…Applauds Governor's People-Centred Approach to Governance, Describes Initiative as Practical Relief for Commuters
The member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Famous Adesuwa Osawaru, has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as a fair and equitable distribution of the 50 newly commissioned Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered luxury buses across the state.
Osawaru also applauded the governor for introducing subsidised transport fares, noting that the initiative was providing significant relief to commuters at a time when rising transportation costs continue to place considerable pressure on household incomes and economic activities.
The federal lawmaker gave the commendation during an interaction with media influencers, where he praised the governor, the coordinating ministry and relevant government agencies for ensuring that the distribution and deployment of the buses reflected the transportation needs of different parts of Edo State.
He described the initiative as an example of governance that prioritises the welfare of ordinary citizens, stressing that the true value of public leadership lies in policies and programmes that produce measurable improvements in people's daily lives.
According to him, governance should not be judged merely by the number of projects announced or the magnitude of government expenditure, but by the extent to which such interventions address pressing public needs and improve living conditions.
Osawaru noted that the deployment of the CNG buses across major routes would provide commuters with more affordable transportation alternatives, particularly workers, students, traders, civil servants and other residents who depend on public transport for their daily activities.
Drawing from his professional background as a financial and cost accounting expert, the lawmaker explained that subsidised transportation has wider economic implications beyond the immediate reduction in commuting expenses.
He observed that when households spend less on transportation, they have more disposable income available for food, education, healthcare, business operations and other essential needs.
He further explained that affordable public transportation could stimulate commercial activities by making movement easier for traders, entrepreneurs, workers and consumers, while reducing the financial burden associated with daily commuting.
Osawaru also commended the environmental considerations behind the adoption of CNG-powered transportation, noting that compressed natural gas offers a cleaner-burning alternative to conventional petrol and diesel fuels, with the potential to reduce harmful emissions and support a more environmentally sustainable transport system.
He described the initiative as another demonstration of Governor Okpebholo's SHINE Agenda, which seeks to improve the functionality of key sectors of the state's economy and translate government priorities into practical benefits for residents.
The lawmaker maintained that the equitable deployment of public transportation infrastructure was particularly important in a state with diverse geographical, commercial and commuting needs, adding that development interventions should be implemented with fairness and inclusiveness.
He said the impact of the buses would be better sustained through effective management, regular maintenance, reliable operations and continued monitoring to ensure that the benefits reach the intended commuters.
Osawaru also emphasised the importance of continuity in public policies and development programmes, noting that interventions capable of easing the economic challenges of residents should be strengthened and expanded.
He urged Edo residents to remain actively engaged in the democratic process, participate constructively in governance and support initiatives that promote development, accountability and improved public welfare.
The 50 CNG buses were inaugurated on October 15, 2026, by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Benin City, as part of the Edo State Government's efforts to improve mass transportation and reduce commuting costs.
The deployment represents a significant addition to the state's public transportation fleet, with the potential to improve mobility across the three senatorial districts and provide residents with an alternative to conventional commercial transportation.
For Osawaru, the importance of the initiative lies not simply in the acquisition of new buses but in the economic relief, improved mobility and opportunities that affordable transportation can create for ordinary Edo people.
He reaffirmed his appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for what he described as his disposition to fairness, inclusiveness and people-oriented governance.
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