Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday inaugurated 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and launched a ₦1 billion empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo.

The programme is expected to provide ₦200,000 each to beneficiaries to support their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and help them become financially independent.

Speaking at the event in Benin, Mrs Tinubu commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for the initiatives, saying they would improve transportation and create economic opportunities for residents.

“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.

The First Lady noted that introducing CNG buses showed the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments in improving public transportation.

According to her, the transition to CNG will also create jobs for technicians, engineers, drivers, mechanics, safety personnel, fleet managers and other skilled workers.

“Beyond transportation, we are expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs,” she said, urging the state government to invest in training and capacity building to help young people benefit from opportunities in the sector,” she said.

On the empowerment programme, the First Lady said it would support 5,000 beneficiaries, including women, youths and vulnerable people.

Earlier, Mr Okpebholo welcomed Mrs Tinubu, describing her visit as a demonstration of care and commitment to Edo residents’ welfare.

“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 initiatives addressed two important needs: affordable transportation and economic empowerment, particularly for women and small-business owners.

He said the CNG buses would make public transportation more accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly, while the financial support would help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses.

“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” Mr Okpebholo said.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, pledging continued loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor said his administration remained committed to ensuring that the benefits of good governance, economic opportunities and development reached 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,” he said. 

(NAN)