As part of initiatives to cushion adverse effects of the stoppage of subsidy on petrol,Ogun State Governor,Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday launched the maiden compressed natural gas(CNG) powered mass transit buses for the use of the people of the state.
Speaking at the unveiling of the 17 buses held at the Arcade Ground , Governor's office, oke-Mosan Abeokuta,Gov. Abiodun stated that the approach remains unprecedented in the entire country . He added that unveiling amongst others was part of state government proactive response to cushion the effects of the policy of deregulation embarked upon by the Federal Government as subsidy payments were no longer sustainable.
Hi words "About a year ago we strategically and proactively formulated our Ogum state energy transition policy and what you are witnessing today is which commencement of the implementation, by deploying the use of CNG fueled mass transit buses and our e-mobility for motorcycles and tricycles . These are better cheaper , cleaner and sustainable means of transportation in our dear state..
" This initiative clearly anticipated the deregulation of the downstream sector and fuel subsidy removal whilst deploying alternative means of running our public transportation with cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness..
" This became imperative considering the urgent need to create a cleaner environment and also to mitigate the effect of climate change which is real caused by the use of fossil fuels (diesel and petrol).
" As your Governor , I am extremely delighted that we are able to commence the implementation of this laudable initiative, and I am bold enough to say that we have come tops again as the first state in the country to record this feat .
"This yet another yet another successful Public Private Partnership with Spiro a company that has deployed successfully in other parts of the sub region . They have trained our local mechanics who have been actively involved in the conversion engineering and we will be setting up conversion stations across the the three senatorial districts . This will allow us to commence the rapid conversion of commercial public mass transit buses and cars .
"Besides reducing the cost of transportation of goods and services to prices that are lower than before deregulation , this will furthermore and particularly provide training and job opportunities for our thousands technicians and mechanics..
" We have given some buses indefatigable civil servants /workers , we will be giving some buses to our students campuses . We earmarked some of these buses to operate from Mowe/Ibafo to Berger Lagos whilst others will be deployed to serve Kuto to Wole Soyinka Train Station in Laderin and some to serve the Onikolobo-Idi-Aba coridor and others will continue to serve the which is from Ita-Oshin to the Adatan corridor.
"As we expand our fleet we will be deploying buses to our major cities Sagamu Otta Ijebu Ode to provide mass transportation for our citizens particularly for students .
" We have set up a gas refilling station in Obada Oko and are providing the required infrastructure across the state to support the buses particularly gas re-fueling stations along the routes and terminals . In the coming days, these will come on board for operations.
"I want to assure every resident of the state that our government appreciates that these are very difficult times and we are all going through a very trying period, we promise we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we provide the needed succor and relief to the generality of our people … You will recall that we were one of the first states to implement different transport and peculiar allowances to cushion the effect of this subsidy removal.
" I will continue to lead from the front in our quest to build a better future together for all of us; our resolve to the implementation of our ISEYA agenda is unwavering. The CNG conversion success is just the beginning as we will soon be back here at this same venue to launch our e-mobility program , launching our electric okadas and tricycles.
"We are determined and committed to the implementation of our multimodal transport master plan of the state connecting air, road, sea, and rail.
" We are pursuing the construction of a dry port at the Kajola-Papalanto corridor, which will increase our ease of doing business in the state by providing and alternative to the busy Lagos Ports , thereby creating an enabling environment for more investors in Ogun State .
" I am confident that in a couple of months, by the grace of God we will officially commission and commercial operations will begin at our International Agro-Cargo International Airport located along the Iperu-Ilishan road in the Ikenne Local Government Area of the State.
" I want to appreciate Labour Union for their support and patience and understanding,the Hon Com of Transport Engr Dairo and his team , Nigeria Gas Company, NGTSL our partners Spiro and all others who have contributed to the successful implementation of this scheme and hosting of this laudable initiative.
" In conclusion, I wish to congratulate the good people of Ogun State, as we are witnessing dimensional progress in our transportation system" He concluded
Meanwhile, moment after the launching the Governor Abiodun, monarchs and other dignitaries at the event took ride in the CNG buses round some part of Abeokuta, the state capital.
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