VICTORY ORIMEMI
TradeCard, an innovative gift card platform, in partnership with the Harvester Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF) has launched a community initiative tagged ‘Routes of Hope’, aimed at reducing transportation barriers for students, low-income workers, and vulnerable groups in Lagos.
The unveiling was announced recently in Lagos where both organisations signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to kick-start the project.
According to the partners, the initiative would provide safe and affordable mobility services that help ease the financial burden of commuters, and also give those who patronise the initiative financial earnings.
Starting 5 September 2025, three co-branded buses will operate across high-demand routes, offering subsidised rides to thousands of commuters during the 12-week pilot phase.
Each commuter is expected to save significantly on daily transport costs through exclusive TradeCard ride codes.
Speaking on the essence of the partnership to unveil the initiative , Clever Sunny, operation consultant, TradeCard, explained that researches and consultations were extensively carried out to establish the need for the initiative.
According to him, “Transportation remains one of the most pressing barriers to opportunity in Nigeria. With Routes of Hope, we are responding directly to that challenge by supporting people on their journey to work, school, and healthcare access. This is about creating dignity and improving quality of life for those who need it most.”
Sunny said the partnership combines TradeCard’s expertise in digital finance and user engagement with HAEF’s extensive community presence and history of social impact.
Beyond the buses, Sunny said both organisations would collaborate on awareness campaigns, gather commuter feedback to refine the service, and explore future programmes in areas such as youth empowerment and nutrition.
He stressed that Routes of Hope was more than a transport service Sunny said it was a reminder that businesses could create lasting value when they choose to invest in people and communities.
Also speaking at the event, Diepriye Okunye-Olu, team lead, Harvester Africa Empowerment Foundation, said the partnership between TradeCard and HAEF is not only for the now, but also to develop a long-term plan to keep the initiative alive beyond the pilot phase.
In her words: “Our mission has always been to empower communities with access and opportunity. Partnering with TradeCard enables us to reach a wider audience with reliable solutions. What makes this collaboration special is the shared commitment to transparency, sustainability, and genuine impact.
"This partnership includes building funding partnerships, introducing digital reward systems through the TradeCard app, and expanding to more routes based on community demand."
The launch of Routes of Hope highlights how private companies and social organisations can work together to deliver solutions that address real needs.
It also provides a framework that can be replicated in other sectors where collaboration is urgently required.
