The federal government, through the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has launched solar-powered electric tricycles for women as part of efforts to support youth empowerment and promote clean energy solutions.
Olawande disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch and handover of electric tricycles to members of the Women of Wisdom (WOW) Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. The event was held with the theme “Empowering Women, Building Futures”.
The minister, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Gender Matters, Ms Kehinde Awujoola, said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and climate-friendly innovation.
“We will continue to create the policies and partnerships that make green technology accessible to every young person in this country.
“What we are witnessing today is a perfect reflection of the Federal Government’s larger goals,” he said.
Olawande recalled that the ministry officially launched the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative in November 2025 to promote clean and affordable transportation.
“Our goal was simple: to move away from expensive, polluting fuels and move toward affordable, clean energy that puts money back into the pockets of young Nigerians.
“Seeing the WOW Cooperative take up this mantle and deploy these electric tricycles shows that our seed is growing,” he said.
He added that House of Destiny Global Services further equipped the tricycles with solar panels, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to climate action and resilience.
Explaining the benefits, Olawande said the tricycles would reduce fuel costs, lower maintenance expenses and protect the environment.
“You no longer have to worry about rising petrol prices. You charge and you go.
“These tricycles have fewer moving parts than petrol engines, meaning less time at the mechanic and more time earning.
“You are also helping Nigeria breathe easier by reducing smoke and noise pollution,” he said.
The minister urged the beneficiaries to treat the tricycles as business assets, stressing that their success would validate community-driven partnerships.
“When government and cooperatives like WOW work together, the average Nigerian feels the impact directly,” Olawande said.
In her welcome address, the President of WOW, Ms Madonna Corosi, said progress was possible when people came together with shared vision, discipline and trust.
Corosi said transportation was a key source of livelihood for members, adding that access to productive assets like electric tricycles would ensure sustainable income.
“It also means reduced dependence on fossil fuels, lower operating costs and a cleaner future.
“By embracing electric mobility, WOW Cooperative is positioning its members for a future where innovation, sustainability and income generation go hand in hand,” she said.
Also speaking, the National President of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, Alhaji Usman Gwoza, said transportation remained the backbone of daily survival for many families.
Gwoza advised beneficiaries to be disciplined and protect the assets entrusted to them, noting that their success would encourage further empowerment initiatives. He said the initiative would benefit communities.
