By Emmanuella Anokam

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Conversion Workshop Owners, to fast track free conversion of one million vehicles in the country.

The Conversion Incentive Programme will tackle barriers by offering free CNG kits and conversion to targeted one million vehicles in the next three years.

The P-CNGi embarked on this elaborate programme regarded as the highest quantum of conversions so far in the world.

Speaking at the MoU signing on Thursday in Abuja, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/CEO, P-CNGi, said it had identified 123 conversion workshops, aiming to have 2,000, and achieve one million conversions by 2027.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partners, including NIPCO Gas, Portland Gas Ltd., Fix It 45, ABG Oil and Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), are participating in the conversion programme.

The Conversion Incentive Programme is designed to tackle the barriers in Nigeria’s commercial transport entities/operators, to convert vehicles from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to CNG engines.

The programme is a government response, borne out of the complaint by Nigerians over the high cost of conversion amounting to about N500,000.

“This partnership is basically to respond to that concern; firstly for commercial operators that are unionised through their unions can benefit 100 per cent discount, that is they will get the kits and installation done for free.

“The unionised commercial operators include the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Nigerian Association of Transport Owners (NATO) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“And these will be done through the 123 certified workshops that we have identified while we will work with these five present in the FCT then activate more as we expand across the country.

“Through the partnership the second operators which include Bolt Nigeria and UBER among others will also benefit 50 per cent write-off on the equipment and free installation, while government pays the remaining 50 per cent.

“Arrangement is made too with these companies for them to pay at instalments without upfront.

“Vast Nigerians depend on these Rideshares aside from the public mode of transportation; now Nigerians will be able to benefit from the low cost of transportation occasioned by the implementation of this programme,’’ he said.

He said the P-CNGi had about 20,000 plus potential conversion kits to be distributed to state with CNG capacity under the palliative initiative in the next three months.

He added that the National Assembly had made additional funding, to facilitate procurement of necessary kits and cylinders to be made available in the fourth quarter of 2024.

“Work have started, installation of conversion kits has begun, mass transit vehicles operators that move 90 per cent of Nigerians will benefit and pass on their savings to consumers, based on the agreement,’’ he said.

The P-CNGi boss said it had a strong monitoring mechanism around conversion and enforcement of reduced pricing, adding that the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System would ensure proper conversion and tracking.

He further said that within the framework of the agreement, some significant pass-on of the savings would be realised.

According to him, the President upon adoption of CNG for transportation promised that Nigerians can benefit from reduced cost of transportation by ensuring proper implementation.

In their seperate remarks, Mr Mohammed Bawa of ABG Oil and Gas, Zankyang Duniwa, Operations Manager, Bolt Nigeria and Mr Aliyu Isa, Acting President, NURTW, pledged to ensure that Nigerians derived the CNG initiative benefits through 50 per cent transportation fare slash. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) and Lagos state ministries of transportation alongside works and infrastructure have met to address key issues impacting the Lekki- Epe community.

LERSA President, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, at a tripartite meeting in Lagos, lauded the state government’s current efforts on collaboration to improve businesses, the environment and livelihood across the axis.

Bello stated that key issues to be addressed included pedestrian safety on the newly paved sections of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, to address the rising number of hit-and-run accidents.

He called for the completion of key roads such as the regional road and Saliu Obodo road projects.

The LERSA president also advocated the need to manage increase in heavy-duty truck traffic due to the area’s rapid development.

“There’s the need for efficient heavy-duty towing infrastructure services and improved bus terminus operations at the Ajah BRT terminus.

“We also propose the possibility of reviewing some intersections for optimal commuting experience and enhanced operational efficiency.

“We call for the Ogombo-Sangotedo bypass road project status and completion details, and also the Bonny Camp to Ajah Road Upgrade with regards to current repair interventions, as well as short to long term solutions.

“It has also become important to checkmate the rising impact of drug abuse and other associated vices along the axis,” he said.

Responding, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that approval of 12 units of pedestrian flyover bridges with full illumination, on the Lekki-Epe Expressway had been given.

He shed more light on the recent launch of the Lagos State Transportation Masterplan, its wide-ranging implications and the implementation of the state’s new transportation model, starting from the Lekki axis.

Osiyemi stated that there were new initiatives to ramp up water transportation assets or services, and ongoing efforts to ensure that construction sites do not cause drainage constraints.

“There would be imminent enforcement action against gated estates blocking the free-flow of traffic, and I reiterate that gates must be manned and accessible between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

“We are announcing the advent of e-call-up system and evacuation of freight by barges and enhancing Vehicle Inspection System (VIS) as a tool to address unworthy trucks,” he said.

Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said that the implementation of proper signages around construction corridors and other areas in need of road signages was ongoing.

He urged citizens to guide against the worrisome trend of willful damage and vandalisation of critical public assets by helping to protect state resources.(NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has revealed plans to set up a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day (WPD), organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This, he said, is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the already existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD is annually commemorated on July 11 around the globe to raise awareness of global population issues and to celebrate those who contributed to solving such issues.

The 2024 edition of the global observance has “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All” as its theme.

Shettima, therefore, said “it is worthy to note that under the present dispensation, we were able to fulfill the 30 per cent quota for youth inclusion in governance across all tiers of government and most importantly, the President has walked the talk.

“He approved N110 billion for the Youth Investment Fund. We are setting up the National Youth Development Bank. We are going to set up the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.

“This is in addition to the Youth Data Bank that minister earlier talked about that we are setting up.”

The vice-president pointed out that if governments at all levels have access to inclusive data sources, policy actions and investments would align with the needs of citizens.

He listed the needs to include the provision of decent jobs that pay sustainable incomes to working-age population, creation of affordable and equitable access to quality healthcare services at all levels, and quality education for all.

Shettima, who is the Chairman, National Economic Council (NEC), pledged to use the platform and other networks within his purview to ensure people and communities remained government’s focus for development.

He added that “I believe that aligning the people with investment choices will transform quantity (numbers) to quality (capital) and from liability to assets, guaranteeing rapid economic growth.”

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, had urged partners present at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.

She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potential of young people for national development, regardless of their location and status. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian workers, as the driving force of the nation, deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions.

The President stated this on Thursday in Abuja, while speaking with the leadership of the organised labour led by the Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress  (TUC), Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively.

Tinubu said he was concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and his administration was prioritising their concerns.

“I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker, and  society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” the President said.

He, however, called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question.

“You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalise on the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.

“Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two or three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow.

“There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors,” he said.

Ajaero emphasised the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, noting: “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”

He congratulated the President on the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.

“I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been on the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you.”

On his part, Osifo said inflation had adversely affected the value of the Naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation needed to kick in, to give citizens relief.

He said the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses would help in checking the high cost of transportation, while the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports would bring down the prices of food items, if properly implemented.

“We commend you on the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today. 

“With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the TUC President said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Hafsah Tilde
The culture of putting on shoes and the type and cost is a great deal for many people, especially celebrities and other famous individuals.

Shoes have become part of the fashion trends that defines a person and his or her social standing; it is personal identifier.

The cost of a shoe is classified by the brand name or the event where it was used as well as the person(s) using it.

The former Philippines first lady, Imelda Marcos, was reported to have a stock of very expensive shoes running into over 3,000 pairs.

People do express themselves through fashion and by styling they can enhance their self confidence and esteem.

Shoes can be classified as both clothing and accessory, as its purpose is functional, just as choosing the right shoe for the right event is important.

There are some grand brands that stands out and these include Jimmy Choo, Dolce and Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Prada, UGG, Balmain, Love Moschino, Burberry, Balenciaga amongst many others.

These luxury shoe brands are a display of meticulous detail, exclusive designs, excellence, and are limited editions; they are sort of investments for some people.

According to Forbes India, the world’s most expensive shoes are Moonstar Shoes by Antonio Vietri worth $19.9million, Jada Dubai and Passion Jewellers Passion Diamond shoes worth $17 million while Debbie Wingham heels go for $15.1 million.

The shoes thrown at President George W Bush was worth $10 million, Harry Winston Ruby slippers is worth $3 million.

The Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Sneakers was $2.2 million, Stuart Weitzman Cinderella Slippers is worth $2 million and the Tanzanite Heels is worth $2 million.

These shoes are made from very expensive materials of rare and excellent quality making them worthy of their amounts and high value.

Some of such materials are solid gold, diamonds, gold thread, rubies, Italian leather, tanzanite and Kuwait diamond.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz/Ekemini Ladejobi

Traffic was disrupted along the Kubwa Expressway on Thursday evening when a tanker offloading petrol caught fire inside a filling station.

Fire fighters were, however, on ground to respond to the situation.

The incident at Dutse junction on Kubwa Expressway did not claim any life.

Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024, which is before the state House of Assembly, will end blackouts in the state.

By Oluwatope Lawanson
Mr Ukertor Moti, a Professor of Public Sector Management and Governance at the University of Abuja, has advised Africans to take significant steps to mitigate the effects of disinformation.

Moti gave the advice while addressing participants at a three-day regional conference funded by Global Affairs Canada, held in Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the regional conference aims at promoting partnerships and amplifying truth to safeguard democratic institutions and processes.

The conference was first held in Monrovia in July 2023.

Wednesday’s conference had the theme: “Countering Disinformation and Hate Speech in West Africa”.

It was organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development, West Africa, with the support of the National Democratic Institute.

According to Moti, disinformation and hate speech destabilise a system.

He said that the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) had led to both innovations and challenges particularly in information integrity.

He urged that the challenges should be thoughtfully addressed.

Moti said that it was necessary to effectively address multi-faceted challenges posed by Al-enabled misinformation and disinformation.

He, therefore, advocated collaborations among stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers and technology companies, to address challenges posed by disinformation.

“It is important to foster a global understanding and cooperation to tackle the spread of false information facilitated by the rise of man-made content and Al technologies.

“Through enhanced collaborations, innovations and regulations, we can harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its risks.

“Let us ensure a future where technology uplifts rather than undermines public trust and democratic values, ” he said.

The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, said that disinformation and hate speech eroded trust, incited violence and polarised communities.

Ebuebu, who was represented by Mr Raphael Akpan, the NBC Lagos Zonal Director, said that it was imperative to counter the threats with vigilance, integrity and steadfast commitment to truth.

He called for collaborations to develop innovative strategies and implement effective measures to combat the spread of false information.

Ebuebu said that countering disinformation and hate speech was crucial for trust, community cohesion and protection of the society.

He said: “With vigilance, integrity and commitment to truth, NBC believes that a healthier and more responsible media environment can be achieved in West Africa.” (NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola