Enugu State Government Set to Transform Transportation with 5,000 Electric Taxis
By Godwin Umeh
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, the Enugu State Government has unveiled plans to introduce 5,000 electric cars as taxi cabs across the state. The announcement, made by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozor, during a recent workshop on entrepreneurship at Godfrey Okoye University Enugu, signals a significant step towards a cleaner and more cost-effective transport system.
Mr. Ozor revealed that the first batch of 1,000 electric cabs is slated to hit the streets in April of the coming year. The decision to adopt electric vehicles is underpinned by their safety, cleanliness, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner urged Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts to develop multi-channel apps that would seamlessly connect residents with the electric taxi service. The emphasis was on making the service easily accessible to the people of the state. Mr. Ozor also challenged tech experts to create apps that facilitate effective campaigns on attitudinal change, particularly concerning government policies and fine payments, without resorting to traditional methods like billboards or force.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke, Prof Chidi Uhuegbu, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies, emphasized that the workshop at Godfrey Okoye University was aligned with the goal of producing graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.
Commending the initiative, Prof Uhuegbu acknowledged the driving force behind the program, Mr. Chris Uwakwe, the Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship. He expressed confidence that the workshop participants would benefit significantly from the program, setting them on a path to shape the future.
Mr. Uwakwe, in his address, shed light on the workshop’s objective, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of the students. With the Enugu State Government’s ambitious plan to revolutionize taxi services, this move towards electric vehicles not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also positions the state at the forefront of innovative and eco-friendly transportation solutions.