The Nation Newspaper

Category: Discourse

Torrents of tributes pour for Labour leader Kokori
- President, governors, NADECO chieftains, unionists, pro-democracy activists mourn
- Family ‘regrets’ patriarch’s passage
Torrents of tributes poured in yesterday for former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori.

The elder statesman, who was a foremost figure in the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1983 presidential election, died in the early hours of yesterday. He would have turned 80 yesterday.

His death at a hospital in Warri, Delta State, was confirmed by his Personal Assistant, Atawada.

The tributes came from politicians, pro-democracy activists, unionists and human rights crusaders. They all eulogised the virtues of the late unionists who rallied oil sector workers to rise against the abortion of the election widely adjudged as Nigeria’s freest and fairest in 1993.

They include: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori; former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; Senator Ede Dafinone, and the various unions.

Elder statesman and General Secretary of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun, described the late Kokori as “a rare ideological specimen in trade unionism and the democratic struggle”.

In his tribute, Opadokun wrote: “He (Kokori) was a rare nationalist, committed ideologue, genuine patriot who risked even his own career and family comfort as well as possible prospect to speak truth to power on behalf of the down-trodden Nigerians.

“Comrade Kokori was well educated and well trained in the management of human resources to balance up with capital for productive growth of the state economy.”

The elder statesman said the late Kokori’s sagacity and courageous leadership came to national limelight much more in 1993-1994 through to 1998.

Opadokun said: “As the General Secretary of NUPENG, which was registered in 1978, Kokori played a pivotal role in making the organisation to become the most critical trade union in the democratic struggle of Nigerians to restore democracy.”

He recounted how the late Kokori was enticed with tantalising offers from the administrations of self-styled military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and the late Gen. Sani Abacha, but he rejected all allurements.

Read Also: NUPENG mourns ex-secretary, Kokori

The tribute added: “When the NLC, under Comrade Paschal Bafyau, became unwilling to pressure the military junta to disannul the victory of Basorun MKO Abiola in 1994, Comrade Kokori and his NUPENG President, Comrade W. Kodjo Agamene, mobilised their union along with NUBIFIE and other democratic bodies to organise the most prolonged national strike in post-independence Nigeria.

“Comrade Kokori and I, as the General Secretary of NADECO, met many times at odd times to fine-tune their strategy and commencement of the strike. When he was arrested through the conspiracy of an insider in Yaba, he was taken eventually to Bama Prison for four years without any charge against him.”

The elder statesman regretted that although the eventual exit of Kokori may be as ordained by God, the erstwhile unionist could have tarried for awhile more, if he got the required government care, support and welfare when he most needed them.

Opadokun also said Kokori suffered the painful loss of his wife later on and the Nigerian state did not deem it fit to recognise the selfless and patriotic commitment of the comrade to the nation’s democratic struggle.

“The most painful part of the national neglect of those who lost their sweat, blood, possessions, liberties and even lives in order to birth the Fourth Republic is their wanton abandonment to their fates while the fair weather elements who remain surrogates, loyalists, sympathisers, acolytes and supporters of the military agenda to stay in power are the beneficiaries of the gains of the activists,” the former NADECO chieftain said.

Exist of a bastion of inspiration Governor Oborevwori described late Kokori as “a bastion of inspiration, Labour icon and a man of great political depth and insight”.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, the governor noted Kokori’s immense contribution to the development of the state and country at large.

Oborevwori said: “As a government, we were committed to ensuring that the now late elder statesman got back to his feet, but unfortunately, against the grain of our expectation, he couldn’t make it back from the hospital.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a great elder statesman, Kokori, whose contributions to the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s democracy remain an inspiration to many.

“As the nation mourns him, I enjoin the Kokori family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death.”

Keyamo mourns ‘father-in-struggle’

Aviation/Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo also mourned “the passing away of my father-in-the-struggle, my mentor and my guide.”

He recalled that when the late Kokori was in solitary confinement in Bama Prison for his struggle for the restoration of the June 12 mandate nearly 30 years ago, “I personally represented him in various courts, fighting for his freedom.”

The minister said he became an adopted ‘son’ of his (Kokori’s) family.

“His late wife and children were constantly in court with me and I would spend time in their home in Surulere.

“I would team up with him years later in the APC family in Delta State to struggle to liberate our state. He lived in the struggle and died in the struggle. This is definitely the end of an era,” Keyamo said.

For the Coalition of Pro-Democracy for A Better Nigeria, the country has lost democracy’s live wire and June 12 activist with the demise of Kokori.

The National Coordinator of the Coalition, Mr. Awa Bamiji, in a statement in Lagos, said the late Kokori would be remembered for his contributions in the June 12, 1993 struggle.

The activist said the coalition would not easily forget the impact of Kokori in the struggle for democracy in the country.

Awa said: “Chief Kokori, who hails from Ovu in Agbin Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, shall be remembered for union activism.

“He will be remembered for his enviable roles in the struggle for the actualisation of June 12 presidential election, believed to have been won by late Chief M.K.O Abiola.”

Also, the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr. Tommy Okon, said Kokori’s death was very painful, especially at the present time of the labour movement when his wise counsel on labour issues were most needed.

Okon, who doubles as the Deputy President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said: “The trade union movement will miss him seriously, but his contributions to the growth and development of the trade union movement in the country can never be forgotten.”

The Programme Manager, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, a civil society organisation (CSO), Mr. Okeke Anya, also described Kokori’s death as very sad.

“Chief Frank Kokori was not only a great labour leader but also a great patriot who fought for the entrenchment of democracy in the country. We console the family and pray that his soul rests with the Almighty,” Anya said.

He lived a life of sacrifice, says NUPENG

NUPENG President William Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale also mourned the late elder statesman, saying the ex-Labour leader spent his life in the struggle and sacrifice for workers’ emancipation.

It’s a great loss to Nigeria, says Gani Adams

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams, said Kokori would be remembered for being part of the struggle for democracy.

He described the death of the NADECO chieftain as a great loss to Nigerians, saying the late activist would be remembered for his struggle for the enthronement of Nigeria’s democracy.

Aare Adams’ tribute on the late Kokori was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi.

The immediate past Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, noted that Nigeria’s “democracy owes a lot to Kokori’s indefatigable spirit”.

Senator Omo-Agege also eulogised Kokori as an advocate for the people and for accountable governance. He urged the current generation of Labour leaders to imbibe the inspiring and principled stand of their predecessors.
December 8, 2023
Family regrets passage of patriarch

The death of former National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Secretary-General, Chief Frank Kokori, threw Ovu community, Agbon Kingdom, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State into mourning yesterday.

The elder statesman died around 1:30 a.m, a statement by his son, Kive Kokori, said. Kive expressed regret over the passing of the one he called ‘patriarch’.

He expressed the hope that recognition would come for the Labour leader from government at various levels.

Read Also: I remember Frank Kokori

Kive said: “The children and grandchildren regret to announce the passing of their daddy, Chief Frank Kokori, who died at around 1:30 a.m on December 7, a day that also doubles as his birthdate. Chief Frank Kokori was 80 years old.

“Chief Frank Kokori was one of the arrowheads of the June 12 struggle and the enthronement of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. He was a Labour leader per excellence, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an elder statesman. His love for Nigeria was unparalleled.

“Daddy, as I and others fondly called him, was a man of justice: principled, dogged, and a lover of human rights and justice for all.

“He may not have been accorded the level of accolades that he deserved during his life time but I pray that in death he gets all the accolades he deserved for the sacrifices he made for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“I celebrate you on behalf of the family, Delta State and Nigeria.”

December 8, 2023
COP28: Why Africa must accelerate transition from Fossil Fuel to Renewable Energy
- By Sam Onuigbo
It is on record that 151 countries have pledged to attain net zero emissions. Yet, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s Emissions Gap Report 2023, which was released earlier this month, shows that countries all over the world are doubling down on coal, oil, and gas production, with coal production estimated to peak in 2030, while oil and gas will peak in 2050. The report further disclosed that the total greenhouse gases emissions in 2022 reached 57.4GtCO2e up 1.2% from 2021. Undoubtedly, emissions from fossil fuels make up 2/3rds of total emissions. This is very much contrary to the scientific recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the recorded pledges of governments.

This disturbing development has led the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to remark that “…governments are doubling down on fossil fuel production; that spells double trouble for people and planet.”

While this amplifies the lip service being paid by governments, it is more startling that “… the addiction to fossil fuels still has its claws deep in many nations. Governments are planning to produce, and the world is planning to consume, over double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than is consistent with the pathway to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C,” says Inger Anderson, Chief Executive of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The multifaceted problems posed by climate change were again highlighted at the recent trilateral climate change and health symposium convened by the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). At this symposium, the Director-General of WHO, Dr Ghebreyesus, declared, “[t]he world’s addiction to fossil fuels is an act of self-harm. This addiction not only drives the climate crisis but is a major contributor to air pollution, which kills almost seven million people every year – a death every five seconds. The health community has a critical role in protecting people from the escalating climate threats to health.”

In September, NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies announced that the summer of 2023 was the hottest summer since NASA began to keep global records since 1880. Accordingly, June, July, and August were 0.23 degrees Celsius warmer than any other summer since 1880.

The troubling thing is that even though science warns us to stop, pecuniary reasons and a total bullheaded disregard for the future have forced people, who should otherwise be strategic and responsible, to focus on the gains of now, to the detriment of the future of their children. Curiously, negative intervening circumstances like the Russia-Ukraine War, Israel-Hamas War, post-Covid challenges, etc., are given as excuses or reasons for this worrisome development.

Historically, emissions from developed countries led to the climate crisis. But, developing countries, especially in Africa, continue to bear the brunt of the negative impacts of the climate crisis. Africa’s contribution to global emissions is less than 4 percent, yet the continent continues to demonstrate its commitment in addressing climate change. For example, among other efforts by the continent, the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit affirmed the Republic of Kenya to co-host with the AU, the African Climate Summit (ACS) which was held in Nairobi from 4th to 6th September 2023. During this inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) African Heads of State and Government as an outcome of the Summit endorsed the Africa Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action. The Declaration shows practical actions that the continent is taking and also what is needed to address climate change. It also puts forward the immense green opportunities that Africa offers to the world in solving the climate crisis.

Ordinarily, one would have expected that those who created the climate crisis will perhaps take leadership and help other countries struggling to industrialise with the support to navigate through their own industrialization process in a clean and sustainable way. Yet, what the developing world has witnessed non-stop is a total lip service to climate action. From failing to meet agreed-upon financial commitments, through a total refusal to be amenable to current conversations for more support to help developing countries, to the intermittent recourse to coal and other fossil fuels when it suits them, developing countries barely have any role models to look up to.

At a point when leadership is demanded for the future of the world, it does appear that the world must once again look to Africa— the cradle of life—to champion an unselfish drive for the preservation of our world.

Incidentally, most of the key powers in Africa, such as Nigeria, are heavily dependent on fossil fuels for revenue. Yet, these countries are grossly impacted by climate change and suffer from chronic energy poverty. There are also the issues of underdevelopment, poverty, and lack of technological know-how. All of these combine as huge challenges to efforts at transition and seem to make the case for more investments in fossil fuels.

But that is a very dangerous path for African countries to continue to toe. In the first instance, dependence on fossil fuel is highly unsustainable. This is because most of the industrialised regions and markets like China, Europe, US, India, etc., for Africa’s fossil fuel, are today rapidly transitioning to cleaner forms of energy through massive investments in this sector. When that happens, countries in Africa that are dependent on fossil fuel for revenue will have little to no markets and consequently be left with stranded assets. Secondly, science has shown that fossil fuels play a huge role in driving climate change and thus destroying our world. Since Africa is heavily impacted by climate change, it amounts to self-sabotage to continue with what negatively impacts its people.

Africa also has a pressing need to industrialise in order to position itself as a fully developed continent capable of addressing the critical issues of poverty, hunger, disease, unemployment, infrastructural deficit, etc. The vast raw materials of renewable energy available to the continent can serve (with technological support and proper planning) as the springboard to launch the continent into a sustainable and prosperous future. So, while divestments in fossil fuel is also about showing leadership in the fight to save our future, it is also an important pathway to securing Africa’s future and addressing critical issues facing its people.

According to the text of the Nairobi Declaration, African leaders are committed to, “focusing our economic development plans on climate-positive growth, including expansion of just energy transitions and renewable energy generation for industrial activity, climate-aware and restorative agricultural practices, and essential protection and enhancement of nature and biodiversity.” Yet African leaders are “concerned that despite Africa having an estimated 40 percent of the world’s renewable energy resources, only $60billion or two percent of US$3trillion renewable energy investments in the last decade have come to Africa. Meeting the 300 Giga Watts (GW) target by 2030 at an estimated cost of $600billion translates to a tenfold increase in the finance capital flowing into Africa’s renewable energy sector over the next seven years.”

This is why as the world prepares to gather in the United Arab Emirates for COP28, African countries must commence, as a matter of urgency, serious conversations on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy first in accordance with the commitments of the Nairobi Declaration. Then in line with the urgent need to boost investments in renewables as a way of addressing Africa’s energy poverty and industrialization problems. And thirdly to save our world. This can then be built on post-COP28 with a well-articulated divestment Action Plan that sets clear timelines and articulates specific efforts at strengthening greener and more sustainable means.

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It was clearly in a bid to achieve this that African Heads of State and Governments at the ACS urged global leaders to join them “in seizing this unprecedented opportunity to accelerate global decarbonization while pursuing equality and shared prosperity,” particularly when it has been noted “with concern that 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity while 970 million lack access to clean cooking.”

It should be emphasized that, “…Africa possesses both the potential and the ambition to be a vital component of the global solution to climate change. It is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce, coupled with massive untapped renewable energy potential, abundant natural assets, and entrepreneurial spirit, [and] has the fundamentals to pioneer a climate-positive pathway as a thriving, cost-competitive industrial hub with the capacity to support other regions in achieving their net zero ambitions.”

Fortunately, in Nigeria, there have been promising movements in this direction. After over six decades of circumscribing electricity generation on the Exclusive Legislative List, the 9th National Assembly of Nigeria in 2023, amended the Nigerian Constitution and moved electricity from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List. The same Assembly then passed the Electricity Bill 2023.

Earlier, upon his assumption of office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the petroleum subsidy. Also, just about ten days after assuming office, he signed the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023 into law.

These commendable efforts have done two things for the country. While subsidy removal brings to an end the disproportionate injection of government revenue into the petroleum market, it was quickly followed up with the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and the roll out of CNG-powered vehicles. But, even as CNG is still fossil fuel, resorting to it as a first step towards renewable energy is a move in a commendable direction.

The Electricity Act on its own liberalizes the electricity industry and encourages investments in renewable and clean energy and the establishment of mini and off-grids. Sections 142 and 143 of the Act are informative on this, and we have started seeing results. Several State Governments have passed their own electricity laws. Particularly, in Ekiti State, we are witnessing how mini grids spearheaded by IKEA Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) are transforming communities by powering local businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, etc.

One expects to see more of these but in a structured manner that recognises the urgent need to divest and transit in a just and equitable manner from fossil fuels especially now that data shows that energy from renewable sources are in fact cheaper than energy from fossil fuels. What more? What is the essence of continuing to invest in infrastructures that will be obsolete in a little under a century when that fund can be directed to more sustainable investments?

The incentive for potential investors is that Africa has about 600million people without access to electricity and 970million people without access to clean cooking methods. As I said at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, in 2021, during COP26, and recently reiterated in my presentation at the Kenyan National Parliament during the Africa Climate Summit, this is a huge market for investors. It reminds one of the telecoms revolutions in Nigeria and how many telecoms companies from developed world failed to take advantage of the large market due to perceived “market risks.” Those who eventually took “risks” have made trillions of dollars over the past three decades. Another opportunity beckons. As such, this is the time to take advantage of this virgin and sustainable market instead of continuing in bullheaded investment in fossil fuels.

This divestment process must begin today with Action Plans earmarking steps to replace dependence on fossil fuel. Doing this will be of great service to the continent and the world while also ensuring that attention is massively paid to bolstering other sustainable economic pathways for the continent.

The world needs an unselfish leader at this critical time. Africa must show up.

•Onuigbo is Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions, Northeast Development Commission (NEDC). He is on X as @OnuigboSI.
December 1, 2023
Afe Babalola University wins 2023 Afam Osigwe National Moot Court Competition
- By Tunde Olofintila
The rating of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, as Number 1 University in Nigeria for two consecutive years (2022 & 2023) and Number 221 in the world in 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings has got a further boost in Abuja last week when the ABUAD Chapter of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria, LAWSAN won the 2023 Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN’s National Moot Court Competition.

The beauty of the victory by ABUAD Law students becomes the more manifest in that the 13-year-old university emerged the winner in a competition involving Federal, State and Private Universities in the country, many of which are several decades older than ABUAD.

ABUAD’s victory this time around is not surprising. During the April 26, 2017 Moot and Mock Trial Competition between Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, and Afe Babalola University, College of Law, ABUAD students emerged victorious in the competition.

The journey to stardom began on April 13, 2023, when the 15 Law Students started preparations for the competition up to May 27, 2023, when they defeated Ekiti State University, EKSU, to emerge Winners at the State Level and consequently qualified to represent Ekiti State.

Still riding on the crest of their success at the State level, the 15 ABUAD Law students defeated Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Osun State University, Osogbo, Lead City University, Ibadan and Crescent University, Abeokuta as well as Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, on August 18, 2023 to emerge Winners of the Advocacy Championship and qualified as the University to represent the Universities in the South-West geo-political zone of the country at the national Level.

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This was followed on November 13, 2023, with the submission of arguments for both sides (Claimants and Defendants) by ABUAD, University of Jos, Benue State University, University of Calabar and Rivers State University as well as Arthur Jarvis University. The submitted arguments were to be graded by Independent Assessors to determine those who will qualify for the finals in Abuja.

At the end of the assessment, ABUAD emerged first while Benue State University came second, a development which qualified both universities to compete at the finals.

After about one hour of advocacy and oral adumbration on November 23, 2023, the Judges rose and retired to their Chambers for assessment and at the end of the day, ABUAD was declared Winner both on merit and on points.

Reacting to the national victory, the obviously elated Founder & Chancellor of the University, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, congratulated the Champions and reminded them to see their victory as just the beginning.

In Babalola’s congratulatory message which was delivered in his office with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smranda Olarinde and the Provost, College of Law, Prof. Tunde Yebisi, in attendance, the elder statesman advised the students to see their victory this time around as a catalyst that will spur, propel, ginger, inspire and encourage them to greater attainments in the future.

He rounded off with his usual prayer for his students that they would be greater than him.

•Olofintila is the Director, Corporate Affairs, ABUAD
December 1, 2023
Abiodun setting the pace, revolutionising transportation
- By: Elijah Udofia
One major dominant issue in the campaigns for the 2023 presidential election was the subsidy regime and its relevance in today’s economic outlook in Nigeria. The winner of that election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, like the two other leading candidates, did put Nigerians on notice that if elected, he would remove subsidy on fuel. The president believes that if fuel subsidy is not removed, the country would die economically, as there would be no money to run the affairs of the country..

True to his promise, President Tinubu, immediate after taking over the mantle of leadership, announced the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. This announcement took many by surprise as they believed that the decision was too sudden, while some described it as hasty. But for the president, the subsidy has to go as it benefitted the rich more than the poor.

If there there is any decision by any administration that has caused Nigerians hardship and desperation since the return to democracy in the last 24 years, the decision indeed occupied the number one spot. The reason is not far-fetched. The lives of the average Nigerians revolve around petrol and diesel in their day to day activities.

And while many applauded and welcomed the decision as necessary, majority, particularly the common man, condemned it and tagged it irrational, as they believed that they are the ones to bear the brunt, as the ‘richmen’ can always afford to buy fuel at any price.

No doubt, the decision has seen the prices of goods and services rise astronomically, making lives unbearable to an average Nigerian. As it stands, the elimination of fuel subsidy brings both challenges and opportunities. The withdrawal of subsidy has led to a 150 percent to 200 percent increase as fuel now sells for between N500 – N600 across the country.

The implication of this is that a small and medium-scale enterprises are facing difficulties in accessing affordable power as supply from the national grid is erratic and, in most cases, non-existent. Another fall out of the removal is the astronomical hike in transport fares and the rise in cost of food items across the country,

As a measure to cushion the effects of the hardship Nigerians face every day, the Federal Government, among others, announced N5bn palliative for each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, among other steps.

It is often said that leadership is about solving problems and not succumbing to challenges. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State is one man who always thinks ahead and maps out strategies in dealing with emerging situations. Like Peter Drucker, an Austrian American Management Consultant, Educator and Author, put it, “leadership is not about making speeches or being liked. Leadership is defined by results and not attributes.”

Abiodun, over the last four years, has constantly demonstrated capacity and foresight in directing the affairs of the Gateway State and this can be seen when he and his team about a year, quietly, strategically and proactively formulated the Ogun State Energy Transition Policy. This policy seeks to deploy the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to fuel mass transit buses and e-mobility for motorcycles and tricycles long before the national government thinker with the idea.

What this implies is that Abiodun is a man who apart from being a player in the oil industry, also understands the politics and economic dynamics associated with the sector and had clearly anticipated the sudden and unavoidable deregulation of the downstream sector and fuel subsidy removal.

Not to be caught unawares and being a forward looking government, the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Abiodun, four days to the removal of subsidy on fuel, held a meeting with labour leaders on how best to better the lot of workers. The fall out of the meeting led to the rolling out of various palliatives, including payment of N10,000 as transport allowance to all categories of public servants and pensioners with effect from July 2023. The government also approved hazard allowance for all health and medical personnel in the state, while N25,000 was approved as peculiar allowance for public servants in the state;

Apart from the above steps taken to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, Governor Abiodun, on Monday October 30, in Abeokuta, recorded another first by being the only governor in the country to unveil the first set of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit Buses with an assurance that the introduction of the gas powered Mass Transit Buses would revolutionize the entire transport sector and reduce the hardship Nigerians are experiencing on daily basis as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Governor Abiodun, who performed the unveiling in the presence of who is who in the State, including politicians, traditional rulers, captains of industry, stakeholders in the transportation sector, labour leaders, students, among others, told the people that his administration conceived the idea even before the fuel subsidy was removed because his government was desirous of a cost-effective transportation system with little impact on the environment.

The man who has always emphasized the need for the State to go green, said: “This has become very imperative considering the urgent need to provide a cleaner environment and to mitigate the effects of climate change which we are all seeing to be real and which principally is caused by the use of fossil fuel, predominantly diesel and petrol.

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“As your governor, I am extremely delighted that we are able to commence the implementation of this laudable initiative and I am bold to say that we come tops yet again as the first state in the country to record this feat which is another successful Public Private sector partnership with our partner called Spiro, a company that has successfully deplored this in other parts of the West Africa sub-region.”

Putting up a gigantic structure or putting in place a laudable schemes such as the CNG powered mass transit buses, is not a problem in Nigeria, but the problem lies in maintenance and getting it to run at all times. To guide against this and ensure that the buses are kept on the roads at all times, Abiodun assured that local mechanics, who are part of the conversion engineering, had been trained to maintain the buses.

“Conversion stations have been set up in the three senatorial districts of the State to allow for the rapid conversion of commercial and public mass transit buses and vehicles across the State,” the governor assured.

He opined that the initiative no doubt, would reduce the cost of transporting goods and services from one place to another as well as provide the needed training and job opportunities for thousands of technicians and mechanics around the state.

For residents of Abeokuta and its environs who have been complaining of high cost of transportation, the governor has this to tell them: “Some of these buses will ply Kuto to Wole Soyinka train station in Laderin, some from Onikolobo to Idi-Aba corridor, while others will serve Ita-Oshin-Adatan route.”

To others, who are not likely to benefit from this first phase, Abiodun said: “As we expand our fleet, we will also deplore the buses to major towns and cities starting with Sango- Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and this will provide mass transportation for our citizens particularly our young students in the towns and cities.”

For those in the border areas, the governor assured them that, some of the buses will ply the Mowe-Ibafo to Berger in Lagos as well as the Redeemed axis to Lagos Island, not forgetting the engine room of the State the workers and of course, the students

To ensure a seamless operations of this laudable project, the state government has set up a gas filling station at Obada-Oko, just as it would provide the needed infrastructure to support the refuelling of the buses along the roads and terminals.

Abiodun appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative as he stated that the state government is taking a cue from the federal government as a sub- national in executing the project.

No doubt, times are really hard, but Governor Abiodun wants the people of the State to key into the words of Robert Schuller who said “tough times never last but tough people do”. He wants them to know that he appreciate that these are indeed very difficult times and it shall come to pass. He wants them to have it at the back of their minds that his administration is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring the needed succour and relief are brought to them as quickly as possible.

Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, whose Ministry is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the smooth operations of the Mass Bus Transit, said the unveiling of the buses marked an important milestone in the implementation of the state’s transport policies and the state multi-modal transport plan. He added that the use of alternative and cheaper fuels is also one of the key reasons why the state government established the Ministry of Transportation in February, 2020.

Giving a legislative backing to the project, the member representing Imeko and Yewa North in the Federal House of Representatives; Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, thumbed up the state government for being the first in the country to launch the project, describing the CNG as one of the cheapest fuel to replace petrol, saying that the Federal Government was also thinking in the same direction.

The federal lawmaker commended the governor for brilliantly pivoting the initiative, expressing optimism that the impact would be felt by the people.

Akarigbo of Remoland, who also double as the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, lauded the Abiodun led-administration for its developmental stride across the State. He charged government to ensure that the CNG enabled buses not only operates inter-city, but also intra-city transportation, for the people to feel the impact.

No doubt, the removal of subsidy on fuel will bring unbearable hardship on Nigerians, but with their support and governments doing the needful, there is bound to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Udofia writes from Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
November 3, 2023
‘Reverse forex removal on importation of poultry products’

Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called on Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reverse forex removal on importation of poultry products.

In a statement by President, Sunday Ezeobiora and Director General, Onallo Akpa, it said the policy has created fears in farmers and investors and compounded the sector’s challenges.

The association urged the Federal Government to maintain import restriction on frozen poultry products and eggs as attempt to give in to pressures will spell disasters to the industry and economy.

It called for engagement with PAN towards making available raw materials, such as maize and soya to revive collapsing farms as the industry is the most capitalised sub-sector in agriculture.

The association requested a funding programme for the sector so the sector survives.

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“Multiple taxation on poultry production enterprises and products by states revenue boards be looked into by the Joint Tax Board to abolish unnecessary taxes on food by either the board or task force.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have roles to play in this matter.

“We give jobs to over 20 million, providing cheap source of protein, ensure gender balancing and provision of trade to women and youths, stabilise national food security by boosting crop production, agronomy, and contributing over 25 per cent of Livestock Agricultural Gross Domestic Product”, it said.

November 3, 2023
Advisory board to assist govt in rural development’

Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council has been inaugurated to coordinate and execute community projects, and ensure compliance with policies and programmes.

Special Adviser to the governor on Rural Development, Nurudeen Yekini-Agbaje, said the council will propagate information on government activities.

Yekini-Agbaje reiterated government is interested in growth and development of rural areas, and so would continue to attend to their needs.

He said: “Restoring the Office of Rural Development to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development is a pointer to the fact Mr Governor is interested in development of rural communities.

To the executive committee, Yekini-Agbaje said: “Your function is to advise government on matters relating to development and progress of communities. Be committed in this assignment…”

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The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the election as a demonstration of ‘collective efforts through the sacrifice of engaging in community development’.

She noted CDAs act as a bridge between government and people, to propagate government’s plans to the people.

“They are also to bring their challenges to the government because it is difficult for government to meet with individuals. So, the council proffers advice and suggest ways to reach these communities.

“One great achievement is to truly serve people. I salute those of us coming forward…’’

develop our communities, it is indeed taking Lagos to an enviable level,” she added.

The election produced Alhaji Azeez Amusat as chairman. He polled 105 votes.

November 3, 2023
Don seeks academia, industry synergy

Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Oluseyi Ajayi has called for a synergy between the academia and manufacturing sector for sustainable research need to boost the economy.

He noted there are indigenous solutions to the nation’s industrial challenges, adding they are cheaper and come with product and process improvements.

“No one can solve our problems to our benefit. The manufacturing sector is encouraged to trust the academia for research needs. It is cheaper and comes with ease of product and process improvements,” he said.

He delivered the 30th Inaugural Lecture: “Sustainable energy and production technology: panacea for the development we want.”

The don urged the Federal Government to refocus the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan of 2014 to include ways to ensure a reduction in export of raw materials.

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This, he said, would reduce unemployment, improve GDP, standard of living and higher value currency.

The Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo, who was represented by a Pastor, Mr Niyi Beecroft said unity was imperative to address the nation’s challenges.

“We know the problems, don’t tell the problems we must unite and come up with solutions. We unite our efforts to make things work,” he said.

Vice Chancellor, Prof Abiodun Adebayo bemoaned Nigeria’s rising greenhouse gas emissions with its environmental and health challenges, adding that the cost of energy generation, distribution and consumption continue to increase.

Adebayo lamented that with the high cost of electricity in the country, a large number of the population remain in darkness, lacking access to energy.

November 3, 2023
Fashola’s wife to pupils: shun drug abuse

Former Lagos State governor’s wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has urged youths to shun drug abuse and see a counsellor, if addicted to drugs.

Mrs. Fashola, said this at the second Inter-Secondary School Debate on Drug Abuse, organised by Nigeria Youth Parliament, Lagos Central.

“You should not take drugs and if you are tempted, or know someone who has acquired this habit, speak to them to seek help by going to a counsellor or therapist.

The programme, which brought together 154 pupils in 30 junior and senior schools, represented a policy action serving as a peer-to-peer advocacy to address drug abuse among pupils.

Pupils engaged in thought-provoking debate on the theme, “Preserving the future with clean health”.

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Eko-Akete Senior High School won senior category; New Era Girls’ Junior School topped the Junior category.

Representative of Lagos Central at Nigeria Youth Parliament, Abdulmumin Edidi, said: “This is a peer to peer education. We are getting pupils to own the conversation about drug abuse.’’

“Prisons are congested already. If you look at the issue of drug abuse, most of the people who peddle drugs, don’t use drugs. They’re business people. It is the victims. So, if you are sentencing the victims to jail. They should sentence those find peddling and consuming at the same time, to community services, while those who are just victims should be sent to rehabilitation.”

Chief Host of the event, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, urged the students to abstain from drug abuse and make right choices for their lives.

November 3, 2023
Dapo Abiodun, unlocking Ogun prosperity through aerotropolis
- By Olaniyi Ajibola
John C. Maxwell, American clergyman described a leader as “one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”. By the tenets of his thought, Maxwell believed only an individual with capacity to see ahead of others follow the path with conviction and make others to see in that direction qualifies to be called a leader.

In political landscape, there are people at the corridors of power parading themselves as leaders without the qualities enunciated by the late American clergyman; in the real sense of it, they are not more than dealers and jobbers in power.

Fortunately, for people of Ogun State, the evil machinations of political dealers and jobbers could not deny them a leader in the description of Maxwell; and the man with blue blood, Prince Dapo Abiodun, came into the saddle and took the mantle of leadership with utmost alacrity.

Going by the manner and speed the governor redefined governance and entrenched purposeful leadership, it would have been an unimaginable disaster and catastrophe if his naysayers and antagonists had succeeded in stopping him in 2019 and subsequently in 2023.

The state would have been robbed of laudable projects of global attention amid political stability and peaceful co-existence, unlike the past years of palpable tension, suffocation and intimidation.

Of great interest and global attention is the construction of an aerotropolis, an agro-cargo International airport of distinction, strategically located on Iperu-Ilishan road in Ikenne Local Government, a contiguous community to Lagos.

By its concept and scope, the airport was designed to have facilities for cargo processing, storage warehouse, training centre, International Standard Testing Centre for agriculture produce, a logistic hub, and special space for commercial flights.

At the completion of the airport, it will generate over 25,000 jobs for youths , aside creating infrastructure to boost export of agricultural and non-agricultural goods on one hand and on the other, to reinvigorate socio-economic activities capable of increasing revenue generation drive.

It is in the face of this that developmental economists and stakeholders in aviation have described the Gateway International Airport as a game-changer in Nigeria, with its special design to connect rail, road and water transportation, which decongests Lagos airport, coupled with component and facility to receive parcels coming into Nigeria to be redistributed to other parts of the country.

The airport is a direct and complete fulfilment of Abiodun’s transformational philosophy, popularly known as ISEYA, an acronym for Infrastructural Development, Social Welfare and Well-being, Education and Human Capital Development, Youth Empowerment, Agriculture and Food Security.

With the largest industrial zones in sub-Saharan Africa, comprising 8,000 hectares OPIC-owned Agbara Industrial Estate, with over 200 companies, which includes the federal Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade (OGFTZ) with 44 operational companies, factory tenants from across the world, accommodating over 6,000 Nigerian employees and an estimated 100,000 metric tonnes of freight moved in/out of OGFTZ daily, the Agro-cargo International Airport is indeed a game changer.

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The governor, after several visits to the airport and in his usual style of project monitoring, again visited the on October 21 to inspect some developments and briefed the press, in an obvious euphoria of sterling performance and indelible achievement.

Abiodun went into memory lane and gave details of the journey towards his success in Aerospace Economy.

The governor averred: “When we assumed office, we established the Ministry of Transportation and commissioned a transport master plan for Ogun State. It was called a multi model transport master plan. The idea is to have a document that speaks to the connection between all modes of transportation in the state; road, rail, water and air. That document has continued to guide and shape our policy decisions in the sector.

“We considered transportation and the ease of transportation as a key enabler in our socio-economic development. We decided that an airport would need to be established on a business case. And that business case among others is to have it co-located in an industrial zone. So, we decided to locate a special agro-processing zone on the same premises. So, we have the airport inside a special processing zone. And what is that? A special processing zone is a zone that is dedicated for processing companies that take raw materials from the immediate corridor and process into finished good.

“For us, this initiative ticks the box of providing an enabling environment for Public Private Sector partnership, which is part of our vision ab initio. Today, what you see here is an airport that has landed a number of aircraft. The airport is not officially opened yet because there are things required by the regulatory authorities for an airport to be given commercial licensing right and some of those things are not in place yet.

“However, the most important part of an airport that is already in place is the runway. This runway is the longest runway in Nigeria. It is the widest runway in Nigeria and is the best constructed runway in Nigeria. Beyond the runway, we have an apron. The apron is world class. That is where planes park after they land. That apron is 82,000 square metres of concrete. I am not sure how many aprons are built to this standard. And we have the administration building which is nearing completion.

“Against the administration building is the control tower. I say with pride and I beat my chest, there is no control tower that comes anything near this facility. And when I say this, people wonder am I competing? No, I am not competing. However, we set up standards for ourselves.

“We are building a truly international airport. We have de-risk this project because as much as we believe that as government, we don’t have any business in business, we realise that were we to wait for others to come and build this airport, we would probably be waiting after I must have left office. But, what did we do, we decided as government to look for funding and build this airport and then concession it to others, thereby de-risking the project. So, today, what you see is a world class airport that is attracting the attention of airport operators around the world.

“We have a process in place where a few others have expressed interest. It is very exciting that the airport is not completed and yet people are jostling to take over the airport, pay us all that it has cost us and begin to run this airport. Had we not built this airport to world class standard, nobody would come here. There are other airports all over the country that states have built and I don’t know how much interest those airports are receiving all over the world, but this airport is receiving interest from international airport operators.

“I am sure in the next 30 to 45 days, we should sign the dotted lines of the concessioning, which would mean that everything the airport has cost us would be paid back to us and we can use the money to pay our debt and begin to look at other projects. Like they say, you build a highway it leads from one point to other, you build an airport, it takes you from that point to the rest of the world. Today, Ogun is being opened to the rest of the world. We are saying with all sense of modesty and sincerity that Ogun is ready for the world”.

By the above submission of Abiodun, the governor has left no one in doubt he possesses greater knowledge and capacity of developmental governance; he has proven it to all he is more cognitive and cerebral than what his political foes peddle about him.

I know by now, all his political naysayers must have eaten the humble pile and resort to fate; Congratulations, Abiodun, on this enviable feat.

You are without doubt our Lee Kuan Yew in Ogun State.

Olaniyi Ajibola, writes from Abeokuta
October 24, 2023