The federal government through the Minister for Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, has announced the launch of the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative at Eagle Square. The event brought together young people from the informal transportation sector, marking what the minister described as a renewed commitment to national development.
He stated, “No youth left behind. Today, we converged at the Eagle Square to launch the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative for young people in the informal sector, especially those powering our transportation economy every single day.”
He explained that the gathering represented more than a ceremonial activity, noting, “What we witnessed today is more than an event. It is renewal, a bold statement that young people in Nigeria, whether formal or informal, will not be left out of our nation’s economic transformation.” According to him, the new programme aims to correct years of imbalance in youth-focused interventions by expanding support to transporters, mechanics, technicians, and others often excluded from formal schemes.
The initiative follows the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure that empowerment reaches every category of youth. The minister said, “Today’s launch marks a turning point, an intentional effort to correct the long-standing imbalance where empowerment focused only on the formal youth population. With the clear mandate of inclusion given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; we are ensuring that every category of youth is carried along in our programmes.”
Ayodele highlighted that the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative will offer solutions across key areas affecting young Nigerians in the transport economy. He noted, “This intervention will support young transporters, mechanics, technicians, and everyday hustlers, who all deserve dignity, opportunity, and sustainable income.” He added that the programme delivers support through job creation, improved earnings due to zero petrol costs, and reduced carbon emissions that align Nigeria with global electric vehicle trends.
He stressed that young Nigerians must not be left out of the worldwide shift to electric mobility, saying, “The world is moving to electric vehicles, and Nigeria’s youth must not be left behind.” He described the project as a sustainable model designed to help young people build long-term livelihoods. Ayodele also appreciated the partnership of Dr. Israel Olajumoke, Chief Executive Officer of House of Destiny, acknowledging his role in making the intervention possible.
