Ogun Setting Pace in Tackling Energy Challenges, Says Abiodun

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor,  Dapo Abiodun, yesterday said the state has continued to set the pace for sustainable transportation systems with the use of alternative sources of energy.

The governor stated this while declaring open the 18th National Council of Transportation Conference, holding at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

Speaking on the theme of the conference: ‘’Enhancing Innovations and Technologies for Sustainable Transportation: Tackling the Energy Challenges’,  Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner For Transportation, Mr Olugbenga Dairo, said that the theme of the conference was apt.

He said the nation is currently facing a serious energy challenge occasioned by the removal of  fuel subsidy, which has a spiral effect on cost of transportation and other associated utilities.

He noted that ever before the federal government rolled out plans for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project, Ogun state had taken the initiative by rolling out the CNG compliant vehicles to support green environment, fight against global warming and ease the transportation burden faced by the public.

Abiodun added that other alternative sources of energy,  which include electric trucks and motorbikes would soon be launched in the state.

He said that the multi modal transport master plan of the state has created a vista of opportunities for residents and travellers and has enhanced business developments across all strata.

He said there’s already a Cargo Airport at Iperu and an Inland Dry Port at Papalanto to cater for the material needs of the ever growing industrial cities across the state and beyond.

He enjoined delegates to build on the potentiality inherent in cross fertilization of ideas, innovations and technologies.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr Michael Oloruntola, said that the choice of Abeokuta was symbolic, as it has the cultural and historical tapestry that binds everyone together as a nation.

Oloruntola said that the conference seeks to uphold the prioritisation of innovative technologies that enhance affordability, accessibility, safety, security and environmental sustainability.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, Dr. AbdulWaheed Olanloye, highlighted the urgency of embracing innovative technologies that promote sustainability in addressing the energy challenges facing the transportation sector