President Tinubu Promises Free Conversion Of CNG For Commercial Vehicles

October 22, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has promised commercial vehicle owners free conversation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in their vehicles, being an alternative to fuel.
The President said that the free conversion of CNG is one of the incentives his government is working on, in addition to selling the new fuel alternative at just N200 per standard cubic meter.
The President, who received in audience today, October 22, the executives of NIPCO at the presidential villa, Abuja, said: “Nigeria’s motorists can buy petrol at N1,000 per litre or equivalent gas per Standard Cubic Meter at N200.
“We have also introduced incentives for commercial motorists to convert from petrol to gas at free of cost.”
Tinubu insisted that CNG is a cleaner and more affordable fuel, and that can reduce the carbon footprint and save consumers significant fuel costs.
President Tinubu commended NIPCO’s contributions to the nation’s energy transition efforts, particularly its support for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).
He acknowledged NIPCO’s role as a critical player in enhancing the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel, saying that such investments align with his administration’s energy security and economic diversification strategy.
He lauded NIPCO’s efforts in promoting and supporting the “Switch to CNG” campaign, which has been instrumental in boosting public awareness and providing affordable CNG conversion kits even before the official kickoff of the Presidential CNG Initiative.
He stressed the significance of this initiative in reducing the nation’s reliance on petrol and cutting down fuel costs for consumers.
The President emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to cleaner energy, even as he reaffirmed commitment to providing a conducive environment for private sector investments and expanding Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and economic growth.
President Tinubu encouraged NIPCO to continue its innovative approach to CNG expansion while supporting the government’s broader goals in the energy sector.
NIPCO director, who led the delegation, Mr. Ramesh Kasangra, thanked President Tinubu for his support of the CNG sector, and expressed the company’s commitment to furthering the partnership with the government to ensure Nigeria’s energy transition remains on track.
He assured the president that the company is ready to invest in infrastructure to make CNG more accessible nationwide.
According to him, NIPCO has been a key player in various sectors of Nigeria for over four decades and will continue to believe in Nigeria for the long term.

Nigeria Has Disappointed Black Race, Africa, Obasanjo Complains

Greenbarge Reporters

October 22, 2024

Former Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo has regretted that despite all the opportunities available for Nigeria to lead Africa, it had faltered far too long and disappointed not only the black race but Africa and the world.
“We have disappointed ourselves. We have disappointed the black race, Africa and the world at large. We have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love.”
Obasanjo, who received in audience today, October 22, a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta, expressed deep concern over the state of disunity in the country, describing it as a major obstacle preventing Nigeria from achieving its full potential.
According to him, lack of national cohesion has hindered Nigeria from becoming the leading light of the black race, a position it should naturally occupy.
He said however that despite the challenges, he remains an “incurable optimist” about the country’s future, believing that Nigeria can turn things around if it addresses the mistakes of the past.
He advised that the country should prioritize the national interest over sectional considerations, saying, “It is high time we began working for the national interest.
“Yes, you have identified your group as League of Northern Democrats but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. “Where I was born should not be the enemy of my Nigerianess. I will be increasing by being a Nigerian rather than being a member of the Republic of Oodua.
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba…we must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together.
“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up unto us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun but is that the situation today?
Obasanjo said that he shared the concerns of the group for the poor state of things in the country but that the situation is not beyond salvation as long everyone is ready to come together and work as a united nation.
He said that he would forever remain a Pan-Africanist, a patriotic and Nationalistic Nigerian and a proud black man from the black race.
He advised the League of Northern Democrats to consider changing their name to the National League of Democrats because the ideals the group espoused are what cut across the nation.
He said that he would not mind being their patron if he could not be their active member due to old age.

Judicial Officers Require Peace Of Mind, Security, Comfortable Homes To Fully Function – CJN

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2024

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has made it clear that judicial officers in the country require some basic necessities to be able to function well.
Flagging off the design and construction of 40 housing units Judges Quarters in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, October 21, Justice Keke-Ekun said: “beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.

“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.
“It goes beyond addressing the basic needs for housing. It reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional wellbeing of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
“These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus efficiency and clary of mind.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also acknowledged the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even as she commended the FCT Administration for its initiative and forward-thinking in implementing the project.
She said that priority placed on the well-being of the judicial Officers reflected the importance placed on their welfare.
The FCT minister, Nyeson Wike, who was among the dignitaries that witnessed the groundbreaking event, stressed the commitment of the Federal Government to safeguarding the rule of law and administration of justice by ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
The Minister highlighted some of the practical steps taken by the government to ensure the independence of the judiciary, including improvements in the condition of service of judicial officers, increment of allowances and salaries as well as the provision of befitting and comfortable accommodation.
“Mr. President said it is not every time that we talk about the independence of the judiciary. We must show in practice; we must show in action that we are indeed not saying so but we are doing so, so that people can see that we are seriously doing that.
“Mr. President said we must at all times provide housing. But that can only be better if you have an owner occupier, so that every judge will know that at the end of the day, as I’m retiring from office; I have my own home.
“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere. When you have a home, what are you afraid of? When you know that salaries and allowances can be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, that of course, anybody will be firm and courageous to do his or her work.
“That of course is what Mr. President’s renewed Hope Agenda is doing, not merely talking but by showing in action.”
The Minister explained that the FCT Administration did not limit the provision of accommodation to High Court Judges but also the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal Judges that are rendering services to the residents of the FCT and other Nigerians.
“Mr. President has also approved that by next year, we should also provide for the Industrial Court so that they will also be part of the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Wike said that 70 percent of the budget for the Judges Quarters has been approved and assured of adequate funding for the project. He added that the project has a 15-month completion timeframe and charged the contractor to ensure its timely completion.
“You have only 15 months to hand over well-furnished houses because our judges are doing their best. They are doing a lot of hard work and good work for the country.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of Certificate of Occupancies to the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal respectively, by the Minister and the symbolic stone laying for the project by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Senator Ashiru Hits Back At NDLEA, Says It Told Lies To Cover Up Its Inadequacies

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2024

Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, has hit back at the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), saying that the agency has told a lot of lies against him in order to cover up its inadequacies.
In a statement today, October 21, debunking what he described as “wrong and fallacious impressions,” the Senator recalled the lie by the NDLEA that its men and officers raided his house in Ilorin, and found illicit drugs.
“This accusation came on the heels of Senator Ashiru’s declaration on the senate floor that the NDLEA is corrupt.”
The statement, issued on behalf of the Senator by his aide, Olaitan Adeyanju said: “we find it preposterous and mere fishing for justification that NDLEA had to wait for the senator’s observation on the floor of the Senate before making its spurious allegations.
“As a matter of fact, Senator Ashiru never employed any aide bearing Ibrahim Mohammed or Mohammd Yahaya as bandied by NDLEA.
“The agency claimed that its operatives visited the senator’s Ilorin house and found nothing incriminating. “The entire house was searched, and nothing incriminating was found. “If any drugs were found on certain persons mentioned by the NDLEA, it is rational to ask that in which court of law were the culprits charged?
“It is also important to state that Senator Ashiru has not sent any aide to the NDLEA to influence the dropping of drug allegations against anyone known as Tosin Odepidian. Indeed, all the names mentioned by the agency are strange, and none works directly or indirectly with Senator Ashiru.
“The NDLEA has the duty to take anyone suspected of drug dealing to court rather than name-calling and engaging in media trial.
“This clarification is necessary to set the record straight and address the misleading information circulated by the NDLEA.
“It is an open secret that many criminals, cultists, armed robbers, and drug addicts find their way back into business after gratifying and bribing law enforcement officers.
“The NDLEA ought to search its house and fish out bad eggs rather than seek cheap publicity!
“Senator Ashiru remains committed to serving the people of Kwara South and upholding the truth at all times in the search for strict professionalism among our law enforcement agencies.”

Sustain Development Tempo At Grassroots, Kogi Gov, Ododo Charges New Council Leaders

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2024

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has charged the newly elected Council Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to sustain the tempo of development which his government has since embarked on at the grassroot level, for the benefit of the masses.
Swearing in the Council leaders today, October 21, at the government House in Lokoja, the state capital, Governor Ododo reminded them that there would be no excuse for lack of performance by any of them.
He reminded them about the essence of new dispensation whereby local governments are as independent to operate as any other arm of government.
The Governor emphasized the need for the chairmen and vice chairmen to be dedicated in serving the people they represent.
Ododo further charged them to embark on projects and programmes that will improve the lives of the people and to ensure security of lives and property of the people in their areas.
He asked them to key into signature programmes of his government in the areas of health, agriculture, social welfare and empowerment initiatives to transform the lives of the people in their respective local government areas.
The Governor who described the local government as the most important tier of government and the closest to the people also enjoined the new council chairmen to ensure that the people are carried along in all their activities and to promote inclusion of all stakeholders in decision making process.
He stressed that the local government administration should not only be seen but must be felt by the people in line with the policy of his administration to bring governance closer to the people.
Governor Ododo called on the new chairmen to be transparent and accountable in running the affairs of the local government, and that they must see their election as an opportunity to justify the autonomy of the local government administration by according priorities to matters that have direct positive impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots.
The chairman of Yagba West local government area, Tosin Olokun, who spoke on behalf of the 21 local government chairmen assured of their commitment to complement the efforts of the state government by embarking on projects and programmes that will transform the lives of the people at the grassroots.
He also promised to unite the people, irrespective of political differences in line with the agenda of the state government under Governor Ododo, to unite the people of the state and focus more on development.

Late Aishetu, Mother Of Ojeifo, CONCLAVE Publisher, For Burial Nov 22

Greenbarge Reporters

October 21, 2024

Madam Aishetu Ojeifo, mother of the publisher of CONCLAVE online newspaper, Sufuyan Ojeifo, has been scheduled to be buried on November 22 at her residence in Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
In a statement today, October 21, on behalf of the family, Sufuyan Ojeifo said that the burial will be heralded by a wake at the family residence in Owo, Ondo state on November 21, to be followed by religious ceremonies that would culminate in the interment of her remains on Friday, November 22.
“On Saturday, November 23, 2024, there will be a celebration of life of Madam Aishetu Ojeifo by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family members, family friends, and communities who were directly or indirectly impacted by her life and times of discipline compassion, and good neighbourliness, nested in the service of God and mankind.”
The statement added that there would be a thanksgiving church service on November 24, in Owo, Ondo State.
Madam Aishetu died on October 12 at the age of 91, two months to her 92nd birthday that would have been celebrated on December 12. She died after a brief illness at the family house in the ancient town of Owo in Ondo State, where she lived all of her married life.
According to information, the deceased left behind worthy legacies of service to God and mankind as well as successful children, including those she mentored.

…mother and son (Sufuyan)
Madam Aishetu Ojeifo, born into the royal family of Agbede, is survived by three children: Mr. Tajudeen Mayor Ojeifo, a retired secondary school principal; Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo, a Journalist and publisher of THE CONCLAVE online newspaper and Mr. Kabir Ojeifo, a quantity surveyor at the FCTA in Abuja; as well as twenty grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
We at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper send our condolences to Sufuyan Ojeifo and other members of the Ojeifo family over the loss of their matriarch.

We’re Determined To Build Next Generation Of Leaders In Financial, Social Sciences Sectors – CBN Boss

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2024

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has said that the Bank is determined to develop the next generation of leaders in the financial and social sciences sectors, emphasising the necessity of addressing the scarcity of skilled professionals in finance-related fields in Nigerian universities.
Cardoso spoke during a strategic engagement with the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Professor Adeola Adenikinju, who led a team of NES officials and the Nigerian Economics Students Association (NESA), at the CBN Head Office in Abuja.
He expressed his belief in the collective effort needed for youth development, saying that special consideration should be given to creating opportunities for youths and providing them with tools to thrive in their respective sectors and make them globally competitive.
He described the meeting as a demand-driven conversation, adding that it had set the stage for a robust pipeline of talents that will drive Nigeria’s Financial System Strategy.
After the presentations by members of NES and NESA on research topics, recommendations, and ongoing activities that could assist the CBN in achieving its mandate, Governor Cardoso emphasised the need for organising mentorship collaboration with NES and NESA to enable both associations to achieve their set objectives.
The Governor stressed the importance of communication, saying that there need to simplify dense and heavy economic concepts, which has always been challenging when communicating monetary policy.
He noted the place of the young economists in demystifying the subject and giving it a better perspective, even as he reaffirmed the CBN’s readiness to work with NES and NESA and encourage significant female representation.
Cardoso expressed optimism that the collaboration with the groups marked an essential step towards building a resilient and inclusive financial sector that thrives on talent, innovation, and diversity. He hoped that such would instil hope in the sector’s future.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Professor Adeola Adenikinju, highlighted areas of concern for the team and the need for collaboration with the CBN.
He said that the association had the largest number of economists who could transfer such knowledge, citing a gap around mentorship programmes.
According to him, other areas include research support, internship opportunities, workshops/conferences and leveraging social media in communication.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Economics Students Association (NESA), Comrade Bakre Israel Boluwatife, expressed gratitude to the CBN Governor for the opportunity for the engagement.
He said that NESA looked forward to contributing to the body of research in inflation and money supply.

Integration Of Technology In Learning: NCDMB Signs MoU With UBEC

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2024

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the NCDMB-UBEC Smart Schools Development Initiative (NUSSDI).
The MoU is aimed at providing educational infrastructure, particularly in areas with high rates of out-of-school children as well as underserved rural communities, integration of technology in learning, building the capacity of teachers and educational administrators and improving overall learning outcomes.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, explained that the NUSSDI would leverage the combined mandates, expertise and resources of the two federal agencies “to bequeath smart schools equipped with modern technology and innovative teaching methods.”
“It will equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and technological capacity necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
He said that basic education is the foundation of human capital development and that the NCDMB is deliberate in its efforts to develop “a pipeline of talents for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi described the significance of the MoU, as a “game changer” for the funding and implementation of basic education.
He said that the partnership would have a profound and lasting influence on the lives of children, families, and Nigeria’s future.
He canvassed for increased resources and support in the education sector, adding that the partnership with other agencies and organizations will bridge funding gaps.
Under the MOU, NCDMB will provide training and professional development opportunities for teachers, while UBEC and NCDMB will collaborate on infrastructure development projects.
The MoU also seeks to develop and implement local content programmes in basic education, foster research and development in basic education and promote industry-academia partnerships.
The Smart Schools Development Initiative represents a systematic broadening of NCDMB’s programmes for promotion of digital education as well as the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), under which the Board has provided several secondary schools in the country’s six geopolitical zones with fully equipped Information and Communication Technology Centres (ICTs) and trained scores of teachers to enhance their effectiveness in impartation of knowledge and relevant skills.

Council Polls: APC Sweeps Kogi Clean, Wins All 23 Councils

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2024

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has swept Kogi State clean in the local government election conducted yesterday, October 19, winning all 21 chairperson seats.
The State Electoral umpire, Mamman Nda-Eri, who announced the election results, said that the APC also won all 239 councillorship seats.
Nda-Eri described the elections as “peaceful, free, and fair.”
Nda-Eri added: “APC performed excellently; it cleared all the chairmanship and councillorship positions, leaving nothing to the other 18 political parties that took part in the election.”
He said that the results had earlier been declared at various collation centers by returning officers, even as he expressed gratitude to election officials, security personnel, observers, and journalists for their roles in ensuring a successful electoral process.
The chairman said that a woman won the chairperson seat in Ogori-Magongo LGA, making history among newly elected officials.
Before the polls, Kogi APC reserved LGA vice-chairperson positions for women as a way of promoting gender representation.
The APC also committed to reserving 40% of councillorship tickets for female candidates, empowering women in politics.
Hereunder is the list of elected chairpersons.
1. Adavi – Rasheed Okatengwu
2. Ajaokuta – Haruna Aliyu
3. Ankpa – Adamu Yahaya
4. Bassa – Adama Theophilus Daruwana
5. Dekina – John Urah
6. Ibaji – Emmanuel Onuche
7. Idah – Alfa Halilu
8. Igalamela/Odolu – Cosmos Atabor
9. Ijumu – Haruna Ibrahim
10. Kabba/Bunu – Zacheaus Dare
11. Kogi – Musa Abdulmalik
12. Lokoja – Abdullahi Adamu
13. MopaMuro – Ademola Bello
14. Ofu -Musa Muhammed Lawal
15. Ogori/Magongo – Rosemary Ohiezuchah
16. Okehi – Amoka Monday
17. Okene – Enesi Ahmed Nuhu
18. Olomaboro – Ameh Williams
19. Omalla – Edibo Mark
20. Yagba East – Joshua Dare Monday
21. Yagba West – Olokun Tosin

General Gowon At 90: My Reminiscing, By Nathaniel Ikyur

Greenbarge Reporters

October 20, 2024

Yakubu Gowon, a retired General of the Nigerian Army was the youngest Head of State (1966-1975) that Nigeria had produced. He needs no introduction. He was, and is still loved by many. And here’s an account of my first hand ‘close contact’ with him.
In 1973, while preparing for our promotional examinations from Primary 1 to primary 2, at LGEA Primary School, Uchi-Mbakor, present day Tarka local Government Area, (then in old Gboko local government area), our former Headmaster, Late Gbakaan Aminde announced to the students and teachers, during one of our assembly gatherings, the state visit of the Head of State to Benue-Plateau State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon. The school was thrown into excitement.
We were told the Head of State would pass through our school, situated by the road side along Makurdi-Gboko highway to visit the then Tor Tiv, HRH, Gondo Aluor now late in his palace in Gboko. To my little mind, i thought he would stop by and shake our hands. All students were to line up along the road in front of our school in our blue shorts and white shirts uniforms. It was a sight to behold.
One of the teachers, i can’t remember his name, was asked to teach us this line:
“General Yakubu Gowon, welcome to Benue-Plateau State.” We were to be waving in the air.
As early as 7am on the day of his visit, we came prepared. As soon as the headmaster and teachers were convinced that the population of students was enough, we started repeating the line waving in the air. We chorused this in sync, excitedly. The rendition was that of a mass choir in the presence of the King.
By noon, both teachers and students were fatigued due to long hours under the scorching sun. The headmaster then dismissed us for a short break but directed us to resume immediately. We did and came back early and lined up.
Some pupils and even teachers were still struggling to fix themselves up on the line when at about 4pm or there about, we heard the presidential convoy of Peugoet cars blaring with sirens from a distance. We all rushed into line and began our routine of repeating the line: “General Yakubu Gowon, welcome to Benue-Plateau State.” We waved alongside.
In a flash, the Head of State and his convoy passed without even slowing down. I’m not sure he ever noticed that the school pupils had been in the sun for almost a whole day. The speed with which the comvoy passed without acknowledging our presence made me think we didn’t matter.
Fast forward: And so, many years after, i trained as a journalist, working with Vanguard newspaper in Abuja. General Gowon who was toppled in 1975, fled the country before he eventually returned to Nigeria.
During one of my routine assignments at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, i ran into our former head of state at the entry foyer of Transcorp Hilton. This time, no convoys. No heavy security details around him. He was just alone, with his orderly. They were waiting for his driver to come forward with his car. I was excited to ‘catch’ our head of state so easily.
As I moved closer to him, the detail closed in on me but the fatherly wave to him saved me. I greeted him respectfully. He asked me who I was. I told him and went ahead to narrate how we stood in the sun for almost a whole day waiting for him in 1973. I told him i was, like many then, were disappointed that he didn’t even slowed down to acknowledge our well rehearsed welcome message and hand wave.
Gowon smiled and tapped me at the back saying, “young man, you did it for me. They will also do it for you tomorrow.” By this time, his car had parked and the orderly had opened the door as i walked with him to his car. He waved again smiling. I don’t know what mat have been going through his mind.
There were no phones then so I didn’t have the opportunity to take any selfies with the former president.
From this ‘close’ contact and a watching him from a distance, Gowon played his part for the sake of Nigeria. We should strive to do our part, building on what he and our forefathers had lived and fought for. Such is the life of this gentleman soldier, politician, academic, father, grand father and great grand father.
Your Excellency sir, as you mark your 90th Birthday, I join thousands in Nigeria and around the World to wish you many more years filled with joy and happiness.
Happy Birthday General Yakubu Gowon.

Ikyur wrote in from Makurdi, Benue State.

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