The Kogi State Government on Wednesday took delivery of 10 CNG buses donated to it by the federal government.
The buses were handover to the state government at a brief ceremony in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while receiving the buses commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the initiative.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Elder Joel Salihu, stated that the state has keyed into the initiative to reduce the high cost of transportation.
He said his administration has perfected plans to always support and engage in any initiative that will benefit the citizens of the state.
“Our administration is determined to achieve this through our synergy with all the road transport unions in the state.
“Under this new initiative, 250 youths selected from across the 21 local government councils of the state will be provided with cutting-edge training in critical areas such as CNG conversion, welding and fabrication, automobile mechatronics, solar system installation, and more.
“This program will commence as soon as we finalize the modalities with our proposed partner, the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI).”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Steel, Alhaji Shaibu Abubakar Audu, said with the presentation of the buses ro the state, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has been brought to the doorsteps of the masses.
Audu said the when in operation, the buses will reduce transport fares by 40 per cent, describing the CNG vehicles as a significant development.
The Minister added that the President Tinubu is working assiduously to save the economy from total collapse.
He said : “Ajaokuta Steel Company will play a significant role, as Ajaokuta is a hub for gas, which will be translated to other sectors.”
The Project Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, in his speech, stated that this initiative will reduce transportation fares for Nigerians.
“The conversion is free, as promised by the federal government. We should focus on the opportunity to reduce the cost of transportation.
“The goal of this initiative is to alleviate the suffering of the people. All commercial vehicles will be converted for free,” he said. (vitalnewsngr.com)
