The Delta State All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected a call by Francis Waive, a member of the House of Representatives, for the party to adopt Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as its candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election,

Waive’s recent statement called on the party to adopt Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a sole candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

However, the party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, distanced itself from Waive’s remarks, stressing that his position was strictly personal and did not reflect the stance of Delta APC.

It assured members and the public that the party’s candidate for the next election would emerge through a transparent and competitive process, reflecting the people’s aspirations for real change.

“We wish to state unequivocally that Waive’s position is purely his personal opinion and does not reflect the stance of Delta APC, its leadership, or the generality of its members,” the statement read.

The party criticized Governor Oborevwori’s administration, describing it as a “monumental disappointment” and accusing it of financial recklessness and a lack of developmental progress.

“Despite receiving over ₦2 trillion in federal allocations, the Oborevwori administration has failed to deliver any meaningful infrastructural, economic or social advancements for the people of Delta State”

Reaffirming its commitment to unseating the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the APC emphasized that it has “an array of eminently qualified and capable individuals who will offer Deltans a viable and credible alternative in 2027.

The Delta APC urged its members and the general public to disregard Waive’s statement, maintaining its determination to “rescue Delta State from the shackles of misrule and the failures of the PDP-led administration.” it stated.

A Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square has adjourned the trial of a Lagos State Bus Rapid Transport, driver Andrew  Ominikoron, accused of allegedly raping and murdering a 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole, to March 3, 2025, for the adoption of final written address.

The trial judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, fixed the date following the absence of the defence counsel, Mr Abayomi Omotubora.

On the last adjourned date on January 30, 2025, the court had also adjourned the case till February 10, 2025, for the adoption of the final written address.

On November 29, 2024, the court adjourned the case in the instance of Omotubora, who was absent on the grounds of ill health.

When the case came up again on Monday, Omotubora was again absent which prompted the court to further adjourn the case till March 3, 2025.

Ominikoron is facing four counts bordering on conspiracy, rape, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

He was arraigned in March 2022 before the court over the alleged rape and murder of his passenger on February 26, 2022, at the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Expressway.

The prosecution told the court that Ominnikoron conspired with others now at large to rape and murder his 22-year-old passenger.

The prosecution said that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole, without her consent, and murdered her at about 7 p.m. between Lekki Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge, on February 26, 2022.

The defendant and others now at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed one Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki- Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge.

According to the prosecution, the offences committed contravened Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

However, Ominnikoron pleaded not guilty, to the charges against him.

Nine months after President Bola Tinubu directed that all future vehicle, power generating sets, or tricycle acquisitions by the government and its agencies must use either compressed natural gas (CNG), solar power, or electric energy sources, they are yet to comply with the directive.

In May last year, former presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said the president’s directive was part of Nigeria’s moves to transition to cleaner energy because CNG-powered vehicles produce lower emissions and are affordable.

The government’s push for CNG-powered vehicles followed the removal of fuel subsidy by the president during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

LEADERSHIP Weekend investigation revealed that nine months after the presidential order, many federal officials and vehicles of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have not made the switch.

Some senior civil servants, who spoke with our correspondents, cited numerous challenges associated with the transition, particularly the cost and logistical implications of converting official vehicles to CNG.
One of them in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs said, “While the policy is commendable, the reality is that many MDAs are still grappling with budget constraints. The initial cost of conversion and the necessary infrastructure are significant.”

He said with the lack of CNG fuelling stations available in the FCT and the entire Nigeria, it would be very difficult to actualise a complete conversion to CNG.

The official said that without a clear action plan and government’ commitment, the policy may falter.

“It is crucial for government officials to lead by example. If senior members of staff are not converting their vehicles, it raises questions about the seriousness of this initiative,” he said.

Although, it was reported that the government had outlined plans for phased implementation, starting with pilot programmes in selected ministries.

Despite these assurances, the scepticism remains palpable among civil servants who feel pressed to allocate budgets toward urgent operational needs instead of the transition to CNG.
Another senior civil servant in the FCT Transport Secretariat who preferred anonymity said, “The uncertainty surrounding our budgets dissuades us from making such investments. We need clear directives and adequate funding to support this transition.

“As the government navigates its CNG adoption policy, the commitment from federal officials to convert their vehicles will be critical in setting a precedent.

“We are at a pivotal moment in promoting sustainable energy solutions. The success of this policy hinges on genuine leadership and a commitment to immediate action,” he said.
In Katsina State, the authorities are yet to announce concrete steps to convert government-owned vehicles to CNG.

While progress on CNG conversion remains unclear, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has taken a different approach to promoting green energy in the transport sector. In January 2025, the state government launched a pilot phase of solar-powered electric tricycles, an initiative aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Manufactured by the indigenous company IRS, these solar-powered tricycles are equipped with 450-watt solar panels and battery storage systems, allowing them to travel up to 150 kilometres per charge while carrying a maximum load of 300 kilogrammes.

The silent, emission-free vehicles are expected to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for commercial transport operators in the state.

In Enugu State, officials of the state government have not started using CNGvehicles.
But the state government has commenced the process of transitioning from the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to CNG to reduce cost of transportation for commuters and state officials.

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, made the disclosure while briefing journalists late last year on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Enugu on Friday.

Our investigations revealed that already, those interested in the conversion of their vehicles from petrol to CNG are registering at the Ministry of Transportation.

Civil servants in Gombe State have expressed frustration over their inability to convert their vehicles to run on CNG, citing the absence of conversion centres in the state.

Aside from personal vehicles, vehicles in the pool of MDAs have not converted their vehicles to CNG due to increasing financial expenditures on them.

Even government media stations in the state such as GMC Radio, GMC TV and the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) which rely heavily on vehicles for daily coverage of events and official operations, have not converted to CNG.

This has raised questions about the government’s commitment to promoting alternative fuel sources.

Also, no state officials, senior civil servants, lawmakers and appointees nor official vehicles of MDAs have been converted to CNG to reduce the cost of governance in Delta State.

The reason is that such conversion has not taken off in the state.

Findings from the Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the state is taking its time to select some specialised firms for the task.

In Nasarawa State, there is no policy pronouncement to convert government’s vehicles to CNG in line with the federal government’s adoption plan.

Checks showed that senior civil servants, lawmakers and appointees have not converted their official vehicles to CNG to reduce the cost of governance as envisaged.

The state government, however, in March 2024, launched mass transit buses as part of the efforts to reduce the high cost of transport fares occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

Our correspondent reports that the first set of the buses totalling 10 and wholly Compress Natural Gas Vehicles (CNG) were unveiled in the state on March 21, 2024.

Governor Abdullahi Sule who launched the buses, said they were for inter-local government shuttle, even as he explained that more of such buses would soon arrive in the state.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has proposed a shift to a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria.

Dr Alausa made the call on Thursday at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting which is the highest education policymaking body in Nigeria, currently holding in Abuja.

LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria currently operates the 9-3-4 system, which consists of nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education.

However, Alausa pointed out that some of the issues influencing the convening of the extraordinary National Council of Education meeting include the introduction of a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria’s education framework and the approval of a national policy on bullying, among others.

“It is important to acknowledge that while the 9-3-4 system of education has its merits, it also has drawbacks, such as the need for students to work in order to further their education,” Alausa explained.

“It is therefore prudent to transition from the 9-3-4 to the 12-4 system of education. By doing so, Nigeria will align with global standards in preparing students for better tertiary education.”

“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system.

“It will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development.

“A second key agenda to be discussed today at the extraordinary meeting is the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges,” the Minister stated.

He also mentioned that the Council would be discussing the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions, which is to be incorporated into the national policy on education.

“I am sure many of you have heard about the challenges we face as a nation with talented, bright students being disenfranchised from pursuing tertiary education. In any society, it is crucial to standardise the education of exceptionally gifted students who are highly functional.

“We are now preventing these students, after finishing secondary education at the age of 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures. These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues,” he said.

Regarding the conversion of federal science and technical colleges to federal technical colleges, the minister emphasised that technical education, which imparts practical and applied skills alongside basic scientific knowledge, is crucial for addressing the current skills gap in the labour market.

“The provision of technical education allows a nation’s human and natural resources to be harnessed more effectively. Therefore, technical education contributes significantly to national development, driving cultural and industrial progress,” Alausa noted.

The ongoing National Education Council meeting as of the time of filing this report, is expected to issue a communique detailing the key decisions made.

Schneider Electric has advocated for more collaboration to increase  the uptake of energy technologies and automation solutions at the ongoing World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland.

The annual meeting gathers global leaders from all sectors to address the world’s most urgent challenges. This year, it emphasises stronger collaboration to address geopolitical dynamics, while stimulating growth and stewarding a just energy transition.

According to Schneider Electric, it is firmly aligned with the WEF’s call to action adding that it has long worked across multiple industries and sectors, helping clients and partners reduce environmental impacts along their value chain, while improving efficiency and resilience.

 

CEO of Schneider Electric, Olivier Blum, said “Sustainability and economic growth can go hand-in-hand. By forging strategic partnerships, companies can leverage innovation and technology at hand to increase their performance while delivering meaningful impacts and a better future for all.”

 

During the IEA global conference in December 2024, Blum advocated that it is possible to leverage innovations in AI to deliver greater efficiency, resilience, and security simultaneously while ensuring smart and sustainable management.

 

According to a WEF report, reducing energy usage with existing technologies alone could lower energy intensity by 31 per cent and generate annual savings exceeding $2 trillion USD by 2030. To deploy technology at scale, Schneider Electric emphasises stronger partnerships and enhancing efficiency at the industry level.

 

Recently, Schneider Electric released two key reports, The Looming Power Crunch: Solutions for Data Centre Expansion in an Energy-Constrained World from its Energy Management Research Centre, and Artificial Intelligence for Energy Transition from its Sustainability Research Institute.

 

 

As energy costs rise and fossil fuel dependency becomes increasingly unsustainable, the need for renewable energy solutions has never been more urgent, even as TD Africa, a leading technology distribution company in Africa, has partnered with global tech leaders Huawei and EcoFlow to deliver cutting-edge renewable energy products designed to meet the specific needs of Nigerian consumers.

This groundbreaking effort underscores TD Africa’s dedication to providing cleaner, more affordable energy alternatives for households and businesses across the nation.

Business manager, Renewable Energy Solutions at TD Africa, Chidiebere Nwabuko, while speaking to journalists, in Lagos, explained that the Green Hero Initiative is more than just a product launch as it is a commitment to a sustainable future.

“We are empowering Nigerians to take control of their energy needs, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy the benefits of reliable, clean power.

By partnering with global leaders like Huawei and EcoFlow, we’re bringing cutting-edge technology to the market that is not only affordable but also tailored to the specific needs of our customers and Nigerians across the country,” Nwabuko added.

Through the Green Hero Initiative, TD Africa is offering a variety of renewable energy solutions that cater to diverse energy needs. These solutions include the powerful Huawei ISite Power M, ideal for powering homes and small businesses, and Huawei ISite Power S, designed for commercial and industrial applications. Additionally, EcoFlow’s portable power stations are made up of the River series and Delta series that attend to the needs of low and mid-range Nigerians and provide a convenient and clean energy source for residential homes, small and medium businesses and outdoor activities or backup power.

By promoting the adoption of renewable energy, TD Africa is committed to significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Nigeria. The company’s Green Hero Initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

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