The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has redeployed the Permanent Secretary of the State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, to the Central Admin Department, Government House in Benin City.
Chikere, who is an in-law to the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, until her recent redeployment, was the General Coordinator of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin.
The former Insurance general coordinator is the elder sister to Maryann Philip-Shaibu, wife of the deputy governor.
A source who confirmed the development to the Saturday PUNCH and said it was not unconnected with the rift between Obaseki and his deputy.
The development is coming barely 24 hours to Bendel Insurance crucial CAF Confederation Cup first round preliminary match against ASO Chief of Algeria, billed for Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on Saturday.
The source said, “Mrs. Chikere’s rise to the position of Permanent Secretary was allegedly influenced by the embattled deputy governor as she (Sabina) was not a core civil servant in Edo and should not have been given the position.”
Shaibu had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking amongst others, an order rrestraining Obaseki, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Edo State and others from commencing alleged impeachment process against him.
This governor refuted the claim but the relationship between the two men had degenerated.
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered States Commissioners of Police to establish Complaint Response Units in their respective command, noting that the new development was due to his zeal to sanitize and standardise the police system for accountability and transparency in line with his commitment to fortify the complaints response mechanisms of the Force.
Egbetokun also approved the appointment of CSP El-Mustapha Sani as the Head, CRU, following the posting of DCP Markus Basiran, as DC Homicide, Force Criminal Investigations Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
This is coming on the heels of the recent visit of the Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf and his team to the Force Headquarters, where the IG and the delegation discussed extensively issues of mutual interest and areas of collaboration.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made the development known in a Friday night correspondence obtained by our correspondent.
Adejobi said, “El-Mustapha Sani, a seasoned officer with an exemplary record of service, brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role. His extensive background in complaint resolution in the Public Complaint Bureau of the Force Public Relations Department, coupled with his dedication to justice and fairness, makes him a fitting choice to lead the Complaint Response Unit.
“In the same vein, the IG reiterates his order that all Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands should establish Complaint Response Unit Offices in their respective State Commands Headquarters to boost the IG’s unwavering zeal to fight corruption and unprofessionalism.
“The IG encourages all stakeholders, the public, civil society organisations, and other law enforcement agencies, to collaborate closely with Police Complaint Response Units and aid the smooth execution of their responsibilities of curbing misconducts, excesses, and unprofessionalism among police officers nationwide.
“He similarly stressed that the Force remains resolute in its pursuit of transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights toward building public trust and fostering a harmonious relationship between the police and the people.”
The University of Lagos has explicitly debunked the claim that the institution has added extra charges to its earlier increased tuition fees.
Recall that the institution in July, increased their fees from N19,000 to N190,250 for students studying medicine and N140,250 for students whose courses require laboratory and studio use.
In a press statement made available on Friday, the Head of the communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, explained that the information making the rounds that the University has added additional unauthorised charges to its earlier increments is untrue and meant to misinform the public.
Alaga-Ibraheeem added that the institution did not issue any other notice of increment apart from the “Adjusted Obligatory Fees” for New and Returning Undergraduate Students.
The statement read, “The University of Lagos wishes to explicitly refute unsubstantiated claims making the rounds that the University has “slammed additional unauthorised charges to its earlier increments.”
“These completely untrue and misleading claims misrepresent the facts and aim to misinform the public into believing that there has been another adjustment of fees.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the University of Lagos Management hereby categorically states that this is not the case.”
She urged students and parents to disregard the information, adding that the management understands the economic situation of the nation.
She subsequently urged the public to avoid such misleading reports but to rely on the university’s official communication channels for announcements, updates regarding fees, and others.
“Management is not unmindful of the prevailing economic realities, and as of the date of this disclaimer, has not issued any other notice of increment apart from the “Adjusted Obligatory Fees for New and Returning Undergraduate Students” published in its Information Flash News Bulletin.
“The University Management understands the importance of accurate, verifiable and timely information, and views with utmost concern the attempt to spread false narratives that undermine its integrity.
“Members of the university community and general public, especially students and their families are, therefore, implored to rely on the official communication channels of the University for announcements, notice, or updates regarding fees, policies, or any other information relating to the University,” the statement read.
The United Nations Children’s Fund Representative in Nigeria has urged the federal and state governments to enhance their judicial systems to ensure proper prosecution of bandits for their various crimes before the courts of law.
The Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, was addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, on Friday, preparatory to the commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day, Saturday.
Munduate lamented the absence of proper prosecution and punishment for bandits for the various crimes they perpetrate against humanity.
“It scares me that bandits are not taken to courts in spite of the fact that they have been assaulting and killing children and women; abducting and raping.
“It scares me that no laws are applied to prosecute and punish them,” the UNICEF Representative said, even as he added, “If there is any legal process, I think there is the need for proper punishment for these people legally.”
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 in the country.
The UKHSA disclosed this on its website on Friday.
It said the case was confirmed in an individual with no recent travel history, which suggests a degree of community transmission within the UK.
The World Health Organisation and the US health authorities had on Thursday, said they were closely monitoring a new variant of Covid-19, although the potential impact of BA.2.86 is currently unknown.
WHO designated the COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ due to the large number of mutations it carries.
So far, only a few sequences of the variant have been reported from a handful of countries.
The BA.2.86 variant has also been identified in Israel, Denmark, and the United States of America.
It has been designated as V-23AUG-01 for the purpose of UKHSA monitoring.
The newly identified variant has a high number of mutations and is gnomically distant from both its likely ancestor, BA.2, and from currently circulating XBB-derived variants.
There is currently insufficient data to assess the relative severity or degree of immune escape compared to other currently-circulating variants.
The Deputy Director, UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand said, “V-23AUG-01 was designated as a variant on the basis of international transmission and significant mutation of the viral genome. This designation allows us to monitor it through our routine surveillance processes.
“We are aware of one confirmed case in the UK. UKHSA is currently undertaking detailed assessment and will provide further information in due course.”
The PUNCH reports that all viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time; most changes have little to no impact on the virus’s properties.
However, some changes may affect the virus’s properties, such as how easily it spreads, the associated disease severity, or the performance of vaccines, therapeutic medicines, diagnostic tools, or other public health and social measures.
Globally, as of August 16, 2023, there have been 769,774,646 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,955,141 deaths, reported to WHO.
As of August 13, 2023, a total of 13,498,472,794 vaccine doses have been administered.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwanda President, Paul Kagame, have been named peace icons in Africa by an international peace-based organisation, Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide.
Others on the list include Kenyan President, William Ruto, President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adeshina; Chairman of United Bank of Africa Group, Tony Elumelu; Chairman Geregu Power PLC, Mr. Femi Otedola; President of LoveWorld Incorporated, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Abubakar, among others.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of 100 personalities as “100 Most Notable Peace Icons In Africa,” the Project Director of the group, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, said the peace icons were being recognised due to their dedication to promoting peace and calm in the continent.
He said the beneficiaries have laboured continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bonds, and establish connections amidst diverse communities in Africa.
Amafibe explained that among the notable peace icons in Africa, are economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers, and creators who have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave in-erasable legacies.
“By sharing their narratives, we intend to amplify the ripples of their endeavours, and produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa,” Amafibe stated.
He added, “Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, activists, thinkers, and creators who have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave in-erasable legacies.
“Each narrative stands as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosing the cherished values of Africa: unity, harmony, and progress.”
He also announced plans by the organisation to provide scholarships to 20,000 indigent students across the continent.
He said the group will rely on the contributions and support of the peace icons to make it easier for it to achieve its aims and objectives.
He said, “This scholarship programme is designed to empower and nurture the forthcoming generation of African leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to propel the growth and stability of their respective nations.
“Acknowledging the youth as the vanguards of transformation, we are unwavering in our commitment to empower them through comprehensive training and skill enrichment initiatives.
“We will furnish the youth with the tools of success, we invest not only in their course but also in the collective ascension of Africa.
“These programme encompasses a diverse array of domains, spanning from entrepreneurship to technology, enabling the youth to steer innovation and constructive change.
“Additionally, we recognise the profound import of access to clean water in rural communities. Addressing this critical imperative, we are inaugurating the Pipe Borne Water Project, ‘CleanAqua4All.’
“It is an initiative aimed at ensuring clean and safe drinking water for underserved rural regions.
“By guaranteeing access to this foundational resource, we enhance the quality of life, bolster health and well-being, and engender progress in these communities,” he stated.
Governor Godwin Obaseki has called on residents of Edo State to help themselves by contributing to the development of the state, saying that the federal government has thrown the country into an economic crisis.
“The country is in crisis economically. We can’t continue to fold our hands and wait for a country that can’t help us. Rather, we will do all we can to help ourselves and our state,” Mr Obaseki said on Thursday in Benin at a workshop to discuss the implementation of the state’s new Land Use Charge Law, according to a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES by Crusoe Osagie, the special assistant on media project to the Edo State Government.
President Bola Tinubu’s reforms – removal of petroleum subsidies and forex exchange liberalistaion – have continued to push up the price of goods and services in Nigeria, with the high inflation rate and the economic hardship causing unease across the country.
The Edo State Governor, Mr Obaseki said the state government has resorted to “taking care of those who can’t feed themselves” in the state.
“From our revenue, we have decided to take money from our Internally Generated Revenue to look after those that can’t feed – the poorest of the poor. We are doing our best as an administration to make things easy in Edo State for our citizens who have trust in this government,” the governor said.
“If we are a truly thriving country, states will survive on their own, without relying on Abuja. Whether they give us or not, we would survive as a state. We have been surviving before now. Our administration is transparent and accountable, that is why the World Bank trusts us.”
Workers’ unions have kicked against the Nigerian government’s reforms, while Mr Tinubu has continued to appeal for understanding and calm, arguing that his actions are for the good of the country.
The federal government on Thursday announced N5 billion palliative to each of the 36 states to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced measures to reintroduce Bureau de Change Operators in Nigeria into the foreign exchange market a few days after threatening speculators.
The bank announced its reintroduction in a circular addressed to BDCs and the public titled, ‘Operational Mechanism For Bureau De Change Operations In Nigeria.’
The development is coming amidst efforts for the naira to trade in fair value. The naira had traded around N955 per dollar on Monday before the CBN began the policy that crashed the price to N845 as of Friday.
In the new regime, the CBN said BDCs must submit periodic accounts of the activities through the Financial Institution Forex Rendition System (FIFX).
The CBN said, “In support of the drive to improve the efficiency of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, the Central Bank of Nigeria hereby announces the underlisted operational mechanism for the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market.
“The spread on buying and selling by BDC Operators shall be within an allowable limit of – 2.5% to +2.5% of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange market window weighted average rate of the previous day.
“Mandatory rendition by BDC Operators of the statutory periodic reports (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly) on the Financial Institution Forex Rendition System (FIFX) which has been upgraded to meet individual Operator’s requirements.
“Operators are to note that with effect from the date of this circular, non-rendition of returns would attract sanctions which may include withdrawal of operating license. Where Operators do not have any transaction within the period, they are expected to render nil returns.”
THE WHISTLER had reported that BDCs were terrified about the recent threat of the acting CBN governor, Folashodun Shonubi.
Bureau de Change dealers in Zone 4 in Abuja had told THE WHISTLER that the CBN had asked for their financial records and threatened to withdraw their licences.
The intervention would be possible with the $3bn dollars deal signed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd with the African Import-Export Bank.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to scrap the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
In a communiqué signed by its National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark and National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien and released at the end of their meeting in Abuja on Friday, August 18, the group stated that the ministry which was created by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and sustained by the successive administrations of President Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari must continue to function.
PANDEF asked President Tinubu to nominate a minister for Niger Delta Affairs, threatening that scrapping the ministry would be met with “adverse consequences.”
The communique read;
“The meeting discussed issues pertaining to the ongoing appointment and assignment of ministers, as it affects the states of the Niger Delta region and South South geo-political zone, particularly, the omission of the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The meeting resolves as follows:
“Expresses great surprise that in the published assignment of ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
“Reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.
“That the ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.
“Cautions that any misguided step towards scrapping or submerging the ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.
“Further cautions the federal government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
“We are hopeful that the federal government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of country.”
CBN: DSS Floors Emefiele’s Co-defendant Yaro As Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Release Of 6 Exotic Cars, Bail
AdminJustice E. Okpe of Federal Capital Territory(vacation) High Court on Friday dismissed a fundamental human rights suit filed by a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Mrs Sa’adatu Yaro, against the Department of State Services(DSS) which sought an order releasing her six (6) exotic cars seized by the secret police on July 12 as well as bail from continued detention.
The cars in question are Mercedes G Wagon, Land Cruiser Prado, and four saloon cars.
THE WHISTLER reports that Yaro is the second defendant in another suit instituted against the suspended governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, before Justice Hamza Muazu by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation which borders on alleged N6.9 billion procurement fraud.
In the motion on notice (FCT/HC/CV/6918/23) obtained by THE WHISTLER and filed by Yaro’s lawyer, J.B Daudu SAN, he said that DSS’s detention of his client is illegal because, before the invitation by the secret police, Yaro was a subject of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) between November 2022 and May 2023.
He added that from the investigation carried out by the EFCC, nothing implicating or incriminating was found against the Applicant.
“The DSS have been embarking on media trial against the Applicant and her lovely husband making all sorts of unfounded allegations,” he stated.
Daudu further argued that the DSS, not being an anti-graft agency, lacked jurisdiction or statutory powers to inquire into business dealings of the applicant.
He said the continuous detention and torture of the applicant by the DSS since the 12th day of July 2023 violates the applicant’s Right to Dignity of Human Person and Right to Personal Liberty guaranteed by Sections 34 & 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Some of the reliefs he sought against the DSS partly states: “A declaration that the seizure of the applicant’s Six (6) exotic cars by agents, officials, servants and/ or privies of the 1st respondent in her house on the 12th day of July 2023 in addition to her unlawful arrest and detention and the unlawful arrest and detention of her Husband, Alhaji Aminu ldris Yaro (spouse), which events took place contemporaneously constitutes an infringement of the Applicant’s Fundamental Human Right guaranteed under Section 43 and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 17 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to own moveable and immovable properties.
“A Declaration and an Order that the DSS not being the Police Force recognised by the provisions of section 214-(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to exercise exclusive police powers over all and sundry in Nigeria lacks jurisdiction to arrest and detain the Applicant for any offence outside the purview of the National Security Act of 1986 and lacks powers to arrest, detain and investigate the said Applicant for alleged financial misdemeanours or any other like criminal allegation or even with respect to matters or body of matters which are the subject of a civil contract or commercial transactions.
” An order releasing the applicant on bail, either unconditionally or upon such condition(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit and reasonable in the circumstances of this action pending his proper arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“An order directing the unconditional release of the Applicant’s Six (6) luxury (top range) cars which include a Mercedes G Wagon, Land Cruiser Prado and four other saloon cars for amounting to a breach of the Applicant’s Fundamental Right to own moveable and immovable properties.”
But in the DSS’ counter affidavit obtained by THE WHISTLER, Hamza Pandogari deposed before the court that part of the mandate of the secret police is to detect, prevent and investigate Economic Crimes of National Security Dimension, as well as any activities that could sabotage the country’s economic development.
He stated that Yaro was arrested upon reasonable suspicion of committing acts which constitute criminal conspiracy, receiving and concealing gratification, economic sabotage, economic crimes of national security dimension and undermining the security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He told the court that the applicant was suspected to be carrying out dubious businesses and was working with her husband (Aminu) to “serve as major conduit for the pliffering of public funds by government officials, including the suspended governor of the CBN (Godwin Emefiele).”
The DSS lawyer, I. Awo, contended at the proceedings that credible intelligence showed that the CBN staff through the help of her husband was making phone calls to yet-to-be-identified persons on how to flee the country.
He urged the court not to grant the reliefs sought by the woman and her husband.
In his verdict on Friday, Justice Okpe held that DSS was able to prove that the applicant was lawfully arrested and detained.
He added that fundamental right suits should not be used as a shield against investigation by security agents.
He subsequently dismissed the case in favor of the DSS.
More...
Some Ex-Boko Haram terrorists embarked on a protest in Borno state over non-payment of their allowance.
The former terrorists who are being held at Hajj Camp in Borno after surrendering to the Nigerian government, caused a gridlock after blocking Bulumkutu-Maiduguri highway during the protest on Friday, August 18.
They accused the federal government of withholding the N30k allowance they were promised.
On Friday, human rights advocate, Femi Falana, announced his legal action against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), challenging what he deems an “illegal” floating of the Naira.
The move may put the CBN’s leadership, particularly the acting CBN governor, Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, in a precarious legal position.
Falana’s lawsuit takes direct aim at the CBN’s decision to float the naira, a strategy he believes runs afoul of established legal frameworks.
Based on provisions outlined in Section 7 of the CBN Act 2007, the CBN governor or his nominees are accountable for overseeing the management of the apex bank.
Section 11 of the same Act also states that the governor will cease to hold office if he is disqualified by a court of competent jurisdiction, found guilty of not discharging his duties within the confines of the CBN Act, or if he is removal by the president is backed by two-thirds of the Senate, among others.
Section 11(2) states that a CBN Governor, Deputy Governor or Director shall cease to hold office in the Bank if he “(b) is convicted of any criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction except for traffic offences or contempt proceedings arising in connection with the execution or intended execution of any power or duty conferred under this Act or the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act ; (c) is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties under this Act ; (d) is disqualified or suspended from practising his profession in Nigeria by order of a competent authority made in respect of him personally; (e) becomes bankrupt; (f) is removed by the President: Provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.”
On Friday, Falana told Channels Television that the floating of the naira is not known to law.
Recall that after the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu, CBN floated the naira by directing banks to buy forex from any source at any rate and sell at any rate depending on a maximum of N1 bid-ask spread between the buy and sell rate.
But Falana maintained that the directive remains illegal, citing Section 16 of the Central Bank Act which states that “the exchange rate of the Naira shall be determined, from time to time, by a suitable mechanism devised by the Bank for that purpose.”
The senior lawyer was of the view that Section 16 of the CBN Act gives the apex bank the exclusive right to determine exchange rates, not market forces.
“There’s no provision for floating the naira. It’s illegal. You say, ‘The value of the naira will be determined by market forces. That is not there in the law.
“I’ve had to sue the Central Bank of Nigeria at the Federal High Court because Section 16 of the Central Bank Act has imposed a duty on the Central Bank to fix and determine the rate of the naira vis-a-vis other currency,” he said.
But CBN had explained in a previous statement that “These changes are necessary to deepen the foreign exchange market, provide more liquidity and create more transparency in the administration of Diaspora Remittances into Nigeria.”
Over 11,500 CNG Cars To Be Manufactured Locally As Tinubu Approves Compressed Natural Gas Initiative
Admin… Targets Conversion of 55,000 Vehicles
President Bola Tinubu is targeting the conversion of 55,000 petrol-powered vehicles as he approves the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).
The initiative also targets over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles through local assembly and manufacturing, a move to ameliorate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on transportation.
The development was contained in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the Tinubu on Media & Publicity.
The Presidency said, “This transformative initiative is poised to revolutionize the transportation landscape in the country, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles, while simultaneously bolstering in-country manufacturing, local assembly and expansive job creation in line with the presidential directive.
“The landmark initiative, which comprises of a Comprehensive Adoption Strategy, will include the following: Empowering Workshops Programme w/ Nationwide Network of Workshops, Local Assembly and Job Creation as key points of emphasis with an initial focus on mass transit systems and student hubs in order to significantly reduce transit costs for the general populace in the immediate term.”
The development is coming a few weeks after the Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd sealed a deal with NIPCO Gas Limited to develop Compressed Natural Gas stations across the country.
“In line with the PCNGI’s determination to ensure a seamless integration of CNG utility within the current midstream and downstream energy value chain to support its sustainability, the PCNGI will facilitate the provision of workshops across all geopolitical zones and states with essential kits and comprehensive training for newly employed staff, thus creating new opportunities for technical skill development and employment for Nigerians,” the Presidency said.
According to the plan, the new nationwide network of workshops that would be established through the initiative, would ensure widespread access and demand side utilization of CNG technology and CNG-related expertise.
This would facilitate smoother transitions for vehicle owners at the wider benefit of the Nigerian economy, it said.
Based on the plan, five strategic objectives will be achieved.
They are the development of new stakeholder-operated Intrastate Mass Transit systems built on CNG. Support for states to onboard new CNG buses as part of their Intrastate Mass Transit network (wholesale conversion, retro-fitting and new purchase) and the deployment of CNG buses through existing Private Mass Transit operators, including new financing programmes for operators through an innovative asset finance programme.
The others are to incentivize investors to invest in CNG processing, distribution and utilization by providing incentives for enhanced investment and partnership and deliver training and technology transfer to support the After-Sales Services and maintenance sub-industry to create sustainable jobs.
“President Tinubu’s focus on assembling CNG-enabled vehicles within the country will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster the nation’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.
“The launch of this initiative also underscores this administration’s commitment to fostering a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security through the utilization of domestic natural gas resources,” it added.
Reports from some communities across the state revealed that incidents of thief of raw Cassava, Yam and Maize were recorded in recent weeks.
It has been revealed that some residents of Taraba have resorted to stealing farm produce in order to feed their families.
Reports from some communities across the state revealed that incidents of thief of raw Cassava, Yam and Maize were recorded in recent weeks.
A lady, who owned a cassava farm in one of the villages in Ardo-Kola local government area of the state, told Daily Trust that she caught her neighbours harvesting cassava in her farm severally.
The lady farmer, Lami John, told our reporter that the first person she caught in her farm confessed that he stole cassava from her farm not to sell but to feed his family.
“I told him to go and l did not report the matter to our ward head because l know him as an honest person,” she said.
Lami stated further that she recorded more of such cases in her farm and all those she caught were her neighbours and actually stole the cassava to feed their families.
Further findings revealed that theft of Yam and Maize in the farms is now rampant in villages across the state.
Another farmer, Ibrahim Suleiman, told Daily Trust that he caught his neighbours stealing Maize in his farm four times but did not report the matter to the police or to their ward head.
He said he knew that those he caught were never identified with any criminal acts in the village but probably the hard time might be the factor behind their action.
According to him, theft of farm produce is now being carried out during the day time and those caught confessed that poverty and lack of food at home pushed them to steal from the farm.