January 24, (THEWILL) – In a bid to alleviate poverty and ensure financial independence among their members, Keke Owners and Riders Association (KORA) in Akwa Ibom State has empowered 30 of its members with brand new Tricycles.
The empowerment which is the fourth in the series, THEWILL learnt was made possible through the Keke Owners and Riders Cooperative Society.
Addressing beneficiaries during the presentation ceremony in Uyo at the weekend, the President of the association, Comrade Jeremiah Jackson said the scheme was designed to help members cope with daily challenges of their operations.
“Today, over 30 tricycles have been given out under keke owners and riders cooperative. Last year, we gave out 50 Tricycles. We thank God for the grace and growth of the scheme.” He mentioned.
He appealed to beneficiaries of the empowerment to make good use of the opportunity and promptly make their contributions to the cooperative to enable others to also benefit from the scheme.
The President, who stressed the need for honesty and transparency in compliance with the terms and conditions of the cooperative in ensuring prompt payment of their contributions, hinted that the tricycles have security mechanisms installed in them as those who choose to run away with it would be caught.
He encouraged Tricycle owners and riders to be part of the various schemes created by the Association so as to know areas they could benefit from.
He stated that the empowerment scheme is one of such schemes that could qualify one for a new tricycle.
“Don’t just be a member by stickers on your tricycle, seek to know how the scheme could be of benefit to you. We have a savings scheme, financial assistance scheme, contribution scheme and the empowerment scheme.” he hinted.
He, however, listed some of the challenges faced by members of the association in their daily operations to include robbery, theft of Tricycle, harassment by security personnel, accident, and multiple taxation from operators of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
“NURTW impounds our members’ Tricycles, particularly those who come from Ikot Ekpene, asking them to buy emblems and tickets against the state approved unified ticket. The operation of an unknown task force impounding our members Tricycles at Ikot Ekpene motor park is illegal and not known to the state government”, he complained.
While commending Governor Udom Emmanuel and the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Uno Etim Uno for their unwavering support to the association, Mr Jackson called on the state government to wade into the issue of multiple taxation as operations of Tricycles in the state were covered by a unified ticket
The President pledged his association’s support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s completion agenda. He also thanked the MD CY Original Venture, MD Enwinsco and Akwa Savings and Loans Limited for partnering the association in its drive to growth.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Transport Hon Uno Etim Uno commended KORA for their unwavering commitment and support in alleviating poverty among their members in the state.
Uno said the Initiative by KORA was in line with the vision of the state government in alleviating poverty and uplifting the standards of living of Akwa Ibom people through its numerous policies and programmes.
Represented by the Director of Land Transport Engr Joseph Ebong, the Commissioner thanked the Chairman of KORA Mr Jeremiah Jackson for his efforts in ensuring that members benefit fully from the Association.
In his words: “It is only KORA that can do this. I was here last year and we commissioned 50 tricycles and today 30. I am very happy and excited. These people are my projects.
“The Chairman has given us something to commission every year. As a government, we are excited when people have something to do. With this, you are giving these people a starting point. God will bless you.” he maintained.
