Photo; Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
By: Mandy Park
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has announced the commencement of an electric motor vehicle (EMV) training programme for constituents under an operate-and-own model.
The senator said the initiative, which is part of the Kogi Central constituency development programme, is aimed at creating sustainable income opportunities, particularly for women and youths.
Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that the programme was earlier suspended following a town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, to ensure full regulatory compliance and proper institutional structuring.
According to her, the pause allowed for the registration of the EMV management company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as well as the training of electricians and technicians who will support the maintenance and operation of the vehicles.
She disclosed that the CAC registration has now been completed, while the registration of the electric vehicles is ongoing. She added that deployment of the locally assembled vehicles would commence immediately after the final documentation processes are concluded.
The senator noted that beneficiaries would begin commercial operations upon deployment, stressing that the initiative is designed to combine skills acquisition with asset ownership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also revealed that a newly registered trust fund has been established to manage the EMV programme alongside other constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation maternity centre and modern markets in Okene and Ihima.
She further stated that the EMV technical training programme would train 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi Central, providing them with hands-on instruction in the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles.
According to her, successful participants will have the opportunity to own and operate the vehicles as a source of long-term income.
The senator urged interested applicants to adhere strictly to the application guidelines contained in the officially released information materials.
