The Queen Riders initiative, a collaborative endeavor between Simba Group, the House of Oduduwa, the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Foundation, and Gigmile Technologies, marks a significant milestone in the journey towards women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
Held on the 18th of March 2024, the ceremony symbolized a transformative moment as tricycles were handed over and keys presented, accompanied by additional promotional materials, to the 15 registered Queen Riders.
This event not only signifies tangible support but also represents a promising step towards fostering independence and opportunities for women across the nation.
In a momentous event held on the 20th of November 2023, the TVS King Deluxe CNG was officially launched in Benin City, Edo State, marking a significant milestone as Nigeria’s first CNG Tricycle entered the market. The choice of Benin City as the launch location was strategic, considering the widespread availability of CNG gas stations across the metropolis, ensuring convenient access to clean and affordable fuel for tricycle operators.
The launch ceremony drew a diverse audience, including representatives from the Edo State government, executives and members of the Tricycle Riders Association, as well as representatives from CNG vendors, among other esteemed guests. This impressive turnout underscored the importance of this innovative initiative in revolutionizing transportation in Nigeria and promoting environmental sustainability.
Simba TVS, the leading brand of tricycles in Nigeria, has brought its award-winning Queen Rider Program to Ile-Ife in Osun State, in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa and Queen Moremi Ajasoro Foundation.
The Queen Rider Program is a women’s empowerment initiative of the Simba Group, that trains women on tricycle riding and maintenance and equips those from under-represented backgrounds with the skills and support to start their own tricycle business.
The opening ceremony, which was held recently at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, had several government officials, traditional rulers and transport unions in attendance.
Declaring the program open, the Oni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, thanked Simba TVS for bringing the Queen Riders program to Ife, assuring that the crown will continue to partner with the company to ensure its success. While noting the dearth of commercial tricycles in Ife which is supposed to ease local transportation, he opined that upon conclusion of the training program, successful participants would also contribute to the improvement of last-mile transportation in Ife.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mahendra Pratap, the Business Head of Simba TVS, said: “The Queen Rider Program is not only a skill development initiative, but also a social movement that challenges the stereotypes and barriers that sometimes limits womens’ potential. By becoming Queen Riders, these women can assert their independence, confidence, and dignity. They can also inspire other women and girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”
He added: “The Queen Rider Program is aligned with our vision of creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have equal opportunities and rights. We believe that women empowerment is not only a moral imperative but also a step towards economic growth and social progress.”
One of the participants, Ms. Sowade Oluwabukola, expressed her excitement about joining the program: “I am very happy to be part of this program. I have always wanted to learn how to ride a tricycle, but I was afraid of what people would say or do. Now I have the opportunity to learn from experts and meet other women who share my passion. I hope to become a successful Queen Rider and support my family.”
The Queen Rider Program is Nigeria’s oldest tricycle training and empowerment program dedicated to women. It was established in 2017 by Simba TVS to teach women how to safely ride and repair tricycles, enabling them to partake in the industry and increase their families’ disposable incomes.
Since its inception, the program has trained over 1,000 women across Nigeria and helped them access finance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program also provides them with certificates and starter kits.
Simba TVS have won the African Brand of the Year 2023 award in recognition of the company’s support and empowerment of Nigerian women through the Queen Riders Program.
The company bagged the award at the Future Women Conference 2023 organised by the Women in Africa For Transformation Initiative held at the University of Lagos recently. The Queen Riders program is an initiative aimed at empowering underrepresented women in the nation’s burgeoning commercial transportation industry.
Gracing the event, the Queen of Ile Ife, HRM Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, commended Simba TVS for introducing the Queen Rider program which she acknowledged had impacted positively in transforming the lives of women.
Receiving the award, the Business Head, Simba TVS, Mr. Mahendra Pratap, highlighted the importance of women empowerment in the growth and development of every society. He emphasized that the Queen Riders Program is built on four pillars of Opportunity, Development, Empowerment, and Independence, and has successfully enriched the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of women across different parts of the country.
According to Pratap, “Through the Queen Riders program, Simba TVS provides training for women on vehicle riding and repairs, mentorship, and access to financing. The program has seen women who were once marginalized and excluded from the formal economy, become entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.”
He revealed that Simba’s stance on women empowerment has also contributed to the organization setting up a dedicated motorcycle conveyor line for female assemblers in their Lagos factory to provide women with employment opportunities, adding that the line is manned exclusively by women.
Mr. Pratap stated, “We believe that by empowering women, we are not only transforming their lives but also contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria, ensuring that women have the confidence, skills, and support they need to succeed in whatever they choose to do.”
Simba grabbed the spotlight at the Business Day Nigeria Business Leaders’ Awards (NBLA) which was held in Lagos recently, clinching two of the most prestigious awards in the high-octane event.
Simba emerged as the Best Automobile Company of the Year (Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler) while Mahendra Pratap, Business Head of the Motor Trading Division (MTD) was adjudged Business Leader of the Year 2022.
The brand, which has won the Business Day Automobile company of the year award a record three times since 2018 has been the market leader brand of three-wheelers (tricycles) for a decade and the fastest-growing brand of two-wheelers in the country.
Simba believes that customer satisfaction is only achieved when a good quality product is supported by attentive and responsive customer care, both before and after sales. Outstanding service is why people choose Simba products.
At Simba, training is at the heart of its strategy. It is critically essential in ensuring that Simba’s core value of “Customer Satisfaction” is achieved for its users, the owner of the vehicles, and the mechanics who serve as its key ambassadors.
Simba believes in empowerment and corporate social responsibility which it promotes thru program like “Queen Riders Program” empowering women, “Road Safety Program” providing training to riders that ensure greater safety and security for riders as well as passengers, and having an all-women assembly line at its plant, to name a few.
Simba is enriching millions of lives in Nigeria for the last 34 years consistently working towards providing means and solutions for last-mile connectivity for both passengers and goods in Nigeria. This resolve of providing affordable transportation solutions to the country is backed by its strong service network, Spare parts availability throughout the country, trained technicians to upkeep these machines, and 24X7 toll-free helpline.
According to Mr. Pratap, “As an organization, we are committed to supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and mobility aspirations. Our commitment is to provide the best products with par excellence customer service and contribute to promoting and attaining improved transportation system, trade, commerce, and commercial activities in Nigeria.”
L to R: Taiwo Akinpelu, Mahendra Pratap, and Pankaj Chopra receiving the best automobile company of the year award (2-wheeler and 3-wheeler) from BusinessDay Publisher, Frank Aigbogun
Mahendra Pratap, receiving the Business Leader of the Year Award from Ogho Okiti
The Automobile Company of the Year (2 Wheeler & 3 Wheeler) Award won by Simba TVS
