The Alternative Bank in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Qoray Mobility, have launched an electric tricycle programme for women in Kano State.
A statement from the bank on Thursday indicated that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the security of women in the state by providing them with fully electric tricycles and comprehensive training.
According to the bank, under the programme, about 120 women from the Mata Zalla and Yar Baiwa cooperatives have undergone comprehensive training, to become tricycle drivers and mechanics.
“These electric tricycles enable women to generate income by providing local transportation services and operating small delivery businesses. This initiative is a double win.
“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. Unlike traditional petrol-powered tricycles which contribute to pollution and are costly to operate due to rising fuel prices, our 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,” declared the Executive Director of The Alternative Bank, Garba Mohammed.
The Regional Coordinator of Kaduna and Kano States for the UK’s 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.
“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 centre, and equipped them with battery recharging infrastructure,” he explained.
The Head of Qoray Mobility, Olabanjo Alimi, expressed pride in the initiative and optimism about expanding the pilot programme and improving its electric vehicles.
Qoray Mobility recently launched charging stations in the Victoria Island area of Lagos in its sustainability drive.
The Alternative Bank is the ethical banking subsidiary of Sterling Financial Holdings.
