The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi says his administration has commenced the production of electric vehicles and tricycles to reduce over-dependence on crude oil.
He lamented that the nation’s economy which is based on oil has been affected badly as a result of the ravaging of coronavirus.
Umahi who spoke through his Special Assistant at rhe Vocational College, Barr. Adaeze Nwaji made this known while briefing Journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.
The governor noted that there is a need to diversify the state revenue by converting gasoline tricycles and vehicles to Electric and solar energy vehicles, especially if COVID-19 persists.
According to the governor: “We are looking forward to seeing a situation where people will no longer depend on fuel but where all the tricycles and vehicles in the state are electrically powered.
“We are working tirelessly to make sure that the governor’s zero oil economy initiatives are implemented. And that’s why we have come up with this.
“We are building waste to wealth projects by using abandoned containers to construct our tricycles body.
“We have a technology that enables us to convert gasoline tricycles and vehicles to Electric and solar energy vehicles.
“Before the end of this week, we will have the first Ebonyi made state Tricycles and vehicles.
Nwaji noted further that the governor directed the Department of Automobile and foundry of the college to ensure that the plan is achieved and sustained.
“Our governor is highly innovative and we are thrilled by his leadership style and we can’t help but get motivated.
“We are taking it to the next level. Secondly, we have the technology to convert existing gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles.
“The ones we are manufacturing have solar panel as an alternative power supply, especially in the rural areas and this is part of governor Umahi’s Zero Oil initiative”
She added: “Germany is currently doing this conversion and we will not be left out. We are joining the committee of nations to take global action for the planet earth.
“Electric vehicles will encourage a zero oil economy, protect the planet as it has zero carbon emission.
“As you can see, it does not have an exhaust pipe. We are currently changing our Electric vehicles with Solar as we charge.
“It is a relatively new technology and our organized technical team have spent weeks studying and trying and we are now confident to speak about it. You know, knowledge is power” he stated