Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has launched a free shuttle bus service in Lokoja to help residents cushion the rising cost of transportation.
The scheme, under the Karimi Cares Initiative, was formally flagged off on Wednesday at Up-Garage, Lokoja.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic ride in the fully air-conditioned shuttle bus, which conveyed residents from the launch venue through major streets in Lokoja down to Felele, signalling the commencement of the service.
Under the Karimi Cares programme, the free shuttle service is the first phase of intervention, aimed at bringing direct relief to civil servants, students and traders who depend on public transport for their daily activities.
According to the organisers, the bus will operate two services daily during peak periods. The morning service will run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., while the evening service will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The designated route is from the Nigeria Army Barracks through Lokoja New Market to Nataco Junction, covering residents travelling along the corridor.
Speaking at the event, former APC Chairman, Alhaji Maikudi Bature, who gave the welcome address, said no one in Lokoja should be deceived by rice and beans, (anti-party) during elections because Senator Karimi has contributed immensely to the people. He recalled that the senator provided water throughout the Ramadan fasting period and is ready to deliver more dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, the leader of APC in Kogi west, Commodore Folorunsho Daniel (Rtd), said Senator Karimi has the interest of Lokoja people at heart and will continue to provide dividends of democracy. He added that more shuttle buses will be provided if Karimi emerges for a second term.
He extended gratitude to the people of Lokoja for their continuous support.
The launch attracted residents who gathered along the route as the bus moved through parts of the city. Both Christian and Muslim prayers were offered for the peaceful take-off of the service.
The organisers said the Karimi Cares Initiative is expected to extend beyond transportation, with broader interventions aimed at easing economic pressures on residents.
The scheme comes against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s acknowledgement that fuel subsidy removal created additional pressure on households, with President Tinubu in his July 2023 broadcast stating that priority was to reduce the burden on workers, businesses and vulnerable Nigerians.
With the launch, residents of Lokoja will now enjoy free transportation during the designated morning and evening periods.
