Kingsley Ohens reporting 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Edo State Government for initiatives aimed at improving transportation, strengthening livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for residents, as she inaugurated 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and launched a ₦1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Benin City.

The First Lady, who was in Edo State as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the coronation of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, said the initiatives reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

She said the 50 CNG buses would contribute to making transportation more accessible and affordable, while the empowerment programme would provide practical economic support to women, youths and other vulnerable groups, particularly those engaged in small businesses.

“I am glad to be in Edo today after quite a long time for the commissioning of 50 compressed natural gas buses for the benefit of the people,” Senator Tinubu said, commending the state government for introducing initiatives capable of improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth.

Under the empowerment programme, 5,000 beneficiaries are to receive ₦200,000 each to strengthen their businesses, support their livelihoods and promote greater financial independence.

“I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she said before formally inaugurating the CNG buses and launching the empowerment programme.

Earlier, Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the First Lady to the state, describing her visit as a demonstration of care, compassion and commitment to the welfare and development of Edo people.

According to the governor, the two initiatives directly address critical needs of the people by providing more affordable transportation and creating opportunities for economic empowerment, particularly for women and small-business operators.

He explained that the CNG buses would make public transportation more accessible, efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly, while the empowerment initiative would enable beneficiaries to strengthen and expand their economic activities.

“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” Governor Okpebholo said.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support, reaffirming his administration’s loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He maintained that his administration would continue to pursue policies and projects designed to ensure that the benefits of good governance and economic opportunities reach communities across the state.

“Our commitment is to build an Edo State where good governance is felt in every home, opportunities are within the reach of every citizen, and no community is left behind,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Palace, where she was warmly received by the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, who commended her efforts in projecting Nigeria positively on the international stage.

In a welcome address delivered by his first daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Ewuare, the monarch expressed pride in the First Lady’s international engagements and her representation of Nigeria abroad.

“We are proud of you as the First Lady of Nigeria, particularly because of the way you showcase Nigeria abroad. We are so proud of you,” the monarch said.

Oba Ewuare II also called for a strategic partnership between the Office of the First Lady and the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to strengthen programmes targeted at women, children, youths, families and other vulnerable members of society.

He explained that the foundation was established to preserve the cultural values and dignity of the Edo people while promoting practical interventions in education, empowerment and social development.

The monarch highlighted the foundation’s programmes, including scholarships, Edo language education, vocational training, skills acquisition, as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.

He expressed optimism that collaboration with the Office of the First Lady would expand the reach and impact of such interventions, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Oba Ewuare II also acknowledged what he described as international recognition of Senator Tinubu’s efforts, noting that such engagements had helped project Nigeria’s image positively before the global community.

In response, Senator Tinubu expressed delight at visiting the Benin Palace and conveyed the greetings of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Benin Monarch.

She described the timing of her visit, which coincided with the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary, as divinely ordained and prayed for many more fruitful years for the traditional ruler.

“My husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his greetings. This visit is divinely ordained by God, as it coincides with the monarch’s 10th anniversary. I pray to God for more fruitful years,” she said.

As part of the reception, Oba Ewuare II presented Senator Tinubu with traditional Benin coral beads as a mark of honour and goodwill, while the First Lady’s visit further underscored the growing interface between the Federal Government, the Edo State Government and traditional institutions in advancing inclusive development.

Kingsley Ohens reporting.