The Nasarawa State Government has distributed another tranche of 50 tricycles and 10 cars to cooperatives, youth groups, and institutions under its empowerment scheme aimed at improving livelihoods and encouraging clean energy use.
The exercise took place on Tuesday in Lafia, where the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, presented the vehicles to beneficiaries on behalf of the Abdullahi Sule-led administration.
Speaking at the event, Mr Magaji said the programme was designed to improve the socio-economic status of citizens and urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the vehicles.
He explained that the electric vehicle empowerment scheme was a deliberate effort by the state government to adopt renewable energy.
“We are all aware of climate change and the need to sanitise our environment; it must start from somewhere, and that is why the call for renewable energy is very important,” he said.
Mr Magaji added that the governor had taken a leading role by introducing electric vehicles for commissioners and members of the state executive council.
“It is against this background that the governor has taken the front line by first introducing the electric vehicle for all commissioners and members of the state executive council. I think it is the first of its kind in this country,” he said.
The SSG charged beneficiaries to maintain the vehicles for optimal performance, noting that accessories such as charging plugs, charging points, and a maintenance office had been provided.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nghargbu Kitso, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation, and Linkages at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, thanked the government.
Mr Kitso assured the governor that beneficiaries would work to expand the impact of the scheme.
“As a learning institution focused on innovative funding, we find this empowerment programme timely,” he said.
Last year, the state government empowered youth and women’s groups with 100 electric cars and 50 tricycles.
