85th birthday: Ex-President Obasanjo drives three-wheeler in Abeokuta, picks passengers free

Ceremonial Keke Napep “operator”, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun capital took many residents by storm as he drove the three-wheeler, picking some lucky “passengers” free.

The presidential ride which is part of activities marking his 85th birthday, took off from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library through MKO Abiola to Kuto under bridge at the imposing June 12 Cultural Centre and back to the library complex.

Persecondnews reports that the tricycle ride became a spectacle as people along the route wave excitedly at Obasanjo as he picked some passengers.

Obasanjo had enlightened people about the use of the tricycle as a safe means of transportation if used properly and carefully obeying traffic rules and also for those starting small business.

He advised youths to embrace the business and other business opportunities with zeal and dedication.

“With tricycles as taxi and other small scale businesses, youths can be self-employed and ultimately, become economically independent,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo, who recently distributed 85 Keke Napep to youths across the country, said: “There is nothing wrong in young people starting small. The Keke is secure and safe when handled professionally and with discipline.

“In fact, you can plan your business the way you wish and earn income that you can deploy to other investments. And if you are able to get a second one, you can give that to someone else.

So, you become self-employed and you have also employed somebody.

“I have always had passion for youths empowerment and employment. When I started establishing farms, do you think I can run the farm alone?

“The people I employed on the farms, some of them are as educated as PhD. There are veterinary doctors among them, Agric economists and some people that are well-educated. Some of my children that have PhD are still working with me.

“The other time I checked the people that are working with us directly on our various establishments, we have over 5,000 and most of them are youths.

” I have always had passion for youths because there is no substitute for employment.”