General News
SANWO-OLU, SWEDISH ENVOY DISCUSS CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS FOR LAGOS PUBLIC TRANSPORT
•Japanese ambassador visits Governor on trade, circular economy
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, said Lagos State Government was not unaware of the emerging issues surrounding operations of public transportation, disclosing that plans were underway towards strengthening safety and improving transport infrastructure to give commuters new experience.
The Governor said sustenance of an efficiently run intermodal public transportation network remained a critical component of his administration’s economic agenda, stressing that the State had adopted an energy policy that would enable the state-run transport agencies to diversify to clean energy use and lower carbon emissions.
The clean energy initiative, the Governor said, has been a top agenda of the State Government, noting that the State was ready for more investment and partnership to raise Lagos capacity in the use of clean energy for solutions in mobility services.
Sanwo-Olu spoke when he received the ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria and other ECOWAS States, Ms. Annika Hahn-Englund, on a courtesy call at the State House, Marina.
The Governor also hosted the ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, on bilateral talks.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the State’s commitment to existing bilateral partnerships with the Swedish government and trade organisations in the Scandinavian nation, pointing out that the ongoing feasibility study of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) operational capacity by a Swedish firm would result in development of solutions to reduce accidents.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Sustainability of our investment in transportation infrastructure and services is critical to driving more innovation into the sector. This will also translate to how seamlessly we diversify from our use of fossil fuels to clean energy that will reduce emissions as well as improving the quality of the environment. We are currently engaged in providing modern infrastructure around three transportation models, which are waterways, road and rail.
“We are not unaware of the effects these means of public mobility have on the environment. Efforts are already in place to ensure sustainable development and create an eco-friendly environment. That is why the State Government signed a MoU with OandO Energy firm to test electric vehicles for public transportation. The proof of concept is underway and it will give us clear direction on what is required both on the infrastructure end and the mobility side of it.
“As a Government, we are working on all of the options. We also have a relationship with Scania AB and TML on data gathering towards ensuring the safety of the passengers using our services. We need more symbiotic partnerships in this sector, not a handout.
This is a conversation in which we both can identify what the needs should be. With partnership, we can develop a win-win relationship.”
The Governor told the Swedish envoy that Lagos was ready to sustain its economic cooperation with the Scandinavian country, adding that the State would continue “robust” attendance of Swedish-Nordic Connect, a socio-cultural event yearly organised by the European nation.
He said Lagos remained open for more Swedish investment opportunities, while giving assurance that Nigeria’s commercial city would continue to initiate policies that would ease restrictions on foreign investment.
Hahn-Englund thanked the Governor for prioritising economic cooperation with her country.
She said the SWED Fund for LAMATA would help Lagos create a more sustainable transportation infrastructure network, adding that a feasibility study by a Swedish firm, Sensys Gasto Group, was in the pipeline to promote road safety.
The envoy added that the Swedish company would be developing a project with the Lagos Government where the State would develop a system that would register and send out violations, and monitor fine payment.
On his own part, the Japanese envoy, Kazuyoshi, said his visit to the Governor was to expand Lagos-Japan cooperation.
He said his country had been working with the State Government and some Nigerian firms to develop a circular economy for Lagos, adding that Japan was poised to increase its investments in Lagos by bringing more trade partners.
Kazuyoshi said: “Lagos is the entry point for the trade inflow into Nigeria and Japan fully understands the potential of the Nigerian market; we are confident to raise the market volume for both countries.”
Other partnerships discussed by the Japanese ambassador included cooperation on electricity generation, skill transfer, exchange programme, sports and tourism.
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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