By Yahaya Idris, Benin
The Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for initiatives aimed at supporting women and reducing the economic burden associated with fuel subsidy removal.
Edu’s commendation followed the inauguration of 50 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses and the unveiling of a N1 billion empowerment fund targeting 5,000 women in Edo State.
The initiatives are intended to address transportation challenges, strengthen women-owned businesses and expand economic opportunities for beneficiaries.
Edu described the CNG buses as an intervention that could help reduce commuting expenses for workers, traders, students and other residents who depend on public transportation.
She also noted that investment in CNG-powered transportation could create employment opportunities for young Nigerians through technical training and jobs in vehicle maintenance, engineering, driving and fleet management.
The APC women mobilisation director welcomed the N1 billion fund, saying that access to financial support could enable women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, improve household incomes and contribute more effectively to economic activities within their communities.
She commended the First Lady for including women’s economic empowerment in the broader response to the challenges associated with subsidy removal.
The initiative, according to the programme’s stated objectives, is expected to reach 5,000 women across Edo State. Its practical impact will depend on transparent beneficiary selection, timely disbursement and effective monitoring of how the funds are used.
Edu reaffirmed the Directorate of Women Mobilisation’s commitment to engaging women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The inauguration also brought together Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who commended the Federal Government’s economic reform programme and pledged to support initiatives addressing residents’ needs.
Okpebholo said the buses would help ease transportation costs and reaffirmed his administration’s support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.
In her remarks, the First Lady stressed the importance of affordable transportation to everyday economic and social activities. She also encouraged the Edo State Government to invest in technical education to prepare young people for employment opportunities in the CNG sector.
https://guardian.ng/tv/nigeria-wants-certified-teachers-but-does-it-have-enough/
The event highlights the intersection of transportation reform and women’s economic empowerment. The extent to which the initiatives improve living conditions will ultimately be determined by their implementation and the benefits experienced by the intended recipients.