Lagos begins BRT buses conversion to CNG, unveils 2,000 Nigeria-assembled GAC vehicles – Newstrends
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Lagos begins BRT buses conversion to CNG, unveils 2,000 Nigeria-assembled GAC vehicles

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1 year ago

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Lagos begins BRT buses conversion to CNG, unveils 2,000 Nigeria-assembled GAC vehicles

 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state government has commenced the conversion of some of its mass transit (BRT) buses to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in view of the high cost of petrol and diesel after the removal of petrol subsidy.

He disclosed this on Tuesday at the launch of the unveiling of 2,000 new vehicles assembled at the GAC automobile assembly plant in the Ogba area of Lagos.

The governor said some CNG conversion kits were brought in suitable for the BRT buses to run on natural gas.

“We have some new BRT buses to be converted to run on CNG. Already conversion kits have been ordered for this purpose,” he said.

He expressed excitement at the completion of a total of 2,000 vehicles assembled at the Lagos plant.

The plant was built with initial annual production of 5,000 vehicles and capacity to extend to 50,000 units.

This is coming two years after his administration signed a joint venture agreement with the CIG Motors, a Chinese automobile company, for the project.

The facility will be jointly run by the state government and CIG for the production of GAC brand of vehicles.

The establishment of the vehicle assembly plant in Lagos was part of the bilateral agreement reached by the Sanwo-Olu administration and Chinese Investors’ Community during the governor’s business trip to China in November 2019.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Today, we applaud a remarkable milestone of assembling 2,000 brand new vehicles right on Lagos soil, as our vibrant city now hosts a thriving hub of automotive excellence. “The opening of this Vehicle Assembly Plant is a glowing emblem of our state’s openness to investments that foster job creation, skill development, wealth creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“The milestone is not merely a numeric achievement; it’s an epitome of multi-sectoral progress that stands to benefit Lagosians.

“The ripple effect of this investment extends far beyond the automotive sector. It has ushered in a new dawn of employment, providing our industrious youths with well-deserved jobs, thereby significantly reducing unemployment in Lagos.

“The skill transfer and technical training programmes initiated by CIG Motors have empowered many unemployed individuals, arming them with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

“This initiative is nothing short of visionary. Through increased economic activity, supply chain development and ancillary businesses, wealth is being created and evenly distributed among our people.

“This synergy will not only provide affordable and quality transportation for Lagosians but also will open up a plethora of entrepreneurial opportunities for many.”

Sanwo-Olu said the plant, which spans 35,000 square metres, would raise the quality of life and standard of living as it would crash the cost of brand new GAC vehicles in the local market and reduce dependence on second-hand vehicles imported from overseas (Tokunbo).

He said although the plant was built to assemble cars locally, the efficiency would meet international standards.

GAC vehicles, he said, were designed for comfort and easy maintenance, adding, “They are durable, well suited to our roads and climate.”

The governor pledged his commitment to the growth of the automobile sector through business-friendly regulations, provision of infrastructure and investments in quality technical education to produce world-class workforce.

Chairman of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, said the assembly plant was designed in three phases to respond to market demands for GA4, GS3, GS4 and GS8 models of GAC brand.

The full operation of assembly plant, she said, would raise annual production capacity from 5,000 to 50,000 units annually.

Chen said, “We are proud to have Lagos State Government as our JV partner. Today, in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos State, we have a fully automated world-class vehicle production line that is tested, verified and fully operational; owing primarily to the successful PPP between our company and the Lagos State.

“I specially commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for his transformational and excellent leadership. The success of this project is a loud message to the global investment community that Nigeria, especially Lagos is ready for business.”

According to her  the assembly plant has production and quality inspection workshops, comprising three automated lines – the Trim Line, Chassis Line and Final Line.

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Tragedy as 25-year-old man hangs self in Ogun forest

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5 hours ago

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March 14, 2025

By

CSP Omolola Odutola

Tragedy as 25-year-old man hangs self in Ogun forest

The Police Command in Ogun State has launched an investigation into the death of a 25-year-old man, Toye Dominic, whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in a forest near Alagbodagbo Village, Ijebu Igbo.

In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and said the body was found around 4:30 p.m.

According to Odutola, a local hunter, Kareem Olawalose, came across the scene while on a hunting trip and promptly reported the discovery to the Ijebu Igbo Divisional Police Headquarters.

After spotting the body, Olawalose sought assistance from a nearby village, where he met the deceased’s elder brother, Joseph Dominic.

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The brother disclosed that Toye had left for the farm earlier in the day but failed to return, prompting a search by concerned family members.

“Policemen and villagers on arrival at the scene, observed that the deceased had set aside his farm tools before proceeding further into the forest, where he was found hanging from a tree.“No suicide note was found, and family members expressed shock and disbelief over the incident,” Odutola said.

She added that officers documented the scene with photographs, and the body was taken to General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for further examination.
Odutola assured the public that the police would carry out a comprehensive investigation to determine the events leading to the tragedy.

She also encouraged community members to stay alert and support people who might be experiencing emotional distress, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and timely intervention.

 

Tragedy as 25-year-old man hangs self in Ogun forest

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Ex-Kwara Gov AbdulFatah Ahmed rearranged in N5.8bn fraud case

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5 hours ago

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March 14, 2025

By

Former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed

Ex-Kwara Gov AbdulFatah Ahmed rearranged in N5.8bn fraud case

The Kwara State High Court has fixed April 10 and 11 for the continuation of the trial of former governor AbdulFatah Ahmed and his finance commissioner, Demola Banu, over the alleged diversion of 5.78 billion naira from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the two officials, who have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Testifying in court, Engineer Abdulsalam Olanrewaju, a former project manager at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), revealed that despite the state paying counterpart funds in 2014 and 2015, no contracts were awarded.

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He stated that while the 2013 contractors were eventually paid after protesting delays, funds meant for subsequent projects remained unused.

During cross-examination, Olanrewaju clarified that signatories to the SUBEB account were the accountant, permanent secretary, and executive chairman of the board.

Earlier, a second witness, Dr. Musa Dasuki, emphasized that matching grants from UBEC and SUBEB are strictly meant for school infrastructure and cannot be diverted for other purposes.

 

Ex-Kwara Gov AbdulFatah Ahmed rearranged in N5.8bn fraud case

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Fubara writes fresh letter to Rivers Assembly for 2025 budget presentation

Published

6 hours ago

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March 14, 2025

By

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Fubara writes fresh letter to Rivers Assembly for 2025 budget presentation

Less than eight hours after his Chief Judge has been placed on investigation over alleged age falsification, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has properly written to the state House of Assembly of his intention to present the 2025 budget.

On Wednesday, Fubara was locked out of the Assembly Complex for what the spokesman of the House, Hon Enemi George said “his inability to formally communicate the House”.

In a letter titled: Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to Rivers State House of Assembly, and addressed to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Governor recalled his first visit to the House.

“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us.

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“Recall further that before this unfortunate incident, the House issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget even when we were yet to be served with the certified
true copy of the judgement and accompanying enrolled orders”, he said.

Governor Fubara informed the Speaker in the letter that “we were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 budget on the 12th of March, 2025.

“The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their
powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.

“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the State and our
people should take priority over political conflicts.

“Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on
Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may
consider convenient”.

It is therefore left to be seen if the House will have the courtesy to respond to the letter giving the long time frame for thr presentation of the budget.

 

Fubara writes fresh letter to Rivers Assembly for 2025 budget presentation

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