Yomi Durojaye
...As Lagos State Govt, Saheed Mosadoluwa Commend Innovative Idea
The Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Akinola Abiodun Idowu, has launched a green economy in Orile Agege by introducing electric vehicles and motorcycles as part of efforts to cut down the transportation cost and also to create jobs and equip residents with relevant skills for emerging innovation and technology
Speaking yesterday at the exhibition and launch ceremony of electric vehicles and motorcycles held at the council secretariat, in partnership with Eagle SP Green and Innovations Centre.
The council Chairman said. the initiative was designed to expose residents to emerging transportation technologies and enable them to assess their potential benefits, challenges and business opportunities.
Akinola said rising transportation costs and petrol prices have continued to put pressure on household incomes, particularly among commercial motorcycle operators, traders, artisans and other residents who depend on daily transportation for their livelihoods.
He noted that electric mobility could offer an alternative to conventional petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles, potentially reducing running costs and creating new economic opportunities.
“Transportation is part of our everyday life. Our traders need to move their goods to the market. Our artisans need to get to their places of work. Our workers and business owners spend money moving from one location to another,” he said.
The chairman, however, urged prospective users to consider the purchase price, battery lifespan, replacement costs, charging infrastructure, electricity supply and maintenance requirements before investing in electric vehicles.
He encouraged commercial motorcycle operators, transporters, traders and entrepreneurs to use the exhibition to obtain reliable information and compare the cost of owning and operating electric vehicles with conventional alternatives.
In a keynote address, Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi (Afoo), Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Political, Legislative and Civil Engagement, commended Chairman Idowu for introducing a forward-looking initiative that promotes clean energy, technology and youth empowerment.
He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the opportunities provided, describing the programme as an investment in the future of the community.
Also speaking, Hon. Agbaje, representing the Lagos State Governor, praised the Chairman's developmental strides and efforts to improve the welfare and economic prospects of residents.
Former Orile-Agege LCDA Chairman, Hon. Johnson Babatunde (JSB), also advised beneficiaries to make productive use of the empowerment packages and maintain the equipment properly.
He described the council’s partnership with Eagle SP Green and Innovations Centre as an important step towards technology transfer and skills development to residents of Orile Agege LCDA.
In his goodwill message, a philanthropist and a business mogul, Mr. Saheed Mosadoluwa Audullahi Ibile called for unity among residents and political leaders while commending the Chairman's people-oriented programmes.
He further announced the donation of two plots of land to support developmental projects in Orile-Agege.
In conclusion, Akinola said said the innovative idea of electric vehicles would with wider adoption could help reduce roadside air pollution and traffic noise in residential areas, markets, schools and other public spaces.
