In a bold move to empower the Youth and address transportation challenges, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in a strategic partnership with the Presidential CNG Initiative (PI-CNG), has initiated the distribution of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to address the transportation needs of the youth in the country.
In her remarks at the ceremony of launching the distribution of the CNG-Powered Tricycles to the beneficiaries in Abuja, the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, said the collaborative effort aims to provide opportunities for young individuals to engage in sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions, while also creating avenues for economic empowerment and skill development within the youth demography.
Dr. Ibrahim affirmed the unwavering commitment of the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards alleviating the daily struggles of the citizens, especially the youth, adding that these CNG-Tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians in their everyday lives.
“During this crucial time of economic reforms , this intervention will provide great relief to our youth nationwide, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for young people,” she said.
“I would like to specifically acknowledge the presence of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and other youth and student groups here today, as they continue to play a critical role in ensuring that the voices of our youth are heard and their needs are met.”
“With these CNG-Tricycles and other on-going initiatives, we are not only transforming transportation for our youth but also paving the way for brighter future. Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that the youth of Nigeria are empowered to lead and succeed,” she stated.
The Hon Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, while fielding questions from Journalists, stated that the initiative is one of the laudable programmes of the present administration aimed at empowering youth, generating employment and improving the social-economic well-being of young people of the country.
Olawande informed that the Federal Government is committed to driving entrepreneurship to reduce or possibly eradicate unemployment, particularly among the youth, women, and other vulnerable groups, as the empowerment initiative will be a continuous exercise.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries of these empowerment tools to put them to profitable use to ensure the Ministry’s mandate of fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda to make the country economically viable and productive is actualized.
Earlier in his remarks, the President, National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS), Usman Buba Gwoza thanked the Government for fulfilling its promise of empowering the members of the Association through the allocation of the CNG-powered tricycles.
According to him NATOMORAS members who are the riders and owners of the commercial vehicles are vital to the everyday movement of millions of Nigerians, maintaining the empowerment of NATOMORAS members with the tricycles will not only uplift their livelihoods but will also support the administration’s goals of job creation, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.
“We have walked this far together, with trust, faith, and commitment. Now, we urge the government to honor its promise, recognizing the pivotal role NATOMORAS plays in Nigeria’s community transport system, he added.
