The Lumine News

Category: National News

  • FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

    FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

     

    The Federal government has assured that more local Engineers and experts will be considered in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba gave the assurances in Edo State on Thursday where he appeared as guest in the state’s Solar Engineers Exhibition exercise.

    The Minister said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects across all sector with the signing into law, Executive Order Five.

    He explained that the Order which became a law in 2018 is a testament to government’s efforts towards promoting development of local content in science and technology.

    According to him, “I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country.

    We came to Edo to commission a 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in Adebayo community, Ovia-South local government area. We worked with some local engineers for the installation of the project. Going forward, we’ll engage more of these local engineers as we continue to implement our policy on electrifying rural communities”.

    Also speaking, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki thanked the Minister for the project in Edo as well as turning up for the exhibition exercise.

    He said that “I think the time to take the renewable energy more seriously is now. With the hike in electricity tariffs, in terms of costing, I think the renewable energy offers better bargain for Nigerians.

    “Although there’s a lot of electricity projects in Edo, there are still many villages that we need to electrify. I went to all the wards during the campaigns and there are a lot of villages that are yet to have light. I promised them light because our government is a government of light, therefore, we’ll partner with the federal government and Rural Electrification Agency to ensure they get light”

    He maintained that “Foundation to that is human capacity. As we can see, we have the people, we have the knowledge. As a government, we will partner and continue to support them. We have a site along Sapele road that we will establish Renewable Energy Hub. We have secured the funds and will start work there in 60 days”.

    Obaseki added that “in the area of clusters, we have secured funds from the CBN and Micro Finance Banks but we will need technical assistance from the REA to support our local Engineers. For us, as a government, anything they want we will give them to ensure they succeed.

    “I want to thank you for coming and hope that the next time you come to Edo State, you’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad explained that the government is working with the private sector to ensure proper maintenance of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Ahmad said that “Government has adopted a model that involve working with the private sector to install and maintain the projects. It’s not like the government is installing and leaving the infrastructure like that, we’re giving grants to the private sector to maintain them. We have the Rural Electrification Fund, with Dr. Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare as Executive Director where we provide grants for developers”.

    Earlier, one of the solar Engineers, Chike Augustine appealed to government to reduce the barriers that delay the processes of getting clearance to invest in the sector.

  • BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

    BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

     

    The Governor of the Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that he will established a Renewable Energy centre to be named after the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR.

    Obaseki disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, Edo State capital during an exhibition exercise by Solar Energy Engineers in the state.

    He commended the Minister and the management of the Rural Electrification Agency for the 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant plant commissioned yesterday in the state.

    He said that “the foundation for the sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure is man power and I want to say we have the people, the knowledge and the will.

    We will partner the federal government and rural electrification agency to provide these young people with anything they need to succeed.

    I want to thank the Minister for coming and hope that the next time he will come, he’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    Earlier, the Minister assured that the federal government will continue to promote and engage local Engineers and experts in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects with the signing into law, the Executive Order Five.

    He explained that “the Order five signed into law in 2018 has made it mandatory for local contents to be involved majorly in the planning and execution of all government projects and that’s what we have been doing.

    I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country”.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad disclosed that the government was running a programme where Indigenous developers are given grant to invest in developing their talents.

  • FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

    FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

     

    The federal government on Friday under its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), inaugurated a 1.35MW Solar hybrid power plant at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State.

    Twenty (20) female students of the University, trained in renewable energy infrastructure under the implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA), Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme were issued graduation certificates.

    Commissioning the project, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege commended the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba and the leadership of REA for delivering what he described as a quality project.

    Omo-Agege called on the benefitting university to ensure appropriate maintenance of the property even as he said that renewable energy is a veritable solution to endemic power problems in Nigeria.

    In his words, “I want to thank my brother and friend, the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba for the leadership he showed in seeing to the successful completion of this project.

    “To the Managing Director of REA and his team, I thank you for delivering this quality project. Renewable energy is undoubtedly a veritable solution to endemic power problem in this country and I’m happy that Nigeria is gradually moving away from the conventional energy sources”.

    The Minister on his part said that the development highlights the federal government’s commitment and resolve to promoting the well-being of its people through the provision of safe, clean and reliable electricity.

    Agba said “the commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. The Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to living up to this charge and has shown an demonstrated this commitment with this power project being operationalized today”.

    He maintained that “as the Minister of State, Power, it is my duty and responsibility to supervise activities of the REA and promote the growth and development of renewable energy technology in Nigeria through the agency. It is a function I take pride in and one I hold dear to my heart.

    In the disposition of these responsibilities, I have had the pleasure and honour to work and engage with various stakeholders within and outside the power sector, towards advancing the goal of increasing participation in renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. This project is part of that story ; a validation and celebration of all the efforts and contributions it has taken to bring us to where we are”.

    The Minister added that “this solar hybrid power project will enable this institution to improve its security, standard of living of the students, managements, staff as well as provide improved quality of education in a more conducive environment”.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad charged the university management, students and staff to protect the property.

    He said that the project contains a world class “Workshop and Training Center. The 20 female STEM interns handed certificates today participated in the construction phase of the project”.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Deputy Senate President, minister and Management team of the REA for the project.

    While appealing to the federal government for more projects, he assured that as a University, centered on Science and Engineering, the project was in safe hands and would be properly utilized.

  • Minister Assures Investors Of Business-Friendly Environment

    Minister Assures Investors Of Business-Friendly Environment

     

    The Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR has assured partners and investors of favourable policies and business – friendly environments for investment in the power sector.

    The Minister gave the assurances when a team of German partners lead by Ina Hommer, Country Director, German International Cooperation (GIZ) visit him in his office in Abuja, earlier today.

    The Head of Programme, Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), Duke Benjamin was also part of the team that met the Minister.

    While encouraging the partners and other investors to see Nigeria as Africa investment hub, the Minister added that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has introduced many favourable policies to water the ground for foreign and local investors in the power sector.

    Agba, however urged the team to work more closely with him for the smooth implementation of their programmes in the country.

    According to him, “I welcome you to my office and thank you for coming. Our government is very open for partnership and investment in the power sector.

    The President has tasked us with the responsibility of ensuring that the power situation in the country improves and from what we have been doing, we have recorded remarkable achievements.

    “I want to assure you that Nigeria is running favourable policies and has business-friendly environment that partners and investors can take advantage of to do business in the power sector”.

    Earlier, the Country Director, Hommer said that the NEPS which is co-funded by the European Union and German Government has carried out several projects to increase electricity supply to rural areas in the country.

    She said that “between 2013-2018, NESP reached more than 15,000 people with solar-powered mini-grids that blend finance from public and private investors”.

    She added that “NESP supported the implementation of energy efficient pilot projects in public and industry buildings which led to energy savings of 15% in the country”.

    While pledging that the German Cooperation through NESP will continue to invest in the power sector in the country, she however appealed to the Minister to continue to woo investors to the sector.

    “From what you have done so far, we want to encourage you to continue to work to draw more investors to the sector, especially the renewable energy. Use your institutional powers to connect with other ministries to also emphasize investment in sustainable renewable energy “.

    Also speaking, the NESP Head of Programme, Benjamin promised to work closely with the Minister and his team to provide technical support to promote investments in the domestic market for renewable energy.

  • NBA Sues Federal Government Over IGP’s Tenure Extension

    NBA Sues Federal Government Over IGP’s Tenure Extension

    Culled From LoyalNigerianLawyer

    Recall that the tenure of Mr. Mohammed Adamu as the Inspector General of Police which expired on the 1st day of February 2021 was further extended by 3 months.

    The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association have looked at the said tenure extension, and is of the considered opinion that the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, does not have the powers to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police and that such extension is unconstitutional.

    Consequently, the Nigerian Bar Association through the NBA Public Interest Litigation Committee (NBA-PILC), has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the said tenure elongation.

    In the Suit, the NBA seeks judicial determination of the constitutionality of the President’s extension of Mr Adamu’s tenure as the Inspector-General of Police for three months after Mr Adamu had, on 1 Feburary 2021, attained thirty-five years of service as a member of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The NBA’s decision to take this extraordinary line of action is underpinned by an urgent need, and a sacred duty, to reassert the supremacy of the rule of law in the face of growing impunity and the seeming reluctance of Law Officers in Government to give proper counsel.

    The NBA’s position in the Suit is that Mr Adamu ceased to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force when he attained the milestone of thirty-five years of service. Therefore, the President’s extension of Mr Adamu’s tenure by three months, in the NBA’s respectful view, is unconstitutional.

    In the grand scheme of things, the NBA is wary that the more government officials casually violate the law, the harder it would become to expect citizens to be compliant. Citizens take their cues from their leaders and public office holders who flout the laws of the country that they are meant to uphold will discover sooner or later that their examples will be followed by those that they purport to govern.

  • FG Inaugurates 1.12MW Power Plant in ATBU, Trains 20 Female Students On Solar Power Installation, Maintenance

    FG Inaugurates 1.12MW Power Plant in ATBU, Trains 20 Female Students On Solar Power Installation, Maintenance

     

    The Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR has recorded another landmark achievement as the federal government on Thursday, inaugurated a 1.12 Megawatts Solar Hybrid Power Plant in Abubakar Tafewa Balewa University, (ATBU), Bauchi, Bauchi State.

    The historic project which is part of the Ministry of Power Energizing Education Programme (EEP), had the Rural Electrification Agency, (REA) which is one of the agencies under the direct supervision of the Minister of State as the implementing agency.

    To ensure proper maintenance of the power plant, the federal government through REA’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme trained 20 female students of ATBU on solar energy deployment.

    Speaking, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbaja who joined the commissioning ceremony visually commended the Minister and the management of REA for their efforts in achieving the project.

    Osinbanjo said that the EEP programme is a policy that’s aimed at improving electricity supply to 37 federal universities and 7 teaching hospitals in the country.

    He charged management, staff and students of the University to take charge, maintain and protect the project.

    On his part, the Minister of State said that the project is a considerable win and a major step in providing sustainable and affordable power to homes, schools, hospitals, communities and economic clusters across Nigeria.

    Agba said that “This is another milestone of the Energizing Education Programme upon the commissioning of an 8.25MW solar hybrid power plant deployed at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi on the 4th of December 2020.

    “The EEP is meant to provide sustainable and clean power supply to 37 federal universities and 7 university teaching hospitals across Nigeria. It is a privilege to carry on this mandate to ensure that the policies established to promote 24 hours electricity in our country brings forth positive and commendable results. With this, it is with a great sense of pride that I stand before you today to affirm that this is indeed the continuation of more achievements to come”.

    While noting that the project will help the institution achieve improved quality of education, he assured that “the coming months will see my ministry delving deeper into the various projects that will electrify more universities and communities and also lead to an upgrade in Nigeria ‘s economy”.

    The 1.12MW which has created 310 jobs already was built with a world class training center, efficient solar panels and batteries, 5.4km streetlight for illumination, distribution networks as well as backup power source.

    Reacting on behalf of the university, Prof. Muhammed Abdulazeez thanked the federal government for the project even as he promised that the university will properly maintain it.

    “We are happy that the federal government through the ministry of power brought this huge project to our institution. The project will not only serve our electricity needs, it’ll serve as a training ground for a lot of our technicians. We thank the government, the Ministers and the REA team for this”, Abdulazeez said.

    Climax of the event was the handing over of the project to the University authority by the Minister of Power, Engr. Sule Mamman and presentation of certificates to STEM graduates.

  • PDP Rejects Ambassadorial Nomination Of Ex-service Chiefs

    PDP Rejects Ambassadorial Nomination Of Ex-service Chiefs

    By Admin

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP, has rejected the Ambassadorial nomination of ex-service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The party in a release sighted by The Lumine News and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, accused the Buhari’s and APC administration of using the decoy of ambassadorial nomination to shield the ex-service chiefs from investigation of alleged killings of innocent Nigerians and crimes against humanity under their inglorious watch.

    The release reads in full “Ambassadorial Nomination:
    PDP Rejects Moves To Shield Ex-Service Chiefs From Investigation.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) firmly rejects plots by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use the decoy of ambassadorial appointments to shield the immediate past service chiefs from investigation over alleged killing of innocent Nigerians and crimes against humanity under their inglorious watch.

    “The PDP charges the Senate to eschew all partisan considerations and stand on the side of the people, particularly the victims of atrocious regime of the ex-service chiefs by outrightly rejecting the demand by President Muhammadu Buhari to confirm them as ambassadors.

    “It is indeed sacrilegious and a horrible assault on the sensibility of Nigerians that the APC government is seeking to use ambassadorial appointments as desperate measure to secure diplomatic immunity for the former commanders and protect them from investigation, arrest and possible prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the atrocities committed against innocent Nigerians under their command.

    “The PDP asserts that appointing the former service chiefs as ambassadors would confer diplomatic immunity on them and provide them a route for escape.

    “The party further stated that taking such actions at a time the ICC has declared its readiness to commence full investigation on their alleged involvement in the crime against humanity in our country, appears to further validate the allegations against them.

    “Moreover, the frenzy by officials of the Buhari Presidency in mounting pressure on the Senate to confirm such abominable ambassadorial nominations has further raised public apprehensions of a desperate attempt to cover the culpability of some other individuals connected to the APC administration.

    “It is shocking that instead of allowing the former service chiefs to answer for the alleged crime against humanity under their command including reported cases of extra-judicial execution, killing of unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, rape, illegal arrest as well as detention and torture of innocent Nigerians, the APC administration is rather plotting their escape.

    “The accused service chiefs must not be allowed to use diplomatic immunity to escape investigation and possible prosecution for the killing of unarmed EndSARS protester at Lekki Toll gate and other parts of the country as well as the hundreds of civilians reportedly killed by soldiers in the Zaria massacre.

    “This is in addition to series of reported military invasions and mass shooting in communities in Borno, Yobe, Rivers, Abia, Anambra among other states across the six geo-political zones of our country, where soldiers reportedly razed communities and massacred unarmed civilians under the command of the ex-service chiefs.

    “Our party therefore calls on Nigerians, across board, to unite in rejecting these ambassadorial nominations for the accused former commanders and demand that President Buhari should immediately withdraw their nominations from the Senate.

    “The least that is expected of President Buhari is to direct the former service chiefs to answer for the alleged crimes”.

  • Negotiation Between FG And ASUU Today Yielded Good Result, All Withheld Salaries To Be Paid With The Old Platform

    Negotiation Between FG And ASUU Today Yielded Good Result, All Withheld Salaries To Be Paid With The Old Platform

    By Elijah Ugani

    There seemed to be hope for students to return to school before the end of the year as the meeting between the Federal Government of Nigeria FGN and the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU today, Friday 20th November, 2020 yielded good results.

    This was disclosed by ASUU on its verified official tweeter handle @ASUUng where ASUU noted that “The negotiation between FG and #ASUU today yielded very good results”

    The release indicates that “government has agreed to use old platform before IPPIS to pay all withheld salaries.

    “#UTAS is still undergoing usability test.

    “On revitalization, the government offered N15billion in addition to the N20billion pledged earlier”

    The twit further disclosed that “ASUU will now consult with its council and then get back to the government in a short while, to make their final intention known, if the strike will be suspended or not”

  • NCDMB Under Legor Awards Contract For The Development Of Three Youth Centres In His Constituency

    NCDMB Under Legor Awards Contract For The Development Of Three Youth Centres In His Constituency

     

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB has awarded contracts worth over four hundred and ninety million Naira for youth development focused projects in Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas in Cross River State.

    The contracts include NCDMB ICT Centre in Bendi Technical School, Bendi, Obanliku LGA, NCDMB ICT Centre in Clement Ebri Technical School at Utugwang, Obudu LGA and completion and upgrade of Youth Resource Centre at Abuochiche, Bekwarra LGA.

    The contracts were awarded to Ayioludo Nig. Ltd of 16 Okpaoloko Road, Abachor Igbeku-Yala, Cross River State, Ibex Train Ltd, Abuja and Kresto Paco, Abuja.

    The projects are facilitated by Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo who is Chairman Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring in the House of Representatives.

    The Member Representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the intention is to build the capacities of young persons to seize the opportunities provided by Local Content in the oil and gas, power, ICT and other sectors.

    He added that as part of his oversight functions he would ensure that the contracts are executed to specification and are completed within specified timelines which is six months in order for his constituents to enjoy the benefits of the project and the dividends of democracy.

    He concluded that the leaning to youth development focused projects were intentional as the youth demographic are the key to national development and are close to his heart; the recent agitation by youths nationwide being a pointer to the neglect of the demographic.

    It can be recalled that only recently, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo facilitated a month long training of over 300 young people in GSM phone repairs, hardware, software and entrepreneurship development in his Federal Constituency by Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

    Indeed, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo is an outstanding representative in the Green Chambers and is drawing development to his Federal Constituency and making a difference for his people. He is deserving of the continuing support of the people.

  • CR NYSC Gets 665 Corps Members, Undergoes Covid – 19 Testing As Camp Reopens Today Across The County

    CR NYSC Gets 665 Corps Members, Undergoes Covid – 19 Testing As Camp Reopens Today Across The County

    By Elijah Ugani 

    In line with the Covid 19 protocol, Cross River State gets 650 corps members for the 2020 Batch B Stream 1A service year at NYSC permanent orientation camp, Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State.

    This was disclosed by the State Coordinator, when contacted by The Lumine News.

    His words “we are expecting 665 corps members because of the Covid – 19 protocol. We hope to get the best out of this number. We will have a shortfall compared to the expected number of corps members.

    “We are in the camp prepared to received the corps members for the three weeks intensive drilling. With the few number of corps members expected in the camp, we are going to have shortage of corps members to deploy to various establishments in the state”

    Nakanda further disclosed that “we are grateful to NCDC for the Covid – 19 testing at the entrance of the camp for both NYSC officials and corps members. With this testing, we are confident of a successful orientation camping”

    Recall that NYSC Orientation camps were shut down across the country following the outbreak of the dreaded Covid – 19 pandemic. A development that almost frustrated the hopes of prospective corps members. However, with the reopening of orientation camps across the country, there seemed to be jubilation, especially among graduates that awaits the mandatory one year national service.