The Special Adviser( SA) to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Gender Matters, Chief Mrs Olamide Falana has assured female commercial tricycle riders of the state government protection and productive collaboration.
Falana, who assured the riders at an interactive meeting in her office in Akure, said the essence of the meeting was firstly to let the riders know that the government recognized the impact of their contribution in the society.
She said as female commercial riders, the state government would seek ways to alleviate their challenges in their work environment.
“The Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa acknowledges and appreciates your effort, also for the fact that through this job, taxes are paid and in turn it is what government uses to provide various amenities you benefit from daily.
“It gladdens my heart when I see women who hussle to make a living through this tricycle driving business.
“The issue of gender does not refer to male or female alone but both because whatever a man can do a woman can also do. People should unlearn the habit of bringing a woman down just because of her gender,” she said.
The SA explained that the government understood that most of them had families, children at school and aged parents while having to fulfill an important role in the society.
According to her, it is, therefore, necessary that priority must be given to female riders to make their work easier and to be given a sense of pride.
“In every woman, there is a man and that man in you is the capacity, energy, determination and resilience you unleash at all times.
“ I want you to remain responsible, diligent and undeterred so as not to be subdued,” she urged.
Also speaking, the state President, Female Drivers’ Association of Nigeria (FEDAN), Mrs Olalusi Bosede, appreciated the government through the Special Adviser for identifying with them, saying it had been long-awaited.
Olalusi drew the attention of government to the issues of bullying, high cost of daily levy and ticketing as major concerns affecting their work.
She commended the SA for her swift action taken to wade into a recent scuffle with one of the association’s members and their male counterparts.
The FEDAN President also decried the cost of acquiring the tricycle motorcycle on hire purchase at an exorbitant rate of N5.5 million and at N3 million with outright payment.
She said added that the amount was burdensome for her members and pleaded that the government provide a more affordable and flexible means of purchase to enable them make ends meet.
Similarly, Executive Secretary Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV), Barr. Bolanle Afolabi commended the female tricycle drivers for their perseverance despite the imminent challenges posed on them while carrying out their job.
Afolabi assured them that the state government through the Office of Gender Matters would see to making their voices be heard promptly.
She advised them to get a lawyer for their association to check on favorable terms of agreement for the hire purchase and guidance.
Afolabi enlightened them on the laws available to handle cases of all gender-based violence, provide emergency services and protection for victims.
She encouraged them to report any case of harassment to the agency when there was a need to do so.
I’m her remarks, the first female commercial tricycle rider in the state, Princess Oluwayemisi Oke, expressed her dissatisfaction with level of ill-treatment shown to members of the association.
Oke enumerated some of the issues and beckoned government to come to their rescue.
Other members were allowed to express their concerns regarding their challenges in which the Special Adviser assured them that there would be an interface with the leadership of their male counterparts and ensure issues were amicably resolved for peaceful co-existence.