By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that Osun State has been implementing a CNG conversion and adoption initiative for the past eight months, announcing that Imole buses will be converted to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) model.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke reminded the public that his administration had, since January this year, commenced the process of CNG adoption, leading to an ongoing partnership with the National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

The Governor noted that the state has been engaged in public-private partnership talks with three companies, including a local CNG firm, which has made significant progress in the implementation process.

According to the Governor, the Imole buses currently plying Osun roads for palliative transport services will soon be converted to the CNG model, while Osun is also set to benefit from the federal initiative on CNG adoption.

The plan also includes dedicated charging points, as well as the acquisition of CNG-powered buses through PPP to expand the palliative transport services operating across the state.

He said the Ministries of Energy and Transport have been working relentlessly to ensure the initiative is brought to fruition despite the complicated technical requirements.

“As a government, we are very proactive. That is why we gave Osun its first ICT and Tech Innovation Policies. That is why the state’s Electricity Market Bill is now ready for legislative action. The CNG option is part of the incoming state energy policy.

“Ours is not an analogue government that did nothing to implement a digital economy agenda, tech innovation plan, and energy market system in Osun State. We are digitally driven, with a comprehensive plan to adopt modern innovations and alternative power sources to support our agro-industrialisation strategy for the state,” the Governor was quoted as saying.