Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and launched a N1 billion empowerment fund for 5,000 women in Edo State to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The initiatives are aimed at reducing transportation costs, supporting women-owned businesses and improving the economic well-being of residents across the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Benin City, Mrs. Tinubu said the interventions reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to easing the economic challenges facing Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy.

She noted that affordable transportation was essential to the daily activities of students, traders, civil servants and other commuters who depend on public transport.

The First Lady also urged the Edo State Government to maximise the opportunities presented by the CNG programme by training young people as technicians, engineers, drivers and fleet managers to support the maintenance and operation of the buses.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who attended the event, commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms and expressed support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Okpebholo said the introduction of the buses would ease transportation challenges and reduce the financial burden on commuters in Edo State.

Also speaking, the Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Betta Edu, praised the President and First Lady for their interventions, describing the CNG buses as timely relief for commuters.

She said the N1 billion empowerment fund would strengthen women-owned businesses, increase household incomes and promote economic inclusion among beneficiaries.

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

As part of her visit to Edo State, the First Lady paid homage to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and briefed the monarch on the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She also commended the traditional ruler for his contributions to peace and development in Edo State and Nigeria.