Subsidy removal: First Lady unveils 50 CNG buses, N1bn fund for 5,000 Edo women

…as Edu commends Tinubu on women’s inclusion in 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.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady said President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to cushioning the effects of subsidy removal was reflected in interventions aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians

She described affordable transportation as essential to the daily lives of students, traders, workers, and other commuters, adding that the CNG buses would 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,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu also highlighted employment opportunities in the CNG sector, urging the Edo State Government to 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.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, alongside his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms and pledged to sustain programmes that address residents’ needs.

Okpebholo said the buses would help reduce transportation costs and ease the burden on commuters, reaffirming his administration’s support for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also speaking.in an interview, the Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu commended President Tinubu and the First Lady for their interventions aimed at cushioning the effects of subsidy removal and improving women’s welfare.

Edu 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, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen women-owned businesses, improve household incomes, and expand economic opportunities at the grassroots

Edu reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to mobilising women across the 774 local government areas in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

During a visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, the First Lady highlighted key interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative and 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.