By Franca Ofili
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the ministry’s support for green technology initiatives with the launch of solar-powered electric tricycles for women.
Olawande said this in Abuja on Tuesday during the launch and handover of electric tricycles to members of the Women of Wisdom (WOW) Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd.
The launch had “Empowering Women, Building Futures”, as theme.
The minister, represented by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Gender Matters, 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.
The minister said 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 of the electric vehicles to beneficiaries, 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.
He urged the beneficiaries to treat the tricycles as business assets and not just gifts, 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 collective progress was inevitable when people came together with a shared vision, discipline and trust.
Corosi said transportation was a key source of livelihood for many members, adding that access to productive assets such as electric tricycles would ensure sustainable income.
“It also means reduced dependence on fossil fuels, lower operating costs and, more importantly, a cleaner and more environmentally responsible future.
“By embracing electric mobility, WOW Cooperative is deliberately positioning its members for a future where innovation, sustainability and income generation go hand in hand,” she said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Usman Gwoza, National President of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, said transportation remained the backbone of daily survival for many families.
Gwoza advised the beneficiaries to be disciplined and protect the assets entrusted to them, noting that their success would encourage further empowerment initiatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
