News

PCNGI Poises to Reduce Abuja Taxis’ Fares by 30%

Published

8 months ago

October 29, 2024

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative has signed an agreement with the Airport Taxi Operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to convert 800 vehicles to CNG to reduce transport fares.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive, P-CNGI, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, stated this at the agreement signing on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said there would be a 30 per cent discount on airport shuttle fares once the agreement is implemented.

Oluwagbemi, who was represented by the initiative’s Programme Execution Coordinator, Mr Folarin Oworo, said the conversion fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s promise to convert one million commercial vehicles to cushion high transportation fares due to the increased fuel price.

“The airport taxi operators have about 800 fleet of vehicles and we have agreed that once we hit 50 per cent conversion, which is about 400 vehicles, a 30 per cent discount will be implemented immediately.

“There are various prices based on the distance one is travelling, so, the 30 per cent will be applied accordingly, based on the current prices for the area one is going.

“A red card with prices and discounts will also be available in the vehicle based on the passenger’s destination. And to ensure compliance, there will be regular monitoring for diligent delivery,” he said.

He noted that the P-CNGI has conversion partners with accredited centres to achieve the aim, adding that there were about seven refilling stations in Abuja against one being used when the programme commenced a year ago.

According to Oluwagbemi, more stations are coming up as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority which is responsible for licensing new stations has many approvals on that development.

In October 2024, a CNG-powered vehicle explosion at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, left three people severely injured, including a motorist who suffered eye injuries.

An attendant at the station, who requested anonymity, told The PUNCH that two others—a woman whose stomach was ripped open and another person whose foot was amputated due to the blast—are also receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.

However, Oluwagbemi allayed fears entertained by Nigerians on the explosion of CNG vehicles, saying that an explosion could only occur if the conversion was done illegally, with locally manufactured cylinders.

“Cylinders used for CNG are practically bulletproof and cannot explode or break. So we implore Nigerians not to cut corners.

“The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has also certified the CNG cylinders the P-CNGI is using. We guarantee in our conversion that an explosion cannot occur unless there is an intentional tampering with it.

“We have different sizes of cylinders – 65 and 75 litres to reduce the time of refilling. Going forward, we will introduce various sizes and shapes to suit vehicles and loads to carry,” he said.

Responding, the Spokesman, Airport taxi operators, Aliyu Abdulaziz-Aliyu, lauded the P-CNGI for signing the agreement for the Federal Government to initiate the programme.

Abdulaziz-Aliyu, who thanked the government for the free-of-charge service, said the operators were looking forward to seeing their vehicles converted immediately from petrol to CNG, to drastically reduce airport taxi fares.

Education

FG Rolls Out AI Training for Teachers to Boost Tech Education in Schools

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Rofiat Olokuta

The Federal Government has unveiled a pioneering initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), into Nigeria’s public school classrooms.

Launched on July 7, 2025, the programme, Experience AI in Nigeria is set to train over 3,150 secondary school teachers across five southwestern states.

Spearheaded by NerdzFactory in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and funded by Google.org, the initiative introduces teachers to the basics of AI and machine learning.

These educators will, in turn, train more than 150,000 students, fostering early exposure to future-ready tech skills.

The hybrid training model blends online learning with hands-on workshops, ensuring inclusive participation from both urban and rural schools.

Running until December 2026, the programme marks a major step in Nigeria’s push to align its education system with global digital advancements and prepare its youth for emerging careers in technology.

News

Ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja Set to Become Next Olubadan

Published

5 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Huldah Shado

Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is on track to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In line with Ibadan’s traditional succession system, the Olubadan stool alternates between two royal lines – Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).

With the late Oba Olakulehin coming from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja currently holds the position of Otun Olubadan, the most senior chief.

Ladoja, who governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and previously served as a senator, has steadily climbed the traditional hierarchy.

His elevation in August 2024 to Otun Olubadan formally qualifies him for the revered throne.

He recently marked his 80th birthday in September 2024, further solidifying his legacy in both political and traditional leadership.

News

Agege LG Honours MKO Abiola with Modern Market Project

Published

5 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

Agege Local Government in Lagos has begun the construction of a modern market complex named after late statesman and 1993 presidential election winner, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

The MKO Abiola Market is aimed at boosting commercial activity and providing hygienic, accessible stalls for local traders and small business owners.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Executive Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi described the project as a legacy initiative and a tribute to Abiola’s ideals of justice, equity, and economic empowerment.

He noted that the project, delivered through a Public-Private Partnership with Urban Shelter and Truworth Ventures, would create jobs, support businesses, and enhance the visual appeal of Agege.

Egunjobi also listed key achievements of his administration, including the construction of new classroom blocks, the establishment of Nigeria’s first CBT centre by a local government, improved healthcare services, free ambulance operations, and monthly financial aid to over 8,000 traders and artisans.

He assured residents of continuity in development efforts, with upcoming projects like a luxury estate and road rehabilitation already underway.

The MKO Abiola Market, he said, is a lasting symbol of progress and a call for residents to preserve it for future generations.