Day: September 28, 2024

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) on Friday started a Transport Fare Drop Programme across the country.

The programme, which kicked off in Abuja, is aimed at ramping up the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to fuel, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive, PCNGI, said in a statement.

Representatives of the PCNGi signed an MOU with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) covering the Abuja to Itakpe Station-Ajaokuta Train Station-Adavi route to convert their vehicles to CNG in return for a 30-40 per cent fare reduction.

Oluwagbemi said the programme would encourage NURTW members in Abuja to convert their vehicles to CNG in exchange for a fare reduction.

He added that on Sept. 28, the PCNGI would continue its nationwide commercial incentive programme with open days for commercial cars in 38 centres in Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta and Edo states.

He added that the PCNGI would sign an agreeme
nt with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund on Sept. 30, to operationalise the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme and train cadets to manage the strategic conversion centres the NPTF was investing in.

Also, to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1, the PCNGI will launch the CNG Tricycle Empowerment Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Youths.

‘This programme aims to provide over 2,000 young Nigerians with the opportunity to own and operate CNG-powered tricycles.

‘The PCNGI will launch the Kogi State Conversion Incentive Programme on Oct. 2, and hand over CNG buses to the state’s mass transit entity to ply interstate routes to Abuja.

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‘Additionally, the PCNGi will inaugurate three new CNG conversion sites in the state,’ said Oluwagbemi.

To conclude the week’s activities, he said the PCNGI would inaugurate the Conversion Incentive Programme in Ekiti State, and handover CNG buses to the state mass
transit organisation to ply the Ekiti-Abuja route.

‘It will also inaugurate four new CNG conversion sites in the state,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Coalition of Kaduna Political Groups says the unity and well-organised structure of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has enhanced its perception as a credible party among voters.

The coalition stated this in a statement signed by its Co-conveners, Mr Ibrahim Kachia and Solomon Maiyaki.

Other signatories included Dr Victor Bobai, Public Relation Officer, Mrs Blessing Daniel, Secretary General, and Hajiya Aisha Zango, Women Leader.

In the statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, the group said that APC had demonstrated a more organised internal structure, enabling it to respond effectively to pressing national challenges.

‘The APC has positioned itself as a party of development, actively promoting inclusive governance and policies that reflect the needs of the people.

‘This proactive engagement enhances the APC’s appeal as voters seek a party that not only acknowledges their concerns, but also endeavours to address them effectively.

‘Also, the APC’s focus on infrastructure development and economic i
nnovation resonates with Nigerians’ quest for initiatives that would improve their lot.

‘The positioning of the APC as a party of change has also attracted voters seeking good governance,’ it said.

The coalition expressed concern about the current state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as an opposition party and its implications for Nigerian politics.

It particularly said that PDP’s internal struggles, leadership crisis, among other challenges, have raised significant questions about its viability as a credible opposition party.

It added that the outcome of past elections, particularly the recent governorship election in Edo, has illustrated the precarious state of the party.

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‘Also, recent developments in Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna, have underscored the growing decline of the party’s influence.

‘The departure of prominent figures and their supporters from the party highlights an urgent
need for re-evaluation.

‘Notably, the exit of notable figures, such as Sen. Shehu Sani, along with 10,000 supporters, signals an alarming trend.

‘This dissatisfaction is prompting political migration towards the APC,’ it noted.

The coalition further said that the political landscape in southern Kaduna, where the PDP had enjoyed massive support since 1999, might soon change.

It expressed concern that political figures like Sen. Danjuma Laah, Mr Andrew Yakubu, Joseph Gumbari, and thousands of their supporters, might consider leaving the party.

It blamed the declining popularity of the PDP in the region on the party’s failure to present a unified front, effectively address internal conflicts, and provide tangible benefits to its supporters.

‘On the other hand, the APC’s ability to rally its members around common goals has positioned it favourably to capitalise on the PDP’s internal fragmentation to hold on to power as the ruling party,’ it said.

The coalition advised politicians and the electorate in sout
hern Kaduna to embrace the APC for development, cashing in on President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and Gov. Uba Sani’s rural transformation initiatives.

‘The decision to remain loyal to the PDP should not be dictated by sentiment; rather, the focus must shift toward tangible benefits.

‘Embracing change and aligning with parties that offer genuine governance opportunities may very well determine the future of political representation in the region.

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‘It is time for the vibrant youth and women of southern Kaduna to strategise collectively, strengthening the APC as a vehicle for real progress and development.

‘The time for change is now, and we must prioritise tangible benefits over sentiment. Let us work together to build a better future for our region and Nigeria as a whole,’ it said.

On the feasibility of the PDP to regain its position as a viable opposition party or even win election, the coalition advis
ed it to pay attention to accountability and inclusion.

‘The PDP can only rebuild its connection with the electorate if it demonstrates a high level of responsibility, strong leadership and presents a united front,’ the group said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, admitted Isaac Bristol, popularly known on his X handle as ‘PIDOM Nigeria,’ to a N5 million bail with one surety in the like sum.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on his bail application moved by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, held that bail is a constitutional right.

Justice Nwite said he was inclined to granting Bristol bail except where there was reasonable ground to believe that the defendant might evade trial or attempt to destroy evidence.

He said that all factors must be considered in granting bail, especially since criminal justice provides safeguards for both prosecution and defence.

The judge held that based on the submissions of counsel, he would grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice.

He subsequently granted him N5 million bail.

The judge directed that Bristol must provide one surety in like sum, who must be a reasonable citizen whose tax clearance certificate and address must be verified by the court.

He also ordered that the defendant mus
t deposit his international passport with the court.

Nwite warned that if the defendant fails to comply with the conditions, his bail would be revoked.

The judge, who said Bristol should be remanded in the correctional service pending the perfection of his bail, adjourned the matter until Nov. 5 for trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bristol was arrested by the police on Aug. 5 in his hotel room in Rivers.

The Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced his arrest, alleging he ‘committed serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations.’

He was arraigned on Sept. 3, on a nine-count charge filed against him by Simon Lough, SAN, on behalf of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police before Justice Nwite.

He was alleged to have unlawfully obtained and distributed classified government documents, destroying evidence, and contravening relevant money laundering and cybercrime laws.

Police counsel, Lough, contended that the defendant shared documents alleging that Preside
nt Bola Tinubu released N24.1 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office.

He was accused of later claiming that the fund was increased to N90 billion.

Bristol, however, denied the allegations.

Bristol’s lawyer, Adeyanju, then applied for bail on liberal terms, stating that his client ‘is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.’

Lough opposed the bail application, insisting that the nature of the offence does not warrant bail.

He expressed concern about the high likelihood of the defendant evading trial.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tackling corruption in the basic education sector.

Aliyu said this at a three-day capacity-building workshop for State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) officials on Tuesday, in Abuja.

The workshop is anchored by ICPC training and research arm, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), in collaboration with the Foundation for Transparency and Accountability.

The chairman was represented by Mrs Grace Agha-Ibe, Director Special Services, ICPC.

Aliyu, who expressed concern over the harm corruption and corrupt practices had caused in the education sector, said that all hands must be on deck to bring the monster under control.

While tasking officials in the sector on promoting transparency and accountability, he expressed worry that lack of transparency and accountability h
ad caused a huge chunk in the sector.

‘Corruption is a cancer that ramifies every sector of our national life and the education sector has not been spared. Indeed the lower end of the education ladder has witnessed more of its impact.

‘According to the British Council, about one-fifth of the world’s 60 million out-of school children are in Nigeria. Children that are able to access schools typically learn little.

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‘From enrolment, to the provision of textbooks and equipment, appointment and management of teachers, assessment of teaching and learning processes, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of schools.

‘As well as monitoring of projects execution, tales of unpalatable experiences abound.

‘Corruption is at the heart of the unpalatable experiences in basic education. Lack of transparency and accountability has led to a huge chunk of corruption in the sector,’ he said.

According to him, the direct and indirect impact of this on access and
quality of education cannot be overemphasised.

‘As critical stakeholders in the basic education sub-sector, officials of SUBEBS and FCT UBEB are expected to live above hoard and also be seen to do so in the discharge of their functions,’ he said.

He expressed the determination of the commission to enforce and prevent corruption in the public education sector.

‘The ICPC is committed to its enforcement, prevention, and public education functions and ready to partner with the SUBEB and FCT UBEB in eradicating corruption in the basic education sector,’ he said.

Prof. Olatunde Babawale, ACAN Provost, in his address of welcome said the workshop demonstrated the participants’ interest in the fight against corruption.

‘There is a critical need to expand the band of stakeholders that are dedicated to fighting the war against corruption in Nigeria.

‘Given the situation of the education sector and basic education in particular, the war must be fought at every level if we are to achieve sustainable results.

‘For u
s at the Academy, we are driven by the philosophy that corruption and related crimes can be controlled and managed through a system of training and re-training.

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‘This will produce sound anti-corruption policies, operational efficiency and good management culture. This is why this workshop has been put together,’ he said.

He said that the expectation was to achieve two critical outcomes which include promotion of transparency and accountability in the administration of SUBEBs and FCT UBEB.

He said that it also included development of participants’ skills for safeguarding their workplace against corruption and fraud.

The Executive Secretary Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Dr Hamid Bobboyi, stressed on the need to capacity training for teachers to provide quality education for the nation.

‘We should make sure that our teachers are properly trained equipped and well remunerated.

‘We need to look into the future, we need to
put in all our energy to develop education sector for the future,’ he said

He expressed concern that paucity of fund had been a great challenge for the development of education; he therefore called for proper management in the available few resources to develop the education sector in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), has adopted the Social Cohesion Initiative as a strategy to promote peace in Bayelsa communities.

Aniekan Archibong, PIND’s EU Project Team Lead, said at an interactive forum in Kaima, Kolokuma/Opokuma, that the initiative would build understanding between communities and security agencies.

Archibong said that the essence was to foster dialogue and collaboration, aimed at addressing the deep-rooted issues driving violence and criminality in the region.

‘This forum has brought together youths and community leaders from Odi and Kaima, also in attendance are government representatives and security operatives.

‘The programme is part of our community-based project which is aimed at tackling criminality and violence in the Niger Delta,’ he said.

The PIND official further said that the initiative marked a significant milestone in efforts to reduce tensions and improve security in communities.

‘The focus is to build trust through interactive
sessions, role plays, and discussions that will encourage open communication among stakeholders.

‘With this initiative, we have witnessed a powerful transformation in the relationship between youth and security actors.

‘It has shown that through dialogue and collaborations, long-standing mistrusts can be replaced with understanding and cooperation.

‘Our interactions here will create a conducive atmosphere to build understanding and broaden our perspectives towards peace,’ he said.

Speaking at the event, Chief Truman Abiama, Secretary, Odi Chiefs Council, identified politics as a major cause of violence and insecurity in many community.

‘Sometimes, politicians mount pressures on security agencies to free criminals and other breakers of the law.

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‘Some prominent people in communities even serve as patrons to cult groups, they protect cultists, and make them famous. There is need for a change,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) repo
rts that participants used the event to examine the relationship between security agencies and communities.

They also used the meeting to review the challenges faced by the parties with a view to making conflict-resolving recommendations.

NAN reports that initiative is being funded by the EU in partnership with PIND, Stakeholders Democracy Network, Academic Associate Peaceworks and others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some tourism and hospitality experts on Friday revealed diverse ways to upscale Nigeria’s tourism industry, as the world celebrated the 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD).

They spoke during the commemoration of WTD, organised by Sterling Bank and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has been celebrating the World Tourism Day as international observances on Sept. 27.

The theme for the 2024 World Tourism Day is ‘Tourism and Peace’.

Mr Ikechi Uko, Convener of AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, said Lagos state needed to create interesting narratives around its beautiful coastline which seem unique from all others across the globe.

Uko said the colour in Lagos water was different from the usual green or blue, adding that stories around the colour should be created to further market the state.

He noted that nightlife was another aspect of tourism the state had not explored wel
l enough.

‘Tourism is the only industry not producing millionaires in Nigeria yet, this is to tell us that there is a lot to be done.

‘Nightlife is what Lagos should be known for, more investment in that area is needed.

‘The state government has done very well with the blue rail, the tourists that came for the recently concluded AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market were excited exploring it. Lagos also has five beautiful bridges.

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‘I will like to mention that to market Lagos well enough, the travel professionals and tour operators should be consulted, they are the ones to create beautiful narratives that would woo more tourists,’ he said.

Also, Mr Chike Ogeah, Managing Director, Lagos Marriot Hotel, said that to reposition tourism in Lagos and Nigeria, infrastructure development should be upscaled, as well as security.

A Nigeria-born, London-raised textile designer, Banke Kuku said the Nigerian fashion industry could play a huge role in
boosting tourism through storytelling.

Kuku said fashion opens up dialogue which could be seen as pathway for peace and development.

She advised Nigerians to indulge in telling Nigerian story through fashion to upscale the tourism industry.

Abiola Adelana, Head, Tourism and Creative Arts Business, Sterling Bank, reiterated the bank’s willingness and readiness to upscale tbe industry through a loan facility which was tagged travelling loan.

Adelana said as part of plans by the bank to enhance domestic tourism, ‘Discover Naija’ project would be launched soon.

‘We are visionary and actively involved in promoting the Nigerian tourism agenda. Projecting community based tourism is a priority for us.

‘When we came on board, we tried to understand the industry, identify problems and proffer solutions, so we devised practicable products to empower people.

‘We cannot separate peace and empowerment, we are conscious of the fact that when empowerment is in place, peace is inevitable,’ she said.

Speaking on what N
ollywood practitioners can do to improve tourism in Nigeria, Biola Sokenu, Group Executive Director, Nile Media Entertainment, said actors should be conscious of the content they project in films that represent Nigeria.

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She said in showcasing Nigerian culture and festivals in films, those aspects of Nigerian content should not be projected as fetish.

‘Nollywood has evolved, the picture quality and even content have all improved, we should be conscious of the image we project about Nigeria,’ she said.

Ms Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. of Lagos State on Tourism, noted that the Lagos State Government was looking out for vulnerable areas across the state in order to create fun around such areas.

Ayinde-Marshal noted that this was one of the plans of the state to further project Lagos as a choice destination for tourism.

Mrs Nike Okundaye, Founder of Nike Art Gallery, spoke on the importance of
showcasing Nigerian fabrics.

She commended Sterling Bank for supporting the sector in the last few years.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria