FG distributes 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to youths 

To empower the teeming youths and address existing 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 young people in the country.

Minister 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.

She affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards alleviating the daily struggles of the citizenry, especially the youth, adding: “These CNG tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians in their everyday lives.”

Ibrahim continued: “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.

“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 ongoing initiatives, we are not only transforming transportation for our youth but also paving the way for a brighter future. Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that the youths of Nigeria are empowered to lead and succeed.”

The Minister of State in the ministry, Ayodele Olawande, explained that the initiative is one of the laudable programmes of the current administration aimed at empowering youth, generating employment, and improving the social-economic well-being of young people in the country.

He restated that the Federal Government was committed to reducing unemployment, particularly among the youth, women, and other vulnerable groups, assuring that the empowerment initiative was a continuous exercise.

Olawande, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to put the tools into profitable use in deference to the ministry’s mandate of fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda to make the country economically viable and productive.

Earlier, the President of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS), Usman Buba Gwoza, lauded the government for fulfilling its promise of empowering members of the association through the allocation of the CNG-powered tricycles.

According to him NATOMORAS members, who are riders and owners of commercial vehicles are vital to the everyday movement of millions of Nigerians.

He noted that the tricycles would not only uplift their livelihoods, but also support the government’s goals of job creation, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.

“We have worked this far together, with trust, faith, and commitment. Now, we urge the government to honour its promise, recognising the pivotal role NATOMORAS plays in Nigeria’s community transport system,” Gwoza added.