Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government,has handed over 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Oyo State Government.

The Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), Micheal Oluwagbemi, handed over the buses on behalf of the Federal Government at the Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), Eleyele, Ibadan.

He stated that the deployment of CNG buses in Nigeria aims to address issues related to petrol importation and other challenges affecting Nigerians.

He added:“Ibadan, for generations, has always been attractive since its founding; it’s a place where commerce thrives and a state of secret billionaires. This initiative demonstrates that the state is indeed a pioneer and a fitting place to launch the CNG programme.

“President Bola Tinubu has urged us to use our gas resources to advance the transportation industry, produce more food and fertilizers, and undertake other projects that will ease life for the people.

“We are starting to take the right steps, though it requires us to endure some challenges. We cannot return to subsidising our own impoverishment. As a team, we are committed to this effort.

“We present these 20 buses as part of a sustainable partnership with Pacesetter Transport Service to generate income, as they are valuable assets. We need more such investments to ensure a more sustainable mass transit system, contributing to a brighter future for the state and Nigeria,”he said.

Receiving the CNG buses on behalf of the Oyo State Government, the Chairman and Sole Administrator of PTS, Dr Ibraheem Salami, aka Dikko, thanked the Federal Government and Tinubu for the initiative.

He noted that when he assumed office, he encountered only five operational buses, adding that the number has now increased to 81.

Dikko emphasized that CNG is the best solution to the state’s transportation issues, noting that Governor Seyi Makinde supports the project to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group(NESG),says collaboration among key stakeholders would bring economic growth, competitiveness and stability in Nigeria’s quest for economic transformation.

Ms. Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, Acting Head, Strategic Communication & Advocacy, NESG, said this in a statement made available to Premium News on Monday.

“The call to action is clear: through collaboration, we can achieve growth, competitiveness, and stability, paving the way for a brighter future for Nigeria and the entire African continent”,she quoted in the statement.

She disclosed that the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit – Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability is billed to hold from October 14 -16, 2024 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

According to her,the NESG has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic transformation for three decades.

She said:”As a private sector-led think tank and policy advocacy group, NESG has tirelessly worked to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors.

“Its mission is to foster open and continuous dialogue on Nigeria’s economic challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the country’s economic policies are inclusive, forward-thinking, and conducive to sustainable development.

“As Nigeria prepares for the landmark 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #30) with the theme, “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” scheduled to hold from October 14-16, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja stands as a beacon for the nation’s future trajectory.

“This theme encapsulates the essence of what is needed to propel Nigeria, and indeed Africa, towards a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient economic future.

“The summit’s discussions and outcomes will be pivotal in shaping policies and strategies that harness Nigeria’s potential to drive continental transformation.”

Ayanlowo said since the first Nigerian Economic Summit in 1993, the platform has been instrumental in Nigeria’s economic evolution.

“Convened amidst severe economic challenges, the initial summit aimed to transition Nigeria from a state-led economic model to a dynamic, private sector-driven economy.

“This fundamental shift in economic philosophy was necessary to foster innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness.For decades, Nigeria’s economy was marked by a government monopoly in business and industry, with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) dominating the landscape.

“These SOEs, supported by significant public investments, were intended to catalyse economic growth. However, over time, it became evident that a private sector-driven approach was more effective in driving sustainable growth and development.

“The Imperative of Collaboration.As we approach the 30th edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit, NESG is poised to facilitate groundbreaking discussions that will influence the nation’s economic policies and strategies.

“The theme, “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” underscores the importance of collaborative action among all stakeholders.

“Governments, businesses, civil society, and international partners must synergise their efforts to address Nigeria’s and Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.

“This collaboration is essential for stability,growth and inclusivity.

According to her,over the years, NES has been a catalyst for significant economic reforms in Nigeria, particularly in the banking sector, telecommunications, maritime and seaports, and the energy sector.

These reforms have been crucial in creating a more efficient, competitive, and diversified economy,she said

“The NES platform has also been instrumental in fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, driving Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” she said.

She spoke on Nigeria’s role in Africa’s economic landscape,saying the country’s economic performance has a profound impact on the broader African region due to its size, influence, and interconnectedness.

“The country’s large domestic market, abundant natural resources, and significant corporate footprints make it a key player in the continent’s economic dynamics.

“As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria’s economic health influences consumption, investment, and trade patterns across the region,” the statement said.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters (NPF),Monday declared one foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne, a British citizen with multiple identities and his Nigerian accomplice, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan wanted over their plot to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

The Force Headquarters also said, nine suspects have been apprehended for receiving substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country as global hunt for the fleeing suspects has commenced in connection with the investigation.

Addressing newsmen at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Police investigation of a foreigner and subversive elements for attempted regime change and orchestrated violence in Nigeria during the 10 days nationwide protest against hunger, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the suspects rented a space at Labour House, Abuja to cover his subversive activities.

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country.

He explained that: “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.

“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government.

“Investigations have identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, who built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.

“He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities. Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.

“He mobilized and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilize the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government.

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.”

According to the Force Spokesperson, “Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan have accordingly been declared wanted and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.”

Adejobi, however, disclosed that, “The ten other suspects already apprehended have been arraigned before a competent court of law today, Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime.

“They include; Angel Love Innocent (F), Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon (M), Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye AKA Leni (M), Suleiman Yakubu (M), Buhari Lawal (M), Mosiu Sadiq (M), Abayomi Adeyemi (M), Abdulsalam Zubairu (M), Nuradeen Hamis (M), and Bashir Bello (M).

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.”

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun,has since activated the INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects at large.

He also assured the general public that the Force will leave no stone unturned in dealing with and bringing to deserved justice, any individual or group threatening our national security and peace or promoting any movement with the motive of truncating our democratic government through unconstitutional means.

He said:”We recognize and remain committed to protecting citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed fundamental and democratic rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

“However, we advise citizens to be wary of subversive elements who weaponize and commercialize protests for personal financial and ideological benefits.

“Contrary to disinformation, the invitation extended to certain individuals within the NLC leadership has nothing to do with rights advocacy and activities of the Union leadership but is aimed at clearing the relationship between the individuals and Andrew Wynne who in addition to plotting unconstitutional regime change is also financing terrorism in Nigeria.”

Following the interaction between the Police investigation team and the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Force Spokesperson stated that, “There is now a clearer understanding of the focus of the ongoing police investigation and the depth of Andrew Wynne’s subversive network and activities.”

He added that:”No nation will tolerate attempts by foreign elements to interfere in its internal affairs, threaten national security and organize and fund local elements to instigate uprisings aimed at destabilizing the country and engendering violent and unconstitutional regime change.

“The Inspector-General of Police appeals for the cooperation and support of all law-abiding citizens in the ongoing investigation. He assures anyone with information leading to the arrest of any of the suspects declared wanted will be appreciated and rewarded handsomely.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), has embarked on a special enforcement exercise, which led to the arrest of 52 traffic offenders.

The apprehended offenders were duly fined,a statement by the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.),said.

It indicated that most of the offenders engaged in one-way driving; light violation, while others were found selling cars by the road side.

Adesagba said these are illegal activities that pose significant risks to road safety.

According to Adesagba, this highlights the need for continued public education and enforcement efforts to combat these dangerous acts and promote a safer and more orderly transportation system in the state.

In a related development, the agency has embarked on a sensitization campaign for Park Management System (PMS) and road users in a bid to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and enhance road safety across the state.

The initiative, led by the Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd), was carried out by all Zonal Commanders, who were tasked with sensitizing commuters in their respective zones.

According to Adesagba the sensitization program is aimed to educate PMS and road users on the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations, as well as the consequences of non-compliance.

Adesagba stressed that his agency is committed to providing a conducive environment for motorists and road users, while also ensuring that traffic regulations are strictly enforced.”

By sensitizing PMS and road users, the government hopes to reduce road accidents, traffic congestion, and other related issues, thereby promoting a safer and more efficient transportation system in the state.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise,CPPE,has cautioned the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission against intimidating retail traders in the country.

Managing Director of the CPPE,Dr Muda Yussuf,gave the suggestion against the recent one month ultimatum given to marketer traders to reduce the costs of their products.

He said,the commission appears to be unwittingly transforming into a price control agency rather than a consumer protection commission, adding that consumer protection is not about directly seeking to control price at the retail end of the supply chain.

He said,this’s why the CPPE is concerned about the approach, methodology, targeting and the recent threats by the FCCPC to market leaders, traders and supermarket owners.

He added:”The commission seem to be fighting the symptoms rather than dealing with the causes of the current inflationary pressure in the economy. Even then, the core mandate of the commission is not to fight inflation. The fiscal and monetary authorities are statutorily responsible for macroeconomic policy issues and are better placed to deal with the challenge of high prices.

“It has been proven, theoretically and empirically, that the best way to protect consumers from exploitation is to diligently promote competition across sectors. Our experience with the telecoms sector amply validates this position.

“The emphasis should not be on pricing but on deepening the culture and practice of competition and a level playing field for all investors. Intense competition makes profiteering difficult and diminishes the chances of exploitation of consumers. When consumers have choices, it is difficult to exploit them.

“FCCPC to traverse markets across the country with objective of ensuring price regulation is unlikely to yield concrete outcomes. This is not a sustainable strategy. What we need to fix are the fundamentals driving production, operating and distribution costs which resulted in spiraling inflation in the first place.

“The dynamics of pricing and prices in an economy are much more complex and fundamental and do not seem aligned with the comprehension of the FCCPC on the issue. The variables are numerous, multidimensional and dynamic. It is difficult to make pronouncements on issues profiteering in such circumstances without a rigorous analysis based on data”.

He appealed to the FCCPC to refrain from further intimidation of the operators in the retail sector of the economy most of whom are micro and small businesses, with many in the informal sector.

The sector,he said,creates millions of jobs across different levels and geographical jurisdictions,adding that there is an emerging risk of market suppression and private enterprise repression by the FCCPC, if the current trajectory continues.

He said,this marks an elevation of regulatory risk in the Nigerian economy which is detrimental to investors’ confidence.

According to him, these traders are also victims of the current economic headwinds, especially the inflationary pressures.

He said:”High prices negatively impact their sales and profit margins. Many of them had in fact shut down their businesses because of the current economic shocks.

“The commission should work in collaboration with the other agencies of government to tackle the fundamental causes of inflation in the economy.

“The focus should be on causative factors driving prices, not the symptoms. This is a more sustainable approach than resorting to intimidation of traders, supermarket owners and market men and women.

“It is also important to draw attention of the commission to areas where there are frequent consumers rights violations like the aviation, health, energy markets, electricity market, financial services, telecoms and cable Tv sectors. These areas that demand the attention of the commission even more than the markets”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin Ige 1 has promoted six including Obas and High Chiefs in the Balogun royal line following vacancies created by his ascension to the throne and the joining of the ancestors of Oba Lateef Adebimpe, the late Osi Balogun of Ibadan Land.

He performed the promotion exercise at his palace located at Oke Aremo in Ibadan North Local Government area on Friday.

At the ceremony, elevating the Obas and High Chiefs, traditional chieftaincy rites were performed by the Oluwo of Ibadanland, Chief Wahab Popoola Labosinde who decorated them with the traditional Akoko leaves.

Those elevated include; Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola who was elevated from Otun Balogun to Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, promoted from Asipa Balogun to Otun Balogun of Ibadanland and Oba John Olubunmi Isioye-Dada who moved from Ekerin Balogun to Osi Balogun of Ibadanland.

Others are; Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez (absent but represented) who rose from Ekarun Balogun to Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin who climbed the ladder from Abese Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland and Senior Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli who advanced from Maye Balogun to Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.

Oba Olakulehin Ige 1, congratulated the new chiefs on their elevation and charged them to use their new positions for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large. The monarch urged them to dedicate their lives to the service of humanity emphasising the need for selflessness in their endeavours in these new positions.

The event was witnessed by members of the Olubadan – in – Council among whom were the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko, Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande and Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade. Others include family heads, traditional chiefs, political office holders, business tycoons, religious leaders, market men and women.

A worker of a handling company at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Auwalu Ahmed Dankade, who returned $10,000 he found while cleaning an aircraft, has said that his motivation is to please Allah.

He found the money on Wednesday afternoon in an Egyptian aircraft, and Dankade immediately reported the discovery to his company manager, leading to the identification and return of the money to its owner.

Dankade said: “I have been trained not to take what does not belong to me. Anything you take unlawfully, you will be held accountable for in the hereafter.

“My parents taught us to be content with whatever we have, and this upbringing made it easy for me to return the money.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force has issued fresh summon to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero.

His Secretary General of the union, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja,was also invited for questioning over alleged “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties and conducts likely to cause breach of public peace”.

The police invitation emanated from the Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force intelligence Department (FID), Abuja dated August 28, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide.

It was addressed to Ajaero, and claimed that Ajaero’s name appeared in the investigations the police are conducting into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties.

It reads:“In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.

“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja or an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu hagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.

“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139.“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation,Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide,has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC),to initiate a probe of the recruitment process and salary payment in the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

A statement on Friday issued by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike,also implored the anti-graft commission to demand appointment letters of staff members and juxtapose it with their monthly earnings as would be shown in their respective statements of accounts.

The umbrella body of Igbo youth organisation alleged that it uncoveredl salary fraud in the Ajaokuta Steel Company,adding that the latest discovery was one of the many alleged heists going on in the company.

The statement disclosed that a preliminary investigation carried out showed that there was a high level corruption within the company’s staff recruitment process.

It added:“In our continuous drive to expose the economic sabotage and high level corruption in the Ajaokuta Steel Company, we beamed a searchlight on the company’s employment process.

“To our greatest chagrin, findings showed that staff members are not paid the same amount as outlined in their appointment letters. One of such irregularities is the case of one of the staff members who was recruited as “Graduate Manpower”, and placed under N100,000 (One hundred thousand Naira) monthly salary.

“However, shockingly, the staff member receives N18,000 (Eighteen thousand Naira) as monthly salary, leaving a deficit of N82,000 (Eighty two thousand Naira).

“Another heartbreaking case is that of another staff member, who was also recruited as ‘Graduate Manpower’, with the proviso that he had been placed on GL 8/4 basis salary.

“The staff had also been receiving N18,000 as monthly salary.

“This is just a tip of what the anomalies going on at the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and to worsen matters, instead of engaging staff directly, the appointment states that “we are pleased to inform you that you have been engaged as Graduate Manpower under M/s Hamdan International Limited, with contract order (Number withheld) with Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

“Why should a third party be involved in the employment and salary payment of staff working in Ajaokuta Steel Company?

“We ask again- who are those taking undue advantage of hapless Nigerians? Who are those perpetuating this fraud against humanity?”

The group expressed its commitment to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda “and would not stand by and watch anyone jeopardise the interest of the youth population.

It said:“The youths are most affected whenever it comes to issues of employment and this is why we won’t rest until all those behind these acts are brought to book”.

The group also demanded disclosure of the partnership agreement of the company with the consortia.

It added:”Nigerians are fed up with shaddy agreements like that of Mambilla Hydropower, which was trapped by mischievous consortium partners. Nigerians deserve to know what is being signed.

“The Agreement on Ajaokuta Steel Company should be between the Federal Government and the consortium. No more middlemen in the process of the agreement.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ladigbolu Royal Family, Oyo,has insisted that any other process apart from Ifa divination would not be acceptable.

This was conveyed in a statement signed by Akinade Ladigbolu on behalf of the royal family and made available to newsmen on Thursday

He said:“Because right from the beginning, all the Princes were told that Ifa consultation would be employed to select the new king and we all agreed.

“The position of Alaafin of Oyo is an important seat in Yorubaland. So, Yoruba all over the world should rise and join in the battle against imposition, against Yoruba tradition which is a taboo.

“It is important we do it right now because any wrong step taken in the selection process will have a negative effect in the future and posterity will not forgive anybody that cut corners against the will of the people and God for Oyo town.”

Ladigbolu insisted that, as of today, none of the aspirants jostling for the position of Alaafin has been submitted by the Oyomesi as the crowned Prince to the government.

He harped on the need for the kingmakers to go back to the drawing board in the selection of the new paramount ruler for the ancient town.

He said:“We are also using this opportunity to warn those promoting lies against Governor Makinde and accusing him of employing delay tactics to subvert the will of the kingmakers to desists and join the path of truth and stop anti-people’s move.”