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NCYP Urges EFCC, ICPC to Monitor Local Government Funds

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The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called for stronger oversight of local government fund utilization, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to establish units in every local government office to monitor expenditures and prosecute financial mismanagement.

The Christian group also appealed to media organizations to set up dedicated desks to report on the progress of local councils, highlighting both successes and challenges.

In a statement issued by NCYP Chairman Isaac Abrak ,on Monday,
said :“We urge financial regulatory bodies such as the EFCC and ICPC to create specialized units focused on monitoring fund usage and prosecuting offenders,” Abrak said.

The group also stressed the critical role of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in educating local governments and communities on the importance of these funds for development.

NCYP praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its efforts to implement a recent Supreme Court ruling and commended state governors for supporting local government autonomy.

However, they cautioned that local government chairmen must resist mismanagement, citing concerns about excessive appointments of aides, some exceeding 100, as a misuse of public resources.

The group further recommended that local government chairmen regularly disclose their budgets to enhance transparency, governance, and accountability.

Abrak also called for workshops on budgeting and the use of modern IT tools for effective fund management.

NCYP highlighted the potential of local governments to drive grassroots development, drawing a comparison to the success of counties in the United States.

“We urged media outlets to report on the operations of local governments, fostering dialogue between the federal government, councils, and citizens.

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“We called for civil society organizations to help educate citizens on holding local governments accountable through town hall meetings and advocacy campaigns, stressing that empowering the grassroots is essential for national development,he said.

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P-CNGi, LNG Arete sign pact for $27.3m gas plant project

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The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and LNG Arete Ltd. on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on $27.3 million gas plant project to boost CNG infrastructure investment, expansion and availability.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive Officer, P-CNGi, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said the partnership aimed at constructing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant with a processing capacity of seven million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).

The P-CNGi (investing six million dollars) is co-investing alongside the LNG Arete (investing $12 million) and the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, under the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Oluwagbemi said the project, which would employ over 100 Nigerians, would accelerate CNG infrastructure development in the north, securing a 25 per cent equity stake in LNG Arete’s seven MSCFD mini LNG facility located in Ajaokuta, Kogi state.

According to him, the project which will become operational in the next 12 to 16 months, will establish a critical supply hub for CNG across Northern Nigeria, and beyond.

He said it would ensure stable cost-competitive CNG supply for industry and residential users in the north which was underserved.

Oluwagbemi said due to increasing demands to access gas for transportation and industrialisation, the President was determined to bring affordable transportation programmes by leveraging abundant gas resources and boost steady supply to the end users.

“Gas is cheaper, it is safer, and more reliable.

“Of course, the previous administration and this administration have been committed to moving gas from the region where it is primarily produced today, which is the southern part of the country, to the rest of the country.

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“That is why the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and its partners have been investing in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

“From the producing fields, the project will focus on a liquefaction plant and implant storage at Ajaokuta, and eventual pipeline trucks which will be able to move gas over further distances across the north of Nigeria,’’ he assured.

He said the LNG which would be transformed to CNG could be utilised by our power plants, as well as our vehicles and other industries, boosting industrialisation.

The P-CNGi boss said many industries across the north, ranging from textile, agriculture, processing to manufacturing, would benefit hugely from the project.

“The logistics, of course, of moving goods and food items from the north down to the south, especially, processed and manufactured products, will also be cheaper because of this project.

“And even more importantly, is that even when the north gets piped by natural gas in a few years’ time, this plant is still going to be very critical to enable LNG trucks that run more efficiently on LNG, even better than CNG.

“Those LNG trucks will begin to move Nigerian products from Nigeria to Ghana, and to Senegal, ensuring Nigerian products are very competitive and creating jobs,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Hajara Pitan, Project Director, LNG Arete, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the management of P-CNGi and other enablers that ensured the reality of the agreement.

“A major reason for the lack of development of the gas sector has been the fact that infrastructure and gas is expensive, but with the mini LNG technology, we’re able to participate as Nigerians in this sector in a major way.

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“Our aim is clear in LNG Arete to support the Federal Government in deepening gas utilisation across Nigeria, and especially in the underserved regions of northern Nigeria.

“LNG is liquefied natural gas, and so what that means is that we take gas from where it originates, we liquefy it by reducing the quantity and allow it to move around more easily,’’ she said. (NAN)

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Cross River ND-PYLF accuses governor Otu of neglecting youths

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The Cross River State chapter of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), has criticized Governor Bassey Otu for failing to fulfill his promises to the youth since the beginning of his first term in office.

ND-PYLF lamented the absence of sustainable initiatives that could equip young people with skills, employment, or entrepreneurial support.

The secretary, Engr. Sunday Odey Ogbudu and spokesperson, Wilfred Ekawu, in a statement, expressed disappointment over what it described as the governor’s lack of commitment to youth development, job creation, and empowerment programs.

They said: “Governor Otu came into office with promises of a brighter future for the youth, but so far, there has been little to no progress. Unemployment remains high, and opportunities for young people are scarce. His administration has not prioritized youth empowerment as expected.

“We had high hopes that his leadership would usher in a new era of youth inclusiveness in governance and economic development, but what we see today is neglect and a failure to engage the youth meaningfully.”

The group urged the governor to reassess his administration’s approach and implement concrete policies that would benefit the younger generation before the situation worsens.

“The youth are the backbone of Cross River’s future, and if they are ignored, the state will suffer in the long run. We call on Governor Otu to fulfill his campaign promises and take decisive action toward youth development.”

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Students To Honor Ogun Transport Official ,Olugboyega For Leadership

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The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), Nigeria Chapter, a leading Pan-African student organisation, has announced its intention to honour Engr Ademehin Olugboyega, the State Director of Vehicle Inspection Services at the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to duty.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by PSM President, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, and shared with journalists.

The group praised Engr Olugboyega for his exemplary service, describing him as a hardworking, principled, and compassionate individual with an impeccable reputation.

“PSM strongly believes in recognising individuals who have diligently distinguished themselves in their duties,” the statement read.

“Information at our disposal shows that Engr Ademehin Olugboyega is an uncompromising man of high standards, a true lover of the Most High God, and someone with an unblemished reputation.

“We firmly believe that with more people like him in service, Nigeria will become a better place.”

In recognition of his significant contributions to nation-building, the PSM Nigeria Chapter revealed plans to confer upon Engr Olugboyega the prestigious “Icon of National Development” award.

The accolade is intended to celebrate his exceptional leadership and dedication to improving standards within his field.

The PSM, known for its advocacy on behalf of students and its promotion of progressive ideals across Africa, stated that the award would be formally bestowed in the near future, underscoring its commitment to spotlighting role models in Nigerian society.

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