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FG starts free CNG conversion for commercial vehicles

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FG starts free CNG conversion for commercial vehicles

The Federal Government has commenced the free conversion of petrol and diesel-powered commercial vehicles to compressed natural gas in a bid to cut the cost of transportation nationwide.

It started the exercise in Abuja and Lagos, urging commercial transport owners to key into the scheme by bringing their vehicles to be converted, stressing that the use of CNG would reduce the cost of transportation by over 40 per cent.

Officials of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, along with those from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, monitored the commencement of the exercise at the Federal Capital Territory, as transporters brought in their vehicles to be converted.

The Federal Government had earlier declared on Thursday that the conversion of petrol and diesel-powered commercial vehicles to run on compressed natural gas was going to be free of charge.

It made this public in Abujall after signing agreements with various companies involved in the conversion of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to operate on CNG.

It said commercial transporters under their different unions, including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and the and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, among others, would benefit from this.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, had disclosed this to journalists after the government agency signed agreements with various companies in Abuja.

Speaking at one of the conversion centres during the commencement of the exercise on Friday, the Sales and Business Development Manager, P-CNGI, Lara Ogunleye, said, “Today (Friday), we are at the NASENI Portland Conversion Centre where we have started the conversion for commercial vehicles. The first one that we have seen is from the e-hailing cabs that are part of the conversion scheme.

“The e-hailing cabs are supposed to pay a fraction of the cost of the conversion, while the transport associations have 100 per cent conversion free charge, and the cost of the kits is also 100 per cent free. Today we have started with the e-hailing cabs and the scheme is going to be done across the federation.

“We are starting with Abuja and Lagos. We will keep rolling it out and the announcements will be made as we keep moving to each of the states.”

On the number of cars to be converted nationwide, she said, “We intend to convert over a million cars within the first 12 months. So the conversion cost is free for transport associations, as well as the cost of kits.

“For e-hailing cabs, they are paying a fraction of the cost of the kits, and they are paying 100 per cent of the cost of conversion.”

She added that, “The fraction depends on the location. Right now, we are in Abuja, and they have their own fraction. For private individuals, the cost of conversion differs. It depends on the type of car and the size of the cylinder that goes into your vehicle. But it ranges from N700,000 to about N1.8m.”

Ogunleye urged transporters to take advantage of the offer, as this would help in crashing the cost of transportation across the country.

“So for transport owners across the federation, the cost of conversion is 100 per cent free for you.

“Please go to your transport associations, key in, and as we go to your locations, we will register you, take all your details, advise on the conversion centres that you can go to, present your vehicle, and get a free conversion. All of this is courtesy of the President,” she explained.

Speaking at another conversion centre in Abuja, Udechukwu Ejike, a Bolt driver, explained why he decided to convert his car from the use of petrol to CNG.

“I’m doing this because petrol is far higher in cost than CNG. For instance, in a day I buy petrol of about N25,000 to N30,000, but with CNG I’m to spend between N3,500 and N7,000. I’m happy with this initiative, and I advise everyone to consider converting their vehicles from petrol usage to CNG. It is very cheap and good,” he stated.

Other commercial transporters at the centres alluded to the position of Ejike as they expressed optimism that more of their colleagues would convert their vehicles and help reduce the cost of transportation across the country.

Idah Poly Rector advocates BTECH for polytechnic graduates

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Idah Poly Rector advocates BTECH for polytechnic graduates

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah, Prof Yahaya Usman, has advocated for the awarding of a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree to polytechnic graduates across the country.
Prof Usman made this call on Saturday at the Nigeria Education Merit Award Platform (NEMWP) held in Lokoja.
He disclosed that the introduction of the BTech degree would address the ongoing issues related to the dichotomy between polytechnic and university qualifications in Nigeria.
“We are advocating for Polytechnic graduates to be awarded a Bachelor of Technology (BTech). If this is achieved, we will phase out the Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate.
“The only qualification that will remain is the National Diploma (ND). This proposal, with God’s grace, will see the light of day. By pursuing this idea, the challenges faced by Polytechnics will be resolved naturally,” he stated.
Usman commended the government at all levels for ensuring that Polytechnic education is delivered effectively and in line with its original objectives.
He noted, “The aspect we have been missing for a long time is the pet project by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), focusing on skills acquisition. Now, the emphasis is on skill acquisition. Our students, whether in National Diploma or Higher National Diploma programs, will no longer receive just one certificate. They will also earn additional certifications in specific skill areas.”
“This will enhance our technological development. Instead of importing foreign labor for tasks like welding, our students will be capable of doing it. We won’t need to look outside the country. We aim to export skilled graduates to earn foreign exchange.
“Today, if a Polytechnic graduate enters the job market, they won’t solely seek white-collar jobs. In the next five or ten years, as the Executive Director of NBTE envisions and as government supports this initiative, our Nigerian youths will be better off, and we will see a reduction in massive unemployment.”
Idah Poly Rector advocates BTECH for polytechnic graduates

Africa’s future lies within the continent, says Adesina

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Africa’s future lies within the continent, says Adesina

President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, on Friday advocated for youth investment in Nigeria’s Agri-business.

Adesina championed the advocacy in his keynote address at the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa Primates and Wives’ Retreat in Abuja.

He spoke on the topic “Food Security and Financial Sustainability in Africa: The Role of the Church”.

Adesina underscored the vital role of youth in revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural sector and highlighted the success stories of some young entrepreneurs.

The former Minister of Agriculture recounted his symbolic decision to wear a bowtie during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture to make the sector more appealing to young Nigerians.

According to him, the effort is part of a broader strategy to rebrand agriculture as a viable and attractive career path for the youth.

Adesina urged religious and government leaders to support AfDB’s Enable Youth in Agriculture programme, a $490 million initiative designed to foster youth-led agri-businesses across Africa.

He said the programme had already supported 41,000 businesses and created 63,000 jobs, showcasing significant potential for economic growth.

On addressing the critical issue of youth migration out of Africa, Adesina shared his emotional visit to Goree Island in Senegal, a historic site of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

He drew parallels between the historical forced migration and the current perilous journeys taken by young Africans in search of better opportunities abroad.

“Sad that Africa’s future lies within the continent, where equitable growth and quality jobs could be created,” he said.

Adesina highlighted the necessity for new financial institutions like entrepreneurship investment banks, dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs.

He pointed out the inadequacies of current financial systems that demand unrealistic requirements from young people, hindering their ability to secure funding and thrive.

Adesina criticised superficial political empowerment programmes and called for substantial investments in youth businesses and ideas to drive sustainable development.

He said, “The AfDB’s recent approvals, including $16 million for Liberia’s Entrepreneurship Investment Bank and $32 million for Ethiopia, reflect the bank’s commitment to this vision.”

He, therefore, called for a concerted effort to empower Africa’s youth, ensuring that their potential was harnessed to build a prosperous future for the continent.

Also, the Vice Chairman CAPA and Archbishop of Kenya, Most Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, called for a unified African Church and resource mobilisation.

He emphasised the importance of unity and resource sharing within the African church.

Sapit said that African solutions should address African problems, rather than relying on Western prescriptions.

He highlighted the potential synergy between AfDB and the church in mobilising resources and communities for holistic transformation.

Sapit called for leveraging local Church gatherings as platforms for learning and knowledge sharing to drive meaningful change.

NAN.

Create ministry to address marginalisation, Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze to Tinubu

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Create ministry to address marginalisation, Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze to Tinubu

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Saturday called on President Bola Tinubu to create a ministry that would address issues of the Southeast.
Ohanaeze said Tinubu should create a ministry that would address the marginalization of the Southeast and Biafra agitation.
Speaking with TVN, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said: “Ndigbo and Southeast pray in the future that there should be a ministry that will address the issue of marginalization and Biafra agitation from the Southeast.
“Ohanaeze looks forward to when there will still be a ministry that will address the insecurity challenges faced in the Southeast due to the activities of violent Biafra agitators.”
Insecurity has ravaged the Southeast following the renewed Biafra agitation by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Insecurity in the Southeast heightened when Kanu was rearrested and detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, despite courts granting him bail.
Kanu’s continued detention paved the way for armed groups to kill and kidnap people in the Southeast.
The sit-at-home order by IPOB has not helped in abating the insecurity situation as a self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, was linked to some of the gunmen terrorizing the Southeast.
Create ministry to address marginalisation, Biafra agitation – Ohanaeze to Tinubu

Eyewitnesses recount harrowing moments as Abuja building collapses

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Eyewitnesses recount harrowing moments as Abuja building collapses

Eyewitnesses have described the moment a two-storey residential building collapsed in the Kubwa area of Abuja on Saturday.

In a video account shared by NTA on X.com, an eyewitness, Amaka Agha, recounting her experience, said, “This morning at about 7am, that’s when we heard that rumbling sound so I thought it was from my next compound so we rushed out, only for me to rush out and I heard commotion. I went to the front and saw that the building had collapsed. Coming to the backyard of my house and everything had already come down.”

Agha continued, “They’ve been trying to rescue people, they’ve called FERMA, Fire service, they have rescued some people, they are still trying to rescue others.”

Another eyewitness, Ella Onyeke, reported that a resident of the building had noticed a crack in the structure on Friday and had vacated the premises with his family.

Onyeke stated, “Yesterday, a man who is living in that building left there yesterday saying he noticed a crack, so he left with his family.

“5am this morning, some people that are living there said the building started shifting. Some of them left and they tried to notify others who were living there.”

Rescue operations are currently underway at the site.

According reports that the building, located in Phase Two, Site Two, in the Kubwa area collapsed on Saturday, leaving many feared trapped.

Watch videos below

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Zamfara: ZAGIS urges landowners to obtain certificates of ownership for enhanced security

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Zamfara: ZAGIS urges landowners to obtain certificates of ownership for enhanced security

The Zamfara State Geographic Information Service (ZAGIS) has urged landowners in the state to obtain certificates for the safety and security of their lands.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of the agency, ESV Abubakar Muhammed Mafara, while speaking on a phone-in programme on Zamfara Radio, titled “Da Ruwan Ciki Akanja Na Rijiya,” sponsored by the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service.
According to the Executive Secretary, all plots of land without certification are likely to be considered illegal and can be revoked by the government.
Mafara stated that ZAGIS is one of the most revenue-generating agencies in the state, with a mandate to distribute and issue certificates of land ownership, among other functions.
In his remarks, the Director of Lands in the agency, ESV Ummaru Maru, highlighted the different categories of taxes being collected and other activities carried out by ZAGIS.
On his part, the Director of Information and Intelligence Gathering of the State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Hadi Bawa Gusau, who represented the Executive Chairperson, Hajiya Rakiya Ahmed Dodo, at the programme, said the service invited ZAGIS as one of the stakeholders in revenue generation to participate in the program and explain its functions to the populace for enhancing revenue generation in the state.
The Executive Secretary was accompanied to the programme by all directors in the organization. Also in attendance were Deputy Director of Information and Intelligence Gathering, ZIRS, Zayyanu Muhammad, and P.R.O. Sanusi Ibrahim S/Yamma.
Zamfara: ZAGIS urges landowners to obtain certificates of ownership for enhanced security

Jos school building collapse disheartening, Obi mourns

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Jos school building collapse disheartening, Obi mourns

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has described as disheartening the tragic incident of the collapse of a school building in Jos, Plateau State.

Obi writing on his X handle at the weekend regretted the death and injury at the unfortunate incident.

Recall that no Friday no fewer than 22 people were confirmed dead and 132 injured in the school building collapse.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Musa Ashoms, confirmed the figures in a statement in Jos.

He said, “As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been removed from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have died.

“The injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”

Speaking on the incident Obi said, “I am disheartened by the heartbreaking reports of the unfortunate collapse of a school building in Busa Buji village, Jos, Plateau State, today, which has left at least 16 of our children dead, and many others, including teachers, trapped under the rubble.

“The incident occurred while the school was in session and students were writing their exams.

“I can only imagine the trauma of these young ones, sadly, witnessing such a tragic occurrence, and even their parents, who are undoubtedly worried about the safety of the children.

“I understand that rescue operations began in full swing. I thank various organisations, including the FRSC, NEMA, Red Cross, Army, Police, and many other individuals helping out with the safe rescue of our children and their teachers.

“I sympathise with the Government and People of Plateau State, the management, staff, and students of the school, and the families of all the victims affected. I do call on the government to carry out deep investigations into this tragic incident to unravel the cause and help prevent further occurrences around the country.

“My sincere prayers are with the remaining trapped children and teachers for their safe rescue.

“May God grant eternal rest to the dead, give their families the fortitude to bear the painful loss, and grant quick recovery to the injured.”

Stop making derogatory statements against Tinubu government – Senator Karimi warns Udume

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Stop making derogatory statements against Tinubu government – Senator Karimi warns Udume

The lawmaker representing Kogi West in the Senate, Senator Sunday Karimi, has warned his colleague, Ali Ndume, to refrain from making derogatory statements against the Bola Tinubu-led government.
Senator Karimi expressed concern over Senator Ndume’s behaviour, likening it to that of a loose cannon.
Ndume, who is the Chief Whip of the Senate, had recently claimed that the Nigerian government is now being run by “kakistocrats and kleptocrats.”
According to him, “The government is also populated by kleptocrats, but unfortunately, that is not what the president is up to; he really meant renewed hope, but you can only do that when you have people around you that are on the same type of thinking.”
Reacting, Senator Karimi noted that most of Senator Ndume’s criticisms of the Tinubu administration appear to stem from a personal agenda to undermine the government at all costs. He pointed out the inconsistency in Ndume’s approach, adding that many of the allegations lack substantiated evidence and are driven by a “pull-down syndrome” rather than a genuine commitment to improving governance.
He stated, “As an experienced legislator with over two decades of service in the National Assembly, Senator Ndume is urged to exercise caution in his statements and avoid making inflammatory remarks that could further polarize the polity and divide the nation.”
“Senator Ndume is advised to adopt a more constructive and responsible approach to criticism, serving as a reminder of the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue and fostering unity in the pursuit of national development.”
Stop making derogatory statements against Tinubu government – Senator Karimi warns Udume

Soyinka remains a virile hunter at 90

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Soyinka remains a virile hunter at 90

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has celebrated Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

In a post via his official X handle on Saturday, Atiku said Soyinka “remains a virile hunter in our Forest of a Thousand Daemons.”

He wrote, “To truly celebrate Prof Wole Soyinka, You Must Set Forth at Dawn. But that would be after a Telephone Conversation. The man of Ake, despite all the Trials of Brother Jero, and at a prime age of 90, remains a virile hunter in our Forest of a Thousand Daemons.

“Neither Death nor the King’s Horseman has stopped The Interpreter from his bountiful Kongi’s Harvest and the Chronicles of his happy life on Earth. Yet, The Man Lives, even in this Season of Anomy.

“Happy birthday and congratulations, Sir.”

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Zamfara Assembly considers two bills submitted by Governor Lawal

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Zamfara Assembly considers two bills submitted by Governor Lawal

The Zamfara State House of Assembly, during its plenary, on Tuesday, deliberated on two important bills sent by Governor Dauda Lawal aimed at enhancing state services and infrastructure.
This followed a message from the executive governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malan Abubakar M. Nakwada, and was read before the chamber by the Clerk to the House, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu.
The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Adamu Aliyu Gummi, focused on the establishment and management of the Zamfara State Media Corporation and the creation of the Zamfara State Geographic Information Service.
This was contained in a statement issued by the State House of Assembly’s spokesman, Comrade Bello Madaro Kurya, and made available to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital.
According to the statement, the deliberations saw extensive contributions from various members, leading to the bills receiving their first and second readings.
Key contributors included Hon. Garba Ibrahim Liman (Gusau 2), Hon. Yakubu Almajir Bela (Bungudu East), Hon. Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo (Anka), Hon. Kabiru Mikailu Dangilbi (Maru South), and Hon. Nura Dahiru Sabon Birnin (Birnin Magaji).
“The proposed Zamfara State Media Corporation aims to ensure effective service delivery, enhance capacity building for staff, and manage state-owned media more efficiently,” the statement said.
“Recognizing the importance of this initiative, the House has mandated the House Committee on Information and the Committee on Justice and Judiciary to conduct further reviews and provide a report within two weeks.”
“Similarly, the bill proposing the establishment of the Zamfara State Geographic Information Service was discussed, highlighting its potential to mitigate land disputes, prevent encroachment, and address issues related to illegal rents.”
“The House has tasked the House Committee on Land and Housing, along with the Committee on Justice and Judiciary, to investigate and report back in two weeks.”
“Earlier, the House Leader, Hon. Muhammad Bello Mazawaje, sought permission for the bills to be presented separately as submitted by the executive arm of the Zamfara State Government. The House unanimously approved this, allowing both bills to proceed to their first and second readings.”
“The Zamfara State House of Assembly remains committed to enacting laws that promote the well-being and development of the state and its citizens.”
Zamfara Assembly considers two bills submitted by Governor Lawal

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