From Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
Bauchi state Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed flagged off the distribution of 1000 units of tricycles popularly called Keke NAPEP to ease transportation difficulties experienced as a result of the ban on commercial motorcycles in the state.
The distribution of the tricycles tagged “Kaura Economic Empowerment 2020” was designed to cushion the effect of the ban of motorcycles to the beneficiaries across the state.
Speaking at the launching of the scheme, Governor Bala Mohammed said in its effort to make the project a reality, his administration had deposited the sum of 250 million nairas.
According to him, the project is a continuous and revolving scheme as the instalment payment by the beneficiaries of the first batch will be used to purchase more units of the tricycles.
He explained that the programme is a social service to the entire community of the state to ameliorate their difficulties caused by the absence of motorcycles operations.
“Today’s event is yet another milestone in the history of this Government and Nigerian Democracy as a nation and more importantly party of making the achievements recorded within the first year of my administration.”
“As you may recall, the Government has banned the use of motorcycles in the state for security and health purposes.
In the alternative, the State Government decided to purchase 1000 units of tricycles to replace it.”
Governor Bala Mohammed who congratulated the beneficiaries of the tricycles, enjoined them to make good use of the favourable income-generating venture by making consistent repayment of the loan.
He expressed confidence that the provision of this alternative will be utilized for the twin purposes of increasing business and economic empowerment of the citizens within the package of Kaura Economic Empowerment Empowerment Programme (KEEP).
“As you may wish to know, the ban of motorcycles was not done to make life difficult to the people, but the benefit for its absence grossly overweight its presence on the street and the attendant criminal plans and conspiracy caused to the peaceful living of our people.”
“Let me reiterate that the distribution of the tricycles is the beginning of the provision of essential services to the good people of Bauchi state, and is an interest-free loan to the beneficiaries who are paying the balance in 24 months by instalment payment through the Ministry of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.”
The Governor who took time to shed more light on the reason for the suspension of okada activities said the measure is to overcome the prevalence of COVID-19 and tackle criminal activities in the state.
“I want to use this medium to make it clear that the ban on motorcycles operations in the state is temporary and would be suspended when the state government overcome the challenges associated with the operation.”
On commercial and other business activities in the state, Governor Bala Mohammed said similar programmes are in the pipeline for the state government to purchase commercial Motor vehicles to boost small and medium enterprises.
He disclosed that already 250 million naira has been set aside for the project in addition to the two vital components of wealth creation and economic empowerment plan to provide commercial loan cluster to traders and artisans are on the final stage of collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI).
“Already matching fund of 250 million nairas has been paid and awaiting to implement the Memorandum of Understanding and project will kick start soon.”
The State Commissioner for Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honorable Usman Saleh had earlier said the tricycles were distributed at the free interest loan of seven hundred thousand nairas only.
