Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday inaugurated 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and launched a ₦1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo State, as Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration steps up efforts to improve public transportation, support small businesses and expand economic opportunities for residents.
Key Highlights
- Oluremi Tinubu inaugurates 50 CNG-powered buses in Edo State.
- First Lady launches a ₦1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries.
- Each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦200,000 to support livelihoods and small businesses.
- Governor Monday Okpebholo says the initiatives target affordable transportation and economic empowerment.
- The CNG buses are expected to improve access to public transport while promoting cleaner energy.
- Oluremi Tinubu commends the Edo Government for its efforts to improve residents’ welfare.
- Okpebholo reaffirms his administration’s commitment to development and economic opportunities across the state.
Oluremi Tinubu Inaugurates 50 CNG Buses in Edo
The First Lady performed the inauguration in Benin City on Thursday, describing the initiatives as evidence of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to the welfare and development of Edo residents.
Tinubu said the introduction of the 50 CNG buses would improve transportation services, while the empowerment programme would provide financial support to women, youths and other vulnerable groups.
“I am glad to be in Edo today after quite a long time for the commissioning of 50 compressed natural gas buses for the benefit of the people,” she said.
She commended the state government for introducing the initiatives, describing them as important steps towards improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities.
The buses are expected to provide residents with additional public transportation options while supporting the use of compressed natural gas as an alternative to conventional vehicle fuels, in line with the Federal Government’s Presidential CNG Initiative.
₦1bn Empowerment Programme Targets 5,000 Beneficiaries
As part of the event, Tinubu formally launched the Edo State Government’s ₦1 billion economic empowerment programme, which is designed to support 5,000 beneficiaries.
Under the initiative, each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦200,000 to strengthen their livelihoods, support small businesses and promote financial independence.
The First Lady urged recipients to use the funds productively to expand their businesses and improve their economic circumstances.
“I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she said.
The programme is intended to help beneficiaries improve their income-generating activities and provide greater financial support for their households.
Okpebholo Says Initiatives Will Improve Living Standards
Earlier, Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the First Lady to Edo State, describing her visit as a demonstration of care, compassion and commitment to the welfare of residents.
“Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,” he said.
The governor said the two initiatives addressed important needs in the state, particularly access to affordable transportation and economic empowerment for women and small-business operators.
According to him, the CNG buses would make public transportation more accessible, affordable and efficient, while the empowerment programme would provide financial assistance to residents seeking to strengthen their businesses.
Governor Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment
Okpebholo emphasised the importance of supporting women economically, noting that the benefits could extend beyond individual recipients to families and communities.
“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” he said.
The ₦1 billion programme is expected to provide financial assistance to thousands of beneficiaries, although its long-term impact will depend on how effectively the funds are used and the extent to which the support improves business sustainability and household income.
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Okpebholo Reaffirms Support for Tinubu’s Administration
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, reaffirming his loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said his administration remained committed to building an Edo State where good governance, economic opportunities and development would reach communities across the state.
“Our commitment is to build an Edo State where good governance is felt in every home, opportunities are within the reach of every citizen, and no community is left behind,” Okpebholo added.
Edo Government Pushes Transportation and Economic Development
The inauguration of the CNG buses and launch of the empowerment programme represent two strands of the Edo Government’s development agenda: improving public transportation and providing financial support for small businesses and vulnerable residents.
The success of the initiatives will depend on the availability and reliability of the buses, the affordability of fares, and the effective distribution and use of the empowerment funds.
For beneficiaries, the ₦200,000 support could provide capital for business expansion or help sustain existing income-generating activities. For commuters, the new buses could widen transportation options across the state.
The initiatives place renewed attention on the state government’s efforts to connect infrastructure development with direct economic support for residents.
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