………Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a fleet of 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and inaugurated a ₦1 billion empowerment scheme in Edo State.
FIC REPORT (EDO STATE) – The Initiatives were unveiled on Thursday October 15th, 2026 in Benin City at an event attended by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and other Officials. The bus fleet is intended to strengthen public transport, while the empowerment programme will provide financial support to 5,000 beneficiaries.
Under the scheme, each beneficiary is set to receive ₦200,000 to support a business or livelihood activity. The programme is aimed at helping residents, including women and young people, build or expand small enterprises.
Speaking at the launch, Tinubu encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds productively and grow sustainable businesses. She also commended the state government’s efforts to support livelihoods and improve access to Public Services.
Earlier, Gov. Okpebholo welcomed the first Lady, describing her visit as admonstration of Care, compassion and commitment.
“When you empower a women, you strengthen a family, uplift a communities and contribute to the prosperity of Society,” he said.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, reaffirming his loyalty to the President and the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Okpebholo said the CNG buses would help improve transport options for residents and contribute to more affordable mobility. He described the two initiatives as part of the State’s broader efforts to address practical needs, create economic opportunities and support communities.
The Bus rollout and empowerment scheme bring together two areas of public concern: the cost and availability of transportation, and access to funding for small businesses. Their success will depend on effective implementation, transparent beneficiary selection and continued support for the bus fleet and grant recipients.
The Edo Government said it would continue pursuing programmes aimed at improving residents’ livelihoods and expanding development opportunities across the State.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda.
CI&PRO, FIC Benin.
October 16th, 2026.
