By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but insists that his administration’s tough reforms are crucial for national stability and long-term prosperity.

Addressing a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu defended policies such as fuel subsidy removal, emphasizing that they were necessary to avert financial collapse.

“We were spending the investment of our unborn children. Poverty has no religious identity; we must fight it together,” he told the bishops, urging collective efforts in nation-building.

Led by the CBCN President, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, the CBCN delegation recognized the government’s efforts but pressed for more measures to ease the burden on citizens.

They also urged the administration to relinquish control of religious pilgrimages and focus on national development.

Tinubu praised the Catholic Church’s contributions to education and healthcare, citing initiatives like NELFUND to support students.

He reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, security, and religious tolerance.

By Patrick Idowu

Benue State is fast-tracking its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), initiative, with plans underway to establish a conversion center at a remodeled state-owned filling station in Makurdi.

The project, spearheaded by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s push for alternative fuel adoption, aiming to cut transportation costs and reduce carbon emissions.

During an inspection, the Benue Investment and Property Bureau’s corporate communications team, led by Joyce Isiaku, confirmed that structural upgrades are near completion, with underground tanks undergoing maintenance.

Once operational, the facility will serve as both a refueling hub and a conversion center, allowing motorists to switch from petrol and diesel to the more affordable and eco-friendly CNG option.

The initiative is expected to boost economic activities, create jobs, and promote a cleaner environment in Benue State.

By Adenike Lawal

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is set to extend its Employees’ Compensation Scheme to workers in the informal sector, recognizing their crucial role in Nigeria’s economy.

NSITF Managing Director, Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, disclosed this during a meeting with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), emphasizing the need for broader coverage and increased awareness of workplace safety.

Faleye assured that efforts are underway to simplify claim payments, enhance inspection activities, and streamline registration processes for easier access to benefits.

He also highlighted the vital role of journalists in educating the public about NSITF’s initiatives, proposing a partnership with NUJ for awareness campaigns and safety training.

NUJ Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, commended NSITF’s commitment to workers’ welfare and pledged media support in promoting the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

The collaboration aims to bridge the gap in social protection for informal workers, ensuring their inclusion in workplace safety nets.