The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to climate-friendly innovation and women empowerment with the launch of solar-powered electric tricycles in Abuja.
The tricycles were handed over on Tuesday to members of the Women of Wisdom (WOW) Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd at an event themed “Empowering Women, Building Futures.”
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Gender Matters, Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Olawande said the initiative reflects the government’s broader agenda on youth empowerment, sustainable development and green technology adoption.
He assured that the ministry would continue to promote policies and partnerships that make clean energy solutions accessible to young Nigerians, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of national development goals.
Olawande recalled that the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative was introduced in November 2025 to encourage a shift from costly and environmentally harmful fuel-powered transport to affordable, clean energy alternatives.
According to him, the participation of the WOW Cooperative in deploying the tricycles signals the growing impact of the initiative at the grassroots level.
He added that the installation of solar panels on the tricycles by House of Destiny Global Services further reinforced the government’s commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability.
Explaining the benefits to beneficiaries, the minister said the electric tricycles would significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs while contributing to a cleaner environment.
He urged recipients to view the tricycles as income-generating assets rather than handouts, stressing that their success would strengthen community-driven empowerment partnerships.
“When government initiatives align with cooperative efforts, the impact is felt directly by everyday Nigerians,” he said.
In her remarks, the President of the WOW Cooperative, Ms Madonna Corosi, said shared vision, discipline and trust were key to collective progress.
She noted that transportation serves as a major source of livelihood for many members, adding that access to productive assets such as electric tricycles would promote sustainable income and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Corosi said the cooperative’s adoption of electric mobility positions its members to benefit from innovation, environmental responsibility and economic growth.
Also speaking, the National President of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, Alhaji Usman Gwoza, described transportation as critical to daily survival for many households.
He advised beneficiaries to maintain discipline and safeguard the tricycles, noting that responsible use would attract more empowerment opportunities in the future.