“The project did not teach us about the benefit of working as a group but also supported us with a tricycle from which we are able to support our individual business, earn a living and save in the cooperative’s purse” – Ernest, the driver of the tricycle narrates.

Ernest narrates that some members of his cooperative were before now working for others with little or save or make up for personal needs until the coming of the project. “the VIO came to our community and trained us on how to effectively use the tricycle and obey all road safety signs and regulations to be free from accidents and it didn’t stop there as we later received a free tricycle.”

The transporters cooperative has a defined system of financial administration and savings. “in a week, we save 40,000 (NGN) and also take part of the money for weekly maintenance and servicing of the tricycle. From using the tricycle, I also make my own earnings from it and so others as we use it rotationally”.

Interestingly, the group has mapped a strategy and model to acquire a new tricycle and split the group which will increase individual earnings and ensures sustainability as it envisions that every member of the group owns his tricycle.