FG, Not VC, Responsible For Scrapping Non-science, Non Technology Courses – ATBU Management

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September 16, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa , University, ATBU, Bauchi, have maintained that its policies are strictly guided by the extant laws establishing the institution.

They informed that the decision to restrict the University to the offering of only those courses stipulated by the laws establishing it, is in line with a Federal Government directive.

The Source reports that there has been tension within the host community of the institution over alleged plans by the University Management to scrap non-science and technology courses from the institution’s programmes of study.

The host community stakeholders, under the aegis of Bauchi State Concerned Citizens, had on Monday, September 15, 2025, raised concerns about the university authorities’ moves to stop offering courses outside science and technology, noting that the policy, if implemented, will negatively affect the future of the people, particularly its youth.

The Concerned Citizens expressed fears that the planned scrapping of management courses has the potential of adversely affecting many people in the State, including the youths.

The stakeholders accused the Management of the University, led by Professor Ibrahim Hassan, of leading the move to scrap non-science and technology courses.

But at a media briefing in Bauchi, the University’s spokesperson, Zailani Bappa, described the group’s allegations that the Vice Chancellor is planning to close down some Faculties and Academic Departments as unfounded, unsubstantiated and totally misleading.

According to him, the Vice Chancellor is neither planning to scrap any Faculties nor discontinue any programmes as being speculated in some quarters.

“There are basically two issues in the text of the press conference by the Bauchi State Concerned Citizens. None of the allegations is true because the Vice Chancellor did not do any such things.

“The fact is that recently, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, invited all Vice Chancellors and Chairpersons of the Governing Councils of Federal Universities and informed them that the Federal Government has taken a decision that all universities should revert to the original mandate of their establishment.

“ATBU, as you all know, was established as technology based University and it was along the line that other management education courses were introduced.

“But now, the Federal Government wants the status quo maintained. It was not the Vice Chancellor that came up with the idea, but the owners of the institution. So, in this case, it will be completely unfair to be accusing the Vice Chancellor and Management of planning to scrap Faculties and Academic Departments” Bappa stated.

Further speaking, the University’s spokesperson noted that it was as a result of the Federal Government’s directives that the Management decided to halt funding for the institution’s Distance Learning Directorate.

According to him, it will amount to wasting scarce resources for the university authorities to continue funding the Distance Learning Programmes in the face of the Federal Government’s directives.

Bappa, therefore, urged the Concerned Citizens, as well as other stakeholders in the state to align with the Senator representing Bauchi South District at the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, in his efforts at amending the law establishing the institution to accommodate other courses outside science and technology.

“Unless the law establishing the University is amended and tailored along that of a conventional institution, there is nothing anybody can do to stop the ongoing reversion to the status quo”, Bappa stated.

“Muslims Are Also Victims Of Killings, Abductions” – MURIC To Kukah, Demands Apology

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Ayodele Oni

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September 16, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Bishop Matthew Kukah of misleading Nigerians for saying that bandits target only Christians for abductions and killings.

Kukah was quoted to have repeatedly ascribed killings and abductions to Islamisation, as well claim that only Christians are being killed by terrorists and bandits.

Describing those in that school of thought as “confusionists, anarchists and alarmists,” the Islamic human rights organization declared that crime has no religious or ethnic colour.

The group, therefore, demanded apology from Bishop Mathew Kukah over his frequent allegations of Islamisation and killing of Christians alone.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof Ishaq Akintola.

”We are of the opinion that these two sad incidents which happened on the same day underline the fact that terrorists and bandits target no particular religion or ethnic group. All they are interested in is to seize human beings for pecuniary gain.

“It will be recalled that terrorists killed 50 Muslims in Malunfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State on 5th August, 2025

“60 Muslims were also mowed down in May 2020 in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State ( October 18, 2021 report confirmed the killing of more than 60 Muslims in a marketplace in Sokoto

”The massacres of Muslims in large numbers further amplify the unnecessary dissipation of energy, sheer wild goose chases, superfluous media hype and spiritual masturbation in addressing the US Congress by people like Bishop Mathew Hasan Kuka to lay false and misleading allegations of the killing of Christians in Nigeria as if Muslims are also not victims of killings and abductions.

“Entrepreneurs of falsehood and merchants of fake news are the main enemies of this country. They are enemies of peace and progress.

“Nigerians should know these agent provocateur and advocatus diaboli. Crime has no religious or ethnic colour. Those who ascribe terror attacks to Islamisation and allege that only Christians are being killed possess the verb ‘to lie’ and the noun ‘liars’.

“The wind has blown and we have seen the ruff of the hen. What happened yesterday in Zamfara where 40 Muslims were abducted and in Kogi State where a bishop was kidnapped have further opened the eyes of Nigerians.

” If lies start running for decades, truth will catch up in a single day. Nigerians have seen that gunmen, armed bandits and terrorists kill and abduct both Muslims and Christians. No adherents of any faith is spared by these men of evil. We are all victims.

*”We therefore call on Bishop Mathew Hasan Kukah and his co-travellers to stop this spiritual masturbation and acrobatic religiousity. In particular, Kukah should tender unreserved apology to Nigerians for misleading them for so long.”

‎‎Uanreroro, Police Officer Who Led Team Which Arrested Dreaded Armed Robber, Anini, Dies

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Ayodele Oni

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September 16, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Kayode Uanreroro, the Police Officer who arrested the notorious armed robber, Lawrence Anini, is dead.

According to ‎Social media report the retired Police Officer died Sunday morning, the 14th of September, 2025 in Lagos.

‎Late Uanreroro led the team that put an end to the activities of Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, a Nigerian bandit, who terrorised Benin City in the 1980s along with his sidekick, Monday Osunbor.

Late Anini was in his usual merriment mood on December 3, 1986 in the company of ladies at No. 26, Oyemwosa Street, opposite Iguodala Primary School, Benin City, when Uanreroro, then a Superintendent of Police, (SP) acting on a tip-off, led his team to invade the house and apprehended him with very little resistance.

He was later tried along with his cohorts and sentenced to death by firing squad by the military Armed Robbery and Firearms Tribunal.

‎Mr Uanreroro was the Commandant at the Mopol training school at Gwoza when it was suggested to then Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta, that if they were serious about getting Anini, Kayode was to be detailed for the task.

There was then a drama when the military head of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida met the IGP at a public event and asked him, “where is Anini?”

‎Standing at over six feet, dark and rippling with muscles with a no-nonsense visage, Mr Uanreroro, apart from being a crack Police detective also had a black belt in Karate.

He had had many encounters with armed robbers and many had paid dearly. He was naturally the man to go after Anini who had become a national terror and embarrassment.

‎Within a couple of weeks and acting on intelligence, Mr Uanreroro and his ten man team of crack policemen working in mufti, but heavily armed, stormed into a Benin city house where Lawrence Anini was hiding.

The latter was not expecting the Police. He was shot on his left ankle by Kayode and immobilized. That was the end of the reign of Lawrence Anini and the national embarrassment he orchestrated terminated.

‎Shortly after that, Mr Uanreroro left the Police service and became the Chief security officer of a top bank.

‎Those who knew him said he lived in the Akoka area of Lagos and was a jolly fellow, a perfect gentleman and giant and rarely talked of his escapades in the Police.

‎He was said have proceeded to study law and had his private Law office in Ebute-Metta area of Lagos and practiced law till his demise.

Mixed Reactions Trail Ogun Councillor Who Appointed Eight Aides

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 16, 2025

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Ogun Councillor Who Appointed Eight Aides

By Akinwale Kasali

Hon. Oluwasegun Ayebusiwa, a Councillor representing Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, has, surprisingly appointed eight people as his Chief of Staff, Personal Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Head of Security among others.

This development has generated mixed feelings among netizens and Nigerians, who are yet to come to terms with such appointment from a Councillor whose monthly Salary is less than N300,000.

In a Letter of Appointment personally signed by the Councillor representing Ayede/Lomiro Ward 7, the appointment takes effect from September 11, 2025.

The appointees are: Mr. Enakadia Solomon (Chief of Staff), Akinrotohun Femi (Personal Assistant), Gbajimi Ezekiah (Special Assistant on Media and Publicity), Mr. Ige Monday (Special Assistant on Youth & Mobilization), Mr. Orenuga Oluwasegun (Head of Security).

Others are: Mr. Adesusi Bayo (Special Assistant on Logistics), Mrs. Fasonu Nurat (Special Assistant on Women Affairs) and Mr. Okunude Iwayemi as Special Assistant on Political Matters.

The rationale behind the appointment remains unknown, as efforts to reach out to Hon. Ayebusiwa proved abortive, as there was no contact phone number on the widely circulated letterhead appointment letter.

Reacting to the appointments Kanadi Yakubu Bano, a netizen on Facebook said, “The stipend received by Councillors in this side of the country can’t even allow appointment of a PA to come into fruition, not to talk of all this portfolios, where will he see money to pay them”.

Babatunde Jonathan Oluwatosin, another Facebook users said, “Upon wetin is this appointments. This people are charlatans”.

For Jethro Zaro, he said it was a commendable move, which he describe as Team Work and Job Creation.

John Ewa said that it was good move as he has used his office to create job openings for some people.

The Ogun Waterside Local Government is yet to officially make a statement about this development which is now viral in the Social Media space.

Rhodes-Vivour Is A Desperate, Inconsistent, Political Prostitute – APC

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 16, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State Chapter, has launched a scathing attack on Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party, LP, Governorship Candidate in the 2023 Election, over his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The APC, in a statement, described Rhodes-Vivour’s political journey as one marked by desperation, inconsistency, and lack of clear vision.

It further described his movement across multiple political platforms as “political prostitution” and accused him of jumping from one Party to another Party in a bid to chase personal ambition.

Rhodes-Vivour has officially announced his defection from the LP to ADC, and described it as a step towards building a progressive third force in Nigerian politics.

But the APC says his reason for defection is far from that. Instead, it said of it:

“Rhodes-Vivour’s defection to the ADC is nothing more than another desperate hustle by a man who has made political prostitution his career path.

“From his forgettable beginnings in the obscure KOWA Party, to his brief romance with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to hijacking Labour Party’s ticket in 2023, and now to ADC, GRV has jumped more parties than a restless frog.”

According to the APC, Rhodes-Vivour’s political movement is not driven by ideology or a passion for service but by selfish ambition and a hunger for relevance.

“Let us be clear: Rhodes-Vivour is not building a political career; he is on a political scavenger hunt. He is forever in search of the next platform to abuse and abandon, the next slogan to parrot, and the next crowd to mislead,” the statement read.

The Lagos APC further mocked GRV’s famous quote during the 2023 elections where he stated, “I don’t think in Yoruba.” The party used this to question his cultural connection and leadership credibility.

“No wonder he cannot think straight in politics either. A man who disowns his roots at the level of language cannot be trusted to honour commitments at the level of leadership.”

When Rhodes-Vivour announced his exit from the Labour Party, mixed reactions trailed the move. Some LP members described it as hasty and disappointing.

However, the APC believes LP should not complain, as it had benefitted from GRV’s opportunistic style when it gave him its Governorship ticket in 2023 to wrestle power from Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

“The Labour Party needs not cry over a candidate who arrived on a night bus, snatched its gubernatorial ticket and left before dawn. If the party feels used, violated, and dumped, we sympathise.

“Rhodes-Vivour lacks the seriousness and discipline required for governance, he can only be described as a “confused apprentice” and a “rolling stone that gathers no moss.

“Lagos is not a laboratory for serial defectors. Governance is serious business, not a reality TV show where Gbadebo can change costumes every season,” the APC said.

The ruling Party concluded its statement by advising Lagosians to be cautious in placing their trust in politicians who show no consistency or ideology.

It warned that Rhodes-Vivour represents a dangerous trend among some young politicians who treat politics as a personal project rather than a public duty.

Alleged Death By Torture: Ondo Family Calls For Investigation

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Ayodele Oni

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September 16, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The family of Dada Yusuf, a 23-year-old man, is accusing the Ondo State Police Command of involvement in circumstances surrounding his death. The family claims it resulted from torture during his detention.

Yusuf’s family alleges that he succumbed to injuries sustained while in police custody, where he was reportedly subjected to harsh treatment by officers from the “Scorpion Squad” in Akure.

A relative, Afolabi Bisoye, revealed that Yusuf was arrested on August 31 by police operatives while en route to Akure.

According to Afolabi, the police detained and tortured him until he collapsed in custody.

The family was, thereafter, notified only after Yusuf had been transported to a hospital, where he was later referred to another facility for urgent medical care.

“Yusuf was unlawfully arrested and brutalized by the Scorpion Squad, led by Inspector Olayiya Kasim.

“He was beaten to the point of falling into a coma. Instead of ensuring his safety, the officers attempted to cover up the incident by taking him to the Police Clinic in Akure, where it was revealed that he had sustained a gunshot wound in the chest, allegedly inflicted while in police custody.

“Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, where he spent several days on oxygen support. Tragically, Yusuf passed away on September 7, 2025.”

Afolabi urged authorities to secure justice for Yusuf, emphasizing: “This case demands accountability and justice for Yusuf Israel Dada, whose life was unjustly cut short by police brutality.”

Witnesses have reported that members of the Scorpion Squad appeared intoxicated during the incident, violently harassing both Yusuf and bystanders who attempted to intervene.

When approached for comment, Olushola Alayande, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), refuted claims that Yusuf’s death was a result of torture.

He explained that Yusuf had developed a medical condition while in custody and was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment.

“The Ondo State Police Command categorically rejects the family’s claims. Our son died at the Federal Medical Centre while undergoing dialysis, which has no relation to torture. We practice the best ethics of law enforcement and do not condone torture,” Alayande asserted.

He confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway, and the officers involved are currently under scrutiny.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an investigation, and the findings will be made public.”

Two Suspects Using Facebook Posts To Defraud, Arrested By Police In Ondo

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Ayodele Oni

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September 16, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command, has arrested two suspects who defrauded an unsuspecting customer through Facebook post to the tune of N25 million.

The suspects, according to police spokesman Olusola Ayanlade, were involved in a high-profile case of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and stealing.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of the Force to ensure that fraudsters, especially those exploiting digital platforms, are not allowed to thrive unchecked.

“The case originated from a report made on 10th February, 2025, by Prince Adebola Adoye ‘m’, who petitioned the Command against Ojo Oluwafemi ‘m’ and Omowunmi Balogun ‘f’, both of Ilobu, Osun State.

“Investigations revealed that sometime in 2024, the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the sum of ₦25,000,000.00 (Twenty-Five Million Naira only) from the complainant through a Facebook platform, which they subsequently converted to their personal use.

“Building on this credible complaint, detectives of the Command Special Enquiry Unit intensified intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance.

“Their efforts paid off as Ojo Oluwafemi was arrested on 29th July, 2025, at Ijebu-Ijesha, while Omowunmi Balogun was apprehended the following day, 30th July, 2025, at Shoprite Roundabout, Akure.

“Both suspects are now in custody, and the case is currently undergoing a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.”

Ondo Teachers Recruitment Fraud: CD Calls For Prosecution Of Indicted Officials

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Ayodele Oni

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September 16, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy (CD), has called for Justice for unsuspecting job seekers in Ondo who were ripped off by some officials of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, (OD SUBEB), while seeking for teaching job.

CD, in a statement on Tuesday, also, called for the removal of the Chairman of the Commission for negligence.

The statement, signed by its National President, Ifeanyi Odili, called for the setting up of a body of enquiry to facilitate unravelling the circumstances surrounding the fraud, thereby ensuring accountability and fostering public confidence in the governance processes of Ondo State.

“This grave matter involves the purported extortion of several millions of naira from unsuspecting candidates, precipitating significant financial losses for numerous individuals who participated in the recent teacher recruitment exercise conducted by SUBEB.

“According to credible information obtained by CD, it is alleged that in excess of five hundred candidates were defrauded of substantial sums, with individual losses ranging from six hundred thousand naira to one million naira.

“A delegation from CD visited the premises of SUBEB, whereupon they witnessed firsthand the profound distress exhibited by numerous candidates who had fallen victim to this fraudulent activity.

“These aggrieved individuals were observed expressing their anguish through visible displays of emotional turmoil, including wailing, weeping, and crying, consequent to the considerable financial losses inflicted upon them by purportedly unscrupulous elements associated with SUBEB.

“Information at the disposal of CD indicates that certain officers of SUBEB issued documents purporting to be official appointment letters and posting letters to the affected candidates, which bore the signature of the Permanent Secretary of the board. Regrettably, subsequent verification revealed these documents to be counterfeit, thereby compounding the gravity of the situation.

“It was further gathered that the victims had been posted to various schools and had worked for the state government for three months without pay.

“Regrettably, these candidates had resigned from their previous employment with the expectation of securing a better opportunity with the government.

“Whilst CD acknowledges that preliminary actions have been taken, as evidenced by the suspension of a principal suspect implicated in this malfeasance, the organization firmly posits that such a measure is inadequate in addressing the severity of the alleged crimes.

“In view of this, CD hereby calls for the immediate removal of the Chairman of SUBEB, citing gross incompetence and a manifest failure to ensure the integrity and transparency of the recruitment process.

“Furthermore, CD urgently demands the following actions: immediate and Comprehensive Investigation; a thorough probe into the alleged fraudulent activities, encompassing all facets of the malfeasance.

“The apprehension of all individuals implicated in this fraud, irrespective of their position or affiliation; vigorous legal proceedings against those found culpable, including any external collaborators or accomplices.”

Tinubu Hits Back At Atiku: I’m Trying To Fix The Economic Rot You Left Behind

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 16, 2025

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The federal government has scolded Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president over his recent remark on the nation’s economy, saying the Bola Tinubu’s administration is trying to fix the mess left by the previous government in the country.

Abubakar was Nigeria’s vice president under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration between 1999 and 2007.

On Monday, Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the People Democratic Party, PDP warned of an imminent revolution if the government failed to fix the current economic problems in the country.

The former number two citizen, in a statement released by his Media Office, warned that worsening poverty, hunger in the country could push citizens to rise against the state.

For instance, Abubakar cited the French Revolution of 1789, the 1917 Russian Bolshevik Revolution, and the Arab Spring, as outcomes of peoples disillusionment against their governments.

He also cited the ENDSARS protest as an example that Nigerians are not immune from protest if they are pushed to the wall, urging the Tinubu’s administration to fix the problems of poverty, security and hunger with immediate effect to avert peoples revolt in the country.

Reacting, the Presidency in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy stated that Abubakar was just trying to mislead Nigerians, accusing the former vice president of being out of tough with the current realities in the country.

Onanuga explained that the situation that led to the revolutions that Abubakar mentioned do not exist in Nigeria, stressing that the latter has decided to be blinded to the positive developments happening in the country as a result of the reforms of the Tinubu’s administration.

He stressed that the current administration is trying to fix the rot left behind by previous administration in the country, including the Obasanjo’s administration under which Abubakar served as vice president, highlighting some positive results about the Tinubu’s government by key development agencies.

The statement: “Talk is cheap. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country.

“Their claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and their comparison of our situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, is grossly misleading.

“Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story. Just today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its figures for August, showing that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month.

“Over the weekend, the NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with the contribution of non-oil exports to our trade balance now nearly matching that of crude oil at a ratio of 48:52 per cent.

“Our foreign exchange reserves are on the rise, now approaching $42 billion. When President Tinubu assumed office, reserves stood at $32 billion, much of it encumbered. This administration has since cleared over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to airlines.”

Ride-Hailing Firm Set To Employ 10,000 Drivers

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 16, 2025

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The company, a partnership between the Lagos state government and CIG Group has announced the launch of a new bank-backed vehicle leasing programme that will place 10,000 additional drivers and partners on Lagos roads ahead of the Ember month rush.

According to a statement, the expansion underlines LagRide’s commitment to providing every resident and visitor in Lagos with a safe, reliable and affordable ride within minutes.

Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of CIG Group, a diversified group with portfolio companies across transportation, energy, technology and consumer goods, explained the significance of this expansion: “Lagos becomes the heartbeat of Africa during the Ember months. Churches fill, families reunite and our diaspora comes home. LagRide exists so that movement around the city is dignified, safe and joyful. By joining forces with Nigerian banks, we are handing the steering wheel of that experience to empowered local entrepreneurs.”

The company said the vehicle leasing programme is designed to empower drivers and partners through affordable, transparent, and bank-supported financing. The scheme allows drivers to access brand-new CIG vehicles with quick bank approvals and competitive rates, giving them the opportunity to work with dignity and financial security.

It stressed that the programme provides a clear pathway to ownership, enabling drivers to take full possession of their vehicles in the shortest possible time. Repayments are structured flexibly, with weekly remittances aligned to actual kilometres driven, ensuring that repayments mirror usage and remain sustainable. Most importantly, the leasing programme comes with full cover: maintenance, insurance, and operational support are integrated, ensuring that every driver can focus on service delivery without fear of unforeseen costs or disruptions.

Jubril Arogundade, Acting Managing Director of LagRide Nigeria Limited, described the initiative as a continuation of LagRide’s founding promise: “From day one we have offered local solutions that meet world-class standards. The new leasing programme continues that promise by giving drivers a simple, transparent route to owning the cars they drive while improving service quality for riders.”