The Kogi State Government has commenced the training of 2,310 young people across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion technology.

This ccomes in a major push to fulfill its campaign promise of youth empowerment and economic diversification.

The initiative, carried out in partnership with Sufpay Ltd, is designed to equip Kogi youths with cutting-edge skills that align with Nigeria’s national embrace of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking in Lokoja, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the programme as a bold and strategic move to position the state for the emerging energy revolution.

“This is about creating a new generation of skilled professionals who can compete and contribute meaningfully in the evolving energy sector. CNG is the future, and we are proud to be preparing our youths for it,” Fanwo said.

He emphasized that the initiative will not only strengthen the local economy but also serve as a non-kinetic strategy in addressing insecurity by productively engaging the youth population.

“Our Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, made a clear commitment to youth empowerment, and this programme is a clear demonstration of that commitment.

We are building development around our youth because they are the greatest asset of our state,” he added.

Fanwo also extended appreciation to Sufpay Ltd, noting that the company’s dedication and technical expertise have been instrumental in driving the vision forward.

The training initiative aligns with broader national efforts to transition to alternative fuel sources and reduce dependence on petrol, while simultaneously tackling unemployment through technical empowerment.

The training is also decentralized so that the youth can learn in their familiar environments. The training centers are Lokoja, Okene, Idah and Kabba.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has compulsorily retired 10 judges in Imo State for age falsification and other unethical practices.

In a statement issued on Thursday after its 109th meeting and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Council said the affected judges—five from the High Court and four from the Customary Court of Appeal—altered their dates of birth in official records to illegally extend their tenure.

The affected High Court judges are Justices M.E. Nwagboso, B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Chinyere Ngozi Okereke, and Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi.

Those from the Customary Court of Appeal include Justices Tennyson Nze, Uchenna Ofoha, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe.Also , Hon. Justice T.N. Nzeukwu was compulsorily retired for submitting himself for appointment as acting Chief Judge of Imo State, despite being fourth in seniority—a violation of Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged contract racketeering in the Nigerian Police amounting to billions of naira.

The decision was taken after a motion of urgent national importance moved by the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, Abia, Rep. Ibe Osonwa during the plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Osonwa had raised concerns over the alleged award of N6 billion contact by the Nigerian Police Procurement department without due process which according to him was erosion of public trust.

“The Nigeria Police Force Procurement department allegedly awarded N 6 billion contract to Crown Natures Ltd.

By splitting it into 66 separate contracts in a deliberate attempt to circumvent the public procurement Act of 2007 particularly in procurement of uniforms,” he said.

The lawmaker who expressed concern over the violation of section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended by the Police, called for urgent action to address the allegation.

Mr Osonwa, further called the attention of his colleagues to undermining of the country’s internal security architecture by the Nigeria Police with its award of contract for procurement of arms to private companies in violation to procurement rules.

The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the committee on public accounts and public procurement for further legislative actions.