The Nasarawa government on Tuesday distributed another tranche of 50 tricycles and 10 cars to cooperatives, youth groups, and institutions as part of its empowerment scheme.

Labaran Magaji, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), presented the vehicles to the beneficiaries in Lafia.

Mr Magaji said the empowerment scheme was meant to improve the socio-economic status of its citizens and charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the vehicles.

He said the electric vehicle empowerment scheme was a deliberate effort by the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration to adopt clean energy.

“We are all aware of climate change and the need to sanitise our environment; it must start from somewhere, and that is why the call for renewable energy is really very important.

“It is against this background that the governor has taken the front line by first introducing the electric vehicle for all commissioners and members of the state executive council. I think it is the first of its kind in this country,” he said.

The SSG charged the beneficiaries to maintain the vehicles for optimal performance, as all accessories were provided, including charging plugs, charging points, and a maintenance office in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nghargbu Kitso, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation, and Linkages, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, expressed appreciation to the government.

Mr Kitso assured the governor that they would work hard to multiply the scheme’s fortune to benefit their members.

“As a learning institution that is also focused on innovative funding, we find this empowerment programme timely.

“Through our university consultancy services and cooperative societies, we will be able to multiply the fortunes of this kind of initiative,” he said.

Last year, the government empowered various youth and women’s groups, as well as institutions, with over 100 electric cars and 50 tricycles as revolving loans.

(NAN)