Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in Edo State and launched an empowerment programme worth ₦1 billion for 5,000 beneficiaries.
The initiatives were unveiled during her one-day working visit to the state on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as part of efforts by the Edo State Government to improve public transportation and support small businesses.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the buses would make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents, including students, traders, workers and artisans who depend on public transport for their daily activities.
She also highlighted the economic opportunities that could emerge from the transition to CNG-powered vehicles, noting that the sector would require trained drivers, mechanics, engineers, technicians and other skilled workers.
Tinubu urged the state government to invest in training and capacity building to ensure young people could benefit from the new opportunities.
The empowerment programme will provide ₦200,000 each to 5,000 beneficiaries, including women, young people and vulnerable residents, to help strengthen their livelihoods and support small businesses.
The First Lady said the initiative was aimed at helping beneficiaries become more financially independent and improve their economic circumstances.
Earlier, Tinubu visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, where she discussed the interventions of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in areas including agriculture, education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
She said the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past three years were intended to redirect the country towards a stronger future.
The First Lady also expressed hope that traditional rulers would help extend some of the initiative’s programmes, including grants for persons with disabilities and support for elderly citizens, to more people at the grassroots.
She urged traditional institutions to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, birth registration and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
In his remarks, Oba Ewuare II commended the First Lady for her interventions in support of women and girls, stressing the importance of girl-child education and the wellbeing of women and children.
As part of the visit, the Benin royal court presented Tinubu with the traditional royal beads known as Ikele in recognition of the occasion.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
