News
FG Launches Free CNG Conversion Program for One Million Vehicles in Ogun State
In a bid to alleviate the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal, the federal government officially launched the Conversion Incentive Programme under its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday.
During the inauguration, Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Program Director of the Presidential CNG project, highlighted the primary goal of converting one million vehicles to run on CNG at no cost to the vehicle owners.
This initiative, according to him, aligns with the President’s commitment to ease the burden on Nigerians. Oluwagbemi further elaborated that the program will collaborate with four newly signed conversion centres in Ogun State to meet its target.
He emphasized that the launch of the initiative represents a direct response to the President’s previous national address, where the President acknowledged the challenges Nigerians are facing and pledged to support them.
Oluwagbemi stated, “We are here to officially kick off the Conversion Incentive Programme as part of the President’s promise to convert a million vehicles for free.
Today, in Abeokuta, we begin fulfilling that commitment. We will be working alongside conversion centres here in Ogun State, four of which have already been signed up.”
He also noted that the conversion kits will be distributed to commercial drivers, particularly those affiliated with transport unions such as the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
According to Oluwagbemi, Ogun State now has 60 conversion centres across the country as part of this federal initiative. “Each centre will receive free conversion kits, provided by the Federal Ministry of Finance, to carry out the conversions.
Fifty nominees from each of the three major unions will have access to these facilities, ensuring that conversions begin promptly,” he said.
Once the vehicles are converted, drivers will be able to refuel at designated CNG stations, several of which are already operational within the state.
In addition, Jide Onakoya, Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on Energy, expressed optimism about the programme’s impact.
He described it as a transformative development for Ogun State, adding that it would significantly contribute to reducing environmental pollution while offering cost savings for drivers and commuters alike.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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