COP28: President Tinubu Unveils Bold Vision For A Greener Nigeria With Rollout Of 100 Electric Buses.

COP28: President Tinubu Unveils Bold Vision For A Greener Nigeria With Rollout Of 100 Electric Buses. 

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is taking a significant step towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future by introducing a pioneering initiative to deploy a fleet of 100 electric buses. 

The President spoke at a high-level meeting with stakeholders and investors on the Nigeria Carbon Market and Electric Buses Rollout Programme on Saturday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the margins of the COP28 climate summit. 

President Tinubu explained that the strategic initiative is aimed at significantly reducing Nigeria's carbon footprint and modernizing the country's transportation systems as part of a larger effort to position Nigeria and Africa as the pioneering frontier of green manufacturing and industrialization with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel alongside other renewable energy sources.

To spearhead this transformative plan, the President announced the appointment of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mr. Dahiru Salisu, to co-chair the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan.

''This initiative stands as a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship as clearly exemplified through our collaboration with the Africa Carbon Market Initiative. Our visionary plan is a strategic guidepost, directing Nigeria towards becoming an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments. 

''We recognize the imperative of fostering an environment that not only attracts investment but also upholds standardized and sustainable industrial practices. As a manifestation of our forward-thinking approach, we are actively looking to implement robust, enabling policies and frameworks that will serve as the catalyst for the burgeoning growth of the carbon market within our national borders. 

''In further driving my commitment, I have recently approved an Inter-governmental Committee on Carbon Markets to be chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change to drive this visionary plan,'' the President stated.

The President assured prospective investors that this initiative transcends being a mere pilot project. 

''It is a concrete manifestation of our unwavering dedication to a carbon-neutral future. I assure you; this is only the commencement of our ambitious plans, with many more impactful initiatives on the horizon," he said.

President Tinubu, while acknowledging the pressing need for a comprehensive global collaboration on climate-related challenges, called on global partners to join hands in accelerating collective efforts towards a net-zero future. 

''As we unveil our initiatives, I challenge other nations to emulate our strides in mapping out their sustainable futures with a clear understanding that Africa is a beacon of innovative solutions to climate-related challenges. 

''In this pursuit, we acknowledge the pressing need for comprehensive global collaboration, and we reiterate our commitment to being an active participant in international efforts. 

''Nigeria's plans for a greener and cleaner economy can serve as an inspirational narrative for nations worldwide. Our comprehensive approach, rooted in visionary leadership and pragmatic action supported by our technical partners, is poised to become a blueprint for countries aspiring to also develop and catalyze their markets for sustainable growth,'' the President concluded. 

In his remarks, FIRS Chairman, Mr. Zacch Adedeji acknowledged the visionary leadership of President Tinubu as the guiding force behind Nigeria's commitment to harnessing its vast carbon potential.

Mr. Adedeji pledged the full commitment of the Committee to drive the implementation of efficient policies and frameworks to achieve sustainable carbon market growth.

Reiterating Nigeria's readiness to lead the global effort to combat climate change, Mr. Adedeji described the initial phase of the rollout of the electric buses as a tangible symbol of Nigeria's commitment to modernizing its transportation systems while reducing Africa's modest carbon footprint.

''In the immediate term, Nigeria will proudly unveil a series of innovative, clean, modern, and sustainable initiatives across diverse sectors. These initiatives are strategically designed to not only address climate change-related challenges but also to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for global investments. 

''The business-friendly environment and policy frameworks we are developing underscore our readiness to welcome and facilitate investments that align with our collective commitment to a greener future for Nigeria and the African continent,'' the FIRS Chairman affirmed.

Ekiti LG Polls: Gov. Oyebanji Votes, Hails SIEC, Voters For Peaceful Conduct.

Ekiti LG Polls: Gov. Oyebanji Votes, Hails SIEC, Voters For Peaceful Conduct.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday voted at his Ikogosi country home in the first local government council election conducted by his administration.

The Governor who voted at his Ward 6, Unit 003 Okelele Street, Ikogosi-Ekiti around 11.40am, commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) for a seamless and peaceful electoral process. He also tanked Ekiti electorate for the peaceful conduct in the election which took place in all the 16 local Government Areas (LGAs) and 22 Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs)

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote, the Governor expressed delight that people at the grassroots were able to choose their representatives at local government and the 177 wards without fear or threat or any form of crisis.

Governor Oyebanji described local government election as strategic and fundamental to the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

The Governor who scored the current local government administration in many of the council areas in the state high in the areas of infrastructure development, maintained that local governments are viable instruments of grassroots political participation, socialization, economic and infrastructure development.

While commending the State Independent Electoral Commission and the security agencies in the state for the peaceful conduct of the election, the Governor said government would continue to prioritize voters’ education and sensitization across the state in order to foster a more robust democratic process and participation.

“I am happy that as government we are doing this, because local government election is the most critical arm of government with respect to delivering government policies at the grassroots level and it is very important to democratise government at this level because it is the closest to the people and the beauty of democracy is to have representatives at that level being elected by the people and am happy that we have done this in Ekiti State.

“I am also happy because the people on their own have the opportunity to choose their representatives at local government level and at the ward level. So far so good, the turnout is a bit low and that tells us we need to do more on voters’ education and sensitization.” The Governor asserted.

A remarkable development in the Saturday local government election is the unprecedented huge number of female candidates vying for various positions. This include seven female candidates for the chairmanship; 16 candidates for the Vice Chairmanship position and 33 candidates for the councillorship position.

The development, according to Governor Oyebanji, is not only heart-warming, but speaks to the fact democracy is taking a firm root in Ekiti State.

It is recall that pursuant to Section 5, Subsection 1 of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission Law (Third Amendment) No. 13 of 2021, on September 29, 2023, the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) announced that the 2023 LGA and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections will be conducted on December 2, in the 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs across the state.

On Saturday 7th of October 2023, Ward Congresses held to elect Chairmanship and Counsellorship candidates.

Submission of the list of qualified and unqualified candidates to political parties and replacement of candidates by political parties was held between 6th- 10th of November, 2023.

Publication of names of electoral officers nominated by political parties and issuance of notice of polls held on the 20th of November 2023.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023: The candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), kicked off their campaign exercise across the state at ward and local government levels ahead of the December 2, 2023 polls.

Thursday, November 30, 2023: Distribution of election materials by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission for the LGA/LCDA elections commenced.

Governor Otti plans to increase minimum wage for workers.

Governor Otti plans to increase minimum wage for workers.

Governor Alex Otti has concluded plans to increase the salaries of the Abia State workforce.

Otti disclosed this in Umuahia on Friday night during a media parley with journalists, stating that he is engaging with stakeholders to improve the minimum wage of the state workers and that soonest, the package would be made public.

The reason for adjusting the package, he said, was in line with the realities at hand, especially the economy, adding that the recently retired permanent secretaries and directors would receive arrears of salaries and gratuities due to them while reassuring of his commitment to defray pension arrears in the state.

“We do understand that things are a bit more difficult for the people. We are engaging with stakeholders to see how we can improve on the pay of civil servants in line with the present economic realities, where exchange rates have converged upwards and fuel subsidy has been removed and inflation is heading to 30%.

“We are already working to see how we can improve on not just the minimum wage but also across the line and announcement to that effect will be made in due course,” he said.

The governor also explained that he did not sack permanent secretaries in the state, stating that the officials were first placed on suspension and that their removal was in line with what was obtained at the federal level and that due process was followed.

He also explained that there are too many people in the state civil service and that the number has been “underreported. The number is beyond us”, stating that even in the Government House, there are many workers who are not doing anything and have been able to transfer out, 237 of them, who cannot be sacked.

On the issue of alleged expenses on food by his government, Otti said there is no truth in the allegations as they are unfounded and a hatchet man’s job, noting, “There is nothing like that. It is a hatchet man’s job. The truth of the matter is that it is about falsehood. This is a government that is very prudent in the way it handles funds.”

Otti used the opportunity to explain that he was not working or living in the Government House because his predecessor commissioned an incomplete building while the old Government House was left in a dilapidated state.

He further explained that all his appointments followed due process and approval by the state House of Assembly, including the award of contracts, which were also approved by the Finance and General Purpose Committee.

The Modern Ceramics Umuahia, he also said, belonged to the Catholic Church, regretting, “But what they found there was different. They found out that the technology has moved. We are already looking at the industries” including the Modern Ceramics, Aba textile mills, Aba Papers, Aba Metallurgical Complex, and Aba Glass Industry.

“Preliminary works did not support bringing Modern Ceramics back where it is today. We are looking at moving it near to the source of raw material. We are studying and revalidating them. We do not ecourage any industry to die”, he said.

On tourism, the Abia State Chief Executive said, “We are not unmindful of some tourist centres, including the National War Museum, Umuahia. We believe that tourism must be supported in terms of ancillary businesses and industries, including good roads, secure environment and acceptable hotels. First thing first. Let us create the enabling environment first before looking at tourism.”

Otti allayed people’s fear that he might not be comfortable with the higher number of opposition party members at the state House of Assembly, stating that the Abia State lawmakers are concentrating on development, while adding, “I do not think I will have a problem with them”, noting further that they are there for oversight “and are supporting us”.

Other issues, he said include counterparty funding which he said the state has been paying and also receiving from donor agencies, getting the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH Aba back to shape; assuring that the resources due to the new LGA Mayors in the 17 LGAs of the state will be left with them to encourage the development of their communities; and for a healthy competition with other LGAs, “and not when money is shared, but for competition”.

He also assured of the realisation of Abia Industrial Innovative Park, AIIP, in Ukwa West, disclosing that already, a Chinese company and a Nigerian company are struggling for the bid. He added that, though capital intensive, his administration has concluded plans to start the fencing of the former cattle market at Lokpanta, adding that amusement parks will soon return in Aba and Umuahia “as we have it in mind.”

He described as unfortunate the pulling down of buildings allegedly belonging to Igbos in Lagos, stating, “If we build the enabling environment in Abia, companies will come. We believe that what we are doing will attract businessmen to come and do business in Abia.

Niger to construct $100m sports arena.

Niger to construct $100m sports arena.

The Niger State Government has disclosed that it will build the first-ever sports arena in the state worth $100 million.

The state governor, Mohammed Bago, said the sports arena which is to be built between Abuja and Suleija is part of his commitment to sports development in the state.

He made this known on Saturday when he received a delegation led by the President, Federation of Public Service Games, Mr. Aluko Amaebi, at his residence.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, revealed in a statement on the visit that Bago said the facility is part of his commitment to sports development by providing all requirements needed to boost the sector.

Ibrahim stated that the governor who unveiled the sporting kits for the 42nd Federal Civil Service games to be hosted by Niger State, described sports as “an important element in the well-being of people” and offered some of the sporting facilities at the Government House to be used for the games.

He expressed delight that civil servants who are referred to as the engine room of the nation’s economy have ventured into sports and promised to support them.

Amaebi, in his remarks, disclosed that the games to be hosted by Niger State comprise the entire Federal Public Service inclusive of all federal establishments in the 36 states of the Federation.

He commended the efforts of Bago towards sports development and stated that the role he played during his time in the National Assembly speaks volumes.

According to Ibrahim, no fewer than 10,000 delegates from the Federal, State and Local Government Civil Service will be participating in different sports from the 4th to the 14th of December, 2023, in Minna, the state capital

2024 budget will improve lives, says minister.

 2024 budget will improve lives, says minister. 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris-Malagi, on Saturday, expressed optimism that the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion will mark a transformative era in the country upon passage by the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu had, on Wednesday, presented the first full-year budget of his administration to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The minister, while declaring open the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations 2023 Annual Public Lecture/AGM/Awards & Election, noted that the budget signified a pivotal step towards the realisation of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In addition to its focus on development priorities, the minister noted that the budget demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration recognises the importance of prudent financial management as the foundation for long-term economic stability.

The minister said, “Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year budget of his administration.

“The budget as presented signifies a pivotal step towards the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives.

“As the 2024 Appropriation Bill moves through the legislative process, we are very optimistic that its passage will mark the beginning of a transformative era, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians.

“Before this week’s budget presentation, President Tinubu had assented to an equally important supplementary budget, signed some landmark Bills and Executive Orders into law, and inaugurated special presidential initiatives on fiscal policy reform, Compressed Natural Gas, Food Security, MSME support, and other critical areas of the economy.

“The goal has been to deliver relief to the Nigerian people, and lay the groundwork for true and lasting prosperity.”

Idris-Malagi continued, “At this juncture, let me remind us that one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda is “Inclusivity,” which means inclusive policies and programmes for all segments of the population, especially youth and women.

“You can see manifestations of this even in the array of appointments made by the President so far, and the prominence given to young people and women. This is not to say we have done enough, and can therefore rest on our oars. No!”

“We can still do better, and I can assure you that President Tinubu will continue to push the envelope in this regard,” he noted.

In addition to appointments and representation, the Tinubu administration has very importantly been rolling out policies targeted at creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive across all demographic categories.”

The Minister also expressed readiness to support the development of NIPR, where he is a member.

He said, “Let me address a most germane issue that I am very familiar with, which has to do with the need for a permanent secretariat for the Kaduna Chapter of the NIPR. I am committed to supporting the effort to ensure that this is realised in a timely fashion.

“As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, I reaffirm the commitment of my Ministry, and the entire administration to fostering robust and transparent public communication, that empowers citizens with accurate, timely and useful information. In this mission, the NIPR is a much-valued partner, and I expect you to continue to live up to this responsibility.”

Three Oyo monarchs die in auto crash.

Three Oyo monarchs die in auto crash.

Residents of Oriire local government in Oyo State have been thrown into mourning over the death of the three monarchs from the area on Friday night.

They died in an auto crash involving Benz E230 with registration number OLODOGBO and a commercial Scania Truck with registration number 301 XF at Aje Iye in Oriire local government area.

Two of the affected monarchs died on the spot while the third one died few hours later at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

Six passengers were involved in the crash but the three survivors are undergoing treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.

They were going for a social function at the nearby community when the accident occured.

The affected monarchs, as reliably informed are: OLODOGBO of Odogbo, Onibowula of Bowula and Alayetoro of Ayetoro in Oriire local government area 

Confirming the road mishaps, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Joshua Adekanye, said it was a head-on collision involving a private and commercial vehicles along Ogbomoso-Oyo expressway.

He said the survivors are undergoing treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital while the corpse of the victims have been deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

In another development, Adekanye said nine out of 13 passengers suffered varies degree of burnt when DAF brand of a Truck caught fire along Ogbomoso-Oyo expressway on the same day 

He added that no life was lost but the injured ones are receiving treatment in the hospital.

Motorists driving with earphones risk six months in jail –FRSC.

Motorists driving with earphones risk six months in jail –FRSC.

The Federal Road Safety Corps says it is illegal to receive or make telephone calls while driving, regardless of any wireless gadget used for such communication.

The FRSC also said drivers who make or receive calls behind the wheels with AirPods, EarPods or any form wired or wireless earphones and handsfree mode risk six months in jail.

FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, said driving requires total concentration and road users should not take any risk on their lives.

He said it is illegal to make calls or receive same while driving, according to the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012.

Kazeem said, “It is illegal. Driving entails 100 per cent concentration so you cannot be distracted. It is there in the regulation.

 “It is clear from the provisions of Reg 166 (1) that it is illegal to make phone call using EarPods earphone or whatever means. 

“It is also clear that phone call is not restricted to telephone conversation between two or more people.

“Anything that will distract you while driving must be avoided. When we do public enlightenment, we even discourage drivers talking to passengers which could cause distraction.

“The law may not make it an offence but at the same time, it can distract you, even changing your cassette (while driving) can distract you and result to accident.”