The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has officially received converted electric vehicles as part of its commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and technological innovation in the state.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, disclosed this recently during the official handing-over ceremony of the converted vehicles by KWASU to the State Government.
The Commissioner described the project as a significant milestone in the partnership between the state government and the university, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation in Kwara State.
Hon. Adelodun commended the unwavering support of the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, whose visionary leadership and tireless efforts made the initiative possible and stated that the successful conversion of vehicles to electric power demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable transportation options in the state, noting that training for relevant staff will be provided soon.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, lauded the management of KWASU for conceiving and executing the initiative, especially at a critical period in the global energy transition, expressing gratitude to the Governor for “putting smiles on the faces of the people” through forward-thinking projects.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of KWASU, the Chairman of KWASU Holdings Committee, Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi, said the university is proud to collaborate with the state government on a project that highlights the potential of electric vehicles in Kwara and thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for trusting KWASU to undertake the project, while appreciating the management and staff of the Ministry for their support throughout its execution.
Prof. Adeyemi emphasised that the initiative is a testament to the viability of public private/public partnerships when carried out in a conducive environment, praising the Governor’s infrastructure-driven vision for building a “new Kwara State” and noted that KWASU’s conversion of scrapped gasoline engine vehicles into electric-powered models serves as a proof of concept for technological and innovative possibilities championed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology.
The collaboration between the Kwara State Government and KWASU aims to promote sustainable transportation, drive innovation and enhance environmental awareness in the state.
Present at the handing-over ceremony of converted Gasoline-to-Electric were the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, MBIT, Mrs. Motunrayo Adaran; Director, Commerce Department, MBIT, Mr. Taiwo Adebisi; Deputy Director, Commerce Department, MBIT, Alhaji Sani Ibrahim; Head of Investment, MBIT, Alhaji Sarafa Murtala; KWASU HOLACO Members – Dr. AbdulRahman Mustapha, Barr. Yakubu Tosho, Dr. Adeshina Lambo; Deputy Director, Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), Dr. Adeogun; other staff from CSE – Engr. Azeez Akande, Mr. Abdulganiyu Azeez, Mr. Abolaji Musiliu; KWASU Press, Mr. Isaka Babatunde; KWASU HOLACO Secretary, Mrs. Adejoke Adeniyi Jackson; among others.
Taibat Baba Adams,
Press Secretary,
MBIT.
