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Ministry Pushes For Walking, Cycling As Safe Means Of Transportation
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Olorunola Olufemi, has emphasised the need for sustainable, safe, and efficient transport modes in response to rapid urbanisation and population growth.
Olufemi highlighted walking and cycling as key components of a healthier and more sustainable urban transport system.
The permanent secretary stated this at a two-day capacity building programme ‘Safer Roads for Pedestrians and Cyclists in Nigeria’ in Abuja, on Thursday.
Olufemi, who was represented by the Deputy Director, of Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration of the Ministry, Akhidenor Cynthia, pointed out that Nigerian cities were predominantly characterised by informal transport systems, which have significant negative impacts on residents’ health, socio-economic status, and the environment.
The permanent secretary, who spoke on the theme ‘Walking and Cycling as tools for unlocking sustainable mobility and development in Nigerian cities‘ stressed the the need to create safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists to improve overall well-being and urban harmony.
He said, “The rapid population growth urbanisation with limited provision of quality transport system to meet the growing need makes it imperative to adopt more sustainable safe and efficient modes of transport which walking and cycling symbolise.
“Our city’s transport landscape is largely dominated by transport informalities with attendant externalities that impact the health, socio-economic and environmental wellbeing of residents.
“Today, we come together with a shared purpose to create a future where our roads are safer for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring their wellbeing and promoting a sense of harmony in our country.”
He added that the ministry as the lead government agency, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable transport and implementing various industry reforms.
He introduced the project as part of the efforts by the FG which is aimed to integrate walking and cycling into urban mobility plans.
The organiser of the programme, Chief Executive Officer, of Ochenuell Mobility, Emmanuel John, highlighted the long-standing neglect of cycling as a means of transport due to inadequate attention and development.
John emphasised that the lack of proper infrastructure, limited policy initiatives, and insufficient public awareness have left many people feeling unsafe about cycling on roads.
To address these issues, he said the NGO was introducing a draft for a national cycling policy.
He said, “Generally, cycling has not received the desired attention over the years. For that reason, people seldom use it as a means of transport.
“However, due to the lack of infrastructure, limited policy development, lack of knowledge and public awareness, many people are afraid of cycling on the road because they feel it is unsafe.
“The lack of safety is a function of infrastructure, poor policy implementation, and a poor regulatory enforcement system that will ensure your safety.
“In the course of this programme, we are presenting a draft of the national cycling policy to stakeholders. On June 3, we will present a second draft during a larger stakeholders meeting.”
The project is being carried out as a collaboration between seven Nigerian organisations in collaboration with the United Nations Habitat and the UN Road Safety Trust Fund.
The Nigerian Stakeholders include the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health, Federal Road Safety Corps, Africa Urban Cycling Organisation, Transportation Growth Initiative, Greenlight Initiative, Driving School Association of Nigeria, and Ochenuell Mobility.
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Again, Senator Manu shares 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti, transport fares to constituents (Photos/Video)
Just like 2023 Yuletide, Senator Manu Haruna has this year , 2024 distributed 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti and transport fares to constituents going home to celebrate this festive season.
Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District also just completed a two-day ICT program for students across three local governments in Taraba Central and distributed starter packs and laptops to over 500 students.
The tireless Senator has left no one in doubt in his constituency that he has good intentions and this is clearly demonstrated in the over 47 projects he has embarked upon within 18 months as a lawmaker.
Speaking after Senator Manu’s constituents were provided with transport fares, Media Director of his campaign organisation, Jovita Safe said:
“Senator Haruna is a man of honour who keeps to his promises and a politician with a difference.
“He has done this gesture to help cushion the effects of the economic crunch in the country.
“He is reliable and his constituents should not hesitate to give him the necessary support come 2027 to return to the National Assembly.
Beneficiaries who also spoke praised Senator Manu for rescuing them this difficult time of the festive season.
See video/Photos below:
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his stance on removing the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to secure Nigeria’s financial future. Speaking during his first live presidential media chat broadcast nationwide on Monday, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of combating corruption but emphasized that systemic flaws must be addressed to reduce it.
Corruption: A Persistent Challenge
The president admitted that while corruption cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be minimized through strategic measures.
“Block all the loopholes, where anybody can just gain in the system. Part of the anti-corruption is the removal of subsidy too. It is very, very difficult to say you will eliminate it, but you can reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu said.
He further stressed the need to meet citizens’ needs, support education, and improve living standards as part of his administration’s efforts to combat corruption.
Fuel Subsidy Removal: No Regrets
President Tinubu stood by his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy was unsustainable and a drain on Nigeria’s resources.
“We are spending our future. We are spending our generation’s fortunes. We are not investing. We are just deceiving ourselves,” he said.
The president warned that maintaining the subsidy would lead to financial disaster, not just for the current generation but for future ones.
“I don’t have any regret in removing the fuel subsidy. We have no choice. Otherwise, we are headed for the slippery slope,” Tinubu concluded.
Stampede Tragedies: Organisers at Fault
During the chat, Tinubu also addressed the recent fatal stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, which claimed over 60 lives during palliative distributions. He described the incidents as a “grave error” on the part of the organisers.
“I’ve been giving to the less privileged at Bourdillon for the past 25 years, and we’ve never experienced a stampede,” the president said.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed that 10 individuals, including four children, died in a stampede during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday. Similarly, in Ibadan, 32 children lost their lives in a similar incident, as reported by PUNCH Online.
Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the victims and advised against publicizing events when resources are insufficient to meet demand.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s media chat highlighted the tough decisions his administration is making to address systemic challenges, including corruption and economic sustainability. While acknowledging the difficulties, he reaffirmed his commitment to reforms aimed at securing Nigeria’s future.
As the nation continues to adjust to these changes, Tinubu’s policies are likely to shape Nigeria’s path toward long-term stability.
Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Emmanuel Adebola Longe is dead. He died on Sunday.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, Ibrahim Lawal confirmed the news of his death in a telephone confirmation with Tribune Online on Monday.
He has earlier issued a statement to announce his death.
The statement read, “The death has been announced of Pastor Bola Longe AIG (Rtd), a partner at Afe Babalola & co which sad event happened yesterday.
“The Bar commiserate with the family and Emmanuel Chambers. May Almighty God repose his soul.”
Longe, who burst one of the largest syndicates of railway line vandals in North Central Nigeria in 2021, retired from the service of the Nigeria Police Force. after 33 years and eight months of meritorious service to his country.
Bola Longe retired from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG in-charge of Federal Operations, (Fed.Ops) Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He was an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, UI), and the University of Lagos.
He was a renowned student activist, a master of political science, peace and conflict expert, a refined solicitor, investigator, mentor and pastor.
Longe was one of the finest personnel in the Nigeria Police Force who served and left unblemished.
Again, Senator Manu shares 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti, transport fares to constituents (Photos/Video)
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