Ogun State government has continued to set the pace for sustainable transportation system with the use of alternative source of energy.
The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this while declaring open the 18th National Council of Transportation Conference, with the theme, “Enhancing Innovations and Technologies for Sustainable Transportation: Tackling The Energy Challenges”, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun said the theme of the Conference was apt at a time when the nation is faced with serious energy challenges, occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy which had a spiral effect on cost of transportation and other associated utilities, revealing that the state had initiated the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project before the federal government.
He said his administration had rolled out the CNG-powered vehicles to support green environment, fight against global warming and ultimately ease transportation burden being encountered by the public, adding that other alternative source of energy to power vehicles for transportation, including electric trucks and motorbikes, had also been launched.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, explained that the Multi-Modal Transport Master Plan of the state had created opportunities for residents and road users to enhance their businesses across all strata, while Cargo Airport at Iperu, Inland Dry Port at Papalanto would 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 the cross-fertilisation of ideas, innovations and technologies, saying the platform would enable states to develop a new model for arresting the energy crisis in the country.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Michael Oloruntola appreciated the state government for hosting the Conference, noting that the choice of Abeokuta was symbolic, as it has the cultural and historical traits that bind the people together as a nation.
He pointed out that prioritisation of innovative technologies that enhanced affordability, accessibility, safety, security and environmental sustainability was the core objective of the Conference, calling on participants to embrace sustainable transport development that would enhance job creation and stimulate economic growth.
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, Dr. AbdulWaheed Olanloye, said discussions on how to embrace innovative technologies that would promote sustainability in addressing the energy challenges facing the transportation sector could not have come at a better time.
