Luxury bus owners: Count us out of planned mass protest

Long distance road transport owners and operators whose buses ply various routes across Nigeria have dissociated themselves from the ‘Days of Rage’ nationwide protests planned to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

The transporters under their national umbrella body, Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), disclosed this at a press conference in the Utako area of Abuja on Thursday.

They described the planned protests as an ill wind that would blow anybody no good.

Briefing the press on ALBON’s position after a meeting in their Abuja office, the association’s leadership led by the President, Mr. Nonso Ubajaka, said experience had shown that such protests are usually infiltrated by hoodlums using the opportunity to unleash violence.

He said members reasoned that if held, the protests could lead to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.

He said the resolution of the members of his association had been conveyed to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, making it clear that they would not be a part of the planned protests.

The association acknowledged that there is economic hardship in the country, with Nigerians feeling the impact of rising food prices and high cost of living.

The ALBON leadership, however, urged those planning to protest to have a rethink and seek more peaceful ways of getting the government to address the problems, including making themselves available for peaceful dialogue.

The ALBON president drew attention to the fact that members’ vehicles operate from Utako to other parts of Nigeria, as well as from other cities and towns to various destinations across the country, which could make their vehicles vulnerable.

Ubajaka said ALBON members could not afford to risk making their buses the targets of violent protests.

He sued for meaningful dialogue while the government works towards finding solutions to the identified problems.

He said, “We don’t want to put our businesses at risk and expose the lives of the people we serve to danger through protests.

“The government has taken steps to mitigate the several national challenges that we are having.”

He called on ALBON members to disregard the planned action, which he continually referred to as a product of “social media” resolve.

CFAO Nigeria thrills, unveils all-new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Toyota by CFAO has officially launched the All-New 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) into the Nigerian market.

Toyota by CFAO, an authorised distributor of all Toyota vehicle models in Nigeria, rolled the latest great SUV, in Lagos, marking the first anniversary of the company in Nigeria.

The unveiling held Friday July 19 at auto firm’s magnificent showroom on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, was witnessed by top public and private sector stakeholders.

The All-New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, renowned for its on-road and off-road capabilities, is one of the best-selling Toyota models in the world, with over 11.3 million units sold in more than 170 countries.

Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Nigeria, Mr. Denis Martin, said at the unveiling, “The Land Cruiser Prado represents more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to Toyota’s enduring legacy and our vision for the future.

“As we honor our roots, we’re also pushing boundaries, much like the Prado itself—equally at home on city streets and rugged terrains.”

Martin added, “Today, we also celebrate a significant milestone—Toyota by CFAO’s first anniversary. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and creating strong partnerships with all stakeholders.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to our customers for your trust, which motivates us, and our partners, for your crucial collaboration in our success. “Moving forward, we are committed to continuous improvement for our standard of excellence, both in the vehicles we offer and the service we provide.

“As we enter our second year, we are excited about the opportunities ahead to further enhance your driving experience and strengthen our bond with the community.”

Providing insight into the new vehicle, the Managing Director of Toyota by CFAO, Mr. Boye Ajayi, said, “Today, we unveil not just one, but two extraordinary editions of the Land Cruiser Prado—the Limited Edition, also known as the First Edition, and the Adventure Edition.

“The theme of our event, ‘Back to the Roots,’ perfectly encapsulates the essence of what we are celebrating here today. The Limited Edition, with only 2,000 units produced worldwide, takes us back to our roots, commemorating the inception of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

“It symbolises exclusivity, history, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence.

“Each unit is a testament to Toyota’s dedication to crafting vehicles that stand the test of time while pushing the boundaries of innovation.”

He also said, “These vehicles represent the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and versatility.

“With the new 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, T24A-FTS turbo-charged powerful gasoline (petrol) engine, the Land Cruiser Prado delivers an exhilarating driving experience, combining power and efficiency in perfect harmony.

“Its robust design, advanced technology, and off-road capabilities ensure that every journey is an adventure to remember.”

The brand partner, Mai Atafo, was on hand to provide further details about the vehicle, which captivated the invited guests and became the center of attention.

Among the notable features of the vehicle, which is already available in all Toyota by CFAO outlets in Nigeria, is the Electric Power System (EPS)—the first in the Land Cruiser family—that facilitates improved maneuverability. Additionally, the new Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism anti-roll bar system significantly enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities while guaranteeing outstanding comfort.

The firm adds that its website, www.toyotabycfao.ng provides further information about the vehicle’s features.

FG/NURTW CNG initiative; Govt promises 30,000 conversion kits at Lagos launch

A total of 30,000 Compressed Natural Gas conversion kits will be distributed to commercial vehicle owners/drivers within 90 days, Chief Executive Officer/Programme Director, Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, has said.

He disclosed this at the Park-to-Park CNG Conversion Mobilisation held in Lagos on Saturday.

He added that the CNG initiative was to ensure that commercial drivers would benefit from the palliative measure for transporters.

“We have been across over 14 states. We have been to Ilorin, Ekiti, Lokoja, Aba and Port Harcourt. We have been to the South-East even to the North.

“We are confident we have built a national movement for this conversion.

“What we now need is action, and that is why we are here today. We are acting on what Mr President has said –  to roll out and roll out fast.

“We are here to put to action, our talk in the past six months. This is the time for Nigeria to use the gas.

“Nigeria should believe in this project, there might be some challenges but we should believe in it.

“This is our country. So, we need to support this programme; support Mr President. Don’t be negative, we should be positive in this,” he said.

Oluwagbemi stressed the CNG was cheaper, cleaner, safer and more reliable, adding that it had 40 per cent less steel emission and 90 per cent less pollutant in the air.

“Definitely, there is an advantage to use CNG for the environment. We are already flaring gas. What we are saying is that instead of flaring gas, we use it for the growth of the economy,” he said.

The Lagos State Government was represented by Hon. Sola Giwa, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation.

He commended the FG and NURTW partnership on the initiative and for choosing Lagos as the launch site.

A former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said the provision of conversion kits by the Federal Government was in keeping to its promise of easing the effects of fuel price increase for transporters.

He said 150 beneficiaries would collect voucher for conversion which they would take to any approved installation centre.

He added that they would refill gas at N250 per kilogramme.

“This will, in turn, increase pocket savings, reduce transport fare and prices of commodities,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of NURTW, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the project.

He said the project, once fully functional, would significantly reduce transportation costs for the citizens.

Mr Najeem Yasin, a former National President, Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said that the initiative would positively affect the lives of transporters in the country.

“Today, we are here to launch the programme officially. We started in Kaduna, and today, we are here, in Lagos.

“We appreciate the President of Nigeria for trying to assist transport workers throughout the nation.

“With the CNG, prices of commercial vehicles should come down, and this will affect all sectors of the economy,” he said.

He said that NURTW was involved in the project to make sure it would go round.

“The whole 36 states would get this free conversion kits, and we assure Mr President that the aim would be actuslised,” he said.

Yasin assured that the Federal Government and NURTW would work tirelessly to ensure the successful implementation of this project.

He noted that with this launch, Nigeria had joined the ranks of nations leading the charge in sustainable energy solutions.

Other dignitaries in attendance are Alhaji Aliyu Issa Ore, Acting President of NURTW; Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, Chairman of the defunct National Caretaker Committee; Alhaji Akeem Adeosun, Ogun State Chairman; Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, Zonal Chairman of the South West Zone; and Alhaji Adekunle Mustapha (Sego).