By Our Correspondent 

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT Chapter, marked the end of 2024 with a grand celebration, reflecting on a year of challenges and triumphs.

The event, held at Glisten International Academy, Jahi – Abuja, brought together school owners, stakeholders, and supporters for a moment of relaxation, gratitude, and unity.
Speaking at the gathering, the FCT NAPPS Chairperson, Chief Mrs Rukayat Ruth Agboola acknowledged 2024 as one of the most turbulent years for private schools, citing financial burdens from accumulated debts, contentious levies, and operational pressures.
Despite these obstacles, she praised school proprietors for their resilience and dedication.
“This year tested our limits, but we stood strong together. With God’s grace and our collective efforts, we navigated the storm,” she stated.
The event featured support from area council chairmen and generous donors, whose contributions ensured the success of the celebration.
The President also commended Glisten International Academy, Jahi, for hosting the event at a reduced cost, emphasizing that the gathering symbolized hope and renewed strength for the education sector.
As attendees enjoyed the festivities, the President encouraged continued collaboration to overcome future challenges, declaring, “This celebration is a testament to our resilience and commitment to building a better future for education in Nigeria.”

By Our Correspondent 

In a way to celebrate education and inspire academic excellence, the Abuja City Journal (ACJ), has once again captured the nation’s attention with its National Essay Competition.

Speaking during an interview, the CEO and Publisher of ACJ, Mr. Ojo Sylvanus Foluso, revealed the vision behind the initiative, highlighting its role in promoting literacy and offering hope to young Nigerians.

“This competition is our way of celebrating education and encouraging students who believe in its transformative power. Education is the bedrock of society, and this initiative is a testament to that belief,” said Mr. Foluso.

Launched two years ago, the competition returned for its second edition, attracting over 700,000 entries nationwide.

Through a rigorous process involving AI screenings and independent examiners, 25 finalists emerged, representing the brightest minds across Nigeria.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service played a pivotal role in the event’s success, sponsoring the transportation and accommodation of participants in Abuja.

The finalists will undergo a final writing challenge to determine the winners, with prizes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦2.5 million and the prestigious title of PCNGI Brand Ambassador.

Mr. Foluso expressed optimism about the future: “This initiative gives Nigerians hope. We are celebrating education instead of abnormality, and we pray it grows bigger by God’s grace.”

ACJ’s dedication to empowering youth and celebrating excellence sets a high standard for educational initiatives in Nigeria.

By Samson Adeyanju

The Program Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, has declared Nigeria’s journey toward energy independence achievable through the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG).

He emphasized that natural gas, abundant in 30 out of the country’s 36 states, is key to reducing dependence on expensive and polluting petrol while driving economic growth and energy security.

Speaking at the PI-CNG headquarters in Abuja during a visit by participants of the Abuja City Journal Essay Competition, Oluwagbemi highlighted the untapped potential of Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.

“With 232 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves and an estimated 650 trillion cubic feet yet to be harnessed, Nigeria has the resources to power its industrialization for the next 300 years,” he stated.

He emphasized that natural gas, abundant in 30 out of the country’s 36 states, is key to reducing dependence on expensive and polluting petrol while driving economic growth and energy security.

Drawing parallels with the construction of Abuja, a seemingly impossible feat achieved decades ago, Oluwagbemi underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s ingenuity and resilience.

“Just as Abuja rose from grasslands to become a thriving international city, we can harness CNG to transform our economy and achieve energy prosperity,” he said.

The PI-CNG initiative, established in 2023, aims to promote the use of CNG through incentives, vehicle conversions, and partnerships with private sector players.

Oluwagbemi highlighted ongoing efforts, including free CNG-powered bus services in Abuja and other states, vehicle conversion centers, and plans to incentivize the use of CNG in industries and households.

Stressing the benefits of CNG over petrol, he noted its safety, affordability, and environmental friendliness.

“Compressed natural gas is 18 times less explosive than petrol, cleaner, and more reliable. It’s time to stop wasting our God-given resources and transition to sustainable energy solutions,” he urged.

The PI-CNG initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to convert a million vehicles to CNG by 2027 and drive Nigeria toward becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Oluwagbemi called on the youth to embrace this energy revolution, stating, “Nigeria’s greatest resource is not beneath our feet but above our necks—our brains. Together, we can achieve energy independence and prosperity.”