UK-Based Governance Report Lists Zamfara, Kwara, Benue Among Nigeria’s Poorest Managed States

A new governance performance review has ranked Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue as the worst-performing states in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025.

The ranking was contained in a midterm report released on Monday in London by the Good Governance Rating Index (GGRI), a UK-based organisation that tracks and evaluates leadership quality, service delivery and accountability in developing democracies.

According to the report, the three states, under the leadership of Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Hyacinth Alia of Benue, performed abysmally across major governance indicators such as health, education, infrastructure, economic opportunities, transparency, and security.

GGRI said its findings were based on data gathered from official government reports, independent audits, field surveys, and citizen feedback mechanisms between May 2023 and August 2025.

“The performance of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue falls well below the national average across all measurable indicators. These states have consistently demonstrated weak leadership, poor policy choices, and a lack of transparency that have compounded the hardships of their citizens,” the report stated.

Zamfara ranked bottom overall, with GGRI citing the deepening insecurity crisis in the state, where armed banditry and mass abductions continue to thrive.

According to the organisation, “Zamfara has no clear developmental agenda despite the governor’s rich manifesto at inception. Corruption and the activities of government agents and non-state actors have continued to fuel insecurity even with billions regularly allocated as security votes. The state’s infrastructure is collapsing, workers’ welfare remains poor, and the vast revenues received from the Federation Account are not translating into meaningful development.”

The report further noted that “Zamfara’s education sector is in ruins, with over 60 percent of school-age children in rural areas either out of school or attending poorly equipped classrooms. Health facilities are chronically underfunded, and maternal mortality rates remain among the highest in the country. Instead of institutional reforms, the government has prioritised political patronage, worsening the plight of ordinary citizens.”

Kwara, under Governor AbdulRazaq, ranked second-worst. GGRI observed that despite heavy rhetoric on reforms, the state’s economy and social indicators have stagnated.

The organisation stated that “poverty is deepening in Kwara, while economic activities remain largely stagnant. The state capital and surrounding towns are plagued with dirty streets and environmental decay, symptomatic of corruption and ineptitude in governance. Infrastructure continues to crumble, with Ilorin suffering from bad roads, unreliable water supply, and inadequate public housing.”

It added that “the education sector has deteriorated, with many schools lacking qualified teachers and learning materials. Health outcomes are similarly poor, with rural health centres understaffed and ill-equipped. Governor AbdulRazaq has mastered the art of lofty promises and public relations, but the reality is that his citizens are not feeling the impact of government on their daily lives.”

Benue State, led by Governor Alia, ranked third-worst, with GGRI warning that insecurity, poverty and governance failures have combined to push the state deeper into crisis.

“Benue has witnessed a collapse in rural infrastructure, with primary schools in many local government areas reduced to ghost structures and hospitals either abandoned or non-functional,” the report noted.

It added that “the governor has shown little willingness to confront insecurity, leaving thousands of internally displaced persons without hope of resettlement. Poverty levels are climbing, economic activities are stagnant, and corruption among state officials is rife. The surroundings in both rural and urban centres are dirty and neglected, with no major infrastructure projects to inspire confidence. What exists is the entrenchment of despair and a government adrift without a clear development agenda.”

GGRI warned that the poor performance of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue carries national implications, particularly for Nigeria’s human development index and overall democratic consolidation.

“The tragedy is not only that citizens are being denied the dividends of democracy, but also that these failures erode public trust in governance. If unchecked, the long-term consequence will be the deepening of poverty, instability, and disillusionment,” the report stated.

The organisation called on the federal government, civil society, and international partners to intensify oversight and support for reforms in these states.

It recommended urgent interventions in the education and health sectors, stronger accountability frameworks for public expenditure, and targeted security strategies tailored to each state’s challenges.

GGRI further urged citizens in the affected states to demand accountability from their leaders rather than accept excuses.

“Governors are elected to lead, not to explain away failures. The people of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue must insist on good governance as a right, not a favour,” it concluded.

The Good Governance Rating Index is widely regarded as an independent evaluator of governance quality across Africa. Its reports are often used by donor agencies, development institutions, and investment partners as reference for engagement strategies.

Why is China targeting asteroids?

By Wu Weiren
The solar system is home not only to the eight major planets but also to an immense number of
smaller celestial bodies – asteroids and comets – varying in size, shape, and orbital characteristics.
Among them, asteroids are defined as solar-orbiting objects smaller than planets and dwarf
planets, typically inactive in releasing gas or dust. These bodies, numbering in the billions, are
often referred to as “living fossils” of the solar system’s formation and evolution. Asteroids with a
perihelion distance of less than 1.3 astronomical units (AU) are categorized as near-Earth asteroids
(NEAs).
NEAs represent one of the most significant potential threats to Earth. The United Nations has
ranked asteroid impacts among the top 20 existential threats to humanity. The prevailing scientific
consensus holds that an asteroid approximately 10 kilometers in diameter was responsible for the
mass extinction event 66 million years ago, which eradicated roughly 75 percent of Earth’s
species, including the dinosaurs. More recent examples include the 1908 Tunguska event, which
flattened over 2,000 square kilometers of Siberian forest, and the 2013 Chelyabinsk incident, in
which a meteor explosion injured approximately 1,500 people and damaged some 3,000 buildings.
While the likelihood of such catastrophic events remains low, their potential consequences are
profound. As of March 2025, 38,171 near-Earth objects had been identified, comprising 38,048
near-Earth asteroids and 123 near-Earth comets. However, due to the technical challenges of
detection, only about 1 percent of near-Earth asteroids are currently catalogued. Early in 2025,
asteroid 2024 YR4 briefly showed a 3.1 percent probability of Earth impact, triggering global
concern.
How should we respond to these “uninvited guests”?
At the third International Deep Space Exploration Conference, held recently in Hefei of Anhui
province, Chinese scientists presented their vision for asteroid exploration, planetary defense, and
resource utilization, while extending an open invitation for international cooperation.
The China National Space Administration has in recent years launched a series of feasibility
studies and preliminary programs focused on NEA detection and defense, including a formal
proposal to build a national a near-Earth object defense system. Chinese scientists have outlined a
comprehensive two-pronged strategy: first, the development of an integrated early warning system
that leverages both ground-based and space-based monitoring assets; and second, the
establishment of mitigation capabilities centered on kinetic impactors, supplemented by additional
technologies and supported by a mission response library to ensure that each credible threat can be
addressed with a pre-planned, executable solution.
China aims to conduct its first asteroid deflection demonstration mission around 2027. This kinetic
impact test has three primary objectives: to alter the trajectory of the target asteroid; to observe the
impact in detail, including velocity and energy transfer; and to monitor post-impact changes to
assess the operation’s success.
The mission involves targeting a small asteroid approximately 10 million kilometers from Earth,
aiming to change its velocity by 3 to 5 centimeters per second, sufficient to alter its trajectory. The
selected target poses no risk of Earth impact for at least the next century.
From the standpoint of planetary defense and the long-term survival of humanity, developing
asteroid mitigation capabilities is a global imperative. As a responsible major player in space,
China is committed to contributing its expertise and resources to the establishment of an
international asteroid detection and defense system.

Beyond defense, asteroid exploration and resource utilization also hold immense promise.
Asteroids contain significant reserves of iron, nickel, platinum-group metals, and water ice. They
are broadly classified into metallic, carbonaceous, and silicate types. The exploitation of asteroid
resources – long pursued by leading spacefaring nations – holds transformative economic potential.
According to authoritative estimates, over 700 of the roughly 1,000 asteroids studied in detail are
each valued at more than $100 trillion. Over the next 30 years, the projected economic value of
main-belt asteroid resources may exceed $700 quintillion.
This field is not only a strategic pillar of deep-space exploration but also a foundational
component of the emerging extraterrestrial resource economy. With ongoing advances in nuclear
space propulsion, quantum technologies, and embodied intelligence, the development of asteroid
resource is expected to become increasingly intelligent, cost-effective, and commercially viable.
In the future, a large-scale industrial chain centered on asteroid exploitation is likely to emerge,
becoming an integral part of the deep-space economy.
(Wu Weiren is the chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, and the director and chief
scientist of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory.)

Why NUPENG and PENGASSAN Must Stop Terrorising Nigerians

By Kunle Ayo

Recent actions by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in the oil and gas sector reveal a desperate attempt by certain actors to exploit Nigerians’ sensibilities, perpetuating lawlessness, economic sabotage, and threats to national security for the benefit of a few at the expense of the broader population.

It is an affront to Nigerians’ intelligence that NUPENG and PENGASSAN, historically complicit in the deliberate and egregious degeneration of the oil and gas sector, have long acted as enablers of self-interest. These unions have been directly implicated in decades of inflicting untold hardship on ordinary Nigerians through their neglect, complicity, and collaboration with enemies of the state. Their sudden posturing as defenders of workers’ rights—when their actions have contributed to the suffering of millions—is both hypocritical and insulting.

The recent decision by NUPENG and PENGASSAN to embark on strike action aligns with their persistent assault on the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, which President Tinubu’s administration is working tirelessly to revive. This calculated move seeks to drag the nation back to the dark days of fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, orchestrated by a handful of Nigerians and their foreign collaborators, with NUPENG and PENGASSAN as willing participants.

To call their actions detrimental to Nigeria’s social and economic progress is an understatement. The negative impact on social services is immense, as their strikes have led to the shutdown of thermal power plants, threatening to plunge the nation into physical and economic darkness. This cripples economic and social activities, placing millions of households and small businesses at a severe disadvantage.

NUPENG and PENGASSAN have made no secret of their self-serving intentions, prioritizing a culture of impunity, primitive wealth accumulation, monopoly, and destructive behavior over patriotism.

Their actions consistently place personal gain above the needs of the nation and its citizens, undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence, independence, and economic growth.

Under the guise of unionism and workers’ rights, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have chosen to inflict undue hardship on Nigerians, rejecting platforms for constructive dialogue. Their concerns are not genuine but rather mischievous, selfish, and treasonable, opting for self-help tactics that bring untold suffering to citizens and residents instead of pursuing collaborative solutions.

The federal government’s efforts to facilitate peaceful resolutions to these disputes have been rebuffed by NUPENG and PENGASSAN, who instead escalate their campaign to promote economic instability. Blinded by self-interest, they have failed to grasp the broader implications of their actions and refused to work toward solutions that benefit Nigerians.

Nigerians are neither fools nor gullible enough to fall for their deceptive tactics. The unions’ attempt to sell a false narrative about mass layoffs at Dangote Refinery is a fraud, mirroring their own duplicity. Their efforts to mislead Nigerians for selfish ends have failed. These misguided actors, driven by corrupt motives, remain insensitive to the decades of suffering caused by oil subsidy profiteers.

For years, NUPENG and PENGASSAN remained silent during fuel scarcity crises, ignoring the plight of Nigerians who were reduced to economic servitude in one of the world’s richest oil-producing nations. Yet, they now claim to champion workers’ rights at a time when fuel prices are stabilizing, the forex market is steady, the naira is strengthening against the dollar, and inflation is declining. They suddenly find fault when fuel is widely available, governors can pay salaries and pensions, and viable competition thrives in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, attracting foreign investment due to economic stability.

How can any sincere labour union, concerned with the welfare of its members and the nation’s economic viability, remain silent when massive fraud is perpetrated by a few citizens in collaboration with foreign actors? Billions of dollars in Nigerian funds have been laundered under fictitious pretexts by union officials, and the fraudulent fuel subsidy scheme, orchestrated through a corrupt Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has caused immense harm.

Yet, NUPENG and PENGASSAN now claim to fight for workers’ rights with a fabricated narrative.
NUPENG and PENGASSAN should be well aware of labor laws and their applications. They cannot claim ignorance that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) does not compel staff of private universities to unionize, nor does the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) force workers at private transport companies like GUO or God is Good Motors to join its union.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) does not mandate teachers in private schools to become members. Union membership is an individual’s private and exclusive right, not a mandatory or national obligation. How many times have NUPENG and PENGASSAN gone on strike to address the failures of Nigeria’s refineries despite billions spent, or to end the fuel subsidy scam?

NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no right to interfere in the internal administration of Dangote Refinery or any other private corporate entity. Their consistent role as saboteurs, aimed at derailing national progress, reveals them as stooges of sedition and terrorism. In a foolish attempt to serve their paymasters, they have declared war on the common man, making a mockery of themselves.
How does halting crude oil and gas supplies serve justice if workers are laid off?

Can self-help and blackmail assist affected staff or benefit ordinary Nigerians? Dialogue and legal avenues, not reckless actions, are the appropriate means to resolve disputes. Ironically, the processes NUPENG and PENGASSAN oppose are the very ones that have brought relief, alleviated suffering, and restored hope. These processes have stabilized fuel costs, promoted deregulation, reduced foreign interference in the oil and gas sector, and delivered numerous benefits.

We must echo the voice of Hon. Dr. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal House of Representatives, who rightly declared this affront against Dangote Refinery as an attack on national security, the economy, and the common man. NUPENG and PENGASSAN must cease acting as tools of saboteurs to derail Nigeria’s progress. They must stop making a caricature of themselves, as times have changed, and a new era of accountability has begun.

The Dangote Refinery has come to stay, driving Nigeria’s economic independence and progress through its transformative impact on the oil and gas sector. Nigerians stand united in resolute support of this vital enterprise, rejecting the sabotage of self-serving actors posing as trade unionists. With the people’s backing, Dangote Refinery will prevail against these economic adversaries, securing a future of stability and prosperity.

*Ayo writes from Lagos

Nigeria @65: Aondoakaaa urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

A former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN has congratulated Nigerians on the 65th Independence Day Celebration of the country.

In his goodwill message to celebrate Nigerians on the special occasion, Chief Aondoakaaa, a frontline 2027 governorship aspirant in Benue State called on Nigerians to keep their hope in the administration of President Bola Tinubu alive.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, stressing that with time, they will understand that the administration means well for the country.

According to him, October 1st is more than just a public holiday, noting that it’s a time for Nigerians everywhere to celebrate freedom, reflect on how far the nation has come, and look forward with hope.

Furthermore, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa urged Nigerians to continue to grow together in unity and strength. He also urged them to keep the spirit of unity and love alive.

In his prayer for the nation, Chief Aondoakaaa prayed to God to make Nigeria’s future brighter than the past

He however implored Nigerians to continue to pray for all the leaders in the country as they are the ones God has chosen to lead.

CSOs To Tinubu: Hold DAPPMAN, Labour Unions Responsible For Breakdown Of Law, Order

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA), and Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA) have expressed bitterness with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), as well as strike threats by PENGASSAN, TUC, and NUPENG, saying it represent nothing short of a direct assault on the Nigerian people.

The coalition, in a press statement during their rally to the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and NMDPRA in Abuja on Tuesday, signed by the President, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman; National Chairman, Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele; National President, National Coalition for Market Men, Women & Artisans (NACOMWA), Comrade Boma Agbede, and Chairman, Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA), Barr. Yusuf Danladi, called on President Bola Tinubu to hold leaders of these unions responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order in this country and they should be immediately arrested for disobedience to court order.

The coalition said: “For decades, Nigerians have been held hostage by a cartel that thrives on import dependency, round-tripping, subsidy scams, and artificial scarcity. DAPPMAN, an organisation that should be a partner in progress, has chosen instead to undermine the Dangote Refinery and other indigenous refining initiatives because they fear competition, transparency, and efficiency.

“DAPPMAN’s opposition to Dangote Refinery’s emergence as a major force in local refining is not about policy, not about patriotism—it is about preserving their stranglehold over Nigerians. Their agenda is to keep fuel importation alive, so they can continue profiteering at the expense of ordinary citizens who are already battered by poverty, unemployment, and inflation.

“We are equally disturbed by reports that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the TUC are planning to embark on an industrial strike to back DAPPMAN’s destructive agenda. At a time when Nigerians are groaning under the weight of economic hardship—when families are choosing between food and school fees, when transportation costs already swallow meagre salaries—these labour unions want to compound the suffering by shutting down oil and gas operations.

“Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels. This is not a fight for fairness. It is a fight against Nigeria’s independence in refining. History will not forgive any union that aligns with saboteurs against the very people they claim to represent.”

The coalition said they welcome with relief the ruling of the Federal High Court which barred PENGASSAN from stopping gas supply to Dangote Refinery, saying the judgment validates their position that the strike threats were not in the interest of workers or Nigerians, but a calculated move to sabotage Nigeria’s refining revolution.

They said the judiciary has spoken clearly that no union or cartel has the right to hold 200 million Nigerians hostage in pursuit of selfish interests, and called on security agencies to enforce this ruling decisively and ensure that no group undermines the court’s order.

They further stated that, “ASUU is the union of university lecturers in Nigeria, but it does not go after Covenant, Baze, Babcock, JABU, or Crescent universities to force their lecturers into membership. NURTW is the union of road transport workers, yet it does not force the drivers of God is Good, GUO, Ekeson, or Chisco into its ranks.

“NUT is the union of teachers in primary and secondary schools, yet it does not march into Chrisland, Grange, British International School, or Charterhouse to compel teachers to join.

“So why should Dangote Refinery, a private enterprise built with private sweat and risk, solving our collective refining crisis—be forced into the grip of PENGASSAN or any union that can shut it down at will?

“If any worker at Dangote Refinery is unhappy and feels the need for union protection, let them seek employment elsewhere or test their grievances in court. Nigerians cannot allow a situation where, after decades of suffering from fuel imports, one man builds a world-class refinery, and a union claims the power to cripple it at will.”

PIA Amendments: Group Vows Nationwide Protest Against FG’s Attempt to Sell Critical Assets

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against what it described as a dangerous plot by the federal government to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and sell off critical national assets.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, president of the movement, accused Finance Minister Wale Edun of spearheading moves that would strip the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of its backbone and hand over the country’s oil wealth to cronies.

“These amendments are the handiwork of Wale Edun, who appears to think he will be in government forever. Nigerians must rise against this kind of individual mentality and the planned return of the Obasanjo/Atiku era that sold off critical national assets. This time, they want to sell everything to their friends and render the NNPCL naked,” Gbudu said.

The NRM president said the movement would not fold its arms while government policies mortgage the nation’s future. He described the PIA, passed into law in 2021 after two decades of delay, as one of the few reforms that provided a clear framework for the oil and gas sector.

The group said it believes President Bola Tinubu may not be aware of the move to amend the PIA and sell off public assets.

“It is barely four years since the PIA came into effect, and instead of strengthening it, this government wants to dismantle its safeguards. Our national oil company, which should be a source of pride and revenue for all Nigerians, is being targeted for stripping under the guise of reforms. We believe President Bola Tinubu may not be fully aware of the implications of this move, but Nigerians will not be passive while their future is auctioned,” he said.

Gbudu recalled how past privatisations failed to deliver value to citizens, saying they mainly enriched a few politically connected businessmen. He warned that repeating that pattern in the oil sector would deepen poverty and unemployment.

“The Obasanjo/Atiku era taught us bitter lessons. NEPA was sold, yet Nigerians are still in darkness. Refineries were left comatose while billions are spent on fuel imports. We will not allow another cycle of deception,” he declared.

Instead of amending the PIA to pave the way for asset sales, Gbudu urged the government to focus on transparency and accountability within the NNPCL.

“What Nigerians want is openness. We want to know the real figures, the contracts, the daily production, the inflows and outflows. That is what will build trust and efficiency. Selling off assets to friends of those in government will only deepen corruption and rob the country of future revenues,” he added.

The NRM leader said the group has begun consultations with civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups and community leaders to resist the proposed changes.

“We are ready to lead Nigerians to the streets if necessary. This is not just about oil, it is about the survival of our commonwealth. If they insist on amending the PIA to sell off our assets, we will mobilise nationwide protests,” Gbudu warned.

CSOs Hail Court Order Stopping PENGASSAN’s Strike

…say parties must respect the rule of law

A coalition of civil society organisations has applauded the ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja halting the planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.

The group, operating under the aegis of the Coalition for the Defence of Economic Rights (CODER), described the interim order as “a victory for the rule of law and economic stability”.

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Monday night and signed by its president, Comrade Babajide Oresanya, CODER urged all parties to respect the decision of the court and allow due process to take its course.

“We hail the decision of the court under Justice Emmanuel Sublim to stop the strike and preserve the integrity of our economy,” Oresanya said.

“The attempt to cripple operations at the Dangote Refinery by cutting off crude oil and gas supply would have inflicted incalculable damage on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians. The judiciary has once again risen to the occasion by protecting both the rule of law and the national interest.”

The coalition further warned that industrial unions must not act in a manner that undermines national development or the survival of critical infrastructure.

“While we recognise and respect the constitutional right of workers to organise and press their demands, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. The refinery is not just a private enterprise; it is a strategic national asset with implications for energy security, job creation, and the wider economy. To hold it hostage for union politics is unacceptable,” the statement read.

Oresanya urged PENGASSAN to retrace its steps and engage in constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.

He also commended the federal government for acting swiftly by meeting with PENGASSAN and regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), while urging stakeholders to abide strictly by the interim order of the court.

“The court has spoken. Any attempt to flout this order would amount to contempt and could further escalate the situation. Nigerians are watching, and what the country needs at this moment is stability, not conflict. Respect for the judiciary is non-negotiable,” Oresanya stressed.

The coalition also expressed concern that the controversy surrounding PENGASSAN’s allegations against the refinery could distract from the broader national goal of energy sufficiency.

“Independent investigations and facts on ground have shown that the Dangote Refinery has been a net creator of jobs, both directly and indirectly. Rather than peddling unsubstantiated allegations, the union should channel energy into ensuring that the refinery delivers optimally and contributes to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the group noted.

CODER concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the judicial process.

“The interim order is only the first step. The substantive matter will be heard on October 13, and we are confident that the court will dispense justice in line with the facts presented. What is most important now is that all parties submit to the authority of the court and allow reason to prevail,” Oresanya added.

The National Industrial Court had earlier on Monday restrained PENGASSAN from proceeding with its nationwide strike after Dangote Refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim, filed an ex-parte application.

Justice Sublim ruled that the strike could cause irreparable harm to the economy and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive case is heard.

CSOs Hail FCCO Provost’s Performance, Pass Confidence Vote

Civil Society Organisations, Movement for Better Nation (MBN) and Good Governance Campaigners Network (GGCN) have dismissed allegations of corruption and underperformance against the Provost of Federal Cooperative College Oji River, Enugu State (FCCO), Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, following investigations. 

The groups launched an inquiry after a report had mentioned the college in a project duplication allegation. The investigation involved a fact-finding visit to the institution and all the project sites linked to the report.

In a joint statement made available to newsmen, Saturday in Enugu, by the Coordinator of the two civil society groups,  Comrade Emmanuel Ailemen, revealed that facts on the ground gave a clean bill of health on Dr. Obidiegwu as the mentioning of his name and FCCO in projects duplication were “absolute misinformation”, rather they are ongoing Constituency Projects.

Ailemen disclosed that given the empirical evidence on the ground, the CSOs passed a vote of confidence on Dr. Obidiegwu,  noting that beyond the emergence of facts exonerating him and the institute from contract fraud, he has transformed FCCO from being a school without basic facilities for learning, training and development to an institution with the right atmosphere for academic excellence and capacity building.

The group further stated that the kind of transformation FCCO has undergone under the current Provost aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while urging the general public to disregard all allegations linking Dr. Obidiegwu to corruption or underperformance, but rather dwell on facts on the ground.

“At first, our attention was drawn to the allegation of project duplication in which the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, under the leadership of Dr. Obidiegwu, was mentioned. However,  from our findings, we can confirm that the allegation is an absolute falsehood and misinformation.

“We also uncovered that projects FCCO was mentioned were awarded to communities in Akwa Ibom State; rather, the projects are Constituency projects and are at various completion stages.

“It is worthy of note that none of the projects were located in Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State. The Provost of the college mentioned in the project duplication allegations was an act of misinformation.

“It is evident that the college name was erroneously written as a benefactor in the Akwa Ibom Constituency projects.”

On the performance of FCCO under the Dr Obidiegwu-led leadership, the CSOs praised the Provost for spearheading infrastructural development in the college after one year of being in charge.

“We can attest from what we saw on the ground that under Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu’s transformational leadership shot the College shot into the limelight as a better alternative to prospective candidates seeking admission into a credible tertiary institution, despite taking over the mantle of leadership of the Institution just a year ago.

“No doubt, the ongoing reforms driven by Dr. Obidiegwu have increased and given the College a comparative advantage over contemporaries over others in the country.

“We encourage Dr. Obidiegwu to keep up with the good work, he must not be deterred or distracted by criticism from naysayers. We declare our support for his leadership.

“Dr Obidiegwu has our vote of confidence, and we urge him not to pay attention to baseless allegations orchestrated by enemies of progress,” the statement added.

Consumer Forum Urges FG, DSS to Investigate Desperate Efforts by PENGASSAN to Shut Down Dangote Refinery

***Says Enemies of Nigeria Desperately at Work to Sabotage Energy Independence

The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum has called on the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate what it describes as desperate attempts by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a critical national asset aimed at achieving Nigeria’s energy independence.In a statement signed by Comrade Olabisi Taiwo, President, and Dr. Justice Akani Alikor, Secretary, the Forum expressed alarm over PENGASSAN’s threats to picket the $20 billion refinery over alleged mass sackings. The group accused the union of risking Nigeria’s return to fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, urging Nigerians to question PENGASSAN’s motives.“PENGASSAN, alongside NUPENG, played a significant role in the collapse of Nigeria’s public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna,” the Forum stated. “They resisted reforms, blocked privatization, and crippled fuel supply with strikes. Their actions contributed to the rot that turned these refineries into relics of corruption and mismanagement.”The Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is a private initiative designed to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, stabilize prices, and create jobs. The Forum emphasized that the refinery, which employs over 3,000 Nigerians and continues to recruit, is not anti-labor but focused on operational efficiency and safety. The company’s recent reorganization, according to Dangote, was prompted by acts of sabotage that threatened operations.The Forum criticized PENGASSAN’s threat to picket the refinery despite a court order restraining industrial action, calling it “union overreach” and a violation of the rule of law. It also condemned the union’s inflammatory rhetoric, citing a metaphorical statement about a “witch crying in the night” as reckless and divisive.“Who benefits if the refinery fails?” the Forum asked. “Certainly not the Nigerian people, but fuel importers and rent seekers who profit from chaos.” The group urged PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue, respect the courts, and prioritize national interests over what it called “irresponsible unionism.”The Forum called on the Ministries of Labour, Petroleum Resources, and Justice to intervene and protect the refinery from disruption. “The government must send a clear message: industrial blackmail will not be tolerated,” the statement read. “Nigerians have suffered enough from fuel queues and economic hardship. The Dangote Refinery is our best chance at energy independence, and we must not allow vested interests to destroy it.”The Forum concluded by reaffirming its support for progress, stability, and the rule of law, urging all Nigerians to protect the refinery as a symbol of hope and a break from the nation’s troubled energy past.

China embraces two-wheel mobility as a green urban transportation solution

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

China’s urban transport landscape is increasingly characterized by “two-wheel mobility” – primarily bicycles and electric scooters – which has become a vital component of sustainable urban development.

According to the China Bicycle Association, China’s bicycle ownership has topped 200 million, with an additional 380 million electric-powered two-wheelers in use. Chinese urbanites use bicycles or e-bikes for about 30 out of every 100 trips they make. The figures point to a shift in China, where growing environmental awareness is prompting more commuters to opt for two-wheeled, low-carbon alternatives.

“Bicycles and e-bikes are well-suited for short- and medium-distance urban travel. As health and sustainability become greater public priorities, two-wheel mobility continues to gain momentum,” said Guo Wenyu, vice president and secretary general of the association.

A 2024 report on green mobility indicates that from 2021 to 2023, the average urban bicycle trip lengthened from 12.6 minutes to 13.88 minutes, particularly during peak hours when these modes of transport offer notable time savings. Compared with traditional vehicles, two-wheel mobility also provides clear advantages in terms of cost efficiency and environmental impact.

Daily use of two-wheel transport reduces national carbon emissions by approximately 10,000 tons, equivalent to saving 6.6 million liters of gasoline, based on an average fuel consumption rate of 8 liters per 100 kilometers. In 2023 alone, this reduction totaled 4.29 million tons, translating to environmental cost savings of roughly 2.6 billion yuan.

The growing popularity of cycling culture has further propelled this trend. “Ride-and-tour” tourism is becoming popular, with over 18 million cycling enthusiasts and more than 100 million regular cyclists across China.

Shared bicycles have become a cornerstone of urban public transportation, with more than 12 million in operation and approximately 24 million rides taken daily. Technological advancements, such as BeiDou-enabled bike tracking, have improved the efficiency of bike-sharing services. Meituan, a major provider, reported over 10 billion kilometers traveled through its shared two-wheel platform last year, avoiding more than 580,000 tons in carbon emissions. According to a Meituan executive, roughly 23 percent of these trips replaced travel that would have otherwise been made by car.

As urban transportation systems continue to modernize, the integration of cycling with rail transit is becoming increasingly prevalent across Chinese cities. To facilitate this multimodal connectivity, local governments are enhancing infrastructure by constructing sheltered walkways, expanding bike parking facilities, and designating parking zones near transit stations. These efforts aim to create seamless transitions between two-wheel mobility and public transit, reinforcing the shift toward greener urban transportation.

From 2021 to 2023, the proportion of bicycle trips near rail transit stations rose steadily nationwide. Notably, e-bike usage around these hubs increased by 13 percent in 2022 and an additional 11.3 percent in 2023, underscoring their expanding role in last-mile connectivity. Guo observed that e-bikes are increasingly favored over traditional bicycles, as their functionality better aligns with the demands of short-distance urban travel.

In a recent innovation, Qingdao’s West Coast New Area launched 200 hydrogen-powered shared bicycles in June. These bikes, which can be unlocked via mobile scan, offer faster refueling and an extended range of up to 100 kilometers, outperforming traditional e-bikes in both convenience and efficiency.

As China’s bicycle inventory expands, end-of-life management has become an increasingly pressing concern. Many regions are adopting circular economy practices for the retirement and recycling of bikes. In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the bicycle recycling rate has reached approximately 25 percent, while the shared bicycle sector has achieved near-total recycling and reuse of decommissioned units.

“Two-wheel mobility has evolved from a basic mode of transportation into a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle,” Guo noted. “More people are using cycling not only to commute, but also to explore their cities, mapping their lives through the routes they take.” With continued infrastructure development and rising environmental awareness, two-wheel mobility is set to remain a key driver of green urban development.