KEKE SERIES
Tricycles in Nigeria are popularly known as keke-napep.
The story behind the “keke” is quite interesting. According to academicjournal.org, the Keke is directly traced to the government of Mohammed Buba Marwa, who was the military Governor of Lagos State from 1996 to 1999. He first launched the tricycle as a means of commercial transportation in Lagos. This led to the name Keke Marwa, as it is relatively referred to in Lagos and other parts of the country to date.
Equally, the word keke is derived from Yoruba and Hausa. In Yoruba, keke means and in Hausa, it is referred to as a machine with wheels; this could be a bicycle, wheelbarrow, or tailors sewing machine, the dominant indigenous language in Lagos. However, the popularity of the keke means of transportation across the nation can be attributed to the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), which was inaugurated under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo to alleviate poverty and economically empower her citizens.
Thus, the name Keke NAPEP gained popularity across Nigeria.
Keke’s are all around us. When I look back I realise how much it influences and shapes our society. Many have had bad experiences, but for many, it is not just a means of survival, it is a life saver.
Back in 2019 I got into the transport business managing a fleet of cars and ventured into the Keke scheme as well. I bought a used tricycle, which required me to get a driver who would remit money every week. It was an interesting journey that had many complex turns I couldn’t manage. However complex managing one was for me, I have always found the different colours unique and the way each rider decorates theirs. I find riding in ekes interesting and eye opening as you get to experience the world sometimes, from a different perspective.
Before I became mobile, I always attempted to engage in random discussions with passengers or riders. From a keke point of view, one can understand Nigeria much better. It breaks the bubble the average Nigerian lives in and draws a conclusion that we can do better for each other in the society.
The keke is an integral part of our society. Without it, many would have no chance of getting good transportation. For all its cons, the keke represents the symbol of the average Nigerians hustle.
