Edo govt rolls out 50 CNG buses as Tinubu’s wife empowers 5,000 women

Edo State Government has commissioned 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation costs, while Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 5,000 women in the state as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and strengthen household incomes.

Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Thursday in Benin during the visit of the First Lady, describing the two initiatives as practical interventions aimed at addressing the economic challenges confronting residents, particularly workers, traders, students and low-income families.

According to the governor, the CNG buses were procured by his administration to make public transportation more affordable, accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly, noting that rising transport fares had continued to put pressure on household incomes, business activities and the cost of living.

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He said the buses were not merely vehicles but a deliberate effort to reduce the financial burden on residents and improve their daily lives, adding that the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to the people.

Okpebholo also expressed appreciation to the First Lady for empowering 5,000 women in the state, saying the intervention would strengthen their economic capacity and contribute to the development of their families and communities.

“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” the governor said, describing the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to women’s advancement.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Edo State, arguing that the Federal Government’s economic reforms had increased revenue accruing to the state and created opportunities for his administration to deliver more dividends of democracy.

The governor, however, pledged continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that Edo would deliver 2.5 million votes for the party in the January 16, 2027 election, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a state where economic opportunities reach every citizen and no community is left behind.