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…Edu lauds Tinubu on economic reforms.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated 50 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses and unveiled a N1bn empowerment fund for 5,000 women in Edo State as part of efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The initiatives are expected to ease transportation costs, support women-owned businesses, and improve access to economic opportunities for Nigerians.
She said President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to cushioning the effects of subsidy removal was reflected in interventions aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians: “Affordable transportation is essential to the daily lives of students, traders, workers and other commuters. The CNG buses will provide an alternative for residents amid rising transport costs.
“Behind every bus is a human story. There is a student who needs to get to school. There is a trader who needs to get to the market. There is a civil servant going to work. That is why today’s event is a story of renewed hope. Edo State Government should invest in technical training for young people to prepare them for jobs as technicians, engineers, drivers, mechanics and fleet managers of the CNG buses.
“The N1bn empowerment fund is designed to support 5,000 women, with the potential to strengthen small businesses, improve household incomes, and expand women’s economic participation.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Ododo, pledged to sustain programmes that address residents’ needs. Okpebholo said the buses would help reduce transportation costs and ease the burden on commuters.
Director, Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, commended Tinubu and wife for their interventions aimed at cushioning the effects of subsidy removal and improving women’s welfare. She described the CNG buses as a practical intervention to ease commuters’ burdens and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
She also applauded the First Lady for unveiling the N1bn empowerment fund: “It is an opportunity to strengthen women-owned businesses, improve household incomes, and expand economic opportunities at the grassroots. She reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to mobilising women across the 774 local government areas in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
At the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, Mrs Tinubu commended the monarch for his contributions to Edo State and the country.
The impact of the initiatives will depend on effective implementation, accessible bus services, and the extent to which the intended beneficiaries experience tangible improvements in their livelihoods.
