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ECOWAS Expresses Commitment Towards Achieving West Africa’s Renewable Energy Target

ECOWAS Expresses Commitment Towards Achieving West Africa’s Renewable Energy Target
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its commitment to putting in place needed infrastructure that would ensure that the regional renewable energy target is achieved.
Speaking at the capacity building workshop for private sector actors on green hydrogen, the regional body said its plan is to produce 0.5 million of tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
The Regional Coordinator for Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen at West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Dr Bruno Korgo, noted that the region has huge potentials in terms of renewable energy like solar, wind, hydrogen and so on.
Korgo said that this potential constitute a good basis to go for green hydrogen production because it is considered as the vector for decarbonising a lot of sectors across the world.
He said: “In the West African Green Hydrogen Policy, the target is for West African region to be able to produce by 2030, 0.5 million of tonnes of green hydrogen per year and by 2050, 10 million tonnes per year. This policy has been adopted by our heads of states.
“But the ministries of energies have to work to make it happen and that is why we are partnering with government and private sector to join hands so that we may reach out goal.
“This unique energy is today perceived as the energy of the future. The opportunity to produce, use and export green hydrogen to other demand centres appear like an opportunity for West Africa region to start now to think about green hydrogen to harness its potentials and also capture the future energy market that is coming with regard to green hydrogen demand.”
The Assistant Director in Nigeria’s Ministry of Power, Temitope Dina, said the Federal Government is ready to harness the immense potentials in green hydrogen to drive economic growth, energy security and environmentally sustainable West Africa.
Dina said this target has been marked by dedication, collaboration and a clear understanding of the pivotal role green hydrogen will play in the energy future.
“Green Hydrogen stands at the forefront of global transition to clean energy. It offers the promise of reducing carbon emission, diversifying our energy source and also fostering innovation.
“In our region, with its abundant renewable energy resource, green hydrogen could be a game changer. This could simulate our local economy, industries, create jobs and provide significant boost to our economies across West Africa.
“This workshop represents a critical opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the green hydrogen technology, explore best practices and build the partnership necessary for the successful implementation of the green hydrogen policy and strategies.”
On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman of SIDIL Energy Alternatives Limited, Alhassan Dantata, said green hydrogen is the last option of the globe to transit to clean energy.
Dantata said Africa must play its role in achieving this milestone, stressing that: “Africa played different roles in the three past industrial revolutions, the role we played was that we were the catalyse because men and women were enslaved and our raw materials were taken away to develop other parts of the world, adding that: “But the beautiful part of this energy we are discussing about is that this is something you have to have your foot on the ground because Africa now has what you can’t take away. We have the wind, the sun and we have the water and you can’t take that away.
“We have the sun 365 days in a year. We have the wind because coming from the Sahara, we have the northeast trade winds that always keep the wind mines on 24/7 and so we got no excuse. We should be the frontrunners in green hydrogen.
“Africa should be about to export power through submarine cables just like we are importing bandwaves from Europe. We should be giving them power because we have the sun, the wind and the water.
“It is just our will. Do we have the political will, the right mindset and can we collaborate to make it happen. From what I have observed over a period of three to four years, the killer effect in Africa is just two, tribalism and religion. If we can overcome that Africa will be great.”
The two-day workshop ends on Friday in Lagos.
ECOWAS Expresses Commitment Towards Achieving West Africa’s Renewable Energy Target
News
1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT
By: Michael Mike
A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.
The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.
Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.
He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.
“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.
“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”
He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End
News
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
By: Zagazola Makama
A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.
According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.
Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.
The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.
Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
News
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
By: Zagazola Makama
A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.
However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.
“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”
Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.
Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.
“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”
The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.
While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.
It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.
Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.
Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
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