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Abia State sends 30 Showmakers to China on automated technology training

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The first batch of 30 Shoemakers from Aba will depart for China on Friday, Abia State Government has said. The Shoemakers are to undergo intensive training in automated shoemaking technology as part of the Government’s programme to enhance the quality of shoes made in Aba. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who announced this disclosed that they are part of the 100 shoe makers the Government proposed to send to China to learn automated shoemaking technology.

IKpeazu who announced this in his New Year message to the people of Abia State, said that already travelling Visa have been secured for the 30 artisans. The Governor further explained that the Government is paying for their tickets, feeding, accommodation and stipend of the trainees while in China. According to him, upon return, “we will procure the full range of equipment required to set up an Abia State Automated Shoe Factory in Aba”. He said that “these youths will form the nucleus of the workforce in the Factory”, which he said would be commissioned before June 2018.

“We must take full advantage of the Federal Government Executive Order No.3 which underscores the need to patronize Made-In-Nigeria as a priority”, the Governor said. The Governor explained that the automated shoe factory shall enable the State consolidate its status as the pre-eminent destination for leather works in Nigeria and also serve as an enabler of the diligent work the manual producers have been doing over the years.

“It is important that I highlight the fact that 3 of the youths traveling are not from Abia State but are resident in Aba and are fully involved in shoemaking. This underscores our commitment to ensure a fair deal for every resident and tax-payer of Abia State irrespective of origin”.

Ikpeazu also announced that “one of our recently inaugurated Commissioners, Mr. Thadeus Izuogu is from Imo State, and he is expected to coordinate the interests and participation of other Nigerians that are resident or doing business in Abia State”.

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Energy

President Tinubu Commissions WAGL’s 40,000 CBM LPG Vessel in South Korea

…Lauds Company’s Partners for Expanding Africa’s Role in Clean Energy

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WAGL’s 40,000 CBM LPG Vessel in South Korea
Dignitaries at the naming ceremony of the 40,000 cubic metres (CBM) WAGL Energy Limited’s Liquiefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel in Ulsan, South Korea, on Monday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria is poised to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions not just in-country but also across Africa and beyond.

The President made the remarks today at the commissioning ceremony of a 40,000 cubic meters (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel, christened “MT Iyaloja (Lagos),” in Ulsan, South Korea.

The vessel owned by WAGL Energy Limited (an NNPC Ltd. /Sahara Group Joint Venture) is a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier. This latest addition brings WAGL’s total LPG vessel capacity to 162,000 CBM. Other vessels in the fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the President commended WAGL Energy Limited, NNPC Limited and Sahara Group, for their strategic foresight, technical excellence and unwavering dedication to expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy value-chain.

In his remarks, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described WAGL’s LPG Vessel as a great addition to gas development efforts in Nigeria.

The GCEO, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, added that the vessel will be crucial in realising the impact of gas in Nigeria’s economic development.

According to him, NNPC Ltd. is deepening its commitment to ensure LPG affordability, availability and access, nationwide.

“NNPC Ltd. is proud to be a major shareholder in this indigenous Company which in addition to the newly commissioned MT Iyaloja (Lagos), owns four (4) other LPG vessels in its growing fleet, delivering over 6 million MT of LPG across West Africa over the last 5 years,” he added.

Also speaking, WAGL’s Chairman/Executive Director at Sahara Group, Mr. Temitope Shonubi, noted that the company’s expansion demonstrates its vision of responsibly driving efforts aimed at bridging the continent’s critical energy infrastructure gap.”

“The addition of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) embodies the spirit of progress and empowerment championed by the iconic Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, whose legacy we honour. Sahara Group is proud of its partnership with NNPC Ltd. and reaffirms its commitment to partnerships that drive energy access in Africa,” he added.

WAGL’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Sani Bello stressed that the company is dedicated to expanding its integrated supply network across the entire energy value chain.

“WAGL already has plans to further expand the fleet within the next two years with the addition of a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC),” he added.

The symbolic ribbon cutting of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) named in honour of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, MFR, (the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), was performed by her grand-daughter, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Folasade Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo.

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Transport

Tinubu Approves N16.7bn for Immediate Reconstruction of Mokwa Bridge

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N16.7 billion for the immediate reconstruction of the Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which was destroyed by flooding in May this year.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this in Abakaliki on Saturday after a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.

Idris, who is leading a Federal Government delegation on a three-day tour of projects and citizen engagements in the South-East, said the approval underscores the administration’s responsiveness to urgent infrastructure needs.

“We want to thank Mr. President and we want to thank the Honourable Minister of Works. We jointly discussed this and approached Mr. President, who graciously approved it. It means a lot to the people. It’s N16.7 billion to reconstruct the bridge — a 10-span bridge,” he stated.

The Minister also commended Senator Umahi for his swift response in the wake of the disaster, including dispatching experts to assess the damage shortly after the bridge was washed away.

According to Idris, the approval for the bridge reconstruction will be “music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator Umahi, said President Tinubu is a compassionate and listening leader, who is committed to solving the challenges confronting the citizens. 

“The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the Honourable Minister. He graciously approved because of him,” he said.

Senator Umahi said the latest round of approvals for provision of infrastructure cuts across all the geo-political zones of the country. 

He listed some of the approvals to include: the reconstruction of the washed-away 5-span bridge in Wukari, Taraba State; the Lokoja Bridge; the permanent repair of the washed-away section of the Afikpo in Ebonyi to Abia and Imo State; the Keffi Flyover Bridge; the Jebba Bridge in Kwara State; seven bridges in Edo State; and a bridge in Kebbi State.

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Transport

In an Epic Move, Gov Mbah Inaugurates 5 Ultramodern Bus Terminals, Rolls Out 100 Mass Transit CNG Buses Across Enugu

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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Enugu CNG buses and commissioning of Terminals

… Launches New Transport Mgt. System, over 80 bus shelters

… This is unprecedented – Planet Project MD

In an uncommon move that changes the transportation landscape in Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah, on Thursday, inaugurated five ultramodern transport terminals in various parts of the state in line with his integrated blueprint for a modern and multimodal transport ecosystem.

Mbah also launched the Enugu State Modern Transport System that would enable residents commute with ease, as well as a digital platform and over 80 modern bus shelters constructed across the state.

The terminals visited and personally commissioned were the Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1), designated for inter-state transport; Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for inter-city transport; Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station); Abakpa Nike Terminal (Abakpa Central Station), and Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station).

Enugu CNG buses and commissioning of Terminals
Enugu CNG buses and commissioning of Terminals

Mbah said the projects, which drew huge crowds and elicited palpable joy among the residents, were a key part of the administration’s integrated five-terminal Transport Infrastructure Projects, Phase 1, in line with his vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

Features of the terminal include food courts, banking halls, motels, shops, CNG refilling stations, and cinemas, while the Holy Ghost Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by 400m long sky bridge, said to be the longest in Nigeria. The buses feature free wifi and security equipment.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the Holy Ghost Terminal 2, the governor recalled that until the commencement of the project in late 2023, the Holy Ghost area was “practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness.”

Continuing, he said, “Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity.

“We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria would be a futile bid if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.

“So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.

“Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State.”

He explained that alongside the CNG Rapid Bus Service (Mass Transit Scheme), the terminals were “central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future – integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.”

He also described the terminals as catalysts for economic development and “engines of economic revival.”

“They represent our capacity to deliver projects that empower Ndi Enugu and set our state on a robust trajectory of growth.

“Already, this project is creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning Enugu to compete with Africa’s best. Through it, we’re creating over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing, and support services.”

He said that the Enugu Transport Management System would eliminate corruption that had been the bane of government enterprises to ensure sustainability, counting on an e-ticketing system that eliminates leakages, guarantees transparency, and ensures every payment is accounted for.

Enugu CNG buses and commissioning of Terminals
Inside the terminal

“Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses. Importantly, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them,” he stated.

Mbah thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the state’s development.

“Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support towards Enugu – and indeed the South East’s progress. An example is the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which would clearly reposition Enugu as an aviation and economic hub.

“So, we commend the President because no administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done,” he concluded.

In his goodwill message, the Programme Director/CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, who was represented by Engr. Tari Mayor-Bright, commended Governor Mbah for the ultramodern terminals and massive deployment of CNG buses.

“This is not just infrastructure, but a bold step in setting up a modern transportation system geared towards a cleaner, safer, and more affordable transport for the people of Enugu State,” he stated.

Also, the Managing Director of the contractors, Planet Project Construction Company, Biodun Otunola, said that building five terminals simultaneously was unprecedented.

“No administration has ever done this before in the history of Nigeria. We are in this industry and we have the records,” he stated.

He described the terminals as products of good research and the political will of the governor to get things done.

Speaking at the various locations, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor; Council Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh; Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa; Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu; Chairman, Ogige Market Traders Association, Hon. Onyema Idoko; President, Nsukka General Assembly, Clinton Ogbonna; Chairman, Enugu East LGA, Beloved Dan-Anike; Traditional Ruler of Nike, Igwe Julius Nnaji; Chairman, Enugu South LGA, Hon. Caleb Ani; and the Chairman, Enugu South Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Mike Nna Ukwu, expressed the people’s joy over the projects and buses, describing them as economic catalysts.

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