First electric bus launched in Oyo

An Ibadan-based businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi, on Friday, launched the first electric bus in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Performing the launch, Mr Sanusi disclosed that the pilot scheme for okada, tricycle riders would be carried out in the Ona-Ara local government area soonest.

Sanusi said the initiative is aimed at marking a pivotal move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the growth and development of the state. 

He stated that the significance of this initiative to Ona-Ara local government underscored his commitment to substantially reducing the carbon footprint and modernizing its transportation system. 

The 100-seater bus was driven from Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort in Akanran, to Amuloko and Olorunsogo amidst applause and cheers from residents.

Mr Sanusi, however, assured residents of Ona-Ara local government, who are into motorcycle and tricycle businesses that in about four weeks, they would be able to transit their means of transportation to electric from petrol or diesel.

He noted that the charging facility for motorcycles, tricycles and power bikes through solar energy would be installed in front of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort.

“To God be the glory, Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort is the first to launch an electric bus in Oyo State.

“Our transition to electric bus forms part of the strategic move to addressing the consequences of rising petrol prices and the economic implications for business owners and residents of our dear state. 

“We have conducted a survey to ascertain the number of commercial motorcycles tricycles and Power Bikes needed per route from Olorunsogo to Akanran to allow for efficient and better traffic management. 

“In four weeks time, the pilot scheme for Motorcycles and Tricycles in our locality would kick off.

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“The charging point would be installed in front of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort.

“This forms part of my cardinal programmes for the upliftment of people at the grassroots. I remain committed to uplifting the downtrodden from poverty to prosperity through different means of alleviating their plights. 

“One doesn’t need to hold a political office before making significant impacts on the lives of the common man.”