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  • Ganduje launches 30 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles

    Ganduje launches 30 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles

    The Governing Board Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Ganduje has launched 30 electric vehicles at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to ease transportation. 

    The vehicles, which would be operated as airport shuttles, comprises 10 electric shuttle buses and 20 electric saloon vehicles for airport operations. 

    The vehicles would be used to support airside and landside logistics, staff movement and services, and strengthen passenger coordination and efficiency across the airport.

    Speaking during the commissioning of the vehicles in Abuja on Thursday, Ganduje said: “Electric vehicles offer clear operational and environmental benefits. They are cleaner, quieter and more energy-efficient, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping FAAN minimise its ecological footprint. Their use will contribute to healthier airport environments and a more comfortable work and travel experience.

    “From a logistics standpoint, electric vehicles also enhance monitoring, coordination and compliance. Their predictable performance and lower maintenance demands improve operational planning, accountability and service reliability. Ultimately, this translates into more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly services.

    “This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets, including International Civil Aviation Organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By embracing electric mobility, FAAN is positioning Nigerian airports to remain competitive, responsible and future-ready.”

    Ganduje pledged the commitment of the board to ensure that the initiative is utilised, maintained, and expanded to other airports in the country. 

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Ganduje at 76, Adesegun at 70, Bagudu at 64, Ashiru at 62

    The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku disclosed that the Agency has secured approval to deploy 100 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles at Lagos and Abuja airports.

    She said: “We have secured approval to deploy 100 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to operate as airport shuttles at both Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It is a monumental step towards greening our operations and reducing our carbon footprint.

    “Today, we proudly begin this journey with the first phase: the launch of these 10 state-of-the-art electric shuttle buses. They represent more than just transport; they symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a commitment to pioneering sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation”.

    She expressed optimism that the initiative would be replicated across all airports in the country.

    The Head of Fleet Operations of Possible EVS, Abimbola Gyer while stating that the transport fare would be subsidised for passengers, added that operations would commence from 7am to 7pm daily.

    “We partner with NEV Electric, the manufacturer of the electric buses. We would be moving passengers from the airport to the city centre at the rate of N10,000 and as demand continues, we will expand our hub. The operations will start from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily”.

  • FG approves ₦1 trillion metro rail service for Kano

    FG approves ₦1 trillion metro rail service for Kano

    The Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service in Kano State to transform urban transportation, boost economic activities, and ease traffic congestion.

    Governor Abba Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday while addressing a Kano State contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Borno State.

    Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesman Sanusi Bature, said the rail project aims to provide a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system, connecting key districts and enhancing mobility for residents.

    Read Also: Too frail to travel? Here’s how pensioners can get verified without visiting PTAD offices

    It is also expected to stimulate trade and investment, improve quality of life, and position Kano as a major transportation hub in the North.

    “The Kano State Government would work closely with federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation and transparency,” the governor added.

    Yusuf appreciated the Federal Government’s initiative and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supportive policies and infrastructure development.

  • Kano moves to resolve kingship impasse between Bayero, Sanusi II

    Kano moves to resolve kingship impasse between Bayero, Sanusi II

    Kano State Government on Thursday said the impasse surrounding the Emirate tussle will be resolved amicably soon.

    Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Waiya disclosed this in Kano while addressing newsmen on the recent defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Muhammadu Sanusi II was appointed Emir of Kano when Rabiu Kwankwaso was Governor but he was later dethroned by Abdullahi Ganduje, who appointed Aminu Ado Bayero as the new Emir and created four additional first class emirates.

    However, Governor Yusuf dethroned Bayero and reinstated Sanusi II as emir, citing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which dissolved the five emirate councils created by Ganduje, including Kano emirate.

    Read Also: Godfathers, godsons and Kano politics

    Aminu Bayero refused to vacate the palace, claiming he was the rightful Emir, leading to a standoff between his supporters and those of Sanusi II.

    The courts have issued conflicting orders with some rulings in favour of Sanusi II and others in favour of Bayero.

    The situation has sparked tensions and protests in Kano with both sides claiming legitimacy.

    Fielding a question on the situation on Thursday, Comrade Waiya assured residents that concrete measures have already been put in place to restore lasting peace and stability in the ancient city.

    He said the Kano State Government was committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement with all stakeholders, stressing that the administration is determined to ensure that the Emirate matter does not continue to generate tension or distract governance.

    According to him, the government’s approach is guided by respect for the rule of law, traditional institutions, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State.

    Speaking on the Governor’s switch to APC, Waiya said the Movement was a development that would bring significant benefits to the state.

    He said Kano residents should expect increased dividends of democracy, noting that closer alignment with the Federal Government would attract more interventions, projects, and development initiatives to the state.

    “The defection opens more doors for Kano. With stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, we expect more support in critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare,” Waiya said.

    Waiya emphasised that the State Government remains focused on governance, unity, and development, urging Kano residents to remain calm and supportive as efforts were being put in place to resolve outstanding issues and move the state forward.

    He reaffirmed the Yusuf administration’s commitment to transparency, peace, and inclusive governance, assuring that the interests of Kano people would always remain paramount above personal interests.

  • First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    …I’m a good loyal domestic engineer—Remi Tinubu 

    …laments over absence of role model in life of youths 

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in partnership with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Thursday unveiled the ‘Dream Centre’—a mentorship and modelling hub designed to guide young Nigerians towards purposeful living and responsible leadership.

    The centre, established by the Ooni of Ife within the Obafemi Awolowo University campus in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been equipped by NITDA with books, digital media powered by Artificial Intelligence, and other resources to support youth development.

    At the inauguration, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of role models in helping young people navigate life with direction and focus. 

    She highlighted hard work, discipline, and integrity as key values in shaping the future, particularly for girls, and noted that the centre would provide mentorship, skills development, and value-based guidance to help youths realise their potential.

    The First Lady described her own journey as a product of vision, hard work, and divine grace, expressing a desire to serve as a role model for young girls aspiring to achieve great things. 

    She lamented that many young girls today lack mentors who can guide and inspire them.

    According to her, “I should be a case study for young girls. They will talk about the girl child every time but nowadays people don’t have role models anymore, we live in an age and time where, even when people are doing well, out of envy we try to say a lot about them that is mainly not true. Role models are people who helped me shape my life.

    “I wanted to be a teacher and I ended up being one.  When my husband became governor, I was a house wife and a very good domestic engineer, very loyal. Apart from being a teacher, if you asked me what would I like to be, I like being a housewife and taking care of my home especially my husband. I am,very very territorial and believe all women are supposed to be like that, be territorial around your husband because whoever your husband is that’s who you are.”

    “Throughout my career, they have given me a lot of awards but this award, I can’t use it to build any place. You know at times, I get overwhelmed by it but I thought about the camp I will use as a centre, where girls can come in and be inspired and able to green groom these girls using the word of God because the word of God has played a lot in my life.

    “This centre is not for girls alone. It is also for boys. Go into that dream centre, be encouraged, dream your own dreams and you will see that and be prayerful. Seek the face of God, don’t be overly ambitious. What you will become God has already deposited in you, don’t be covetous of other people’s dreams. Build yours.”

    Mrs Tinubu lauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for his commitment to building the dream centre, urging the university students to take the opportunity the dream centre provides.

    Read Also: First Lady donates 50 CNG buses, 30 tricycles to ease transport at OAU

    In his remarks, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said the centre converts the power of technology and storytelling to preserve Nigeria’s history.

    “This centre has the vision of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and storytelling to preserve our history. In particular, the incredible lives of our First Lady, and the mother of the nation. This centre is a unique centre that converts the power of technology, storytelling, to preserve our history. So that our younger one, and the generation to come will have access to our history and tools to navigate their lives.”

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, in his address, said the dream centre would encourage a lot of young people to achieve their goals.

    Speaking about the Firstlady, the monarch said, “You are truly worthy to be celebrated. This place used to be a jungle. My mama is a dreamer. All her dreams come true. Everything she lays her hand upon always prospers. This is why that her life is worthy of emulation. The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Center will encourage a lot of young people,” Ooni noted.

    Dignitaries who attended the commissioning include the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Simeon Bamire; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; the first lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke; Oyo State first lady, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Ondo State first lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa and Ekiti State first lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji.

    Others include the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; wives of National Assembly lawmakers and traditional rulers.

  • Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    …warns workers against sabotaging government efforts

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to overhauling the health sector and enhancing emergency services in the nation’s capital.

    Wike, who made the pledge in Abuja on Thursday, while presenting 12 state-of-the art ambulances to FCT hospitals, explained that the move was a critical component of a broader strategy to ensure that no sector be it infrastructure, education, or health is left behind under the current administration.

    Addressing critics who questioned the administration’s initial focus on road construction, Wike explained that without the construction of roads, it would be impossible to deploy ambulances during emergency situations.

    Wike said, “So many people were saying why are we concentrating on road infrastructure, why are we not focusing on education? But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads. When it is an emergency period for you to convey patients and the roads are not in motorable condition, then the whole essence of emergency vehicles becomes useless. So, first things first, and that’s what we have been able to do.”

    While emphasizing the commitment of the FCT Administration to improving the health sector, the Minister further disclosed that the administration was currently in the procurement phase for the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 health centers across the FCT.

    He equally confirmed that the FCT Civil Service Commission has been directed to commence the employment of new personnel to address staffing shortages in the FCT Health sector.

    The Minister used the occasion to also address the recent indefinite strike action by the FCT Joint Union Action Committee, which has been halted by the National Industrial Court.

    He explained that, although litigation was not the best choice, the FCTA was left with no other option than to go to court after its appeals to workers to shelve their strike were ignored. 

    Wike noted that the administration had reasonably met the demands of the workers, but added that some people with political interests, unfortunately, hijacked the labour struggle to sabotage the efforts of the government.

    The Minister however reemphasized that the administration was open to dialogue to ensure industrial harmony and advised workers to be law-abiding.

    He said; “To workers and some of us who are management staff, who sabotage the efforts of the government, I’ve said that the whole essence is to have dialogue. Where there are problems, you sit down and say these problems, I can solve this now, leave this for me tomorrow and I will be able to do it tomorrow.

    “If you make a request or a demand for five items for example and the government says okay, we can take up three items and thereafter, we take up the other two items, if you are really sincere, if there is no objective behind it, there is no way you will not accept. But when you leave it and begin to join issues with us as politicians, we will of course treat you as politicians,

    “I can’t sit here as a Minister and I see a political opponent trying to run the administration down using some people. No government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen. This society is not a lawless society.”

    “So, I appeal to all of you, forget this thing that you say you will go and block the gate and you will not obey court order…I appeal to all of you, senior staff, management staff and the junior staff, nobody will sit to say you are not entitled to get your entitlement. Except that person is an extremist. I appeal to all of you to have a reconsideration and allow peace to reign for the development of the FCT”.

    Read Also: Sanction awaits FCTA workers who fail to obey court order – Wike

    The FCT Minister, while highlighting the financial health of the FCT Administration and the institutional progress recorded under his tenure, however, explained that the government could not commit its entire resources to workers welfare as it also needs to fund the ongoing massive infrastructure development across the capital territory.

    Speaking earlier, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe praised the FCT Minister’s people-oriented governance and thanked the Minister for his support to the FCT Health Sector.

    Dr Fasawe, who also described the presentation of ambulances to FCT hospitals as a reflection of the FCTA’s commitment to emergency preparedness and improved health outcome for all who reside in the FCT, further noted that improved roads in areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada have significantly shortened emergency response times in the FCT.

    She also confirmed that the FCT is currently the only state/territory that has paid all medical allowances, including the medical residency training fund and hazard allowances, up to date.

    Dr Fasawe who highlighted other interventions in the FCT health sector said; “These interventions together, when we reflect on them, show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high quality and responsible healthcare for the people of the FCT. On behalf of the health sector, we sincerely appreciate the Minister for this support and commitment”.

    Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Kumshida Yakubu who also attended the event, commended the FCTA’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and pledged the continued support of his organization to help the FCT achieve its health goals.

  • NNPC’s 350MW Abuja power project vital to achieving 8,500MW – NISO

    NNPC’s 350MW Abuja power project vital to achieving 8,500MW – NISO

    The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has described the ongoing 350MW NNPC’s Abuja Gas Independent Power Project (IPP) as a vital step toward achieving the national target of 8,500MW grid generation capacity by the end of 2026.

    Engr. Abdu Mohammed Bello, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, made the commendation yesterday during an on-site assessment visit to the project location. 

    Leading a high-level management delegation, he evaluated the current stage of construction and identified key areas for enhanced collaboration to accelerate project completion and timely commissioning.

    Read Also: NNPC hails Chevron over successful Awodi-07 Well in Niger Delta

    The visit also included an inspection of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) implementation site at the Gwagwalada transmission substation.

    The team expressed confidence that, before the end of 2026, the full electricity value chain, from generation through transmission to distribution will be integrated into a unified SCADA platform, enabling real-time visibility, improved grid monitoring, and enhanced system reliability and stability.

  • Nigeria, Africa set sights on borderless digital economy ahead of RACE 2026

    Nigeria, Africa set sights on borderless digital economy ahead of RACE 2026

    …Conference to drive regulatory alignment, digital trust, cross-border innovation 

    … Event to support AfCFTA goals, financial inclusion, secure continent-wide digital trade

    Nigeria is set to host a major continental policy and technology engagement in 2026 as organisers of the RegTech Africa Conference and Expo (RACE 2026) unveiled details of the event at a media parley held at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

    The conference, which will be held under the patronage of the Office of the Vice President, between 20th and 22nd of May, 2026, is being organised in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion and in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

    Addressing journalists at a media parley in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Cyril Okoroigwe, described RACE 2026 as Africa’s leading platform for dialogue at the intersection of regulation, technology and economic development, designed to address the regulatory and infrastructure gaps limiting cross-border trade, finance and digital innovation across the continent.

    He said the conference is anchored on the vision of “Africonomy”, which envisages Africa operating as a connected, trusted and innovation-driven economic space, aligned with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

    AfCFTA is projected to integrate a $3.4 trillion market of about 1.4 billion people across 54 countries.

    According to Okoroigwe, despite the promise of AfCFTA, fragmented regulations, weak interoperability and regulatory uncertainty continue to constrain cross-border trade, payments and digital services, resulting in significant opportunity costs for African economies.

    He explained that RACE 2026, themed “Building Trust, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Policy for a Borderless Economy,” will focus on promoting regulatory innovation and policy alignment, encouraging the deployment of trusted digital infrastructure such as interoperable payment systems and digital identity frameworks, and advancing financial and digital inclusion for small businesses, startups, women, youth and underserved communities.

    The conference, he added, will also strengthen collaboration among regulators, governments, financial institutions, technology innovators and development partners, while showcasing African investment opportunities in compliance, fintech, cybersecurity and digital services.

    Organisers said Nigeria’s hosting of the conference further underscores the country’s growing role as a continental hub for policy dialogue, financial innovation and digital economic leadership, while supporting Africa’s broader journey toward integrated digital markets, improved investment confidence and inclusive economic growth.

    Read Also: APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

    Also speaking at the media parley, through virtual means, the Acting Principal Officer, Legal and Law Enforcement at the GIABA Secretariat, Ms. Gina Wood, said the conference and its associated policy dialogue come at a critical moment for West Africa as countries prepare for the third round of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism evaluations.

    She noted that findings from GIABA’s second round of mutual evaluations highlighted the need for countries to move beyond technical compliance to effectiveness, stressing stronger coordination, improved risk understanding, modern supervisory approaches and the use of technology to safeguard the integrity of financial systems.

    Wood commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for supporting the RegTech Africa initiative, saying sustainable reforms require strong political commitment and deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors, including regulators, financial institutions, fintech innovators and telecommunications operators.

    She reaffirmed GIABA’s commitment to supporting member states through capacity building, technical assistance, policy guidance and regional cooperation, describing RACE 2026 as a timely platform to advance a trusted, inclusive and future-ready regulatory and compliance framework across West Africa and the continent.

    Organisers said the media parley marked the official curtain-raiser for the 2026 conference, calling on the media to play a critical role in shaping public understanding of how regulation, innovation and technology can work together to unlock Africa’s ambition for a secure, inclusive and borderless digital economy.

  • Viral teen waste seller gets education scholarship, N7m

    Viral teen waste seller gets education scholarship, N7m

    A 19-year-old Nigerian boy, Samuel, has gone viral on social media for selling plastic waste and cartons to raise money for tiling tools.

    The heartwarming story took a turn when a content creator, Bayuztv, helped Samuel, leaving him in tears.

    Samuel, who learned tiling years ago, needed tools like a cutting machine and mallet to start working professionally.

    The 19-year-old boy who kept struggling to collect waste to earn N1,000-N2,000 per bag, was surprised by the content creator with a haircut, new clothes, a meal, and some of the tools he needed.

    Samuel was also given a phone, N50,000 cash, and his mother received N1 million.

    The gesture sparked a wave of support, with fans donating N7.05 million to help Samuel and his family.

    Samuel was also awarded a scholarship covering his education up to university level, securing his future.

  • Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court okays Yahaya Bello’s trip to Mecca for lesser hajj

    Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court okays Yahaya Bello’s trip to Mecca for lesser hajj

    A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has got the nod of a Federal High Court in Abuja to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for lesser hajj to observe the last 10 days of Ramadan.

    Justice Emeka Nwite granted the permission in a ruling on Thursday on an application moved by Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), at the resumed hearing in his ongoing money laundering trial.

    The application was not opposed by prosecuting lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).

    Justice Nwite also ordered the temporary release of Bello’s international passports to enable him to engage in the trip expected to last between February 18 and March 19.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Kogi paid tax consultant N1.1b in eight months — EFCC

    Bello, who was allowed by the judge to clarify why the trip was necessary, said: “As said by my defence counsel, I have not travelled outside this country in the last eight years.

    “I would have loved to spend the whole of Ramadan in Mecca and to observe Shittu Shawal immediately after Ramadan, but I do not want to take anyone for granted.”

    He said in view of how things are, he has elected to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in Mecca.

    Earlier, the seventh prosecution witness (PW7), Olomotane Egoro, who was subpoenaed from Access Bank, gave evidence about cash inflows from Local Government Areas in Kogi State into the accounts of Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Ltd.

    Egoro also testified about the many cash withdrawals carried out in the accounts of both companies.

    Further hearing in the case resumes on Friday.

    The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor over alleged money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion, an allegation Bello denied by pleading not guilty when he was arraigned.

  • Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    The Senate on Thursday constituted an ad hoc panel to work with its Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters to re-examine contentious provisions in the report on amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.

    The Judiciary and Legal Matters Committee is chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, while the original report under review was prepared by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters led by Senator Simon Lalong.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after lawmakers emerged from a three-hour closed-door session where they undertook an extensive review of the Lalong committee’s report.

    The report had initially been scheduled for debate on Wednesday, but deliberation was stepped down due to the absence of the committee chairman, Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State.

    At the close of plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio informed senators that copies of the report would be circulated to enable them study it ahead of deliberations the following day.

    However, proceedings took a different turn at the start of plenary on Thursday when the Senate President called for an executive session to allow members discuss the document privately.

    Read Also: U.S. airstrikes: Senate to hold security briefing

    Briefing senators after the closed session, Akpabio said the report would undergo further scrutiny to harmonise differing views and address grey areas identified during the deliberations.

    He disclosed that the newly constituted ad hoc panel would sit for 48 hours and present its recommendations on the third legislative day for consideration at plenary.

    Members of the panel, drawn from ranking senators, include Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam. The Clerk to the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, would serve as secretary to the panel.

    Following the announcement, the Senate adjourned plenary till Tuesday next week to await the panel’s report.