Kingsley Ohens reporting 

Hon. Haruna Braimoh, Special Adviser on Public Affairs and Media to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has hailed Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo for the inauguration of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and the launch of a ₦1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo State.

Braimoh described the initiatives as significant milestones in the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of Edo residents, expand economic opportunities and strengthen grassroots development, noting that they demonstrate the practical impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.

He particularly commended the First Lady for her sustained commitment to empowering women, youths and vulnerable members of society, describing the ₦1 billion intervention as a strategic investment in small businesses, livelihoods and household economic stability.

Under the programme, 5,000 beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦200,000 each to support their businesses and productive ventures. Braimoh urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously, stressing that the intervention would achieve greater impact when deployed towards strengthening businesses, creating employment and improving family livelihoods.

On the 50 CNG buses, the Special Adviser said the initiative would significantly enhance public transportation and mobility across Edo State while providing residents with a more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation alternative.

He noted that an efficient transportation system is critical to economic growth, as improved mobility facilitates commerce, eases the movement of people and goods, and creates a more favourable environment for businesses and other economic activities to thrive.

Braimoh also applauded Governor Okpebholo for his purposeful leadership and commitment to people-oriented governance, particularly his collaboration with the Federal Government in bringing impactful interventions to Edo State.

According to him, the partnership between the Federal Government and the Okpebholo administration underscores the importance of effective intergovernmental collaboration in delivering infrastructure, economic empowerment and social development initiatives that directly benefit the people.

He expressed optimism that the CNG buses and empowerment programme would deliver lasting benefits to Edo residents, particularly women, youths, small business owners and other beneficiaries, while contributing to a stronger and more vibrant grassroots economy.

Braimoh reaffirmed the Okpebholo administration’s resolve to sustain policies and programmes that place the welfare, prosperity and development of Edo people at the heart of governance.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady for their support for Edo State, maintaining that the latest interventions represent another important step towards expanding opportunities, strengthening local enterprise and ensuring that the benefits of government reach communities across the state.