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Abuja Reports

CNG: Energy Independence Possible, Says PI-CNG

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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.”

Abuja Reports

Tinubu Orders More Road Projects Across FCT Area Councils –Wike

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By Our Correspondent 

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the expansion of road infrastructure across all area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike revealed on Saturday.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Saburi Road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike announced the reconstruction of the Dei-Dei Market Road to Life Camp.

The project, set to begin in February, will include streetlights to restore the market’s international status.

Wike commended AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for delivering impactful projects, saying, “Your chairman has shown exceptional capacity and deserves recognition.”

He also disclosed plans to include the Zaudna to Kagini Road in the 2025 budget, ensuring every council benefits from development projects.

The Minister highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to equitable governance, promising upgrades to schools and urging residents to remain patient as challenges are addressed.

Maikalangu, who described Wike as a “God-sent leader,” praised the timely completion of the Saburi Road, which has boosted economic activities in Gwagwa Ward.

He appealed for additional interventions, including roads and bridges in neglected communities like Zaudna and Kaba.

Residents expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts and pledged their support for ongoing initiatives.

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Abuja Reports

Abuja Doctors Suspend Strike After Wike’s Intervention

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By Jesusemen Oratokhai
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), in Abuja has ended its warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, had paralyzed services in FCTA-owned hospitals, with doctors demanding payment of salary arrears and other entitlements.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD President, announced on Friday that the FCTA had fulfilled key demands, including the payment of six months’ salary arrears, disbursement of accoutrement allowances, approval of a two-year residency bonding program, employment of additional doctors and health workers, and payment of outstanding wages for locum staff.
Doctors are set to resume work on Saturday, January 25, 2025, averting an indefinite shutdown of healthcare services.
While expressing gratitude to Minister Wike for his swift response, Dr. Ebong urged the government to address other lingering issues, including hazard allowances and facility upgrades, to avoid future industrial actions.

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Abuja Reports

Hoodlums Unleash Terror on Saburi Community

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By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Saburi in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja are gripped with fear as hoodlums continue to terrorize the community, carrying out multiple attacks since the start of the year.
The assailants, who reportedly use scavengers to survey the area before striking, have attacked at least three times, stealing valuables worth millions of naira.
The first incident occurred during the New Year crossover night, with subsequent attacks targeting homes on Ikejani Street, Osumeayi Street, Sani Abacha Lane, and other parts of Saburi.
During one attack, the hoodlums severely injured a security guard, Sunday Ogbor, slashing his face with a knife.
Ogbor recounted, “They tied me up, hit me, and cut my face from ear to ear. I can no longer see properly.”
Another resident, Gift Udago, narrated how the robbers, armed with machetes, axes, and guns, invaded his house, broke windows, and demanded money and phones.
“They destroyed everything and took valuables. It was a terrifying experience,” he said.
Princess Amaka Chijioke, the community’s women leader, described how the robbers stormed her home after learning she had withdrawn money.
“They threatened to kill my son and took everything,” she said, urging the government to intervene.
Residents expressed frustration over the slow response of the police, claiming it often takes an hour for officers to arrive after an attack.
Many have resorted to organizing vigilante patrols to protect themselves.
The Vice Chairman of the Saburi residential district, Engr. Gerald Aziegbe, lamented the lack of a strong police presence, saying, “This is the fifth time in over three years that we have been attacked, and no arrest has been made.”
The community is calling on the government and security agencies to address the escalating insecurity in the area.

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