Rural Electrification Agency (REA) logo

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has held its first investor matchmaking for the Solar Power Naija Programme to provide opportunity for potential investors to pitch their financial offerings to developers.

A statement from REA in Abuja on Thursday said the event was organised in collaboration with the Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme (PA-NPSP, USAID).

REA said that the event also provided a networking and matchmaking forum that brought together key investors and high-performing developers pre-evaluated by the Solar Power Naija team in the power sector.

The agency explained that the programme was launched as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to achieve the roll out of five million new solar connections in off grid communities.

This programme is expected to generate an additional N7 billion increase in tax revenues per annum and 10 million dollars in annual import substitution.

The objectives of the programme are to expand energy access to 25 million individuals (five million new connections) through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid.

Increase local content in the off grid solar value chain and facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing and assembly industry and incentivise the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector, it said.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of REA, Mr Salihijo Ahmad, encouraged partnerships to boost energy access in communities.

As the implementing agency for Nigerias off-grid strategy, the REA has been working to support private developers by creating an enabling environment to facilitate investments in various ways, Ahmad stated.

He said that this partnership included access to data, policy support, grants, capacity development, stakeholder management and most importantly financing developers.

The Acting Deputy Missions Director, USAID Nigeria, Mr Stephan Menard, said: I encourage the private developers to take advantage in accessing financing towards improving the lives of Nigerians by delivering sustainable energy access.

On her part, the Head, Solar Power Naija Programme, Barbara Izilien, said that the match making event would build quick partnerships that could lead to new connections.

According to her, the partnership will further count towards the countrys target of electrifying a minimum of five million households, serving a minimum of 25 million Nigerians.

The Solar Power Naija Programme implemented through REA is actively working on catalysing access to financing for developers in the off-grid sector to achieve the programme targets, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya

By Ahmed Kaigama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Wednesday assured that the Nigerian Army has the capacity to contain insurgency and deal with other criminal elements in the country.

The COAS gave the assurance during combat training and exhibition of firing power, organised for Infantry and Armoured Corps personnel, on Wednesday in Bauchi.

Yahaya, was represented by Maj.- Gen. Suleiman Idris, Dean Faculty of Operation Research, Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, Abuja.

He said training of army personnel was significant to the efforts being made to restore peace in the country.

For the insurgents and other criminals, we assure you that the Nigerian Army is capable of containing them.

We will do everything possible as we are doing to contain and provide protection to loyal citizens of this great nation, the army chief added.

On the training, Yahaya said it was designed to enhance the professional techniques and build the synergy required in military operations.

This is important so as to continue to be the professional Nigerian army that can provide protection to loyal citizens of Nigeria, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS inaugurated the Nigerian Amour Driving School, and the Circuit and Tank Maneuver Area.

He also opened an exhibition of combat equipments, including drones, tanks and military trucks. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

Stakeholders at the Launch of the Enhancing National Capacities for Counter Violent Extremism, Anti-Piracy and Protection of Civilians Project in Abuja on Tuesday (9/4/23)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government with the support of UNDP on Tuesday, launched a project to enhance efforts in countering violent extremism and piracy, as well as enhancing civilian protection.

The Enhancing National Capacities for Counter-Violent Extremism, Anti-Piracy and Protection of Civilians project, is designed to be implemented in Nigeria, ECOWAS and Gulf of Guinea.

The Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said the effort was to achieve more results, to ensure safety in the country and the subregion.

Agba, represented by Mrs Victoria Olulade, a Deputy Director in the ministry, said Federal Governments policies and investment in the Armed Forces and International community has helped in combatting the menace.

He however said there was an urgent desire to sharpen the capacities of security agencies on counter-terrorism and protection of civilians for more effective response and reduction in civilian casualties.

According to him, the project will build capacities, tactics and strategies of security agencies to combat extremism and terrorism.

This will go a long way to save lives, avert injuries, improve life expectancy and security, he added.

He said the project would also contribute to achieving Nigerias long-term goals on humanitarian sector growth, as enshrined in the National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Sustainable Development Goals.

The minister reaffirmed governments commitment to collaborate with relevant agencies to achieve the objective of the project in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, UNDP, Mr Matthew Alao, said the objective was to improve national capacities of ECOWAS and Gulf of Guinea countries to decrease the influence of violent extremists and pirates.

Alao said the project was also designed to improve protection of civilians in armed conflicts, given the challenges posed by the menace of violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.

According to him, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has been detrimental to economic prosperity and socio-economic wellbeing of governments and citizens of the affected countries.

UNDP and the Government of Japan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, MLAILPKC and the Nigerian Navy formulated this project.

It is to build and strengthen the capacities of key stakeholders in the targeted regions to curtail the negative impacts of violent extremism and piracy.

The project equally seeks to ensure that civilians caught up in armed conflict are secured and protected, he said.

Alao said that the Government of Japan had funded 15 projects in Nigeria since 2015 with over 27.58 million dollars.

He said the launch of the project represented the fourth in the series of anti- piracy and peace support operations projects jointly designed by UNDP, finance ministry and the Nigerian Navy.

Alao the implementation was being done by MLAILPKC since 2020, with funding support from the Government of Japan.

The continuous funding of development projects by Government of Japan and UNDP at the Centre is indicative of confidence and reliability reposed on the Centre by the International Partners since 2014, he added.

Alao recalled that the 2022 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report puts Nigeria in 8th position on the table of countries most impacted by terrorism, three places lower than 2021, with Burkina Faso and Mali occupying second and third positions.

He said the situation also reflected similar prevalence in piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, with 115 incidents recorded in 2022 and 132 in 2021.

The Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, said that violent extremism has been driving violence in the society.

He said the project would promote protection of civilians caught in violent environments while trying to reduce violence.

The Japanese Defense Attache in Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Uchiumi Kazuaki, said Japan, in collaboration with MLAILPKC and UNDP, has been implementing projects related to counter-piracy in Nigeria.

Kazuaki said that available data had showed that the security of the Gulf of Guinea had been greatly enhanced by not only this project, but also the tremendous efforts of the Nigerian government.

He pledged that Japan would continue to contribute to the security of the Gulf of Guinea, including the provision of high- speed patrol boats to NIMASA.

He explained that the project focuses on counter-piracy, and strengthening the capacity of security authorities and officials to counter violent extremism and protect civilians in armed conflicts.

In short, the project will contribute to peace and stability in Nigeria and, by extension, throughout West Africa.

However, we are also aware that violent extremism has been growing throughout West Africa in recent years and that violent extremism is expanding beyond the Northeast.

Recently, military operations against terrorists have already resulted in civilian casualties and serious injuries and damage, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Femi Adesina , the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, has described Mrs Grace Yussuf, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief , News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as epitome of knowledge.

Adesina, who was represented by Mrs Patience Tilleygyado , Assistant Director, Information, State House said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launching of a book authored by Yussuf.

He said Yussuf had displayed special skills in writing the book titled The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith that really worthy of emulation.

The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle, said Yussuf was a journalist with difference in her reportage as a journalist.

Ponle, who was represented by Mr Mufutau Ojo , the Director of Special Duties in the Agency , said Yussuf was a celebrated Journalist as the presence of the crowd had proved it.

The managing director pledged to keep promoting such laudable initiative among members of NAN staff, adding that he would further celebrate NAN Journalist who excelled in their endeavours.

He advised young female journalists to take a lead from Yussuf and put down their experiences in writing.

Many have put in two to three decades in the profession. The new ones should learn from Grace Yussuf that have put in over three decades in the profession.

The book is interesting and exciting. I recommend it to others to buy to take cue from there, he said.

Prof. Joy Ezedo, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) said Yussuf had made herself outstanding among women through her personal efforts.

Ezedo , who was represented by Mrs Ijeoam Ezeude , WACO Head of Legal Unit, said the author was worthy emulated as she had balanced the roles of wife, mother and journalist.

Mr Joe Bankole, a Former Managing Editor, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who reviewed the book said it was a typical story of a typical professional in a typical Nigerian setting spared none from pains and comfort.

According to him, the book titled The Journalist, The Women and Her Faith is a Memoirs of a Nigerian Female Journalist.

Bankole said the uniqueness of the book reflected in the sincerity, passion and candour with which the author told the story.

It is a beautiful work of art that is good and pedagogical.

It provides the platform for an enduring litany or lessons for young professionals in the field, working journalists and Christian women who want to stick to their faith no matter challenges in any sphere of life.

I proudly recommended this book to all of a disciplined life, and one dedicated to the praise of God Almighty, he said.

Mrs Grace Yussuf, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), thanked everyone that came for the occasion.

She further thanked everyone that had helped her during service years and those she had leant from to attain the feat.

Yussuf said she had covered many beats, including , Economy and Industry beat for NAN and visited USA, Spain, Japan, South Africa, Gabon, Cameroon and Gambia to report events. (NAN)

FGA/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Federal Government says it has delivered 8,938 housing units across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and constructed 9,290 kilometres of roads nationwide.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said this on Monday in Abuja while presenting the scorecard of his stewardship in the eight-year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The theme of the scorecard is Tour of Duty as HM of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: A Time and Economic Resource Report (2015-2023).

Fashola said the eight years of the Buhari-led administration was targeted at improving living conditions of Nigerians and drastic reduction of multidimensional poverty.

He said that upon his appointment as minister, part of his target was to improve human lives by venturing into the construction of long-neglected capital projects inherited from previous administrations.

When this administration came into being the budgetary allocation for the whole country was N18 billion but within the first year of office, the President was able to put this to N224 billion, today we have 13,000 roads under construction.

We have created 383,431 jobs, constructed 9,290.34 kilometres of roads, linear metre of lane marking 2,270,319 and number of road signs installed 254,690.

What this is doing in effect is that journey time are being reduced, improving human conditions and promoting prosperity.

On housing, we have 46 sites in 35 states with 6,068 housing units and 2,870 housing units in the FCT.

Fashola added that the ministry issued 1,262 building contracts, while 6,685 Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) were signed from 2015 to March 2023.

According to him, the ministry generated a revenue of N13.09 billion within the period.

Fashola said the second Niger bridge, which had stayed untouched for about three decades by previous administrations, was one of the mega projects executed by the Buhari administration.

He added that another major project was the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which was given priority by the government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maharazu Ahmed

Source: NAN News

New York City Mayor Eric Adams

By Cecilia Ologunagba

New York City Mayor Eric Adams will arrive in Nigeria on Sunday for a two-day visit as part of his tour to Africa.

Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in New York.

Egopija said the mayor would be attending the Nigeria Governors Forum meeting in Abuja during the visit.

He will be visiting the Minister of FCT to commence sister city relationship between the city of Abuja and New York, he said.

A sister city or a twin town relationship is a form of legal or social agreement between two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties.

According to him, Eric Adams will also be paying courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and also meet with business community in the FCT.

NAN reports that Egopija had in January briefed Adams, at a meeting of African Consuls General, on areas of interest on the sister city relationship with New York.

We have started an engagement on the need to have the sister city relationship between the City of New York and the FCT.

We want a situation whereby the city of Abuja and New York are able to partner in area of education, fire service, medical support and other social services.

Also, cultural engagement, the mayor has taken due note of my suggestion and said, the city would be willing to collaborate with the mission, especially as it relates to our desire to promote the Seki dance.

The Seki dance troupe and America Tap dance, which have similarity: the origin of America Tap dance has been attributed to come from Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Egopija told NAN. (NAN) ()

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Veronica Dariya

Some residents of Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Monday said they stopped using kerosene as alternative means of cooking because of its persistent high cost.

The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said health hazard was also a major setback to the use of kerosene.

Miss Hannatu Baya, a student, said that kerosene was too expensive and out of the reach of ordinary Nigerians, adding that most times, the product was unavailable for people to buy.

According to her, struggling to get the product made her search for alternative means of cooking.

She said: I have a 5kg gas cylinder that takes me almost a month before refilling, and this is because I alternate with an electric cooker once theres power, it is better for me than a kerosene stove.

Baya also said that using the product became outdated to her at some point because of the availability of other alternate means.

Madam Charity Okonkwo, who sells charcoal and firewood told NAN correspondent that she once sold kerosene but stopped after the product became too expensive.

We used to go and queue at the filling station for days before the product was made available.

When it will finally come, we will fight; it was a struggle, yet, we will buy it at a high cost to sell at a higher cost too.

After a while, people started to use charcoal, which does not need much kerosene to light up, so the demand for the product from my customers dropped.

That was how I changed to selling charcoal and firewood and the patronage has been better, she said.

Okonkwo added that although, both firewood and charcoal were not as cheap as they used to be in the past, it remained an option to some residents in the local communities who cannot afford cooking gas or kerosene.

She also said that kerosene presently costs about N1,180 per litre at the filling stations and is being sold by retailers in the community from N1, 250 to N1,500 per litre.

Mrs Grace Ishaya, a housewife and mother of five, said that she stopped cooking with kerosene for over four years after one of her children accidentally inhaled the emissions from the cooking stove while sleeping.

I dont know if the kerosene was adulterated with something else, but the flames brought out so much black smoke that filled the kitchen and extended into other parts of the house.

I tried to regulate it but to no avail, until one of my children ran to tell me that they had been trying to wake their brother who was sleeping, to play football, but he was not responding.

My neighbors heard the chaos and came to help and one of them took us to the general hospital where they confirmed that my son had inhaled so much smoke in his system.

We thank God because at the end of the day, he was resuscitated.

Since then, I prefer to use cooking gas and charcoal, even though they both are expensive, we manage to buy according to our means, Ishaya said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Thompson Yamput

The Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Mr Onogwu Muhammed, says no fewer 134 kidnapped victims have been rescued in Kogi by a vigilance group.

He said this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday, noting that the rescued victims were abducted in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State.

Mohammed said that the victims were rescued during a rescue operations launched by the Kogi vigilance group in forests located in the state and some parts of Nasarawa State.

The vigilance group had stormed the hideouts of kidnappers in the Odullo forest of Kogi and Sardauna in Nasarawa State and rescued 134 victims who were abducted from Abaji, Kuje, and Kwali in FCT, as well as Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa.

The vigilance group, comprising 92 members who participated in the operation at the Odullo forest and Sardauna in Nasarawa State, returned and were gladly received by Chairman of the area, Mr Dauda Aliyu, he said.

He also said that Aliyu, who received the rescued victims, commended the vigilantes for their bravery and achievement.

He said that the chairman commended the Yahaya Bellos administrations support to security operatives in the state, adding that the victims had been properly reunited with their families.

The council boss appreciated Bello for supporting the vigilantes that he said had continued to help immensely in the fight against insecurity in the state, the statement said.

The statement also said that the Security Adviser to the state governor, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, also praised the vigilance group and other security agencies in the state for their efforts in fighting crimes in the state and beyond.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

By Temitope Ponle

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) said 102 evacuees returned home from Sudan aboard a Tarco airliner via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, who gave the update on Monday, said the airline arrive at the airport at about 9:15 a.m.

Earlier, had updated newsmen on a Tarco Airline arriving from Port Sudan International Airport.

Kindly update you on the following:

Aircraft :B737-500 CS- MAB. Company: Tarco Airline.

Left Port Sudan International Airport today, 8th May, 2023, at 12:45a.m. local time, with 124 adult,5 Infants. Total 129 Nigerian nationals (evacuees).

Estimated time of arrivalPort Sudan (PZU) to Juba (JUB) 2 hrs 50 min.

Stop over 1 hrs in Juba.

JUB to ABV = 03:30 min. Total = 7hrs 30min.

The flight is expected to arrive Abuja around 6:30a.m. to 7a.m. Nigerian time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was on Friday gutted by fire

EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement in Abuja, that the inferno affected only one of the buildings of the command.

Uwujaren said that the incident, which occurred at about 12.30 am Friday, was triggered by a power surge.

He said, however, that the ensuing inferno was later put out through the combined efforts of the Enugu State and Federal Fire Service.

He said that no life was lost in the incident.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News