Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, on Friday announced the rollout of the electric motor vehicle (EMV) training programme for constituents under the operate-and-own model.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the initiative is in line with the Kogi central constituency development programme.
She said implementation of the programme had earlier been paused during a town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi local government area.
The senator said the halt was deliberate and aimed at meeting regulatory requirements and safeguarding public trust.
“We intentionally paused the rollout to get the structure right. Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the cessation allowed for the registration of the EMV management company with the corporate affairs commission (CAC).
She said electricians and technicians were also trained to ensure effective maintenance and long-term functionality of the vehicles.
“This programme is not just about distributing vehicles; it is about building capacity and systems that will last,” she said.
The senator said the CAC registration process has been completed, while vehicle registrations were ongoing.
She said the locally assembled electric vehicles would be deployed immediately after the final registration processes.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said beneficiaries, particularly women and youths, would then commence commercial operations as planned.
“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.
She described the EMV initiative as a landmark programme that combines economic empowerment with environmental responsibility.
The senator said a newly registered trust fund had been established to manage the EMV programme and other constituency assets.
She said the assets include 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 said the EMV technical training programme would train 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi central.
She said participants would receive hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles.
The senator said successful participants would have the opportunity to own and operate the vehicles for sustainable income generation.
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