Some protesters against bad governance had a raw deal in the hands of the army, police, other security agents and even political thugs, yesterday, in Rivers, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

As the protesters actualised their vow of going ahead with the October 1 action with various themes, such as ‘#FearlessInOctober’, and ‘#National Day of Survival,’ the tough-talking security agents, especially the Police, kept their part of “ensuring law and order” and took steps to abort or crush the protest.

The outcome was a crackdown on the protesters, of which five leaders were arrested in Kano. They were also tear-gassed and chased about in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

However, there were peaceful protests in Lagos, Ibadan and Ondo, with the organisers and collaborating civil society organisations, CSOs, vowing to sustain the struggle against bad governance in the country.
The October 1 protest is a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests held between August 1 and 10 in response to the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians.

The #EndBadGovernance protests were met with resistance from security operatives, setting the stage for yesterday’s confrontation.

Thugs disperse protesters in Port Harcourt

In Rivers State, Police and suspected political thugs dispersed the October 1 protesters in Port Harcourt. The police also stopped media personnel from taking pictures or videos of the incident.

The Police had earlier urged residents to shun activities that could jeopardize peace in the state during the 64th Independence Day celebration, with the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, promising adequate security during the celebration, and deploying personnel to many strategic places in the city.

The protest in Port Harcourt met with stiff opposition from fierce-looking policemen who had arrived at the scene of the protest on time.

As protesters were gathering at the popular Pleasure Park on the busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, the policemen arrived with some youths suspected to be political thugs, chased the protesters out of their meeting point, and took over the area.

Undaunted, the resolute protesters started regrouping at the Rumuola area but the same officers came and dispersed them.

The police mounted heavy security checks on the two locations and other areas suspected to be a new meeting ground for the protesters.

Coalition alleges arrest of leaders in Kano

In Kano, a coalition and pan-Nigerian movements, under the aegis of Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, NPFM, Northern chapter, alleged that five of its leaders were arrested.

In a statement by Mr. Al-Amin, the NPFM identified those arrested as Mr. Abdulmajid Daudu, Mr. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Mr. Amina Bello, Mr. Sani NaRogo, Mr. Anas and Mr. Abdullahi.

The coalition alleged that those arrested were taken away by the Police to Abuja under the instructions of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

“Mr. Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu left his office this afternoon (Monday) at around 2:30 pm to attend a meeting with Kano State Commissioner of Police at the Bompai Headquarters of the Force. ‘

He was with four other members of the NPFM when he left his office for the meeting with the commissioner. As of 7: 42 pm, Mr. Abdulmajid and his colleagues have not returned. Their whereabouts is unknown. All efforts to reach them have proved abortive.

“We urge comrades across the country to help us raise the alarm until Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues safely return home.

“The growing state of political repression in the country makes this call for Kano State Commissioner of Police to produce Abdulmajid and his colleagues more urgent,” the coalition said.

Abdulmajid and his colleagues were said to have over the weekend, addressed a press conference in Kano, declaring commencement of a nationwide National Survival Day protest on October 1, 2024.

The central concerns regarding the protest are the cost of living crisis and the endemic bad governance in the country.

Among the demands raised by Abdulmajid were fuel overpricing, food inflation, high cost of governance, grand corruption; persistent insecurity, re-nationalisation of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and electricity distribution services, DISCOs, among others.

Panic, crackdown in Abuja

In Abuja, the police fired canisters of tear gas at hundreds of protesters participating in the #FearlessInOctober demonstration against poverty, hardship, and bad governance.

The first crackdown, which occurred in the Jabi and Utako areas of the FCT, forced residents and protesters to scamper for safety.

Eye-witnesses reported seeing protesters injured during the police crackdown, but organisers have not released an official casualty count.

Demonstrators carried banners and placards, with such inscriptions as “We are hungry” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now.”

Before they were dispersed, one of the protesters was heard saying “the Nigerian government seeks to repress, suppress, and oppress the Nigerian people to the point where they become too afraid to express their fundamental rights.

“However, today (yesterday), we are showing the government through our actions here that our voices can never be silenced. The government should not expect us to remain quiet in the face of our poverty, suffering, insecurity, and poor leadership in every sector.

‘’A bag of rice costs about N100,000, and we are buying fuel at over N1,000 (per litre). And you say that is not enough? No.”

Protesters started gathering at the Utako Market in Abuja as early as 7 am for the protest but Policemen dispersed them at about 8:54 am.

Eagle Square sealed off

In like manner, security forces sealed off Eagle Square, a popular national venue, and dispersed demonstrators, escalating tensions between protesters and the government in the nation’s capital.

The crackdown, involving police and military personnel, blocked access to the square, a strategic location near the National Assembly and Presidential Villa that symbolizes Nigeria’s seat of power.

Even though it was not used for Independence Day celebrations, the government’s decision to seal off Eagle Square has raised concerns among protesters about their freedom of assembly and expression.
Security agents were patrolling Abuja, searching for protesters as of press time.

Eagle Square’s significance lies in its role as the venue for presidential inaugurations, independence celebrations and historic gatherings.

Sowore leads action in Lagos

Amid tight security, Sahara Reporters Publisher, leader of Revolution Now Movement, and convener of #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria, Omoyele Sowore, led a coalition of civil society groups in a peaceful demonstration in Lagos, with a demand for good governance in Nigeria.

Tagged: “National Day of Survival” the organisers said the demonstration was a message to the authorities and in protest against the excruciating hardship, poverty and hunger imposed on citizens by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The protesters, who shut down Ikeja environs, chanted anti-government slogans and displayed placards with various inscriptions, lamenting the plights of Nigerians and decrying the insensitivity of governments.
Some placards read: “Tinubu’s economic reform is a scam’’, ‘’Reduce petrol price to N195 per litre’’; End scarcity,” among others.

At least 27 CSOs joined in the demonstration which started at about 8 am, as protesters gathered under-bridge Ikeja where they marched along Awolowo Way towards Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, enroute Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, under the watchful eyes of armed security personnel.

Speaking, Sowore said: “We have called out Nigerians to exercise our rights. The independence that was granted in 1960 has become a burden on ordinary Nigerians. The independence was from colonialism. Today, October 1, we have called out Nigerians for actions to get real independence and that starts from today (yesterday) to liberate ourselves.

“This country needs a revolution. We need a revolution to liberate ourselves from the shackles of oppression by our leaders. I have come back home to be part of the masses, to kick against imperialism in our country.”

…And Hassan Taiwo

Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of Lagos Movement, Hassan Taiwo, also known as Soweto, reeled out protesters’ 10-point demand for President Tinubu’s administration to meet.

He said: “The rules of this protest are clear. So far, there is no violence, we are not using thugs, we have the right to protest, and the police are with us. Refuse to be provoked. This is our struggle. We are the victims.

“Time has come for the people to speak out. This is a struggle to liberate Nigerians from the clutches of vampires in power. That struggle will not stop even if he (the President) answers our demand for a reversal of fuel pump prices. This struggle will only end when we send the looters away.

“When they say we were committing treason with the #EndBadGovernance protest in August, we will commit that treason again. Any government that does not rule in the interest of the Nigerian people has no reason to be in power. We are free citizens, and have the right to say the truth. Any government that imposes policies that punish the people has no reason to be in power.”

At the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, different speakers spoke against bad governance, advocating the emancipation of Nigerian people, 64 years after colonial independence.

Among the speakers was the National Coordinator of the “Take It Back Movement,” Juwon Sanyaolu.

Demands

The protesters’ demands include rejection of IMF neo-liberal policies; reversal of hike in fuel price and electricity tariff back to pre-May 29, 2023 levels, making government-owned refineries work to guarantee affordable fuel products, reducing food prices, supporting farmers to ensure sustainable food production, ending insecurity, banditry, terrorism and violent crimes, prosecuting culprits and their sponsors.

Others are a robust security architecture and adequate support for soldiers at the front and their families; release of Adaramoye Michael Lenin, Mosiu Sodiq, Daniel Akande and all #EndBadGovernance protesters, activists, journalists, whistle-blowers and other victims of state repression unconditionally; implementing N70,000 new national minimum wage at all levels, and reducing the cost of governance.

Some of the CSOs in attendance include Socialist Labour, Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights, CDWR; Movement for African Emancipation, MAE; Centre for Human and Socio Economic Rights, CHSR; Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria, IBBN; Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, Gafamorg; Committee for Defense of Human Rights, CDHR; Front line Socio-Economic Research Centre; and Plebeians Against Human Right Abuse, PAHRA.

Protest rocks Ondo

Some residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, joined the protest against economic hardship in the country.

They were led by human rights activists, under the aegis of #RevolutionNowMovement.

The peaceful protest took off at the popular Cathedral Church junction in Akure metropolis.

Chanting anti-government songs, the protesters asked President Tinubu to address the issue of hunger, high pump price of petrol and electricity tariff in the country.

The combined team of armed police officers and men of the State Security Services, DSS, monitored the protest and prevented it from being hijacked.

Commercial drivers and motorcyclists joined the protest, crying out over the disparity in the prices of fuel at filling stations in the state.

They demanded immediate action on the high cost of staple foods and inflation.

Addressing newsmen at the protest ground, one of the leaders, Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, accused the government of not being sensitive to the needs of Nigerians in the face of the economic challenges.

Ajayi said the various “anti-government policies” of the current government have further plunged the country into economic crisis, noting that Nigerians could no longer bear the hardship.

Also speaking, Seyi Ogundipe, an activist in the state, said the economic hardship in the country has worsened the plight of many Nigerian youths who are self-employed.

Ogundipe noted that if the situation was not addressed, the resulting high rate of unemployment would lead more youths to crime.

Despite the protest, residents went about their daily routines in the state without disturbance.
Meanwhile, the state police command, in a statement by the spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, urged “the people of the state to continue to be patriotic and not join any organization or group that may want to disrupt the historical celebration of our dear nation.”

Odunlami added: “The commissioner of police had ordered that all security apparatus of the police be activated to ensure the celebration is hitch-free and that no untoward incident is recorded.

Kaduna calm as youths shun October protest

In Kaduna, there was calm as youth groups shunned calls to stage another protest against hardship and bad governance in the country.

People were seen attending to their normal businesses without any fear or intimidation, while youth associations and students were moving to the stadium to celebrate Independence Day.

Although police and other security agents were deployed to strategic areas within the state capital, they were just watching people’s movement and vehicular traffic as there was no untoward development as at press time.
On Monday, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, representing both indigenes and non-indigenes residing in Kaduna State, distanced themselves from the protests and urged Kaduna residents not to join.

Dialogue with protesters, UAFCS urges govt

Meanwhile, organised civil society, under the umbrella of the United Action Front of the Civil Society, UAFCS, also yesterday, called on the federal government and other sub-national governments in Nigeria to urgently initiate dialogue with leaders of the #Fearless October nationwide protests against hunger and hardship to avert another round of costly mass action in the country.

In a statement by Chief Olawale Okunniyi, head of the coordinating secretariat, the group viewed government intransigence on the need to dialogue with citizens protesting excruciating hardship foisted by its unilateral and arbitrary economic policies as impolitic.

According to the group, this may cost the country so much in the event of a prolonged face-off between citizens and the government.

Consequently, it offered to help in facilitating a strategic dialogue between the government and leaders of the citizens’ action if it was acceptable to those concerned, especially the authorities.

It said: “Given our experience as leaders of organised civil society and pro-democracy movement, we are concerned that this second protests may lead to a prolonged mass action that may stall governance and well-being of the country for a long time.

‘’ We, therefore, wish to urge the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure his men complied with ethical and acceptable security practice of managing civil protests universally, especially in refraining from the application of lethal weapons or coercive force during protests.

‘’This is not to aggravate the disagreement and turn the peaceful protests of citizens into unwanted and unintended violence and riots.

“Similarly, we wish to counsel the government to learn to involve credible leaders of the organised civil society and leaders of citizens’ action in its implementation of some of the demands of the nationwide protests for veritable awareness of the Nigerian public and optimum results.

“For instance, our monitors recently stumbled on the opaque implementation of free – subsidised conversion of vehicles to CNG version by the government, arising from the demands of the last nationwide protests on national television and we are perturbed that the government in Nigeria only loves to indulge in ‘creating jobs for the boys’, instead of engaging in inclusive governance.”

Police authorities in Abuja have commenced investigations into allegations made on tiktok by a Lagos-based land speculator that some of their officers demanded money for the Inspector General of Police, to settle a land case he is involved in at Ibeku-Lekki area of Lagos State.

The investigation followed widespread online publication by the land speculator, aka Ibile of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, alleging among other things that some officers at Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, declared him wanted because he failed to provide N150million which they claimed would be given to the IGP to let him off the hook.

However, police sources said his claims were made out of desperation to evade justice after he waylaid and kidnapped the matriarch of popular Oni-Orisan family, Chief Dupe Damazio and manhandled her with his thugs over a land dispute.

It was learned that based on the assault and kidnapping of the matriarch, the case was reported at Zone 2 Command, but all efforts to invite the land speculator failed as he boasted that nobody can arrest him.

The story took a different dimension after he allegedly orchestrated an attack against some policemen, who went to invite him over the petition.

According to police claims, he went further to release a tik tok message accusing police of trying to extort N150million from him on behalf of the IGP.

Police sources in Abuja said the authorities were not taking the allegations lightly, hence he had been invited to come to Abuja and prove his case, but since then, he has been elusive.

Based on this, it was gathered that police authorities have vowed to arrest and bring him to Abuja based also on his claims that many top officers were on his payroll and herhaps explains his refusal to honor the invitation extended to him.

Meanwhile, the family of the kidnapped and manhandled matriach has called for the urgent intervention of the Attorney General of Lagos State in suit between Sikiru Oni Orisan and four others vs China Harbor Company Ltd.

In a petition by Ezekiel Upular, the family said that the judgment delivered in their favour and a Lagos State Government gazette of village excision that the vast land at Oju Ota village, Oko Oni Orisan which belongs to their client had not been honored.

The family said that it has been discovered that a faction of their family had carried out the execution of the court order of same land and was trying and out of desperation to use the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, to interpret and undermine the execution of earlier judgment in their favour.

…as petrol import falls by 12% to 20.29bn litres

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has delivered a total of 48.6 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the past 10 months, Vanguard investigations have revealed.

Details of the deliveries contained in official data on the transaction sighted by Vanguard showed that 3.4 million barrels (mb) were supplied in December 2023 while 3.5 million barrels were supplied in February 2024.

The details further showed that 3.3md, 3.3mb, 3.0mb, 5.1mb, 5.1mb, 4.8mb and 5.6 were supplied to the refinery in March, April, May, June, July, August and September 2024 respectively. The transaction has already recorded 11.7mb for October 2024 deliveries.

However, sources close to the Dangote Refinery said the volume supplied remains low when compared to the installed refining capacity of the 650,000 barrels per day plant.

The NNPCL has not yet disclosed the crude oil requirements of Nigeria’s refineries, including Dangote refinery in the last quarter (October – December) of 2024.

But in the second quarter (Q2’24) of 2024, the government put the requirements of all Nigeria’s refineries, including Dangote Refinery, at 597,700 barrels per day, indicating an increase of 114.700 barrels per day, from 483,000 bpd in the first half of the year.

The Q2’24 estimate also indicates that the NNPCL may have booked the crude oil needs of Dangote Refinery at less than 50% of the installed production capacity.

Petrol imports fall 12%

Meanwhile, the volume of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also called petrol fell year-on-year (YoY) by 12.6 percent to 20.29 billion litres in 2023 from 23.24 billion litres in 2022.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this yesterday in its ”Petroleum Products Distribution Statistics for 2023”, noting that PMS trucks also dropped by 16.9 percent YoY to 20.22 billion litres from 24.35 billion litres in 2022.

According to the bureau, the volume of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, also known as diesel, imported rose to 4.94 billion litres in 2023 from 3.99 billion litres in 2022.

The statistics also showed that 109.39 million litres of AGO were locally produced in 2023, representing a 6.76 per cent rise from 102.47 million litres produced in 2022.

Similarly, the volume of Household Kerosene (HHK) locally produced grew by 56 per cent YoY to 69.7 million litres in 2023 from 44.68 million litres in 2024.

However, the data showed that local production of Petrol ended in 2018 when 128.08 million litres was produced.

NBS said: “In 2023, PMS truck out stood at 20.22 billion litres, indicating a 16.96% decrease relative to 24.35 billion litres recorded in 2022.

“About 69.71 million litres of HHK were locally produced in 2023 compared to 44.68 million litres in 2022, indicating a growth rate of 56.02 percent over the period.

“For AGO, 109.39 million litres were locally produced in 2023, higher, compared to 102.47 million litres reported in 2022. This represents a 6.76 percent growth rate.

“In terms of imported products, 20.30 billion litres of PMS were imported in 2023 relative to 23.54 billion litres in 2022, showing a decrease of 13.77 percent

”Also, 4.94 billion litres of Automotive Gas Oil were imported in 2023, indicating an increase of 23.66 percent compared to 4.00 billion litres in the previous year.”

Barely a few hours after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum, in their independence messages, assured farmers of adequate security, no fewer than five were slaughtered by Boko haram terrorists, at Ngoshe Community in Gwoza Local Government area of Borno State.

Sources revealed that five of the abductees were slaughtered, in addition to the killing of a Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, member, Jubril Zarana, who actively participated with security agents to foil the attack.

A reliable source said “We sorrowfully announce the abduction of about 15 farmers, including children, women, young and elderly, by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza LGA.

“The attack also resulted in the death of CJTF member, Jubril Zarana, and five other civilians. The terrorists ambushed the farmers while they were busy on their farms.

”The security agents ( Army and CJTF) tried their best to protect the people but they could not hold them for long.

“Jubril Dada Zarana was killed while defending his people, while the other victims were abducted alive.
“After terrorists took the victims to their base, they mercilessly slaughtered five people, including Isa Musa Moh’d Diyara, Doglas, Salawuddin Suleman Dauda Lawan, Maryam Gwambran, Matan Kaka Mobil Aga and Baba Amos

“The Boko Haram terrorists later released three women captives. The released women stated that the other victims were held hostage by the terrorists, including Anna Andrew Gadzawaga, Hauwa Braga and two little unidentified boys.

“Moreover, some of the missing victims are Babawo Kanin Shagari, Ummi Trabos and Babson Yaron Teacher, among others.

“Dear Gwoza concerned citizens, please include our people in your prayers as they endure this helpless situation.

“It is an Independence Day, a day of celebration of freedom, human rights, progress and unity but for our people, its a day of sorrow, despair, helplessness and total dilemma.

“Our people are severely suffering due to lack of essential life supports but they have chosen to remain in their fatherland because of the love they have for it.

“Neither government nor NGOs are providing them with food supplies. The little farming they do to survive, they have to put their lives on the line in order to harvest what they have planted.”

As President Bola Tinubu has made his intention known on his plan to reshuffle his cabinet for service delivery and success, a group, the Mandate Protection Vanguard (MPV), has said that there is an urgent need for him to consider experienced and highly skilful human resource personnel as ministers in the coming cabinet.

The group in a statement signed by its Co-ordinator, Comrade Gbenga Soloki sent to Vanguard, said “There is no doubt that several egg heads abound across the six geo-political zones that can add value and acceptability to the government.”

“While no one is begrudging Mr President for appointing politicians and close allies as ministers and ministers of state, there are several other qualified Nigerians who have excelled in both private and public services, while some have served at the state level, others have been privileged to operate at the federal level.

“The present economic challenges in the country deserve the services of credible and economically savvy ministers, who can deliver on their core areas of competence to make the programmes and projects of the administration popular and to achieve far-reaching results that will ultimately rescue the country out of the present quagmire.

“Firstly is, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, who the group described as a cerebral politician from the northern part of the country, saying that though trained as a quantity surveyor, he obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.

“He was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, minister of Federal Capital Territory and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state.

“Another person is Senator Shehu Sani, who is one of the few personalities from the northern part of the country that joined forces with pro-democracy activists to fight for the restoration of democratic rule in the country,” the group said.

“Ye another personality is the one-time minister of power in Nigeria, Prof Bart Nnaji. No doubt, Bart Nnaji is a seasoned administrator, who is also experienced in the power generation sector. He is a professor of Electrical Engineering, who was the minister of power, special adviser on power to the president and the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The group also suggested Senator Adeleke Mamora, a medical doctor, former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a senator and former minister in the Buhari regime.

According to Adebola, Dr Mamora is a cool-headed professional medical doctor with vast experience and considerable attachment to his callings.

“Another candidate is Ojo Samuel Olukunle, a seasoned technocrat, and public servant, well experienced in public policy formulation & implementation. He is a Harvard-certified public administrator, well experienced in general administration, public finance & budgeting.

“He was a permanent secretary for years in Lagos State Governor’s Office from where he was subsequently appointed a Chief of Staff to the state governor human capital development and this was one of the key legacies he left behind in that office. He is a competent administrator and expert in finance,” the statement read.

Ace Nollywood actor cum movie producer, Yemi Solade, has opened up about the secrets behind his 21-years of marriage to his wife, Hannah.

Naija News recalls that the couple met on the set of Wale Adenuga’s popular series “Super Story” and tied the knot in September 2003.

Solade and his wife have since welcomed two children, Rola and Femi.

In an interview with SeunOluketuyi TV, the thespian attributed the success of their marriage to his wife’s support and tolerance.

Solade also noted that their successful marriage is due to the deep friendship they share.

He said, “I give it to my wife. She manages me very well. She is incredibly tolerant and sacrifices more than anyone I know. She is truly God-sent.

“She understands my circumstances, whether I’m doing well or not. She is not ostentatious; her prayers for me mean everything.

“Marriage is more like friendship because it is a life contract.”

What Happens To Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs?

Meanwhile, Yemi Solade has wondered what would be the outcome of all the degrees bestowed on Nigerian celebrities by universities in Benin Republic and Togo.

The actor stated this while reacting to the invalidation of 22,789 degrees from Benin Republic and Togo.

Recall that the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, recently disclosed that 22,789 Nigerians were parading fake degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.

Reacting to the development via his Instagram, Solade said, ‘’What Happens To ALL The ABSURD Doctorate Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs Since FG Has Pronounced That Degrees Acquired From Benin Republic Since 2017 Are INVALID? #fakedegreescam #fake #cotonou #beninrepublic?? #university #invaliddegrees”

The residence of Frank Ibezim, a former federal lawmaker from Imo State, Nigeria’s South-East, has been attacked by some hoodlums.

Reports revealed that the incident occurred on the night of Monday in Nsu, a locality within the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

Naija News reports that Ibezim served as the Imo North District’s representative on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform from 2021 to 2023.

It was, however, gathered that the residence of the former lawmaker was engulfed in flames around 9 p.m. yesterday, with sources indicating that the senator was not present at the time the incident happened.

According to Premium Times, a video recording depicting the devastation incident was shared online.

In the recording, some of the residents have audible expressions of sorrow regarding the damage inflicted by the fire.

Furthermore, the same group of criminals reportedly targeted a study center of the National Open University in the Nsu Community the night following the attack.

Residents have confirmed that the same group of individuals orchestrated these two separate incidents. Another video recording has surfaced showing the university complex engulfed in flames.

Police React

The Imo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the incident.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the attacks.

Danjuma described the attacks as “senseless and unwarranted.”

“This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.

“The police Command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police has since mandated the deployment of a tactical unit of the police force to apprehend the individuals involved in criminal activities.

Furthermore, he has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who oversees the State Criminal Investigation Department, to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent criminal incidents.

Naija News understands that these recent criminal activities took place in the aftermath of accusations against Ibezim for his role in the establishment of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp on the premises of the National Open University in the Nsu Community, which is home to individuals displaced from northern Nigeria.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other groups in support of Biafra have criticized this alleged initiative, expressing their determination to oppose it.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the Nigerian government of attempting to “infiltrate” the South-east region.

IPOB, which is at the forefront of the movement for the secession of the South-east and certain areas of the South-south from Nigeria, has consistently denied any involvement in the criminal activities in these regions.

However, Ibezim has since refuted these allegations.

In a statement issued later that same day, the former senator dismissed the claim that he had brought the federal government into the community to settle IDPs and refugees from Northern Nigeria.

He clarified that the university had been operational since October 2023 and that his delegation was only there to evaluate the potential use of the facilities for skills acquisition.

“For emphasis, I must restate that there are no plans to settle IDPs, Refugees or Migrant persons at the National Open University Centre, Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA. Any such claim is categorically false,” he stated.

“I will never be part of such a plan. The plan is for skills training for our vulnerable young people from the South-east.”

The #FearlessInOctober protest recorded a low turnout in the Federal Capital Territory and states amid the heavy presence of security operatives.

This was as the organisers of the protest, the Take It Back Movement, rejected the planned 30-day National Youth Confab, announced earlier on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu.

The group described the initiative as ‘’a jamboree” designed to reward the President’s supporters.

In his Independence Day address, Tinubu announced plans to convene a youth conference which he said would be held for 30 days to address and discuss challenges facing the Nigerian youth, who accounted for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

“I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population.

‘’The 30-day confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations,” the President said.

Reacting to the plan, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, noted that the President did not organise any confabs before implementing his policies.

He said, ‘’I think President Tinubu wants to lavish taxpayers’ money to organise a jamboree for his supporters. We saw some of them that were paid, NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students), singing his praises in Abuja, so I think that is simply what the President wants to do.

“What confab did he organise before he awarded a private jet to himself costing billions? Did we hold any confab before he decided to use billions of naira to construct an apartment for the Vice President? Or which confab did we hold before they started paying themselves huge allowances, budgeting billions for kitchen utensils?’’

Continuing, Sanyaolu added, “As a matter of fact, what confab did the President hold before increasing the price of fuel, even between August and now, to over N1,000? Even, some are buying at N1,500. Nigerians don’t need a confab.

“We don’t need our money to be wasted on organizing a jamboree for his supporters in APC or wherever they come from. Nigerians need good governance, and it is not a confab that will fix that.”

Asked whether the protest will continue, Sanyaolu said “The protest continues, but the new date will be announced because I am aware that there are still people in different states who want to protest. But we are going to announce the next days, which we will definitely not be far from now.”

Speaking to The PUNCH, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande,  disclosed that the Federal Government would set up an implementation task force to spearhead the implementation of the recommendations from the upcoming youth confab.

Adding context to the nature of preparation, Olawande said it included creating an implementation task force for various issues on the agenda.

“We are going to roll it out very soon, and we are going to have the terms and conditions, the areas, the views and all that. And we are still going to plead with the President to give us what we call an implementation task force so that immediately, where we need to do an Executive Order, we put it up.

 “Those (recommendations) that need to go to the National Assembly, we take it off and we start having this as quickly as possible. So, it’s a done deal,” the minister noted.

Olawande said the process leading to Tuesday’s announcement stemmed from extensive stakeholder consultations.

Although the initial brief proposed four days for the dialogue, the President recommended a one-month confab.

He explained, “I was very happy because I’ve been telling the young people in my constituency that the President is a listening President. Last month, we brought many young people together and talked to ourselves. After the strategy meeting, we told ourselves that we needed to get all the youths from all the parties to come and talk, strategise together and present something to the President.

“We called it a Youth Dialogue. We consulted with all the stakeholders. After consulting with the stakeholders, the President listened to us and said, ‘Fine, you want to dialogue within four days, right? But for me, I want to expand it, and let’s see how you can come together as young people of this country.

“We believe in this country and know that it belongs to us. This is what you’ve seen today, and we are very happy with it. It’s a very good development, and we are preparing to roll out things very soon with all stakeholders involved, which the President has consulted.”

 The Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, promised to support the recommendations from the youth confab, saying such an initiative was overdue.

He stated, “The need for a youth confab at this point cannot be overemphasised. The youth, like the President, who is also duly recognised, constitute over 60 per cent of our population or demography. And I believe that the time to listen to the youth is not just when they are on the streets protesting.

“If we can hear them loud and clear when they are protesting, we should be able even to hear them louder when we are all seated through a confab to discuss in a very articulate manner.

“So it would be a welcome development. We all look forward to that. And as elected representatives of the people, we also will ensure that we join in creating a conducive amosphere and environment for the youth confab.”

The lawmaker also said that the National Assembly would give due consideration to the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which were approved at the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Unimpressed, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition for United Political Parties criticized the President’s decision to hold a youth confab, describing it as ‘a misallocation of priorities.’

The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argued that the move highlights the President’s lack of ideas on governance.

He stated “The President has just said he’s bereft of ideas on how to govern this country. You see, the President likes rhetoric, big talk, and zero action. It is time for an economic summit rather than a youth conference.

“What he should be doing now is organizing an economic summit where he will gather Nigerian economic experts from around the globe to get the best minds to assist him in fixing Nigeria’s economy. He should also convene a security summit to engage some of the best security chiefs and experts to address the security issues in the country.’’

 The Labour Party National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, similarly criticized the move as a superficial approach to addressing urgent national issues.

 Ahanotu said the idea of a youth confab is poorly timed, emphasizing that what Nigerians truly needed is good governance.

 “I feel that this is just a peripheral approach to solving pressing national issues. This conference was initiated to divert the attention of Nigerian youths. What Nigerian youths have been asking for is good governance. When transportation, education, healthcare, and other sectors are functioning, why do we need a national youth conference?’’ he queried.

The CUPP National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, slammed the Federal Government over the proposal, describing it as insincere.

He expressed concern that the confab might turn into another jamboree to influence youths to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, ‘’despite his poor performance.’’

 He stated, “As far as I’m concerned, this so-called national youth conference will likely be a mirage with no concrete achievements resulting from it. It’s a deliberate and strategic distraction by the government, in my opinion. Another senseless waste of resources that will run into billions of naira in a very sick economy. It has no intrinsic value.”

 But the All Progressives Congress and some youth groups commended the planned conference.

 APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said by this decision, Tinubu has shown he is a caring and attentive leader who exemplified the party’s principles.

 He urged the protesting youths to rethink their positions, emphasizing that the president’s mission and intentions are honourable and genuinely aimed at benefiting the country.

 Ibrahim also labelled the PDP, LP and CUPP, which have criticized the move, as not having Nigeria’s best interests at heart.

 “What the president is trying to do is engage the youth politically and politely so they can plan for their future. A conference of this nature will help prepare young minds to take charge of their country’s future and shape their destinies. Anyone who opposes this does not have the country’s future at heart, ’’ he insisted.

 The National Youth Council of Nigeria commended Tinubu for approving the youth confab.

 The youth body in a statement by its President, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, on Tuesday, said ‘’This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and empowerment within our nation, highlighting the government’s acknowledgment of the essential role young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future.’’

 The Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, Abdul Danbature, urged the President to move beyond mere statements and ensure the implementation of all his promises.

 Danbature expressed disappointment that despite responding to Tinubu’s call for dialogue during the #EndBadGovernance protest, nothing came of it.

 Earlier on Tuesday, the October 1 protest was dispersed by police officers who fired tear gas canisters on the protesters in the Utako area of the nation’s capital, but the FCT police command denied the attack on the youths.

 The protest was a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests held between August 1 and 10 in response to the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians.

 As early as 7am, the protesters, whose numbers were considerably lower than the previous rally, gathered at the busy Utako market in the Utako area of the FCT.

 The participants consisting mostly of youths were demanding a review of the policies causing hardship in the country when some police officers arrived and dispersed them with tear gas.

 However, the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh denied that the police attacked the protesters.

 Adeh, in a statement, said the police officers only took measures to prevent miscreants who allegedly took advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market.

 She said, “The FCT police command is aware of reports making the rounds that policemen attacked protesters at Utako Market in Abuja earlier today, October 1, 2024.

 ‘’The command wishes to categorically debunk the narrative, tagging it completely false and misleading. Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and as a result, extended focus to them.

 “As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening. We therefore urge the populace to disregard such misleading and mischievous information, as the command is committed to ensuring the safety of the populace in the exercise of their civil rights.”

 But our correspondent, who was at the scene, reports that the police officers dispersed the protesters with tear gas.

  Unlike the previous protest when the participants regrouped after being tear-gassed, the youths simply fled from the relentless onslaught of the armed security personnel who had been deployed across the FCT.

 Heavy security presence was observed at the city centre, including  Eagle Square, Berger Roundabout, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Wuse Market, Airport Road, and the Maraba/Nyanya axis.

Security operatives also mounted barricades on the roads leading to Eagle Square, where dozens of security operatives were stationed.

 The PUNCH reported that the organisers of the protest had expressed interest in using Eagle Square, but the security personnel prevented them from accessing the facility.

In Lagos, protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge with the rally closely monitored by a large contingent of security personnel, including policemen, officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the NSCDC.

Leading the team of policemen at the protest ground was the state Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola.

The protesters chanted solidarity songs, displaying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Reverse electricity tariff now, “End all attacks on democratic rights”, “Reduce petrol price to N197 per litre, end scarcity”, and “Profit soars while people suffer.”

Spearheading the protest were some civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, the Education Rights Campaign, the Coalition for Revolution, and the Socialist Workers League.

A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, joined the protest just before the procession began from the point of convergence.

Sowore, who is one of the key organisers of the protest, arrived at the protest ground at exactly 8:50am.

Addressing newsmen, he said the protest was a crucial step towards taking Nigeria to the “Promised Land.”

He said, “This is one of the actions that will take us to the Promised Land. We did it in August and today is a symbolic day to reject their independence as we want our independence.

“Have we not tried enough? We have no time left. We gave more time; look at what (Muhammadu) Buhari did with more time. We gave them more time they bought themselves a private jet, we gave them more time, they bought a new house, they increased fuel price. We gave him more time they put us in darkness.

“We gave them more time they gave us minimum wage and gave themselves maximum wage. Let them resign, that is how we will know they actually understand how people feel this time around.”

There was heavy presence of security operatives in Ogun State, including soldiers, police and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, one of the venues approved                 by the state High Court for the protest, but there no protesters at the arena.

The other venues are the Gateway Stadium in Sagamu, Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School in Ota.

The PUNCH learnt that there were also no protests in other parts of the state as the Independence anniversary, which is usually celebrated at the MKO stadium was shifted to the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.

One of our correspondents, who monitored activities around the Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke and Kuto areas of the state, observed that regular activities and movement were not disrupted as security operatives and Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps and men of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency manned strategic positions to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

One of the organisers of the protest in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Demua Dumka, who is also the state Chairman of the Civil Rights Council alleged that he and the Leader of the Take It Back Movement in the state, Adeyemi Ademola, were among protesters attacked by thugs accompanied by security operatives.

Thugs opposed to the protest, numbering about 50, took over the Federal Secretariat and the Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt, venues of the protest in Port Harcourt, amid heavy security presence at both locations and the Hotel Presidential.

“This (Tuesday) morning some policemen and joint taskforce officials came here (Port Harcourt), beat and harassed some of us, though none of us was arrested.

“Beating protesters doesn’t stop the fact that there is hunger in the land. It doesn’t also stop the fact that there is a hike in food items and that we cannot even buy Premium Motor Spirit anymore.

“They (government) must listen to our demands. Our demands must be met and we must continue to talk whether they like it or not,” Dumka told journalists.

One of the youths, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH they were out to ensure the protest didn’t hold.

“We are not protesters. We are waiting for those who want to protest so that we can stop them.”

Also at the Pleasure Park the anti-Fearless Protesters numbering about fifty were seen while three canopies were mounted near the gate of the popular fun spot in the metropolis.

Our correspondent observed that five youths, who’s identities or the crime they committed could not be immediately ascertained, were arrested and taken away inside a mini-bus near the Federal Secretariat.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on the arrest of the youths proved abortive as she did not take calls put across to her mobile by our reporter. She had yet to reply to a text message to her mobile as of the time of filming ng this report on Tuesday morning.

The planned protest in Kano, which was organised by the Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement, was aborted following the alleged arrest of five of their officials by the police.

The NPFM officers last week vowed to stage a peaceful protest against the current hardships being experienced by Nigerians.

However, following the arrest of the NPFM officials, the protest could not hold as Kano and its environs remained calm while residents went about their daily and lawful activities.

Following the anticipated planned protest, many residents remained indoors while many business places, including some markets and shops, remained closed.

In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the protesters were led by members of the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens, who were joined by members of the Take It Back Movement. They were accompanied by security operatives at Freedom Park, where the protest march took off.

A large number of operatives of the police, Department of State Security, NSCDC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Correctional Service kept a close watch on the protesters in a long convoy from close distance, as they moved towards the Oke Fia Area of the state capital.

Chanting anti-government songs, the protesters demanded an immediate end to the economic hardship ravaging the country.

Addressing journalists, the coordinator of the group that organised the protest, Adetunji Ajala, said,”Enough is enough. Our demands during the Endbadgovernance protest have not been met, and we will continue protesting as long as they are not willing to do what the masses want.”

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Edo State on Tuesday demanded the restoration of fuel subsidy, improvement of security, revert to single legislature among others by the Tinubu administration.

The group, which include African Network for Environment and  Economic Justice, Talakawa Republic, Take It Back Movement and Faculty of Peace Organisation, said the removal of fuel subsidy, insecurity and floating of the naira have made life very difficult for Nigerians.

The coordinator, Take it Back Movement, Edo State, Lawal Haifz, said, “We are here to protest the current situation in Nigeria. People are really suffering. We demand the restoration of fuel subsidy. Insecurity has made it impossible for our people to go to farm and that is why you can no longer buy foodstuffs.

“We don’t need the Senate and House  of Representatives at the same time. The money spent on the two can go a long way in taking care of the needs of Nigerians. The so called minimum wage cannot even buy a bag of rice. There is extreme hunger.”

States shun protest

The PUNCH reports that at least 20 states, including all five in the eastern part, shunned the protest.

The others are Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Katsina, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Bayelsa and Yobe states.

In Minna, the Niger State capital, residents stayed indoors during the Independence Day celebrations amid a heavy presence of security operatives at strategic locations while police and NSCDC patrol vehicles parked at major spots as others were patrolled the city.

Another major town in the state, Suleja, was peaceful unlike during the #EndBadGorvernance protest when protesters invaded a police station with six of them reportedly killed.

Meanwhile, Adamawa and Nasarawa youths staged solidarity walks in favour of President Tinubu.

The Adamawa youths under the aegis of ‘Concerned Youths of Adamawa’ hit major streets of capital city Yola as Nigeria marked its 64th Independence anniversary.

Convener of the group, concerned youths Yakubu Umar Girei, told journalists the walk was meant to support the laudable policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.

In Nasarawa, convener of the I Am Nigeria group, Ibrahim Maiyanga, said they unanimously decided not to participate in the protest in order to sustain the existing peace in the state and Nigeria at large.

“We know that we are not where we ought to be, but we are not where we used to be. So, I want to urge all the citizens of the country to be patient with our President. I am confident that very soon we will all have reasons to smile.”

However, security operatives kept watch at the Secretariat junction and Old Airport junction in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday.

A former sports minister,Solomon Dalung, who led the EndBadGovernance protest in the state last August, said, “It is not as if we do not want to protest in Plateau but the context of the situation we have and the previous one are not the same.

“So, you should not expect us to adopt the same method. But the truth is that the economic hardship and sufferings by Nigerians that warranted the EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest have not changed as we speak, so you cannot say that Nigerians in Plateau have stopped protesting for those responsible for the situation to change it.

“So, we will continue to protest against the bad situation we have in Nigeria until the people get relief but the method of this protest should not be expected to be the same here in Plateau.”

In Kaduna, one of the most volatile states during the August protest, residents went about their usual activities, businesses in the metropolis and environs remained open, and shops in the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market were operational as no protest took place despite initial tension.

However, security operatives were deployed to strategic locations across the state, including Narayi High Cost, Barnawa Complex, and Stadium Roundabout, as a precautionary measure.

Interestingly, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State distanced itself from the protest.

The Federal Government is expanding its subsidised rice programme to alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria, with sales set to launch in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated on Monday.

Early in September, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the launch of the N40,000 per 50kg subsidised rice in Abuja, stating that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

He said the subsidised rice programme aims to provide relief to citizens amid soaring market prices. The current market price of a 50kg bag of rice is about N90,000. It is close to N100,000 in some other locations.

The Federal Government is providing 30,000 metric tonnes of rice through the subsidised rice programme. This translates to approximately 1,000 trucks, each carrying 600 bags.

“As I speak with you now, we are going to activate Lagos and Kano states for the sales any moment from now. Borno State is also going to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated on Monday.

Reacting to the recent claim that the rice sales in the Federal Capital Territory had been halted, the official said, “We have not even gone anywhere; how can we stop? The sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states.”

Another official at the ministry said civil servants in Abuja, particularly around the federal ministries have been benefiting from the sales of the subsidised rice.

The official, however, stated that there had been challenges with coordination and public cooperation at the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation centre where the rice was being sold.

“We opened the NAIC centre to see the cooperation of the public, but they proved very difficult to control,” the official explained.

The source added that individuals blocked entry and refused to follow sales protocols, complicating the process.

“Some persons came to sabotage the process to buy and take to the market, which frustrates the essence of the rice subsidy,” the official added.

Despite these challenges, the official remained optimistic about the programme’s impact, stating, “We are focused on ensuring that low-income earners, who are the direct beneficiaries, can access this vital resource.

“The government is committed to a smooth rollout in the aforementioned states, aiming to activate sales any moment from now.”

The source said the expansion is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle food scarcity and support vulnerable populations nationwide, ensuring that essential staples are accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

Nigerians have been grappling with increased hunger as food prices have skyrocketed, compounded by the naira’s declining strength, which affects citizens’ purchasing power.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the food inflation rate in August 2024 was 37.52 per cent year-on-year, up 8.18 percentage points from August 2023’s rate of 29.34 per cent.

Additionally, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited reported on September 27, 2024, that the NAFEM closing rate was N1540.78/$, while it sold for over N1700/$ in some black markets in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day, declared that the era of heavy food importation must end, positioning this shift as a cornerstone of the government’s economic recovery plan.

“We should not be importing food,” Edun stated, emphasising that Nigeria’s future lies in self-sufficiency. “It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic food production. We mustn’t flood the market with imports,” he warned.

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has flagged off the distribution of 2000 CNG-Powered Tricycles to empower Nigerian youth.

The flag-off event, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja on Tuesday, was part of activities to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.

In his address, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the distribution of the tricycles marked the fulfilment of promises made by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of transportation, enhance economic well-being, enhance the environment through the utilisation of clean fuel, and create jobs for the youth population, through the introduction of CNG.

He said the CNG tricycles were assembled in Shagamu, adding that it was expected that the delivery of the tricycles would create employment both in operations, maintenance, and deployments of the tricycles across Nigeria.

“I’m pleased to announce to you that we are here to deliver on Mr President’s promise and to hand over 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles that will begin to form the bedrock of this revolution.

“These tricycles you see here are not just here to be used in Nigeria. They are also wholly assembled in Nigeria in a factory in Shagamu. Over 50 young people were trained in the last three weeks and are putting together these CNG tricycles, and many more of them are coming,” he said.

He noted that “beyond the tricycle assembly, we expect that with this delivery thousands of youths across our country will be employed not just in the operations of these tricycles, but also in the maintenance and efficient deployment of these tricycles across Nigeria.

“It represents a very small step towards delivering the future that is powered by gas that ensures Nigeria’s development, that transforms a resource that we are abundantly blessed with, that yet we waste today into something that creates wealth and jobs for all Nigerians.”

The Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, noted that the tricycles would ease transportation challenges faced by transporters and citizens, commending the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the youth.

“These tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by our transporters and citizens across the country. In this crucial time of economic reforms, this intervention will serve as a great relief to our people, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to the quality of life for young people”, she said.

She also highlighted how the National Youth Investment Fund would serve as a “financial backbone” for young investors to thrive in the transportation sector, even as the Ministry hoped to collaborate with the P-CNGi to reach its 2 million tricycles target.