Edo State’s drive for affordable transportation and women empowerment received a major boost on Thursday as Nigerian’s first Lady,Senator Oluremi Tinubu commissioned 50 CNG buses and flagged off a N1 billion support programme for 5,000 women in the state.
The event, held in Benin City, is part of activities marking the First Lady’s official visit to Edo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu said the two initiatives would ease mobility, strengthen small businesses and create more economic opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable groups.
She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his people-centred leadership, noting that the projects demonstrated his commitment to improving livelihoods and driving inclusive growth in the state.
“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.
On the empowerment programme under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she said each of the 5,000 beneficiaries will receive N200,000 to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence.
“I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Okpebholo described the First Lady’s visit as beyond ceremonial, saying it reflects care, compassion and genuine commitment to the welfare of Edo people.
“Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,” the governor said.
Okpebholo explained that the initiatives tackle two pressing needs: affordable, efficient transportation and economic support for women and small business owners.
According to him, the CNG buses will make public transportation more accessible, affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly across Benin City and beyond.
“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” he noted.
The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and continued support for Edo State, pledging his administration’s loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure good governance reaches every home.
“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 added.
The colourful ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, APC leaders and other dignitaries. Beneficiaries, who were visibly elated, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Governor Okpebholo, pledging to judiciously utilize the support to grow their businesses.