The Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) has endorsed the Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Okafor, for a second term in office, while also donating the sum of ₦2 million in support of his re-election bid.
The endorsement was announced on Saturday, January 30, during the association’s Annual General Meeting held at the Awka South Local Government Secretariat.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of TOAN, Hon. Prince Collins Ozojiofor, said the gathering was convened not only to deliberate on issues affecting the welfare of members and challenges with enforcement agencies, but also to formally endorse the council chairman for a second term.
According to him, the association resolved to support Okafor after reviewing his administration’s policies and programmes, particularly his interventions in favour of tricycle operators across the local government area.
“We, the tricycle operators, having seen the level of support from the Mayor, decided to contribute money. We raised ₦2 million to assist him in securing the party ticket so he can continue his goodwill and developmental projects in Awka South,” Ozojiofor said.
He noted that the chairman had refrained from imposing taxes on tricycle operators, attended promptly to their needs, and ensured the maintenance of feeder roads to ease their operations.
“The cooperation we have received from his administration is commendable, and that is why we find him worthy of our endorsement,” he added.
Ozojiofor, however, advised tricycle riders operating within Awka and its environs to remain law-abiding, pay statutory taxes, obey traffic regulations, and shun cultism.
Responding on behalf of the Mayor, the Deputy Chairman of the council, Sir Paul Ifemeh, said the Okafor-led administration had consistently prioritised the welfare of tricycle operators.
He disclosed that the council had no plans to introduce revenue collection from tricycle riders, unlike some other local government areas in the state.
“This is the first major endorsement and financial support since the chairman declared his intention to seek a second term, and we are deeply grateful,” Ifemeh said, describing the gesture as overwhelming.
He assured the association of the administration’s continued support and collaboration.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of TOAN, Mr. Okwuchukwu Okoli, expressed satisfaction with the endorsement, describing it as a step in the right direction. He urged the council chairman to sustain the profiling of tricycle operators, noting that it had helped curb criminality and identify erring members.
Other association leaders, including Nze Onuorah Ezeani of the Regina Caeli Unit/Express, Comrade Emeka Nwankwo of the Nibo Unit, and Mr. Nwafor Chukwudi of the Mbaukwu Unit, jointly affirmed their support for the chairman and his deputy, stating that a second term would enable them to consolidate on existing projects in the council area.
The meeting was attended by top officials of the local government, including the Secretary of the Council, Hon. Peter Uyanwa.
Meanwhile, some members of the association called on the leadership of TOAN to address the issue of multiple taxation affecting tricycle operators along the Nibo, Mbaukwu, and Umuawulu axis.