…As Remi Tinubu empowers 5,000 women
BENIN CITY – In a decisive move to transform the socio-economic fortunes of Edo State, ease the burden of transportation costs on residents and strengthen the economic capacity of women, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo will today host Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for the commissioning of 50 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the empowerment of 5,000 Edo women under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The twin events, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at Garrick Memorial Field, Ekehuan Road, Benin City, represent a significant milestone in the state government’s drive to deliver people-oriented infrastructure, promote cleaner and more affordable public transportation, and expand economic opportunities for women in line with the administration’s SHINE Agenda.
The Nigerian Observer learnt that the 50 buses, each with a seating capacity of 52 passengers, constitute the first batch of 100 buses approved by the State Executive Council for the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).
Powered by Compressed Natural Gas, the buses will, following their formal commissioning, be deployed across Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts to provide residents with safer, more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.
The intervention is also expected to help cushion the effects of rising transportation costs following the removal of the fuel subsidy, while improving mobility for workers, traders, students and other commuters across the state.
The initiative complements the earlier revitalisation of the New Edo Line, which received 100 Toyota Hiace buses, alongside the recruitment of drivers and other transport personnel to strengthen the state’s public transportation system.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to the emerging green economy, the Okpebholo administration is also investing in the training of female CNG conversion technicians, opening new opportunities for women to acquire specialised technical skills and participate in the expanding clean-energy sector.
Governor Okpebholo and Senator Oluremi Tinubu are expected to formally commission and flag off the buses for public service at today’s ceremony.
Meanwhile, the First Lady, who is the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, will extend her nationwide economic empowerment programme to Edo State, providing support tools and grants to 5,000 women to strengthen their businesses, improve their livelihoods and enhance their capacity to contribute to household and community development.
The empowerment programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani Okpebholo, and builds on previous RHI interventions in the state.
These interventions include agricultural support, the distribution of clean cooking stoves, recapitalisation grants for 500 women traders in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and assistance to rural women farmers.
The latest initiative is expected to provide fresh economic opportunities for beneficiaries, particularly women engaged in small-scale businesses and other income-generating activities, while reinforcing the role of women in grassroots economic development.
Governor Okpebholo has described the twin events as a practical demonstration of his administration’s philosophy that governance must not only move people but also empower them to improve their standard of living.
“When we provide buses, we reduce the cost of moving goods and people. When we empower women, we increase the wealth of families. Edo is moving from talk to tangible impact,” the governor stated.
The commissioning and empowerment ceremony is expected to attract market women’s associations, youth groups, transport unions, civil society organisations, political stakeholders and members of the public, who have been invited to participate in the landmark event.
The dual initiative underscores the state government’s determination to combine infrastructure development with inclusive economic empowerment, translating its policy commitments into practical interventions capable of improving the daily lives of Edo residents.
