Abuja Reports

ACJ Sets to Increase CNG Awareness Through Undergraduates’ Essay Competition

Published

12 months ago

November 28, 2024

By Our Correspondent

In a bold move to drive awareness towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as a cleaner, more sustainable energy option In Nigeria, Abuja City Journal (ACJ), a high flying magazine with focus on news around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced the 2024 edition of its annual essay competition.

This year’s edition essay, according to the publisher of the Abuja-centric magazine cum electronic media, Foluso Silvanus Ojo, was designed to promote the gains inherent in the new government’s effort to provide CNG as alternative to the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in the wake of the skyrocketing cost of the latter, following fuel subsidy removal on May 29, 2023.

This initiative, which targets 20 undergraduates in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, promises to be a transformative platform for young intellectuals to explore and contribute to the discourse on Nigeria’s energy future.

The competition aims to enhance the understanding and acceptance of CNG as a clean and sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum products.

With Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and diversifying its energy resources, the essay competition aligns with the nation’s strategic vision of leveraging gas as a driver for economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Participants will not only gain critical insights into the energy sector but also compete for significant monetary prizes, positioning the initiative as a game-changer in youth engagement and policy advocacy.

The competition ensures transparency, inclusivity, and maximum impact. Contestants invited for the Grand Finale will engage in immersive activities designed to enrich their understanding of CNG’s practical applications.

These activities include visits to conversion centers, refueling stations, and the Pi-CNG headquarters.

Participants will have the rare opportunity to experience firsthand the transformative potential of CNG in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

To support their research and ensure optimal performance, contestants will have access to fully equipped facilities with uninterrupted power and Wi-Fi.

The culmination of this process will be a grand finale, where the top three essays will be announced and celebrated.

These winners will not only receive substantial monetary prizes but also enjoy free CNG conversions for their vehicles as part of the rewards, underscoring the practical benefits of embracing clean energy solutions.

The competition is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration, with ACJ and PCNGi working closely to promote the CNG initiative.

The organizers have called on stakeholders in the energy sector, including Mikano, CGI, Mono Energy, ABG, Kojo Motors, and others, to lend their support to this noble cause.

This year’s competition not only seeks to inspire young Nigerians but also to build a movement of advocates who will champion the adoption of CNG across the nation.

The Grand Finale, promising to be a melting pot of innovation, policy advocacy, and youthful creativity, the ACJ National Essay Competition on CNG is poised to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Abuja Reports

Abuja Waste Management Collapsing, Tinubu’s Aide Tells Wike

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2025

By Samson Adeyanju

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been urged to urgently address the worsening waste situation in Abuja to prevent a public health crisis.

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, raised the alarm on Friday via his X account.

He said the city’s waste management system “has certainly broken” and called on Wike to take immediate action.

“Refuse is taking over the city. Minister Wike should pay immediate attention to this,” Ajayi said, while acknowledging the minister’s achievements in expanding roads and restarting abandoned infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), has urged President Tinubu to compel Wike to apologise over derogatory remarks made against a naval officer, A. M. Yerima, during a dispute over a property in Abuja.

Falana said both Wike and the officer erred by taking the law into their own hands, though he praised the officer for maintaining restraint.

Falana highlighted the minister’s statutory duties under the Land Use Act but noted that Wike’s use of uncomplimentary language breached principles of dignity and respect.

He cited a Ghanaian precedent where a minister apologised for insulting a citizen, stressing that no public officer has the right to verbally abuse any Nigerian.

The comments were made on Thursday at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, organised by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter.

Ajayi and Falana’s statements put renewed focus on governance and civility in public service amid rising concerns over waste management and law enforcement in Abuja.

Abuja Reports

Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for another five-year term, extending his tenure to 2031.

Marwa, first appointed in January 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is credited with major reforms and an intensified nationwide drug enforcement campaign.

His reappointment was announced Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

A former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, Marwa also chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to 2020.

He holds postgraduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University.

Under his leadership, the NDLEA has recorded numerous high-profile drug seizures, arrested over 73,000 suspects, and expanded drug abuse prevention campaigns.

President Tinubu described the renewal of Marwa’s tenure as a vote of confidence in his efforts to combat drug trafficking and safeguard Nigerian youth.

Abuja Reports

Wike Defends Clash with Naval Officer

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Huldah Shado

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his confrontation with a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, over a disputed plot allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd).

Speaking after the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Wike condemned what he described as Gambo’s “act of impunity” in deploying serving naval personnel to guard the contested property at Plot No. 1946, Gaduwa District.

He said he intervened after officers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), were allegedly assaulted while enforcing development regulations.

“How can I sit as minister when government officials are being beaten up? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.

Wike faulted the use of security operatives to protect private interests, citing examples of other former leaders like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. T.Y. Danjuma who, he said, always resolve issues respectfully.

He also criticised Yerima for allegedly insulting police officers at the scene, saying, “Nobody talks like that. You call them ‘bloody police’? These are the same government officials who made you what you are.”

Wike clarified that he had no problem with the military as an institution but would not tolerate lawlessness or intimidation of FCTA staff.