National News
Minister calls for sustainable efforts to tackle road crashes

Minister calls for sustainable efforts to tackle road crashes
The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has called for sustainable efforts to tackle the dangers of crashes on Nigerian roads.
Agba made the call during the capacity building workshop on the implementation of Nigeria Road Strategy II (NRSSII) 2021-2030 batch II for the Technical Working Group on Wednesday in Abuja.
The theme of the workshop is, “NRSS II: 2021-2030, a Fulcrum for Road Safety Development and Enhancement of National Security in Nigeria.”
The minister said the mandate of the Corps was to prevent and minimise road traffic crashes, clear obstructions and rescue accident victims.
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He said the Corps also reviewed and upgraded road design standards and created awareness on proper road use among others.
“However, there is the need to sustain the unwavering efforts in arresting the lingering menace of preventable road traffic crashes.
“The present administration will continue to support the programmes and activities of road safety in order to give steam to our resolve at making our roads safe.
“We are conscious of the link between transportation and the economy, hence the determination of the Federal Government to create a safe road system that will encourage economic growth and development,” he said.
Agba said the theme was very conceived to further enlighten members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) and other stakeholders.
“The approval of NRSS II by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is just one of the steps of the Federal Government for effective Road Safety Management and the development and smooth operational activities of the FRSC, ” he said.
The minister said the giant strides made under the leadership of the present Chairman of the FRSC, Mallam Bukhari Bello, and the Corps Marshal, Dr, Boboye Oyeyemi, had helped to implement a comprehensive roadmap for the Corps.
“I am particularly impressed with the various efforts of the Corps in developing programmes towards making roads in Nigeria one of the safest in the world.
“Such efforts include collaboration with international organisations in getting support for road safety both for logistics and capacity building of personnel,” he said.
The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said the impact of crashes and the attendant fatalities and injuries affected several segments of national life.
He said considering transportation was the hub of economic activities, the need for a safe road could not be overemphasised.
Oyeyemi said the Corps would also continue to invest in human capacity development as it had done in the last 34 years, taking into cognisance the need for a highly-skilled, competent and professional workforce.
According to him, the Corps has explored every opportunity within and outside the country to grow the capacity of its personnel.
“Currently, a total of 20 personnel of the Corps are undergoing leadership course at the FRSC command and the staff college, Udi,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NRSS II is the Second
Edition of an action plan to improve Road Safety in Nigeria and align the country’s safety management approach with global best practices.
This initiative calls for cohesion in road safety activities including infrastructural safety features, travel speed, crash impact consideration and response to prevent fatal or serious injuries.
It also prescribes collaboration to harmonise all efforts and shared obligations among road users, as well as corporate social responsibility projects in support of the government’s commitment.
National News
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change

At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
** Says Nigeria, Ethiopia have the largest stake in Africa’s future by keeping continent green
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on nations of the world to be decisive about combating climate change, saying it is a danger that must be arrested with practical actions.
According to him, while the global threat is not one that can be resolved in a conference room, it requires each country to respond to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens confronting them.
The Nigerian Vice President, who stated this on Friday during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, said he was delighted to share in the joy of Ethiopia’s resolve to confront the threat posed by climate change “with clarity, courage, and conviction.”
The Ethiopian Green Legacy Programme, which is designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.
Senator Shettima, who is in the East African country for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, implored nations to enhance their climate plans by doubling their adaptation and mitigation efforts.
He said, “We have long accepted that climate change is not a problem to be solved in a conference room; it is a danger we must arrest with practical actions, with each nation rising to the occasion by responding to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens they face.
“Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is one such response. It is an inspiring blueprint to reimagine the future. The promise of GLI is the dream of every nation. It is a lesson in vision, in purpose, and in audacity. For those of us who have followed this programme, the numbers are staggering, but the impact is even more compelling.
“To plant 20 billion seedlings within four years, to establish over 20,000 nurseries, and to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is to show that the future is something we must plant, nurture, and build.”
VP Shettima noted that he was not in Ethiopia to only share in the country’s joy and exchange ideas but to also convey what he described as the deep and abiding solidarity of his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria.
Applauding those who made the Green Legacy Initiative a reality, he assured Ethiopia of Nigeria’s unflinching support, adding that both countries have the largest stake in Africa’s future.
“Ethiopia and Nigeria are the two most populous countries in Africa. This distinction is not just statistical; it is existential. It means we have the largest stake in Africa’s future. It means that more of our people are exposed to the peril of climate change, and it also means that we face the highest cost of inaction.
“This is why we are not mere spectators in this fight. We are partners. We are participants. And we are prepared to play our part to keep Africa green,” the Vice President pledged, just as he said it is the promise Nigeria and other nations have been making at the Conferences of the Parties (COP) every year.
“It is the pledge we renewed at the last COP in Azerbaijan. And today, we gather not only to stand by this promise but to celebrate the path Ethiopia has illuminated for the world,” he added.
Senator Shettima thanked the government and people of Ethiopia for the warmth and generosity extended to him and other members of the Nigerian delegation.
He said they felt at home, “not just because of the hospitality shown to them, but because the launch of the Green Legacy Programme resonates with the aspirations “to leave behind a planet fit for the dreams of generations to come.
In his address at the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries to make the Green Legacy a culture, adding that Ethiopia was proud of Nigeria and its bold move to embrace the green initiative.
The Prime Minister called for partnership across African countries, stating that it was time to place less emphasis on foreign aid and begin to focus more on indigenous and home-grown domestic ideas and visions.
“This year’s Green Legacy is to rise by planting, and it is in consonance with our plan to shock the world with our Green Legacy vision. We never received any aid when we set out to achieve our 20 billion tree planting initiative.
“We thank Nigeria for supporting and accepting this initiative. With its population and growing economy, we are sure that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as exemplified by the esteemed presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, will go a long way in raising the awareness and collaborative effort needed amongst African countries,” the Prime Minister said.
He further expressed optimism that with Ethiopia’s hosting of the forthcoming United Nations summit on Climate Change, the stage is set for all hands to be on deck to achieve one of Ethiopia’s biggest green revolution plans.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima was guided through Ethiopia’s Unity Park, Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, which showcase Ethiopia’s historic and transformative trajectory.
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
National News
VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch

VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the venue for the official launch of Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Programme in Addis Ababa.
The project is part of Nigeria’s commitment to regional and continental collaboration on climate action and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, food security, and green economic growth.
VP Shettima is in the company of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
The Vice President, who is on an official state visit to Ethiopia, will participate in the launch ceremony of the environmental initiative aimed at combating deforestation and mitigating climate change effects.
The Green Legacy Programme targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period to enhance biodiversity and address environmental challenges across Ethiopia.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s existing endeavours in afforestation and reforestation, such as the Great Green Wall project, which focuses on restoring damaged environments, combating desertification, and fostering climate resilience throughout the Sahel region.
VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch
National News
VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit

VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.

He was received at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Dr. Gedion Timothewos and other members of the Ethiopian and Nigerian diplomatic corps.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima will participate in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, a flagship environmental initiative.
The programme designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.

In line with strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development, the Vice President will also embark on a strategic tour of key industrial zones and integrated agricultural facilities across selected regions of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit
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