.As Oba of Benin seeks First Lady’s partnership on women, children’s welfare
.No plan to hike electricity tariffs, says FG
.As Reps move to establish National Authority for Renewal Energy
Chris Akhabue, Edo and Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday inaugurated 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and launched a ₦1 billion empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries in Edo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is expected to provide ₦200,000 each to the beneficiaries to support their businesses, improve their livelihoods and help them become financially independent.
Speaking at the event in Benin, Tinubu commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for the initiatives, saying they would improve transportation and create economic opportunities for residents.
“I am glad to be in Edo today after quite a long time for the commissioning of 50 compressed natural gas buses for the benefit of the people,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the introduction of CNG buses showed the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments in improving public transportation.
According to her, the transition to CNG will also create jobs for technicians, engineers, drivers, mechanics, safety personnel, fleet managers and other skilled workers.
“Beyond transportation, we are expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs,” she said, urging the state government to invest in training and capacity building to help young people benefit from opportunities in the sector.
On the empowerment programme, the First Lady said it would support 5,000 beneficiaries, including women, youths and vulnerable people.
“I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she said.
Earlier, Okpebholo welcomed the First Lady, describing her visit as a demonstration of care and commitment to the welfare of Edo residents.
“Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,” he said.
The governor said the initiatives addressed two important needs of the people: affordable transportation and economic empowerment, particularly for women and small-business owners.
He said the CNG buses would make public transportation more accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly, while the financial support would help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses.
“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” Okpebholo said.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, pledging continued loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor said his administration remained committed to ensuring that the benefits of good governance, economic opportunities and development reached communities across the state.
“Our commitment is to build an Edo State where good governance is felt in every home, opportunities are within the reach of every citizen, and no community is left behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for projecting the country’s image internationally, while calling for a strategic partnership between her office and the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to improve the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
The monarch made the appeal when he received the First Lady at the Benin Palace during her visit to Edo State to participate in activities marking the 10th anniversary of his coronation.
In an address delivered on his behalf by his daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu Ewuare, Oba Ewuare II expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s international engagements, particularly the recognition she received from United States President Donald Trump.
He described the recognition as a source of national pride, noting that the positive representation of Nigeria on the global stage was important to strengthening the country’s international image.
The monarch also urged Senator Tinubu to explore areas of collaboration with the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to expand programmes aimed at supporting women, children, families and disadvantaged members of society.
According to him, the foundation was established to preserve the cultural heritage, values and dignity of the Edo people while promoting social welfare through education, empowerment and sustainable community development initiatives.
He explained that the foundation had undertaken various interventions, including scholarships for children and young people, the promotion of Edo language education, vocational training, skills acquisition and the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
Oba Ewuare II maintained that a partnership with the Office of the First Lady would provide an opportunity to expand these initiatives and address some of the social and economic challenges confronting vulnerable populations.
He emphasised that investing in women’s empowerment, child protection and youth development remained critical to building stronger families and securing a prosperous future for the country.
The monarch further reaffirmed the commitment of the Benin traditional institution to working with government and credible organisations to promote peace, justice, unity and national development.
As a mark of honour and appreciation, Oba Ewuare II presented Senator Tinubu with a traditional Benin coral bead during the reception. He described the gift as a symbol of goodwill and recognition of her visit to the palace.
He also prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance for the First Lady as she continued to discharge her responsibilities, wishing her and members of her entourage a safe journey.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude to the monarch for receiving her, noting that her visit to Benin City was at the invitation of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the commissioning of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
The First Lady, who reaffirmed her commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian women and vulnerable citizens, highlighted several programmes being implemented through her foundation and other initiatives.
She said her interventions were designed to empower women, young people, farmers and disadvantaged groups through agriculture, education, digital skills, entrepreneurship and financial assistance for small businesses.
According to her, the programmes include scholarships, support for girls’ education, information and communication technology training for women and young people, as well as financial assistance to petty traders and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses.
She added that efforts had also been directed towards supporting persons with disabilities and older citizens, providing equipment to improve livelihoods and working with traditional institutions to ensure that assistance reached communities where it was most needed.
Senator Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian, irrespective of age, background or circumstances, deserved access to opportunities that would enable them to learn, work and improve their standard of living.
On healthcare, she said her foundation had invested in health education, nutrition and community development through advocacy and partnerships with relevant organisations.
She listed the initiatives to include HIV/AIDS awareness, cancer prevention, immunisation programmes, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and scholarships for medical professionals to pursue specialist training.
The First Lady also highlighted programmes aimed at improving child nutrition, supporting breastfeeding mothers and ensuring that children had access to proper healthcare and education.
She emphasised the importance of national unity and collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and development partners in building a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria.
According to her, the ultimate goal was to establish sustainable programmes capable of improving lives and delivering lasting benefits to future generations.
Senator Tinubu expressed delight at returning to the Benin Palace, describing the visit as meaningful, and prayed for continued peace, unity, progress and prosperity in Edo State and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has said that the Federal Government has no intention to increase electricity tariffs nationwide.
This is coming amidst the House of Representatives on Thursday passing the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 for Second Reading, a landmark step toward creating the National Authority for Renewable Energy [NARE] as Nigeria’s principal body for regulating and promoting renewable energy.
Tegbe gave the assurance in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The projects, located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, are expected to serve communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Addressing the gathering, the minister urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation about a possible tariff increase, declaring that the government’s priority was to ensure reliable electricity supply.
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs. What we are planning is a power sector that works around the clock. Our commitment is 24/7 power,” he said.
Tegbe said the Federal Government was pursuing an energy strategy that would improve electricity supply through designated energy zones, including the Lagos-Ogun corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
He added that plans were also underway to strengthen the national grid and improve generation and transmission infrastructure across the country’s eastern, western and central corridors.
The minister said the mini-grid projects would improve electricity access in beneficiary communities, reduce dependence on generators and create better conditions for businesses, investment and job creation.
He described the interconnected mini-grid initiative as part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar interventions had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Tegbe commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the REA, project developer Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
He also recognised the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders for their support, stressing that their cooperation would be crucial to the successful implementation and sustainability of the projects.
In the House, the Bill was sponsored and moved by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy.
Also, the House has adopted a resolution calling for a stronger measures to end child marriage in Nigeria and protect the rights of the girl child.
The House adopted the resolution following an urgent motion moved by Hon Kafilat Ogbara, who represents Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State on Thursday in Abuja during plenary.
Leading the debate on Electricity Amendment Bill, Hon. Ogene said it seeks to address structural gaps in the power sector by transferring renewable energy functions from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission [NERC], Rural Electrification Agency [REA] and Rural Electrification Fund [REF] to the proposed NARE.
“This specialisation will improve coordination, reduce institutional overlaps and provide focused direction for the effective development of the renewable energy sector,” Hon. Ogene stated.
Key objectives of the Bill include: Institutional Consolidation: Centralize regulation and supervision of renewable energy under one dedicated authority.
Energy Access: Empower NARE to promote mini-grid and off-grid systems in rural, unserved, underserved communities and islands.
Investment and Jobs: Provide financial, fiscal and regulatory incentives to boost local manufacturing, research and capacity building in the sector.
Energy Diversification: Drive the development of solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass and hydrogen to broaden Nigeria’s energy mix.
Consumer Protection: Mandate NARE to handle licensing, standards, fair tariffs, and dispute resolution for a transparent market.
Collaboration: Ensure cooperation between NARE, NERC, and the Federal Ministry of Finance for grid integration and policy harmonization.
The Bill further proposes that 40% of the annual funds of the Rural Electrification Fund be allocated to NARE to finance renewable energy development.
Hon. Ogene argued that Nigeria must look beyond grid expansion to solve its electricity challenges.
“We must embrace innovative, decentralised and renewable energy solutions that can reach communities and businesses more efficiently,” he said.
Following debate, the House unanimously adopted the Bill for Second Reading and referred it to the relevant Committee for further legislative scrutiny, including provisions for the transfer of personnel, assets and ongoing projects.
Hon. Ogene led the Committee on Renewable Energy in green energy engagements at COP29 in Baku 2024 and COP30 in Brazil in 2025.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministries of Education, Health and Social Welfare, and Justice, to strengthen programmes aimed at preventing child marriage and protecting girls at risk.
The motion was considered in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child.”
The House expressed concern that child marriage remains a human rights, public health and educational challenge in Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable communities, exposing girls to early pregnancy, gender-based violence and poverty.
It noted that the practice also undermines girls’ right to education and opportunities for personal development, stressing the need for effective implementation of the Child Rights Act 2003, which establishes 18 years as the minimum age of marriage.
The lawmakers further called for coordinated action involving federal, state and local governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, development partners and communities to end the practice.
They mandated the House Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, Education, Health, Human Rights, and Justice to engage relevant ministries, agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to assess existing interventions, identify implementation gaps and recommend legislative and budgetary measures to end child marriage.
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