News
Access CALM Fund To Convert Vehicles To CNG, FG Urges Nigerians
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), has urged Nigerians to explore the Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) fund to obtain affordable loans to convert petrol cars to CNG.
The P-CNGi said the CALM fund, being disbursed through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) initiative, was aimed at enabling consumer credit for CNG conversions and solar energy.
Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director/Chief Executive, P-CNGi, in an interview with The Tide’s source in Abuja on Sunday, described the CREDICORP initiative as its third programme aimed at enabling CNG kits affordability.
The Tide recalls that in response to the growing financial strain on Nigerians due to high energy and transportation costs, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), CREDICORP, and the P-CNGi in 2024 unveiled the fund.
This new fund aims to provide affordable credit for Nigerians to obtain CNG conversion kits and other energy-saving solutions, making essential services more accessible to Nigerians while promoting sustainability.
To ensure affordability, the Federal Government, through the P-CNGi had rolled out three programmes namely – free conversion of mass transit vehicles, targeting one million by 2027, Ride-shares vehicles’ 50 per cent discount conversion and CALM fund
Oluwagbemi said the CALM fund would enable Nigerians to obtain loans through the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), providing a pathway to sustainable energy without the financial burden of upfront costs.
He explained that under the CREDICORP fund, Nigerians, who owned private vehicles, especially the salary earners and entrepreneurs were linked up to get money upfront for conversion based on their income levels.
Oluwagbemi, while urging Nigerians to explore the ample opportunity by applying online on www.credicorp.ng, said soon, there would be an opportunity for motorists to access it from the 193 CNG conversion centres across the country.
According to him, the CREDICORP does not set interest rates; rather it gives money to the financial institutions which set the interest rate based on the person’s risk.
He further said that the conversion would be financed based on one’s income, while loan repayment duration would be three years.
“This programme is suitable for the top 10 per cent of Nigerians, who use private cars and most of them are civil servants who earn salaries and work as entrepreneurs.
“If you are spending N70, 000 to N80, 000 per week, it means that in 52 weeks you will be spending N3.64 million on petrol.
“If you decide to use CNG exclusively, in 52 weeks you spend N353, 000, that means you are saving a lot of money, but you cannot generate that savings unless you convert your cars.
“Conversion ranges from N800, 000 to N1.2 million and the loan will be given according to the kind of car one has, while the conversion will be financed based on your income level
“There’s no reason why one cannot afford it because you are saving N50, 000 to N100, 000 weekly, because you have converted your vehicle, and part of the savings can be used for repayment.
He said that President Bola Tinubu in 2024 had set a goal for the initiative to achieve one million conversions of vehicles in 2027, adding that not all cars were convertible and compatible.
“We signed an agreement with the conversion centres, we are in the process of finalising that programme, as soon as we finalise it, you can drive into any of the centres for vehicle inspection and financing, instead of going online.
“Initially we set up the website to know the level of interest and we have received a number of interest and more than 25,000 people have applied,’’ he said.
He assured that the CNG would remain the sustainable energy source, adding that there was no way natural gas would be as expensive as crude oil in the world.
According to him, the programme is focused on three specific things in terms of execution, namely, conversion, platform for deployment of buses and tricycles, running on CNG and enabling refueling infrastructure.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol