The Simba Group, exclusive distributors of TVS, Nigeria’s bestselling tricycle brand, celebrated International Women’s Day by organising an event especially for women, which was hosted by the eminent Nollywood personality, Chioma Akpotha.
The event also celebrated the graduation of 30 women from the latest batch of Simba’s ‘Queen Riders’ program, attended by Ms Kuforiji, AKA Mama Keke and representatives of MISS, a microfinance institution which helps finance graduates of the program to buy TVS tricycles.
Simba and TVS have a long association with women’s empowerment. The Queen Riders’ program was founded by Simba to teach women from under-represented backgrounds how to safely ride and repair tricycles, enabling them to partake in the industry and increase their families’ disposable incomes. The Simba Training School conducts advanced courses in tricycle repair and maintenance along with the riding programs.
Chioma Akpotha stressed that women are equal to men, and can even rise higher – encouraging the graduating women to go forward confidently and achieve their dreams. Meanwhile, Mama Keke shared insights of the hardships she faced earlier on in her life and how she surmounted them to become a very successful businesswoman, while advising the women present on how to succeed in this industry.
The event culminated with Chioma Akpotha entering and driving a ‘keke’ at the Simba Training Ground, which was met with much fanfare and jubilation from the attending crowd. A Simba spokesperson said,
“We are extremely thankful to Ms Chioma for gracing the event, her presence has made a big difference in encouraging the women graduates. This initiative is part of our humble efforts to empower women in Nigeria while contributing to the economic development of the country and Nigerians in general. We also extend our sincere thanks to Ms Kufuroji and our partners at MISS who have enabled this program to be a success. We shall jointly continue to grow the Queen Riders Program even further.”
The Simba Group, one of the country’s most respected business groups, has been operating in Nigeria for over 30 years. In that time, the group has contributed greatly to the Nigerian economy, and its portfolio of widely recognised brands, continue to dominate industries in which Simba operates. Their TVS tricycle line is the best selling keke in the country.
