Nation

RTEAN Urges FG To Reintroduce Tollgates

Published

3 years ago

April 21, 2021

Chairman, Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Bauchi, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, has called on the Federal Government to re-establish tollgates on the nation’s highways.
Mohammed made the call in an interview with The Tide source yesterday in Bauchi.
According to him, proceeds from the tollgates will aid effective and efficient maintenance of highways in the country.
He decried the poor state of the highways and access roads that over time had caused so much damage to the transportation system and businesses in the country.
“Our members are leaving the business in droves, because it is becoming increasingly unprofitable, as a result of the very poor state of the highways and access roads,” he stated.
He noted that while the poor access roads were damaging their vehicles daily, cost of acquiring new vehicles had doubled and cost of spare-parts, up by over 50 per cent.
“Toll gating facilities in Nigeria are typically road infrastructure, which are meant for the traffication of highways in the environment.
“Its main purpose is for revenue generation, which will aid effective and efficient maintenance of the highways.
“Government should partner with those in the transportation system unions’ stakeholders to re-establish the tollgates.
“The money collected as tolls can be used to fix the roads because the money will run into billions every year,” Mohammed said
Mohammed, who is also the North East zonal chairman of the association, further said that Nigerian roads generally, needed urgent attention.
“The provision of roads and transportation facilities, as well as their maintenance are fundamentally more important than their destruction.
“It also contributes to the development of Nigeria, as well as the well-being of its inhabitants,” he stressed.
The chairman also called for the establishment of a bank of transportation, to facilitate agreements and loan policies between government and transporters, to enhance the transportation system in the country.
He urged members of the association to remain law abiding members and have respect for the policies and programmes of government.
President Olusegun Obasanjo scrapped the tollgates in 2003, stating that it had outlived its usefulness to Nigerians.
While giving his reasons for destroying the tollgates, Obasanjo said its daily returns of N63 million wasn’t that significant, considering the corruption surrounding the funds and the inconvenience motorists experienced due to the tollgates and encouraged corruption.
The idea of returning the tollgates to federal highways was considered during the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.
It was, however, frowned upon then.
But according to the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, no Nigerian law prohibits tolling in Nigeria.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.