Udebhulu Commends Okpebholo, Remi Tinubu Over 50 CNG Buses, ₦1bn Women’s Empowerment Programme
Edo State APC chieftain, Prince Kelly Udebhulu, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following the commissioning of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the launch of a ₦1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo State.
The initiatives were unveiled in Benin City on Thursday, October 15, during the First Lady’s visit to the state. Under the empowerment programme, each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦200,000 to support business activities and improve livelihoods.
Udebhulu described the initiatives as practical interventions that address two important needs of residents: access to affordable transportation and financial support for small businesses.
He commended Governor Okpebholo for prioritising programmes aimed at improving residents’ welfare and creating economic opportunities, while appreciating Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her participation in the commissioning and launch of the initiatives.
According to Udebhulu, investments in public transportation and small businesses can help ease financial pressures on households, improve commercial activities and create opportunities for residents across the state.
Udebhulu noted that the introduction of the 50 CNG buses could improve public transportation and make it easier for workers, traders, students and other commuters to travel to their destinations.
He added that more accessible and affordable transportation could benefit small businesses by helping traders move goods, workers reach their workplaces and families manage daily transport expenses.
The use of CNG-powered buses also presents an opportunity to expand awareness of alternative vehicle fuels and related technical skills, including vehicle maintenance and gas-system safety. The First Lady highlighted the potential for employment in the emerging CNG sector, particularly for young people.
Udebhulu stressed, however, that the long-term benefits of the buses would depend on effective fleet management, regular maintenance, reliable services and transparent arrangements that make the vehicles accessible to the people they are intended to serve.
On the ₦1 billion empowerment programme, Udebhulu said financial assistance to small-business owners could help beneficiaries replenish their stock, purchase essential equipment, improve their services and expand their sources of income.
He noted that supporting women entrepreneurs can have wider benefits for families and communities because many small businesses contribute to household income, education expenses and local economic activities.
He encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and strategically, while urging the relevant authorities to ensure transparent beneficiary selection, proper monitoring and accountability in the implementation of the programme.
According to him, the success of an empowerment initiative should ultimately be measured by its impact on beneficiaries, including the sustainability of their businesses and improvements in their livelihoods.
Udebhulu also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government in implementing programmes that address infrastructure, transportation and economic challenges.
He acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in pursuing development initiatives that could improve the welfare of Edo residents.
He further urged the state government to sustain its attention to infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare and opportunities for young people, noting that these areas remain important to the long-term development of the state.
Udebhulu said the commissioning of the buses and the launch of the empowerment programme represented an opportunity to translate policy announcements into measurable benefits for residents.
He expressed hope that the initiatives would be implemented effectively and reach their intended beneficiaries, adding that sustained public investment, accountability and proper monitoring would be essential to achieving lasting results.
He reiterated his appreciation to Governor Okpebholo and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, expressing optimism that continued attention to transportation and economic empowerment would support businesses, strengthen household livelihoods and contribute to Edo State’s development.
