Transporters under the aegis of the Delta State Association of Tricycles and Motorcycles have been empowered with a loan of N167 million by the state government, a gesture that has enabled them distribute the first batch of machines to beneficiaries.
So far, 260 motorcycles and 97 tricycles, popularly known as keke, have been distributed to some members of the association through their branches across the state as this is expected to boost the economy of the state.
State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, had pleaded with his development partners, especially politicians in the SMART to end the era of empowering constituents with Keke and motorcycles, saying such venture was not sustainable economically.
He said the more sustainable form of empowerment was to train beneficiaries on skills and thereafter empower them with starter packs to run their enterprises as entrepreneurs.
Now, the pathetic appeal of the keke and motorcycle riders seems to have touched the mind of the governor to even consider supporting their transport business by granting them the loan they requested.
Speaking with newsmen after the distribution exercise in Asaba, president of the association, Obi Nzete, who recalled how the association had approached the governor for the loan to empower their members, expressed delight at the government’s response.
“Following our request, the government in their magnanimity gave us a loan to purchase Okada and Keke in the areas they are useful in the state, knowing fully well that before now, there is a ban placed in some urban centres but not the entire state,” he said.
He explained that the machines distributed were not just on higher purchase. “We agreed on little amount which is running cost. For Okada, we added only N25,000 on the total cost. He added that the keke riders were given incentives which include that anyone who pays up within eight months would pay N50,000 interest while those paying up till one year would pay N70,000.”
Speaking to newsmen after the distribution exercise, the executive secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMA), Shimite Bello, said that their paying back the loan would make the state government have more confidence in them.
According to her, the state government would have no choice than to service the transport industry. “It is as simple as that. You don’t break what is working,” she said.
Diver Aggrey, a keke rider and one of the beneficiaries, expressed excitement over the loan. The keke, he said was given to them at the cost price of N680,000 and then the interest. He hoped that more loan would be given them as they complete payment of the one taken.
