Makinde, Minister of Trade launch new ride-hailing service in Ibadan

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and the Minister of Industry, Trades and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo on Thursday launched a new ride-hailing service in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Codenamed: ‘AFRICAR’, the ride-hailing service was launched with over 115 vehicles.

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde appreciated AFRICAR, noting that choosing Ibadan as its first base in ride-hailing service, attests to the business-friendly atmosphere for investors, made possible by his administration.

he said the introduction of the service in Ibadan is in line with his administration’s goal to invite new investors into the State.

The governor, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, also said he was delighted to witness another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to make life comfortable for residents of the State.

Noting that transportation is evidently important for economic activity and social life in a state, the governor added that the current economic status of Oyo State is due to many factors, chief among which is the development and continuous improvement of public transport system.

“The State has witnessed and as a matter of fact still witnessing a tremendous growth in the transport sector since the inception of this administration in the areas of transport infrastructures and procurement of vehicles for mass transit,” he said.

Makinde said as part of his administration’s efforts to improve the transportation sector in the State, he has purchased 109 buses for mass transit tagged ‘Omituntun Bus Mass Transit’.

He also said he has constructed four bus terminals at Iwo road, Challenge, and Ojo to ease commuting in the State capital.

Congratulating Stallion Group, owners of AFRICAR, the governor expressed hope that the launch will birth more interesting fruits as the Group collaborates with his government for the well-being of the people of Oyo State.

Also speaking, Otunba Adebayo appreciated Stallion Group, a home-grown conglomerate, commending them for adding value to the economy of the country for the past 52 years. 

The minister also thanked Governor Makinde for the welcoming environment that has been provided to Africar. 

He added that Africar’s platform has the potential to transform the transportation industry in the state, providing both employment opportunities and low-cost rides. 

CEO, AFRICAR, Mr. Sahil Vaswani, said all the cars being used for this project were assembled in Lagos at Stallion Group’s Von Plant. 

He said Africar, in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has developed the Bajaj Qute cars used for the new ride hailing taxi. 

“This car is assembled in Nigeria by Nigerians and is environmentally friendly, with 50% lower carbon emissions than the average car,” he said.