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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
More than 100 professionally trained residents of Kogi Central, last Friday, received electric vehicles from the senator representing the district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a landmark empowerment initiative aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and clean transportation.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the five local government areas of the senatorial district, were selected following a rigorous screening process and subsequently underwent intensive technical and operational training on electric mobility. The capacity-building programme, fully funded by the senator, was delivered by engineers and specialists from the Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) to ensure that recipients acquired the skills needed for safe handling, maintenance, and efficient use of the vehicles.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the project was conceived to align Kogi Central with global trends in renewable energy and environmentally friendly transportation, while simultaneously tackling youth unemployment and economic vulnerability.
According to her, electric vehicles are fast becoming a central feature of modern transport systems, and equipping constituents with the relevant skills and tools places them in a stronger position to benefit from the emerging green economy.
“The world is steadily moving away from fossil fuels toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. Electric vehicles represent not just the future of transportation, but also new opportunities for employment, innovation, and economic growth,” she said.
She explained that beyond the distribution of vehicles, the initiative was structured to provide long-term economic benefits by building local technical capacity and fostering entrepreneurship.
“This is about more than empowerment. It is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where our young people and small business owners can thrive, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and participate actively in the technological transformation taking place across the globe,” the senator stated.
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Commending the beneficiaries for their commitment throughout the training period, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged them to prioritise safety, professionalism, and discipline as they begin operations, saying, “I expect every beneficiary to uphold the highest standards of responsibility on our roads. Obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and ensure proper maintenance of these vehicles. Your safety and that of other road users must always come first.”
She further encouraged them to use the opportunity as a platform for wider community impact, stressing that their success would inspire others across the district.
“Let your stories become examples of what is possible when opportunity meets preparation. Use these vehicles to uplift your families, support your communities, and encourage other young people to believe in the power of hard work and innovation,” she admonished.
In a reflective moment, the senator offered prayers for the beneficiaries, asking for divine protection, prosperity, and progress for Kogi Central.
“I pray that God guides and protects you on every journey, grants you success in your endeavours, and makes this programme a source of lasting joy and development across our communities,” she said.
Stakeholders at the event described the intervention as a pioneering blend of environmental responsibility and economic empowerment, noting that it sets a new benchmark for constituency-based development initiatives.
The distribution of over 100 electric vehicles marks a significant addition to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s empowerment programmes, underscoring her focus on innovation, skills acquisition, and sustainable development as drivers of inclusive growth in Kogi Central.
