Edo State Government is considering and evaluating a groundbreaking collaboration with Oando Clean Energy LTD to revolutionize its public transportation system with electric buses, marking a significant step towards a greener and more modern Edo.
This strategic engagement follows a series of discussions around Oando’s potential investments in the State, including a previous visit by the Managing Director and CEO of Oando Energy Resources LTD, Dr Ainojie Alex Irune to Governor Monday Okpebholo last month.
A high-powered Edo State delegation, which included Kizito Okpebholo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Investments and Revenue Generation and Amen Odigie, Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Ease of Doing Business Secretariat recently concluded a strategic visit to Oando Clean Energy’s Lagos office to witness firsthand the successful implementation of their electric bus transportation system in Lagos State.
The visit focused on exploring a possible Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to introduce similar mass transit solutions in Edo State.
Kizito Okpebholo and Amen Odigie shared their observations from the visit.
According to Kizito, “We witnessed the electric bus, their charging systems and others. We have told them that we will need to discuss with our critical stakeholders, which include the Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA) and Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) among others, to understand how this works for us in Edo”.
Amen Odigie, MD of ESIPO underscored the significance of the visit, emphasizing Edo State’s proactive approach to economic growth.
Mr. Odigie noted, “That we were there for this purpose is an indication that Edo State is vigorously pursuing all partnerships that could translate into tangible results for economic growth in the State.
“The transport sector is key for us because we are a logistics hub also”. He said.
The proposed project aligns with Edo State’s commitment to go green in the coming years and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Recently , the New Edo Line was revamped by Governor Okpebholo with over 100 new buses ready to take off.
Through upgrading the existing Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) to a modern electric bus system, the State aims to enhance efficiency, improve public welfare and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Discussions are ongoing with key stakeholders to finalize the framework for this potentially transformative partnership.
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Information Officer
Governor’s Office
Press Corps Unit
PHOTO CAPTION
L-R: Gbolahan Kolawole, Data Analyst, Oando; Babatunde Obadina, Head of Operations LBSL, Oando; Harold Okonoboh, Project Manager, Oando; Kizito Okpebholo, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Finance Investment and Revenue Generation; Olayemi Olomo, Corporate Services, Oando; Amen Odigie, Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and Hadiza Adukonu, Vice President, Opportunity maturation & New Ventures OCEL during a strategic visit to Oando Clean Energy Limited to witness implementation of their electric bus transportation system in Lagos as a blueprint to revolutionize public transportation system in Edo State.
