Business
Bus Owners Commend FG, Labour For Ending Strike
The Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) has commended the Federal Government and the organised labour for ending the strike on fuel subsidy removal.
The Chairman of the association in Imo, Mr Bencool Ezeanya, told our correspondent Wednesday in Owerri that it was highly commendable that both government and labour came to a compromise in the interest of Nigerians.
“Government means well for the masses, only that the timing of the deregulation was wrong. I commend the President for listening to the voice of the masses. I also commend labour for carrying the masses along by calling off the strike.”
He said the transporters recorded loss of very huge revenue during the six-day strike, and expressed the hoped that there would not be a recurrence.
Ezeanya said the association had no choice, but to accept the increase in the price of fuel in good faith.
“Transporters lost immensely during the strike, because most of our buses were not on the road. We don’t have a choice but to accept the N97 fuel price in good faith.”
He urged commuters to bear with the transporters over what he called the temporary increase in cost of transportation, which he said would soon be normalised.
Ezenwa also urged the government to assist members of the association through the provision of good road networks and effective security on the highways.
“Security and good roads are our main concern. Government should help us by putting the roads in good condition, because a lot of our drivers and passengers have died in many accidents.”
Our correspondent reports that the cost of transportation from Owerri to Lagos and Abuja has been reduced from between N7, 500 and N8,000 to between N4,500 and N5,500 respectively as a result of the reduction in fuel price from N141 to N97.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.
