To enhance the security of Women, Kano State witnessed the launch of a first-of-its-kind electric tricycle program, to transform transportation.
The Alternative Bank, In collaboration with the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Qoray Mobility, unveiled the innovative social impact initiative, providing women with fully electric tricycles and comprehensive training.
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The project flips the script on traditional transportation in Kano and marks a new chapter for the expertly trained women ready to navigate the city’s streets.
With 120 women from the Mata Zalla and Yar Baiwa cooperatives having undergone comprehensive training, they are now proficient tricycle drivers and mechanics.
The electric tricycles enable women to generate income by providing local transportation services and operating small delivery businesses.
The Executive Director Alternative Bank Alhaji Garba Mohammed explained that.
“Our electric tricycles are designed to address significant concerns regarding the safety of female passengers and children while at the same time safeguarding the environment.”
He stressed that Unlike traditional petrol-powered tricycles which contribute to pollution and are costly to operate due to rising fuel prices, the electric tricycles reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.
“ This aligns perfectly with The Alternative Bank’s commitment to both community well-being and environmental responsibility.”
The Regional Coordinator Kaduna and Kano State UK FCDO, Adamu Maikano highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“The UK government, a longstanding ally of Nigeria, is committed to facilitating investment, trade, and economic development. The launch of this EV project is evidence that partnerships truly work when all parties remain focused on a mutual goal.”
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Emphasizing the collaborative effort in facilitating the pilot of the EV project he pointed out that
“The UK’s FCDO-funded LINKS programme, worked with two women’s cooperatives in Kano – Mata Zalla and Yar Baiwa, The Alternative Bank, and the Kano Road Traffic Agency, to train 85 women, including the certification of 30 mechanics, and provision of essential tools”
“The UK’s FCDO also supported the cooperatives with a two-year lease for the service center, and equipped them with battery recharging infrastructure.”
“The project addresses challenges women face with traditional tricycles, including instances of violence. Having female owners and operators of the e-tricycles offers added comfort and security to women passengers who have no choice but to use tricycles for transportation,and equally offers the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions significantly.”
Head of Qoray Mobility, Olabanjo Alimi expressed pride in the initiative and optimism about expanding the pilot program and improving its electric vehicles. He highlighted a recent launch in Victoria Island, Lagos, where locally built charging stations were introduced.
Reflecting on Qoray’s history, he hinted that the company’s vision for the future of urban transportation would reduce pollution, lower transportation costs, and a strong commitment to the local community.
He remarked, “Unlike traditional petrol-powered tricycles that contribute to pollution and incur high operating costs due to rising fuel prices, these electric tricycles are designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.”
Alimi, a Kano native, concluded by thanking The Alternative Bank for its support.
Paradigm News reports that, the initiative signifies a transformative step towards a more sustainable and secure transportation system for women in Kano State. The Alternative Bank, along with its partners, is dedicated to continuing this momentum and expanding the program to create more opportunities for women across Nigeria.