Mr. Faud Atanda-Lawal, Chairman of Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, says the council will roll out 200 electric mini cabs as part of its empowerment programme for 2024.
Atanda-Lawal said this when he spoke with newsmen at the council secretariat in Obalende, Lagos on Friday, adding that the empowerment will be implemented in two phases by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
He said that the introduction of 200 seven-seater mini electric cabs aims to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the rise in transportation costs.
Atanda-Lawal explained the comprehensive plans for the local government in 2024, covering education, infrastructure, healthcare, and transportation.
“We have broken down all of the things that we want to do for this local government this year in terms of education, works and infrastructure, health sector and even transportation in this local government.
“You will be shocked at how we intend to do that. One would say local government, what is your business with transportation but we have very big plans for 2024.
“Now, we will be introducing electric vehicles and we will be bringing in 200 seven-seater mini cabs to help cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and hike in price of transportation,” Atanda-Lawal said.
According to him, the council aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and safer energy for a more efficient and sustainable economy.
Atanda-Lawal identified key areas for attention, impacting both the standard and cost of living, including education, works and infrastructure, health sector, and transportation.
Highlighting the importance of transportation, the council boss said that transport remains a key factor in business and the economy. The electric vehicles, soon to be delivered, will facilitate transportation within Ikoyi-Obalende and its environs at subsidised fares.
He said the council would also build 10 charging stations within the community to support the beneficiaries with maintenance.
Atanda-Lawal said that as a government, his administration must listen to the people’s complaints about transportation costs.
“We are bringing in our electric vehicles from February. By the first quarter of this year we will be empowering our people and we are not stopping there.
“We will also establish 10 charging stations. This year, we will be empowering members of our community to drive the vehicles on hire purchase,” he said.
The council boss highlighted that the proposed empowerment aims to engage beneficiaries profitably, ensuring they can support their families and contribute to economic development. He anticipated significant positive effects on families, the LCDA, and society as a whole.
Atanda-Lawal reassured the community that the council would continue to provide food and basic needs for the aged and retirees through the council’s food bank programme, emphasising the importance of long-term support.
“Palliative is more of a short-term fix, but the food bank is a long term; everybody is going to have a need, and it is our duty again to see how we can provide for people,” he said.
The council boss noted that all interventions are aimed at moving people from poverty to prosperity, prioritising the happiness and well-being of the governed. “What we do in this local government is to first understand the needs of our people,” he concluded.
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