By Sahrfoa Matturie
Union turns daily contributions into free driving licences through monthly raffle
The Bombali District Bike Riders Union has introduced a monthly raffle scheme through which commercial motorbike riders can win free driving licences as part of efforts to improve members’ welfare.
The initiative, spearheaded by District Chairman Abdulai Kamara, is funded through the union’s daily ticket contributions, with each rider contributing Le5 per day.
Chairman Kamara said the union decided to channel part of the contributions into tangible benefits for its members, including support for riders to obtain valid driving licences.
“This is from the union. The money comes from the union. This is the third month I have started. I started with two licences, the other month three, and today seven,” Kamara explained.
According to the Chairman, the initiative has gradually expanded since its launch, allowing an increasing number of riders to benefit each month.
For the latest raffle, 30 riders were shortlisted, with seven winners selected through a paper-picking process.
Kamara said the scheme demonstrates the union’s commitment to ensuring that members see direct benefits from the contributions they make and that part of the funds is used to support their welfare.
Among the beneficiaries is Mohamed Koroma, who won the raffle in July and has since received his driving licence.
Koroma expressed appreciation to the union leadership, saying he was pleased to receive the document and describing it as important to his work as a commercial motorbike rider.
He also welcomed the fact that the licence is valid for five years, saying the initiative would ease the financial burden associated with obtaining the required documentation.
Another beneficiary, Alhaji Samuel Kanu, who won in August, expressed delight after being selected.
Kanu thanked the union leadership and encouraged fellow riders to take advantage of opportunities to obtain valid driving licences and other necessary documents.
He also urged riders to continue supporting the union and to prioritise compliance with the requirements for operating commercially.
The monthly raffle forms part of the Bombali District Bike Riders Union’s broader efforts to improve members’ welfare while ensuring that riders benefit from their collective contributions.
With the number of licences increasing from two in the first month to three in the second and seven in the third, Chairman Kamara said the union intends to continue expanding the benefits available to its members.
