Bolt Hosts Inaugural Driver-Led Safety Summit in Lagos

Bolt Hosts Inaugural Driver-Led Safety Summit in Lagos To show its commitment to upholding safety and security within the ride-hailing ecosystem, Bolt, the leading ride-hailing platform in Nigeria, has inaugurated the Driver-Led Safety Summit in Lagos State, as stakeholders gathered recently at the BWC Hotel in Lagos for the summit with the theme: ‘Safe for All: Navigating the Future of Ride-Hailing’. Bolt said the event organised on the theme: ‘Safe for All’, was apt and in tune with the safety concerns in the ride-hailing space. It noted that the event served as a collaborative platform for drivers, industry leaders, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and safety experts to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices to elevate safety standards in Lagos State. The inaugural Driver-Led Safety Summit was headlined by the state Commissioner of Transportation, represented by A.O Adebayo, who is the director of Public Transport Commuter Services. He delivered the keynote address highlighting the paramount importance of safety in fostering a thriving and progressive society. He stated: "As we drive the wheels of safety in Lagos State, remember that safety is not a mere obligation but an investment in the prosperity and well-being of our citizens, and we applaud Bolt's commitment to safety which is not merely a checkbox on a list but a fundamental aspect of their service." Also, a Senior Public Policy Manager, West, North, and Central Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said: "At Bolt, we recognise safety as a collective responsibility, with our driver partners being integral to our service. Their welfare is our top concern. “Through collaboration with drivers and key regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Transport, and FRSC, we are committed to fostering open dialogue, providing education, improving our safety features, and working together to enhance road safety in Lagos. This summit serves as a vital platform for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and collectively striving to ensure the safety of all stakeholders within the ride-hailing ecosystem. Bolt will rise to action and work towards implementing these initiatives." In his remark, Spence Olakojo, the Unit Commander, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), emphasised the commitment of FRSC in promoting road safety, reducing accidents, and safeguarding lives by ensuring that all commuters understand the road furniture and the laws that govern the roads. The Driver-Led Safety Summit's agenda included a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and informative sessions. Topics covered ranged from both driver and rider safety, road safety best practices as well as addressing challenges faced by drivers and law enforcement in ensuring safety on the road.

Insecurity: CSO Urges FG to Investigate Alleged Involvement of Unidentified Officials Benefitting from Fight against Insecurity

Insecurity: CSO Urges FG to Investigate Alleged Involvement of Unidentified Officials Benefitting from Fight against Insecurity A civil society organisation (CSO) based in Bauchi, Arewa Mu Farka Youth Coalition Group, has urged the federal government to urgently investigate insinuation that a few power brokers are benefiting from the ongoing banditry and kidnappings, particularly in the North-west region of the country. The call was made by the leader of the group, Haruna Aliyu Ningi, while speaking on behalf of the entire members in an interview with journalists on insecurity in its state of the nation address. He called for investigation of the over N1trillion spent on fighting insecurity in the country, alleging that there is nothing on the ground to show that something was actually done. The group stressed that: "We are at a loss on the reason why insecurity has continued to increase in spite of the huge amount of money spent to procure sophisticated weapons to fight criminals causing insecurity in the country. The circumstances surrounding it must be investigated by the National Assembly in order to remedy the situation." Ningi further expressed dismay at the rampant storming of higher institutions by bandits to abduct innocent students at will without any resistance from the security agencies. The group, according to him, is irked that several months have passed without efforts to rescue all of the abducted students, saying: "Their parents have been left in limbo; they don't know the situation of their children either alive or dead." He further wondered why known and identified kidnap/bandits leaders are still alive and going around bragging of their criminal activities unhindered at the detriment of innocent people. Ningi added that the group is confused at the various 'mistaken' bombing of innocent people across the country, with the latest been the Tudun Biri massacre in Kaduna State by Nigeria Army. The group stressed that such strike cannot be said to be mistake anymore considering that it had happened several times in the past, calling on the federal government to as a matter of urgency, investigate the circumstances leading to the 'mistaken' killing of the villagers who were celebrating Maulud. According to the group, "The Nigeria Armed Forces are always quick to respond to anything strike against their personnel, just as we saw in Odi, Zaki-Biam, and Adamawa State but have been unable to rescue innocent people in the hands of bandits." "Our initial plan was to have a peaceful protest, but we were advised against it based on security issues. We are, therefore, using this medium to make our voices heard loudly and clearly that enough is enough! The Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agencies must protect Nigerians as contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended."

We Have Holistic Plan for Ogun Transportation System, Says Commissioner Dairo

We Have Holistic Plan for Ogun Transportation System, Says Commissioner Dairo The Ogun State Government on Tuesday said it has put in place a holistic transportation system that would help address the problem of rural-urban migration among other issues in the state. The state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Gbenga Dairo, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the newly introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus scheme, explained that the transportation plan, which was developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (UKFCDO) and eggheads at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, has been adopted by the state and is already being implemented in stages. Dairo said the target of the ministry is to deliver affordable, safe, accessible and a sustainable transportation system that would take care of all parts of the state whether in rural or urban area. He confirmed that the ministry, which earlier commenced the pilot CNG-fueled bus scheme with the Adatan -Ita Osin route, has now extended the services to the Mowe-Ibafo-Berger route towards mitigating the increasing costs of transportation experienced by commuters. The commissioner also explained that the pilot scheme is among other objectives designed to test the cohabitation of formal and informal transportation systems in the state starting with Abeokuta, the state capital, as a case study. According to him, "The transportation scheme will spread to other parts of the state in the coming months as there are plans to roll out more of such bus services. "We are working hard to put all the needed infrastructure in place. All forms of infrastructure, be it key infrastructure or operating infrastructure like management, regulations, funding are all important to us and we are working to put them in place. "A lot of patience and cooperation are required, as it will take time, good planning and commitment to get to our dream destination as far as transportation is concerned in Ogun State. "There are many issues to address. Issues like parking, route system, agencies, and others are key to the success of the transportation plan. We are working on all these with a lot of commitment." Dairo declared that: “Ogun State is different from Lagos State in terms of transportation in many ways. "Our state is largely rural. Also, Ogun State is not as populated as Lagos, and there are smaller towns and villages to consider when developing a transportation plan. "We also have to consider the many corridor locations that we have in Ogun State. Locations like Mowe, Ibafo, and others, as well as the many Lagos border locations that include Ota, Ojodu-Abiodun, Ogijo, when planning a transport system. "We already have a partnership with UKFCDO funded consultants on the introduction of a transport authority. Though investments in transport can be expensive, the sector also generates revenue. As such, we should be able to recover 70 percent of investment in good time. We also have plans for a Transport Fund to further make the actualisation of our plans easy." The commissioner also spoke on government's plan for other forms of transportation in the state. "Similarly, rail transport development is key to us because of its many advantages. We have revisited the Lagos/Ogun Joint Development Commission where certain agreements were entered into concerning rail and land transport that will link both states. "We are working on that with Lagos to extend the red line railway into Ijoko, Ifo, Kajola, and Papalanto. I can confirm to you that the governor is very interested in this. "Also, there are investors who want to connect our Agro Cargo Airport to Lagos State by rail. Talks are equally ongoing on this. We are working on bus plans for all cities with consideration for the characteristics, size and the purchasing power of the people in our diverse communities,” he said.

NECO Rewards 14 Students for Good Academic Performance

NECO Rewards 14 Students for Good Academic Performance A total of 14 students last Saturday received awards at the first merit award of the National Examination Council (NECO) held in Minna, the Niger State capital. Each of the recipient received a plaque and laptop. Also, not less than 60 staff members of the examination body were honoured for their dedication to duty and meritorious service. The honoured staff got an undisclosed monetary award in addition to a plaque and certificate. In a bid to ensure continuity of the education of students that excelled in its examination, the best student in the National Common Entrance Examination will be registered for the JSS examination free of charge while the best student in the Basic JSS examination will also be registered for the Senior School Certificate Examination without paying any fee. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Professor Danlami Wushishi, said the best students in its Senior School Certificate Examination will be offered scholarship for degree programmes in any university of his or her choice. According to documents made available to THISDAY, Okafor Chima Christian of St Paul's Academy, Jos, and Benson Ifebube Chelsea emerged first in the male and female categories respectively in the Senior School Certificate Examination in 2023, while Ekwueme Ikechukwu Excellent of Kimota Science College in Benue State and Owuye Faheeza Oluwakemi of Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School (Junior) in Lagos came first in both the male and female category in the Basic Education Certificate Examination. In the National Common Entrance Examination, Bokane Lemuel Oghenne of Kings Kiddies Nursery Primary School, Warri, Delta State, and Chika Ugwu Anastasie of Nana Primary School also in Warri, Delta State, emerged first in the male and female categories. For the gifted children, Njoku Obinna Adrian of Rossy Kids Montessori School New Owerri, Imo State, and Aniekwe Princess of Springfield Academy, Awka, Anambra State, came first in the two categories.

Edo Govt Canvasses 24hrs Operations for Benin Airport, as United Nigeria Commences Direct Flight

Edo Govt Canvasses 24hrs Operations for Benin Airport, as United Nigeria Commences Direct Flight The Edo State Government has appealed to the federal government to make the Benin-city airport a 24-hour aerodrome for optimal use. This is as the United Nigeria Airline on Tuesday commenced direct flight into the airport from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, and its base at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. Speaking at the inaugural flight of the airline to Benin-city, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who was on ground to receive the airline chairman and crew members, said upgrading of facilities at the airport would further increase the passenger surge, adding that it would also boost the economic activities of the state. He explained that plans had reached advanced stage for the Instrument Landing Systems (ILSs) at the airport to be upgraded, assuring them that some of the facilities would be installed before the end of this year. Obaseki also lauded United Nigeria Airline for joining seven other airlines to operate direct flights into the airport, maintaining that such would further make the airfares more competitive with arrays of choice for the travelling public. He recalled that about seven years ago, the Benin airport had only one aircraft operating into the aerodrome, but the state government’s collaboration with private investors had further increased the airlines to eight presently. He said: “Let me remind all of us that when I came into office in 2016, there was only one commercial airline flying into Benin-city. Today, we have the seven airlines coming in, and I heard that there is another one that we expecting to start operation soon. “So, in seven years, we have been able to attract seven new airlines into the marketplace and that has been made possible because of the openness and collaboration with the aviation authorities. “I recall my meeting with the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and the conversation at that time was that we were ready to collaborate with the federal government to increase the traffic flow into Benin-city, Edo State. Obaseki further assured them of the administration’s commitment to providing top notch security during the yuletide season, boasting that the state is the most secure in the South-south region. Also speaking, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, expressed delight at the launch of flight services from Lagos and Abuja to Benin-city by the airline. Okonkwo, explained that the launch of the flight would enhance competition on the route, stressing that the airline would operate twice daily to the airport. According to him, “Before we think about the competition, we have to say that we are glad to be here. It is not about the number whether we are ranked number seven or eight. I want to commend the governor who took the initiative to invite us to Benin-city. This discussion started in Lagos last year. “The governor has been opened to every meeting our team has organised with him, and today we have fulfilled the first promise which was to fly to Benin-city. I can tell you that we are encouraged by his commitment, support and persistence.”

Insecurity: Expert Canvasses Strategic Leadership, Proactive Steps

Insecurity: Expert Canvasses Strategic Leadership, Proactive Steps A security expert, Osemeka Jim-Oscar Segun Ikemefuna, has prescribed strategic leadership and proactive measures as effective ways to tackle the pervasive insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking after receiving a Distinguished Fellow and Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Public Administration from the International Leadership Manpower and Management Development of the United Kingdom, Ikemefuna, who is a consultant to the Department of State Service (DSS) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), emphasised the urgency of addressing societal hunger and ignorance to prevent the emergence of criminal gangs. The expert, who has been a key figure in the rescue of kidnap victims from terrorists, underscored the need for a holistic approach, urging the government to instil values through education in religious institutions and families. He stressed that life was about making an impact, not just accumulating wealth. Ikemefuna extended his call to action to President Bola Tinubu and his cabinet, urging them to select individuals based on merit rather than political affiliation for effective implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasised the importance of experience and contributions at various levels, including local, national, and international, in steering the country towards progress.

Edo 2024: Women, Youth Empowerment My Priority, Says LP Guber Aspirant

Edo 2024: Women, Youth Empowerment My Priority, Says LP Guber Aspirant The number of governorship aspirants declaring interest to govern Edo State on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) last weekend increased with the affirmation of interest by Mr. Kingsley Uaifo Ulinfun. The declaration of interest ceremony, which was tagged: ‘Equity 2024’, took place yesterday in Benin-city the capital of Edo State. Ulinfun, a former banker and administrator, who addressed party supporters and journalists during the unveiling of his blueprint which details how he intends to govern the state if given the opportunity, said he would empower over 2,500 youths with N5 million grants each to bring to reality their entrepreneurial drive as to make them creators of at least 50,000 jobs. He also said 60 percent of such beneficiaries would be women, to fasten the developmental drive of the state. This empowerment process, he posited, would be replicated every year, for the next four years if voted into office, to help trickle development to the grassroots. The LP governorship hopeful, while stating that he is the best man for the job, further talked about his plans for education, infrastructure development like road repairs, his focus on primary health care development as well as health insurance for all Edo citizens to cut down maternal and neonatal mortalities, and even preventable deaths from malaria due to the present paucity of funds in society. Ulinfun, who lampooned democratically elected governments for the failure to enact people-centric policies since 1999, however, promised to be transparent at governance if elected, and work for the good and total welfare of Edo State citizens despite the lack of belief by skeptics who insist that it is financially risky to have bankers pilot the seat of democratic governance. On infrastructure, he said his administration would focus on road construction and rehabilitation, bearing in mind that it is the only means to fast –track movement of agricultural produce from the farms to the markets, adding that he would not also forgot the importance of electricity for industrialisation. Ulinfun, therefore, appealed to members of the LP to nominate him bearing in mind that the strength of the party lies on its outstanding integrity of not repeating those things that make voters disenchanted with other political parties, adding that his government will cut cost of governance.

Ogun Kicks off GRAs Regeneration Scheme

Ogun Kicks off GRAs Regeneration Scheme The Ogun State Government has unveiled a ‘Regeneration Programme’ aimed at the transformation of some dilapidated structures in the state Government Reservation Areas (GRA). Tagged: ‘Ogun State GRA Regeneration Programme’, the project is meant to create ‘Smart Cities’ with the construction of modern housing units on over 100 hectares of land valued at billions of naira in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ota, and other areas. The Regeneration Programme, according to the state Commissioner for Housing, Chief Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, was the idea of the administration of the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to rebuild the GRAs, starting with Ibara. Speaking after an inspection tour of the Ibara housing project, Omoniyi said the main objective of the regeneration plan was to restructure the concerned areas to make them environmentally friendly through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. He noted that the scheme is parts of the present administration's efforts to alter the rapidly degenerating environment by a deliberate adjustment of the existing city areas to meet the current and future needs of urban life. “It is also intended to replace the obsolete and dilapidated buildings that share the characteristics of slum areas with the general framework of an overall plan for modern city development,” he added. Apart from Ibara, the scheme will also be extended to Idi Aba (annex of the Government Technical College, which sits on about seven hectares of land) in the Abeokuta metropolis. Omoniyi said: “We are here on the directive of the governor to kick-start the regeneration programme of Ibara GRA and the government housing units at Idi Aba, Abeokuta. We have gone around, and we saw that the occupants of these houses have heeded the vacation notice. Now, we are ready to commence the demolition of the old and dilapidated structures and begin planning to build smart cities within the Abeokuta metropolis. For clarification purposes, GRA Ibara does not belong to the civil and public servants in the state. “At the inception of the creation of Ogun State in 1976, this location provided shelter for the civil servants of Ogun State extraction who were coming back from the defunct Western Region. But we realised that this prime location was being under-utilised, that is why the incumbent administration of Governor Abiodun summoned the political will to reinvent and redevelop this place to harness its potential for the benefit of the Ogun people, and to create values for the decaying assets of the state government. “Numerically, the Idi Aba housing scheme is sitting on 7.5 hectares of land, while GRA Ibara is sitting on nothing less than 30 hectares of land. And we believe that as we move on with this project, we will discover some hidden or encroached portions of the land.” The commissioner said: "Within Abeokuta alone, we are talking about 40 hectares of land. There are similar schemes in Igbeba in Ijebu Ode, Ota, and Ilaro. For now, we are starting with Abeokuta, then we will move to other locations where we have the state government’s assets being wasted away. “Meanwhile, the governor, out of his magnanimity and empathy, has directed me to prioritise the requests of the civil servants in the allocation of houses in this regeneration programme. Don’t forget that some of them have benefitted from other housing schemes such as Kobape, Kemta, Ilaro, and so on, which this present government has done. "For those who missed out on those ones, I have the directive of the governor to absorb them immediately in this new scheme. We have a wide range of opportunities such as rent-to-own; outright purchase, and mortgage through Gateway Mortgage Bank. “The practice before now was for civil servants to live here and get evacuated after retirement. But, this new scheme will allow for mortgages, and the houses can be paid for while still in service. What we are going to do here, which is a common patrimony of the Ogun State people, will cut across all the cadres of income level. "We will accommodate everyone-commercial, residential, and institutional. We are creating smart cities where people will live, work and play. We are creating a total ecosystem to ensure that everything you need to make a decent living is found in our GRA.” According to the commissioner, the urban regeneration scheme is expected to have between four and five bedrooms of different sizes which are to be complemented with world-class infrastructural facilities. The Ibara scheme, he said, is to be redeveloped into 500 housing units, while Idi-Aba is to have 100 units.

Benue Federal Constituency APC Stakeholders to Recall Lawmaker

Benue Federal Constituency APC Stakeholders to Recall Lawmaker The members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okpokwu, Ado and Ogbadigbo federal constituency of Benue State have threatened to recall the lawmakers representing the constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Philip Agbese, for what they described as “a disgraceful and embarrassing exhibition of crude and petty politics by pulling down the portrait of the Benue State Governor from his office wall.” Agbese, who in a viral video at the National Assembly, had pulled down the portrait of the governor from his office wall while also describing him (governor) as unfit to be a leader. The APC stakeholders in a statement signed by its spokesman, Hon. Charles Onazi Agbese, called on the House of Representative member to apologise to the governor over his “insensitive behaviour” or risk being recall from the National Assembly. He said Agbese's action is a pretext showing distressing manifestation of bitter politics. The stakeholders added that: "This regrettable incident and behaviour from a member of the House is not only appalling but also disgraceful, embarrassing, and a clear exhibition of political rascality which threatens to taint the prominent office he holds in a bad light." According to him, “The actions depicted in the viral video do not reflect the stance or endorsement of the federal constituency. "We wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from any actions that undermine the dignity of public figures, especially the esteemed office of the governor of Benue state and the APC, as a party, upholds values of respect, unity, and constructive engagement and believe in fostering an environment that encourages healthy discourse and collaboration for the betterment of our community and the entire constituency.” Adding that the party will ensure that appropriate measures are taken, he assured the public that any individual actions contrary to the principles of the party would be addressed with the utmost seriousness. The statement said: "The federal constituency remains committed to the tenets of democracy, good governance, and respect for the rule of law, and we encourage our members to uphold these values in their actions and interactions within the political landscape." He said the action has generated significant attention and has the potential to create a negative impact on the reputation of not only Hon. Philip Agbese but also the constituency he represents and the party in general." He called on Agbese to cease from engaging in the destructive brand of politics, recognising that others before him have trodden a similar path without reaping any benefits, and publicly tender a sincere and unreserved apology to the governor, his constituency and the country, as well as redirect and channel his efforts towards fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted in him to ensure the delivery of tangible benefits to the people of his constituency.

House of Reps Member Pays WAEC Fee for 10,000 Indigent Edo Students

House of Reps Member Pays WAEC Fee for 10,000 Indigent Edo Students The member representing Etsako federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Anamero Dekeri, has announced a free registration of 10,000 indigent students for next year Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE). Dekeri, who stated this in Benin-city, capital of Edo State, said the beneficiaries cut across the three senatorial district of the state on equal basis, adding that the gesture was to remove the financial constraints which hinder and truncate the dreams of many deserving students from pursuing and attaining quality education to an acceptable level. He said: "It is imperative to bring to your notice the final modalities that have been put in place for the equitable sharing of the 10,000 WAEC forms that I have earlier proposed to pay for indigent students in Edo State, who are billed to sit for the examination next year. "This initiative is aimed at ensuring equitable access to education for the children of Edo State. "This is a reiteration of my commitment to providing opportunities for every child to thrive and actualise their individual careers, as education remains the pivot for the development and prosperity of any society and nation." Dekeri, who is also a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next year election, noted that the gesture was a devise to bridge the gap and alleviate the burden placed on economically disadvantaged families. According to him, "Education should be a fundamental right accessible to every child regardless of their socio-economic background. Therefore, it is my firm belief that the initiative will empower the indigent students of the state, enable them to compete on a level playing field, and unlock their full potential." He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, philanthropic and individuals to join hands with him to making his vision a reality by pulling resources together to leverage on "our collective strengths to make a lasting impact, breaking shackles of poverty and transforming lives through education. "This distribution of free enrollment for Senior School Certificate Examinations students in public schools will not only alleviate the financial burden facing families but will also foster a strong and educated workforce, drive economic growth and ensure brighter future for the people of the state."