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Emerging CSO Amplifies Need for Community Devt
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Osahon Enabulele Foundation has decried the plight of vulnerable communities and lack of advancement in healthcare, education and other vital social amenities, describing it as a hindrance to social change which inhibits social advancement in the Nigerian society.
Director General of the organization, Dr.
Osahon Enabulele stated this at the launching and colloquium of the foundation, which was held on the 29th of January, 2025 at the Akin Deko Auditorium, University of Benin, Benin City, in Edo State.Dr. Enabulele who is also the past president of the World Medical Association, spoke on the importance of innovations in the health and education sector, as a form of societal empowerment while fostering good governance and leadership excellence.
In a statement made available to our correspondent via email by EDEN Media Manager Elvira Jordan said, the foundation is strategic in promoting good leadership, governance and policy advocacy through effective dialogue, healthcare, education, capacity building, social welfare, support, calling on individuals, institutions and other organizations for partnership and sponsorship.
The vice chancellor of University of Benin, Edoba omoregbe who served as the chairman of the event, was represented by the Deputy Vice chancellor Administration Christopher Osun, speaking on the theme, “Unlocking the potential of a better tomorrow”, pointing to the need for effective governance and patriotism for a sustainable future.
In his keynote address, Director General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae spoke on leadership and authority, where he highlighted the collapse of leadership all over the world and not just in Nigeria, adding that charismatic leaders who possess certain qualities that make them unique can make the necessary change with the help of the public.
On his part, the Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Chima Williams who was represented at the event, commended the Osahon Enabulele Foundation for its timely inception, at a time when there is a need to strengthen the work of community based organization in bringing light to the vulnerable communities.
“The Osahon Enabulele Foundation has arrived at a time of most need to support the work of the civil society community in addressing the plight of vulnerable communities and persons across the country. No doubt, Dr. Osahon is a renowned personality who has for years championed the cause of the downtrodden and marginalized. Through the foundation, he is set to do more and for us at EDEN, we will give the foundation the needed support to advance its work and to amplify the voices of the common people in the community.”
The event was attended by various dignitaries that including representatives from the Palace of the Oba of Benin, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Representatives from the University of Benin including the Registrar, Deputy Vice Chancellor Ekenhua campus, etc, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other high position holders in UBTH, Amos Yusuf Sunday, the Executive Director of Clear View Integrity Foundation in Yola and the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alh. Abdulfatai Enabulele, representatives of NMA, and a host of others.
The Chief Executive Officer of Zuid Energies Ltd., Ogochukwu Abiakam said the company will partner with the Federal Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deploy electric taxis at the nation’s airports.
Abiakam disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview in Abuja.
He said the deployment would begin with a pilot phase in Abuja and Lagos.
Zuid Energies, the new-energy mobility and Infrastructure Company, recently deployed 20 electric taxis for operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He explained that the two locations would serve as test beds for operational efficiency, passenger adoption, and infrastructure readiness.
He stated that the successful implementation of the model at the pilot stage would facilitate expansion to other FAAN-owned airports nationwide.
According to him, the initiative is designed to modernise airport ground transportation while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition and economic development goals.
“Zuid Energies plans a phased deployment approach. The fleet size will grow in response to passenger demand, performance data, and charging infrastructure availability—ensuring reliability and service quality from day one.
“All operations are conducted in partnership with FAAN and in full alignment with airport transport regulations, ensuring seamless integration into existing airport ecosystems.
“Electric vehicles are often perceived as premium offerings and Zuid Energies is positioning affordability as a core principle,” he said.
He said the company believed leveraging the lower operating and maintenance costs of electric vehicles to stabilise pricing over the long term would protect passengers from fuel price volatility.
According to him, the key aspect of the initiative is its collaborative approach with existing airport taxi operators.
“Rather than displacing current players, Zuid Energies is developing a transition model that allows traditional operators to participate in the EV ecosystem.
“These include: fleet conversion opportunities, driver integration and training programs, partnership-based operating models.
“The goal is to ensure that the shift to electric mobility is inclusive, sustainable, and economically beneficial for all stakeholders.
“Zuid Energies’ electric taxi service introduces several differentiators to airport transportation in Nigeria: brand new, fully electric vehicles, professionally trained and uniformed drivers, fully cashless payment system, digital booking, tracking, and centralised dispatch,” he said.
He added that beyond vehicles, Zuid Energies was also investing in a full electric mobility ecosystem including dedicated EV charging stations in Abuja and Lagos to ensure operational resilience and long-term expansion.
He expressed optimism that electric vehicles would reduce dependence on imported refined fuel and lower operating costs for transport services.
Celebrating the visionaries, innovators, and achievers- Daily Asset Awrads, 9th Edition. Where excellence meets recognition. Daily Asset awards 2026, 9th Edition
The Benue State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, of N695, 011, 237, 687•28 into law.
The House increased the 2026 budget by N89•5 billion from N605.5 billion earlier presented by the Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
The budget was approved on Wednesday following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Isaac Ochikliye ably represented by deputy Chairman of the Committee Hon. Dauglas Akya during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS.
He explained that the 2026 budget was designed to accelerate infrastructure development, improve social service delivery, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the State.
Among other recommendations, the House urged House Committees to advise MDAs to avoid extra budgetary expenditures and called for the strengthening of audit and procurement processes to enhance transparency, accountability and effective budget implementation.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga commended members of the appropriation committee for the good and thorough work on the budget.
The Honourable Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for the Governor’s assent.
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