In recent years, ride-hailing services have not only improved accessibility to transportation but also ensured safe and comfortable travel experiences for the public, ushering in what is commonly referred to as the future of mobility in Nigeria.
In a bid to show appreciation to its dedicated users in nine years of operation, Uber Nigeria, partnered Travelstart, a leading online travel agency, to recognise the efforts of drivers and riders based in Lagos.
These individuals to be rewarded have persevered through economic challenges such as rising fuel prices and foreign exchange shortages, contributing significantly to Uber’s sustained growth.
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At this event, two riders received London return tickets while three drivers were awarded local flight tickets, granting them the opportunity to explore different destinations across Nigeria during the festive season. In total, 30 individuals were honoured, including 20 drivers who received valuable gift items.
Tope Akinwumi, Country Manager, Uber Nigeria, in his speech, underscored the significant role that drivers and riders play in Uber’s success story, particularly in Lagos. He acknowledged that despite facing macroeconomic challenges, their dedication has been instrumental in driving Uber’s growth in the region.
“The top 30 drivers who operate on the Uber app were celebrated, showcasing our dedication to recognising driver excellence and reinforcing commitment to giving riders an excellent experience while using the app,” he said.
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“Drivers consistently go above and beyond to ensure riders reach their destination on time, regardless of the occasion. We acknowledge their dedication and take pride in presenting awards to exceptional drivers on our platform,” explained Efunlola Hughes, Driver Lead, West Africa
Similarly, Bukky Akomolafe, Country Manager at Travelstart, reiterated their mission to ease transportation burdens, particularly for airport commutes. “Through our partnership with Uber, we are offering travelers a 50 percent discount off rides to the airport for the campaign period,” she said.
Akomolafe also revealed that Travelstart would soon introduce a product allowing drivers to book air tickets for their customers, a move that will further enhance their collaboration with Uber.
At the event, Damilola Ogundele, a Nightlife PR expert and Fashion Designer, expressed his excitement about winning awards, highlighting his six-year journey as a loyal Uber user. He lauded Uber for recognizing and rewarding his loyalty with return tickets to London.
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Joy Ogochukwu, an entrepreneur who runs an online food delivery firm, also commended the initiative. She said she has spent over N2 million on Uber due to her business needs and encouraged Uber to continue such rewarding gestures.
”This is encouraging and I think it’s something that you should try and do often,” she said.
The event served as a testament to Uber and Travelstart’s commitment to appreciating and giving back to their dedicated drivers and riders, ultimately making their journeys more rewarding and affordable.
