NEWS
NLC Launches CNG Buses for North Central States in Kogi

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in collaboration with its Central Working Committee (CWC), have launched the North Central Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses given to them by the federal government.
Speaking at its official inauguration in Lokoja, the NLC President, Joe Ajero said that the 10 CNG buses given to Kogi state would ease transportation for workers.
Ajero stressed that the collaboration was a significant step towards improving the lives of workers and residents of the state.
The NLC President urged the state government to complement the initiative by establishing gas re-filling stations for the CNG buses in the state for the benefits of the workers and the people.
“We want the state government to complement our effort and adopt the CNG development in Kogi for the benefits of workers and the entire residents of the state,” he said.
Ajero commended the state government and labour union for maintaining industrial harmony which has guaranteed peace and development in the state.
He also commended the state government for being worker-centric in all its programmes and policies, especially the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage and regular payment of workers’ salaries in the state.
He however called for recruitment of more health workers and teachers especially in basic and secondary schools, saying there was shortage of manpower as workers were retiring on daily basis.
He further appealed to the state government to critically look into the issue of gratuity arrears, and take a concrete step towards clearing its backlogs.
In his remarks, Gov Ahmed Ododo commended the NLC for the initiative and for choosing Kogi as the flagship state for the North Central region to benefit from the gesture.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu, assured the NLC President that the state government would look into union’s requests in a bid to addressing them.
“We came out of the union and we belong to the union and the grassroots. We are for the grassroots and we are ready to serve the people.
“We have maintained a peaceful and cordial relationship with the labour and we will continue to improve on it.
Ododo noted that his administration had appointed over 10 labour leaders in the cabinet of the state government which had been yielding great results in prioritising workers’ welfare in the state.
“We deeply appreciate your decision to establish the base for CNG buses in the North Central Region here in Kogi State.
“This initiative will undoubtedly improve inter-and intra-state mobility, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.
“Let me assure you that our administration, will continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, sustain industrial harmony, and create an environment where every worker feels valued and empowered.
“Together, we will build a better and more prosperous Kogi State and contribute to the progress of Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Earlier, the state NLC Chairman, Gabriel Amari said in CNG buses would be significant development that promises to improve transportation in the state.
According to him, the initiative would enhance the workers’ performance and make a positive impact for effective service delivery in the state.
Our Correspondent reports that the highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of 10 CNG buses by the governor for the North Central States.
NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.