoring unit to that effect and with a view to fishing out any erring personnel for necessary disciplinary action

    He released the commands distress call numbers and social media contacts for easy partnership with the group and advised operators to report through the appropriate authority about any perceived case of extortion.

    The state chairman of the Association Comrade Benjamin Ikah had thanked Amaraizu for the sensitisation which he described was a right step from a right direction and also thanked Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his support for the cyclists in the state.

    He advised his members to be law abiding and not to engage or encourage criminal activities and above all not to take laws into their hands.

    There was also road traffic sensitisation by the officials of Federal Road safety Corp Enugu state command where relevant traffic guide were released to operators.