Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated 50 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses and flagged off a one-billion-naira empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo State.

The twin initiatives were unveiled on Thursday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during an official ceremony that attracted top government functionaries, traditional rulers, women groups and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the projects introduced by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, were targeted at improving public transportation, supporting small-scale businesses and expanding economic opportunities for residents.

Senator Tinubu noted that the introduction of the CNG buses was in line with the Federal Government’s drive to promote cleaner energy and provide affordable transportation for Nigerians in the face of rising fuel costs.

According to her, the use of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative to petrol will not only reduce transportation costs but will also contribute to environmental sustainability by cutting down on carbon emissions.

She commended the Edo State Government for keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the areas of transportation reform and economic empowerment of vulnerable citizens.

The First Lady explained that the 50 CNG buses would help to ease the movement of residents within Benin metropolis and other parts of the state, especially workers, students and traders who rely on public transport daily.

She expressed optimism that the buses would be properly maintained and managed to ensure that they serve the purpose for which they were procured and remain beneficial to the people for a long time.

Senator Tinubu also spoke on the one-billion-naira empowerment programme, describing it as a laudable initiative aimed at lifting thousands of families out of poverty and strengthening small businesses.

Under the empowerment scheme, 5,000 beneficiaries drawn from across the 18 local government areas of Edo State are to receive 200,000 naira each to support their livelihoods and grow their businesses.

The First Lady said the grant is expected to help petty traders, artisans, farmers and other small business owners to expand their operations, increase their income and become self-reliant.

She noted that economic empowerment of women and youths remains a key priority of her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, which is focused on improving the welfare of families across the country.

Senator Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds, warning against spending the money on frivolous activities that would not bring long-term benefits to their families.

According to her, when the money is invested wisely in business, it will not only improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries but will also contribute to the economic growth of Edo State.

She also called on the Edo State Government to put in place a proper monitoring mechanism to ensure that the empowerment programme achieves its desired objectives and reaches the intended beneficiaries.

In his remarks, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, support and commitment to the development of Edo State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration remains committed to ensuring that good governance and development opportunities reach every community in Edo State, irrespective of political affiliation.

He explained that the CNG buses were procured as part of his administration’s efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and to provide a cheaper and more efficient transportation system for the people.

The governor disclosed that the buses will operate on major routes within the state capital and other strategic corridors to ensure that residents have access to affordable and comfortable transportation.

He added that the empowerment programme was designed to support grassroots entrepreneurs and to complement the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling poverty and unemployment in the country.

According to the governor, his administration has carried out a transparent selection process to ensure that the 5,000 beneficiaries are truly deserving people, including women, youths and persons with disabilities.

He assured that his government will continue to initiate and support programmes that will improve the standard of living of Edo people and promote inclusive development across the state.

The event was attended by members of the Edo State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, market women, youth groups and leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the ceremony expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the Edo State Government for the gesture, promising to invest the money wisely in their businesses.

They described the initiatives as timely and impactful, noting that the CNG buses will reduce their daily transport expenses while the financial support will help boost their trade and economic stability.