The Simba Group, sole distributors of the TVS tricycle brand, recently celebrated the 2019 International Women’s Day with a women-empowerment focused event.
The highlight of the event, hosted by Nollywood star, Chioma Akpotha, was the graduation ceremony for 30 women from the latest batch of Simba’s “Queen Riders” programme, which was established to teach women from under-represented backgrounds how to safely ride and repair tricycles, enabling them to boost their families’ disposable incomes
In attendance at the event were Ms Kuforiji AKA “Mama Keke” and representatives of MISS, a microfinance institution that provides finance for graduates of the programme to buy TVS tricycles.
Simba and TVS have a long association with women’s empowerment. The Simba Training School conducts advanced courses in tricycle repair and maintenance along with the riding programme.
Speaking at the event, Akpotha encouraged the new graduates to confidently pursue their dreams, adding that women are equal to men and can even rise higher. Mama Keke, who has become a successful business woman, shared the story of the hardship she faced in her life and how she surmounted such to become successful. She also offered tips on how to succeed in the sector.
The event saw Akpotha riding a tricycle at the Simba Training Ground, an action that drew loud cheers from the crowd. A spokesperson for the Simba Group said: “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 Akpotha for gracing the event, whose presence made a big difference in encouraging the graduates; Ms Kufuroji and our partners at MISS, who have helped make this programme a success. We shall jointly continue to grow the Queen Riders Programme even further.”
The Simba Group has operated in Nigeria for over 30 years, during which it has made huge contributions to the country’s economy through its portfolio of widely recognised brands.
