Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced the commencement of an electric motor vehicle (EMV) training programme for her constituents under an operate-and-own empowerment model.
The senator made the announcement on Friday, explaining that the initiative is part of her constituency development programme aimed at sustainable economic empowerment.
She disclosed that the rollout of the programme was earlier suspended following a town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, noting that the pause was deliberate and necessary.
“We intentionally paused the rollout to get the structure right. Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable,” she said.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the temporary halt allowed for proper regulatory compliance, including the registration of the EMV management company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
She added that electricians and technicians have also been trained to ensure proper maintenance and long-term functionality of the electric vehicles.
“This programme is not just about distributing vehicles; it is about building capacity and systems that will last,” she said.
The senator confirmed that the CAC registration process has now been completed, while vehicle registrations are ongoing.
She said the locally assembled electric vehicles would be deployed immediately after the final registration processes, after which beneficiaries would begin commercial operations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that women and youths are the primary beneficiaries of the programme.
“Our goal is to empower our people with dignity by creating sustainable livelihoods, lowering transportation costs, and preparing Kogi central for a cleaner, greener future,” she said.
Describing the EMV initiative as a landmark intervention, the senator said it combines economic empowerment with environmental responsibility.
She also revealed that a newly registered trust fund has been established to manage the EMV programme and other constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation maternity centre and modern markets in Okene and Ihima.
“Structure ensures sustainability, and accountability guarantees equitable benefits for all. That is the foundation of every intervention we implement,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further disclosed that the EMV technical training programme would train 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi Central, offering hands-on instruction in the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles.
She said successful participants would be given the opportunity to own and operate the vehicles for long-term income generation.
“This is empowerment with purpose, creating jobs, promoting innovation, and giving our people the tools to thrive,” she said.
The senator urged interested applicants to follow the application guidelines contained in the officially released information materials.
