In a display of unwavering support and solidarity, three
tricycle riders embarked on a remarkable
journey from Lagos to Abuja to honor
President Bola Tinubu. These tricyclists, belonging to the Tricycle Owners
Association of Nigeria (TOAN), were determined to mark the president’s 38 days
in office and traveled a staggering distance of 757 kilometers to do so.
Setting off on their arduous expedition, the tricyclists
endured a grueling 17-hour journey, fueled by their dedication to show support
for the Tinubu-led government. Their intent was to demonstrate solidarity for
the president’s early days in power, a testament to their deep faith in his
leadership.
However, their journey took an unexpected turn as they found
themselves stranded in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The tricyclists had spent
over 10 days in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) without having the
opportunity to meet the president or gain access to the national secretariat of
the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abuja.
Expressing their plight, the Chairman of the Ajah branch of
TOAN, Onanuga Babatunde, spoke on behalf of the team. He revealed that they
were facing financial difficulties and sought support from fellow Nigerians.
The tricyclists had already expended over N100,000 on fuel for their two tricycles
and were unable to return to Lagos.
Regrettably, their attempts to connect with the officials at
the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been in
vain. Despite their determination and sacrifice, they had not been granted an
audience or received any assistance.
Onanuga explained, “I am the one that drove a tricycle
from Lagos to Abuja to show solidarity with the President. We are three in
number – Comrade Ahmed Bolaji and Comrade Akintade Temitope. We started the
journey on Monday, July 3rd, and we got to Abuja on July 4th. We are here to
show solidarity with the President. When we were coming, we had challenges on
the road, but we thank God we overcame them.”
He continued, “Since we arrived, we have been stranded.
We have spent 10 days in Abuja. We have spent all our money on fuel, and we
don’t have anything with us. We have been paying for hotel accommodation since
we came to Abuja.”
Despite their predicament, the Chairman of TOAN appealed for
the group to be granted an audience. He remained optimistic, believing that
President Tinubu, known for his kindness and compassion, would utilize his
influential position to establish the assembly or manufacturing of tricycles in
Nigeria—a legacy that would positively impact the industry.
With their unwavering dedication and heartfelt plea, the
tricycle riders hoped that their message would reach the ears of those who
could provide the assistance they desperately needed. Their poignant journey
from Lagos to Abuja, though marred by unexpected challenges, stood as a
testament to their unyielding support for President Bola Tinubu and their
unwavering belief in his vision for Nigeria.
