Connect with us

News

Confusion As Gunmen Kill Kwara CP …IG Vows To Arrest Killers

Published

on

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday promised to do ‘everything’ possible to apprehend and bring to book the killers of Chinwike Asadu, Commissioner of Police in Kwara.

In an interview with newsmen in Abuja, CSP Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, quoted the IG as saying that the circumstance surrounding the death of the late commissioner was ‘most unfortunate and saddening’.

“Those who murdered Asadu have murdered sleep, they will find no rest, they will find no peace, they will find no comfort and they will find no hiding place until they are brought to justice,” Mba quoted the IG as saying.

Mba said the IG had also ordered the commissioner of police in Enugu State to leave no stone unturned in arresting and bringing the perpetrators of the crime to justice.

He said Abubakar had also directed detectives from the Police Homicide Unit as well as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad to provide technical support to Enugu State command in efforts to apprehend the killers.

Asked if the police had made any arrest in connection with the crime, Mba said he could not confirm that.

Meanwhile, there was confusion in Enugu, the Coal City, as news spread yesterday morning that the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Chinweike Asadu was shot dead in the state capital by dare-devil gunmen.

The Police boss was killed at about 9.45pm last Saturday at gunpoint in his car at Amorji Nike, near the densely populated Abakpa Nike area in Enugu East Local Government Area within the state capital.

The orderly of the commissioner, MrAloha Olaiyi and driver, Mr Oliver Omeh escaped the attack but they sustained gunshot wounds and are reported to be in a critical state at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

Reports said that, Mr Asadu, who was on a visit to Enugu, his state of origin, had a visitor and he decided to escort the guest in his own vehicle with only his driver and orderly coming along with him.

While the trio were returning to the commissioner’s residence, they reportedly noticed a bus trailing their vehicle and as they veered into the street, the gunmen who must have laid an ambush for the commissioner a few metres away from his private residence, started firing at the vehicle from the rear.

It was during the sporadic shooting that the Asadu was killed on the spot while the police orderly posted to guard the CP’s residence from Abakpa Police Division, sustained bullet wound all over his body and his rifle taken away, before the gunmen escaped.

The official escort team that came with the Commissioner from Kwara State Police Command that were left behind in his compound, got wind of the attack but not until the gunmen had routed their escape.

They quickly rushed the commissioner and his aides who were in a pool of blood to the Orthopaedic Hospital but the police boss was confirmed dead at the hospital.

He reportedly gave up the ghost before arriving at the hospital.

His aides who were badly wounded were immediately admitted but they are in a critical state.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebere Amaraizu has confirmed the incident, adding that “a serious man-hunt has started to track down the gunmen behind CP Asadu’s killing.”

However, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday promised to do ‘e

“Our correspondent who went round Ilorin, yesterday, reports that the command and other police formations were like ghost towns.

At the command and other formations visited by newsmen, officers and men were seen discussing the demise of the police chief.

Some top police officers in some of the formations and officers’ mess were in tears while others were too dazed to utter a word.

Some of the officers, who spoke to newsmen but refused to give their names, described the death of the commissioner as ‘a big tragedy’ to the command and the entire police force

“We have lost a fine gentleman and hardworking officer,’’ they said.

Continue Reading

News

FG Targets Production Of Locally Made Vehicles By Dec

Published

on

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has affirmed that Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture Made-In-Nigeria cars for local use and export.
With the enabling environment being provided by the government, she said manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.
Currently, Nigeria produces less than 10 per cent of the vehicles used in the country.
Last year, Nigeria’s vehicle assembling industry, estimated to be worth around N302billion, tanked to a new low due to increasing production costs and weakened demand for locally assembled automobiles.
According to the Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, activities of motor vehicles and miscellaneous assembly deteriorated further below the benchmark (50 points) from 48.6 to 46.7 points.
But speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja, she noted that the automobile industry is faced with both challenges and opportunities.
A statement issued last Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said, “In a significant move aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s automobile industry, the Federal Government has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem.
“The call comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.”
Encouraging the stakeholders to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, the Minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go.
“We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen. If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”
Anite emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, saying by working together, they can address challenges, streamline processes, and drive innovation.
She also urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the board, including vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control, and after-sales services.
Stringent adherence to quality, she said, will boost consumer confidence and attract investment.
The minister assured all that the government would continue to encourage increased investment in research and development, adding that, innovations in electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources are critical for long-term sustainability.
On local content, she also emphasised the importance of promoting local content by sourcing materials and components locally.
By doing this, she said, the sector can create jobs, reduce import dependency, and contribute to economic diversification
In his introductory comments, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of team action and shared vision as outlined in the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy.
He also urged stakeholders that the country “will overcome obstacles and unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s automotive component sector.”
He encouraged NADDC and other stakeholders to use the chance to form alliances, explore new areas of collaboration, and devise ways to catapult the automotive components manufacturing industry to new heights of success.
The statement added, “The government’s charge underscores the pivotal role stakeholders play in shaping its trajectory. Their commitment to sustainable practices will drive Nigeria’s automotive sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Environmental Responsibility: Stakeholders are reminded of their environmental responsibilities. Sustainable practices, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are essential for a greener future.”

Continue Reading

News

Waive Tax On Electronic Imports, Women Engineers Appeal To Tinubu

Published

on

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the importation of electronic components from taxation for inventive engineers.
Chairman of APWEN, Ms Atinuke Owolabi, said this a in statement yesterday in Lagos, in commenration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day, with the theme: “Step Out and Innovate”.
The Tide source reports that World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN Day, celebrated on April 21, to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
This is with respect to advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, also known as the global goal.
Owolabi explained that such a measure would significantly enhance technological progress, support local innovators, and elevate Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation globally.
She stated that in a world marked by dynamic challenges and unprecedented opportunities, creativity and innovation stand as the driving forces behind progress and transformation.
According to her, women engineers recognise the critical role that innovation plays in shaping our societies and driving sustainable development.
”On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within our organisation and the broader engineering community.
”Together, let us step out, innovate, and inspire the next generation of women engineers to reach even greater heights of achievement and impact.
”We believe that by stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we can unlock innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today,” she said.
According to her, the theme: ‘step out and innovate’, serves as a call to action for women engineers everywhere to break barriers, challenge conventions.
She noted that it would also pioneer groundbreaking solutions that would propel them toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Owolabi disclosed that in celebration of the World Creativity Day, APWEN Lagos had inaugurated an artificial intelligence club tailored for female engineering students and young engineers.
She said that the proactive initiative aimed to inspire and equip young engineers with cutting-edge technological insights.
Th chairman said, “Additionally, we already have a 200-capacity hall to set up a resource, technology, and innovation hub to empower women and girls in engineering.
”This endeavour serves as a catalyst for encouraging aspiring female engineers to embrace innovation and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field.
”APWEN Lagos stands united in its dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in engineering.
“We encourage all female engineers to seize this opportunity to unleash their creativity, explore new frontiers, and make an indelible mark on the world.”

Continue Reading

News

Pan-Igbo Group Hails Dangote Group For Reducing Diesel Price

Published

on

A pan-Igbo group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has commended the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his management for reducing the price of diesel from N1,600 to N,1000 per litre.
The Tide’s source reports that diesel is the major fuel used by heavy duty vehicles and generating sets to transport goods as well as run industries across the country.
The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, told The Tide’s source in Enugu, yesterday, that Dangote’s timely response to suffering masses of Nigerians, going through hell to get a meal a day, “is highly commendable”.
According to Chukwudum, Nigerians need to appreciate the patriotism of Dangote since what he has done will go a long way in reducing prices of goods, especially food stuff which has gone out of the reach of the poor.
He called on Nigerians, who wish and pray always for the betterment of the country, to appreciate and thank God for answering their prayer through Dangote’s move.
“It is clear that if Dangote Refinery starts fully and gets all the crude oil needed from Nigeria, the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel will further reduce.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for being a listening President and supporting the Dangote Group on our crude oil needs.
“We appeal to Tinubu to encourage Dangote by providing the company with crude oil at a reduced rate as we have been demanding,” he said.
Chukwudum said that this move and subsequent further reduction, would bring industries in comatose back to life, jobs created for unemployed youths and reduction in crime as well.
“We call on governors of oil-producing Anambra, Imo and Abia States to bring investors, who shall build refineries in each of the states to refine thousands of barrels of crude in commercial quantities,” he said.

Continue Reading

Trending