
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme.
This initiative involves the distribution of 80 vehicles, including Toyota Hiace vans, GAC SUVs, and Suzuki mini-buses, to young beneficiaries.
The programme aims to serve as a pilot transportation scheme in the Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape areas, with plans for expansion across other parts of the FCT.
During the launch event in Abuja, Wike emphasized the dual goals of the programme: "This is our support to make sure you have something to feed on, to make sure you feed your family and also to reduce the cost of transportation in the city."
He further explained that the vehicles would be provided free of charge to the first set of beneficiaries, with the condition that they offer lower transport fees to residents.
The initiative also seeks to phase out commercial tricycles in the city, aligning with broader urban transportation reforms.
Wike highlighted the strategic importance of this effort, stating, "We will bring in more vehicles because by January, we will not have any taxi that is not profiled and painted in FCT colour to operate on our roads."
Additionally, the Minister announced a ₦10 billion fund approved by President Bola Tinubu for youth empowerment and development, contingent upon funding availability.
He urged the Mandate Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat, Abdullahi Ango, to devise a plan for utilizing these funds effectively, focusing on skills acquisition and other beneficial programmes for the youth.
"But I am not going to approve conferences, conferences do not help any youths," Wike asserted, emphasizing the need for practical and impactful initiatives.
Ango expressed gratitude for the unprecedented intervention, remarking, "This intervention has never happened in the history of the FCT.
We never had it this good. You are a blessing to the people of FCT and a blessing to the entire nation.
The distributed vehicles are intended to foster financial independence among the youth, who will be profiled by security agencies to ensure proper use within designated locations.
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