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Abia to Launch Electric Bus Service Before Year-End

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11 months ago

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Abia State Government has announced plans to launch a fleet of electric buses before the end of the year as part of efforts to modernize the state’s public transportation system and promote cleaner energy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Umuahia, saying the state has already paid for 20 electric buses that will operate in key urban centers, including Aba and Umuahia. He noted that the new buses are part of his administration’s broader strategy to transform public transport and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“We have already paid for 20 electric buses. They are not just ordinary buses — they are modern, clean, and environmentally friendly,” Otti said. “We are moving away from petrol and diesel to sustainable energy solutions.”

Terminals Under Construction

The governor added that the state is currently building new transport terminals to support the electric bus project and improve urban mobility. According to him, the initiative aims to decongest traffic, improve passenger safety, and make commuting more comfortable for residents.

Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, explained that the project’s first phase will begin with 20 buses, with more expected to be added later. He said work was ongoing to install electric charging stations and train drivers to operate the new vehicles safely and efficiently.

“We are ensuring that everything is ready — from charging facilities to maintenance and personnel training,” Ukaegbu said. “Our goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly transport system for our people.”

No Threat to Private Operators

Ukaegbu reassured existing commercial bus operators that the government’s move to introduce electric buses would not displace them from business.

“This government is pro-business,” he said. “We are not taking away anyone’s source of livelihood. Instead, we are introducing a modern system that will benefit everyone and create more opportunities.”

He noted that the electric bus project would also create jobs in maintenance, operations, and support services once the system becomes fully operational.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The initiative aligns with Abia’s vision to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable economic growth. Government officials say the electric buses will not only reduce fuel costs but also attract investors interested in renewable energy and green infrastructure.

However, experts have noted potential challenges, including the need for a stable power supply to keep the buses charged and the long-term maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles.

Despite these hurdles, supporters of the project believe that Abia’s move marks a major step forward for Nigeria’s transport modernization efforts. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other states looking to adopt green transportation systems.

Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the governor for the initiative and promised legislative support for policies promoting clean energy.

“This project reflects a vision for the future,” Emeruwa said. “The Assembly will provide every necessary backing to make it a success.”

With the planned rollout expected before the end of the year, residents of Abia are hopeful that the electric buses will bring relief to daily commuters and mark the beginning of a cleaner, more efficient public transport system in the state.

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THE ULTIMATE SHUTOUT: APC Sweeps All Chairmanship Seats Across Ebonyi In Dramatic Poll Outcome!.

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13 hours ago

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August 23, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured all 13 chairmanship positions and 171 councillorship seats contested in the Ebonyi State local government election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

One of the prominent winners was Osborn Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who emerged chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates declared winners included Peace Agwu in Ishielu, Paul Ituma in Ohaukwu, Friday Nwuhuo in Ezza North and Chinedu Mkpuma in Ezza South.

Chidi Nwode won in Ikwo, while Timothy Nwachi emerged victorious in Afikpo. Ikechukwu Ogbofia secured Onicha, Michael Kalu Anyim won Ivo, and Simeon Onuoha was declared elected in Edda.

The other winners were Helen Aduga in Izzi, Chidiebere Alo in Abakaliki and Chibueze Odigwe in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

Speaking after announcing the results, Enyi described the election as peaceful and free, stressing that candidates from other political parties also took part.

He praised residents who participated in the poll, saying their turnout demonstrated their commitment to exercising their constitutional rights.

The EBSIEC chairman also commended security agencies for providing the necessary support before and during the election.

Following his declaration, Umahi thanked the electoral commission for what he described as the transparent and peaceful conduct of the election.

The Ohaozara chairman-elect said his administration would focus on improving rural communities, empowering young people and transforming agriculture.

The state APC chairman, Stanley Okoro Emegha, described the party’s performance as a reflection of its growing political influence in Ebonyi.

Emegha said the sweeping victory showed that the APC was gaining wider acceptance among residents, adding that the party was well positioned for the 2027 general elections.

He expressed confidence that the party would replicate its local government election success at the next general election.

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MAINSTREAM OR BUST: APC Chieftain Drops Hard Truths On Why Ndigbo Must Stop Sitting On The Political Fence! .

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14 hours ago

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August 23, 2026

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  • The Cost of Isolation: An APC chieftain, Ikenna Azomchine, has cautioned that the south-eastern region’s self-imposed political alienation from President Bola Tinubu’s administration is deeply disadvantageous to the Igbo nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • A Shift Toward Collaboration: Speaking during a regional mobilization tour in Nibo, Anambra State, Azomchine emphasized that meaningful progress and a future path to the presidency rely on active engagement and collaboration with the federal government rather than opposition or confrontation.

    • Acknowledging Policy Shifts: Reflecting on his own years in opposition, Azomchine noted that he previously criticized the administration’s policies, but commended the president for listening to feedback and making necessary policy adjustments.

    • Tangible Benefits: He highlighted that the current administration has delivered increased federal appointments and vital infrastructural projects to Igboland compared to previous eras.

    • Building Broad Alliances: Azomchine concluded that no single geopolitical zone possesses the unilateral capacity to produce a president, underscoring the necessity of building strong political bridges across Nigeria’s diverse regions to achieve national aspirations.

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THE END OF AN ERA: Niger VCDP Exit Sparks Desperate Plea For Unity And Farmers’ Empowerment.

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14 hours ago

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August 23, 2026

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Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the Niger State Programme Coordinator for the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FG/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has called on members of the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) to unite and preserve the achievements of the initiative as it approaches its conclusion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in Minna during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on establishing market linkages and contractual agreements between off-takers and farmers’ organizations, Isah emphasized that the programme’s exit should not break the networks built for smallholder farmers. She noted that CAF members must first cultivate internal synergy before forging external partnerships.

“The activities of VCDP will stop, but those who want to sustain VCDP intervention need to come together. They need to have that synergy within themselves first before they can collaborate with others,” Isah stated, highlighting the importance of regular executive meetings to address challenges and coordinate efforts.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Isah urged stakeholders to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and non-governmental entities. She also raised concerns about the underutilization of certain processing and aggregation centres established by the programme, encouraging leaders to engage local government chairmen to make them fully productive. Furthermore, she stressed that skills and knowledge acquired through VCDP training must be passed down to broader groups.

As part of transition efforts, the Commodity Alliance Forum signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN). Niger State AGAN Chairman, Hussani Usman, explained that the collaboration will connect financial institutions, input suppliers, and off-takers to continuously support beneficiaries.

The Niger State CAF Chairman, Engr. Ibrahim Mohammed Kanko, added that the partnership aims to secure better access to training, funding, and agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers. Mrs. Elizabeth Yisa, the Business and Marketing Development Officer for VCDP, noted that the agreement will also reinforce transparent relationships and prevent contract disputes between farmers and off-takers.

During the gathering—which brought together traditional leaders, financial experts, farmers, and industry stakeholders—participants encouraged farmers to increase their production output, particularly for cassava and rice, while emphasizing the value of processing over traditional raw sales.

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