Connect with us

National News

FG, Private sectors urged to invest in $250,000 energy innovation for Development Across the Country

Published

on

FG, Private sectors urged to invest in $250,000 energy innovation for Development Across the Country

FG, Private sectors urged to invest in $250,000 energy innovation for Development Across the Country

By: Michael Mike

In a bid to make Nigeria the startup capital of Africa, the Federal Government and the private sector have been advised to invest in the $250,000 worth energy innovation across communities in the country.

The call was made on Tuesday by the Executive Director, Innov8 Hub, Eduard Singhatey, during the commissioning of the E-Cube Smart Village in Abuja.

According to Singhatey, the energy innovation named E-CUBE concept worth $250,000 was invented in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs 2030 and will help solve the challenges of rural needs in areas of e-learning, agriculture production, telemedicine, community centre, water treatment and connectivity hub, noting that achieving development in the rural area is an expensive feat as there are 10 millions of people that do not have access to electricity citing the World Bank report in 2020.

Singhatey said that the E-Cube Smart Village will be built with locally made building materials, thereby providing job opportunities and building of capacities.  

He added that the innovation will help sustain SDGs 1 (No poverty), SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), SDGs 3 (Good health and well-being), SDGs 4 (Quality education); SDGs 5 (Quality equality); SDGs 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDGs 7 (Affordable and clean energy).

He said: “The reason this innovation hub was established was to provide  an environment, place facilities and infrastructure where young Nigerians can come with their ideas and put their ideas into actual products with the assistance of our experts, our mentors, both domestic and international. 

 “In September 2015, under the auspices of the United Nations, member countries adopted what we call the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals, but the ones that are most important to the developing world and of course, Nigeria in particular. SDGs number one on poverty that is to eradicate poverty by 2030, SDGs two, Zero Hunger, that is to ensure that hunger is a thing of the past by 2030. The SDGs three which is on good health, and well being SDGs four on quality education, SDGs five on gender equality SDG six on clean water and sanitation and SDGs seven on Clean and affordable energy.

Also Read: Boko Haram: Abubakar Sarki, others neutralized in battle…

“Considering the expensive feat in providing infrastructure for rural communities, what we really need are smart solutions.  Smart solutions that will provide a solution to the problems that we are facing with lack of infrastructure development that we are plagued with. 

“The concept of E-Cube and Smart Village  concepts can provide a way around by providing infrastructure to the people who need it the most. They are in rural communities with little access to modern infrastructure.” 

He added: “The Smart Village concept also suggests the adoption of smart solutions in both public and private sectors over a wide range of policy fields, such as improving access to services, developing short food supply chains and developing renewable energy.”

Singhatey said: “Now, I know there are many stakeholders here. We have representatives from Federal Government, State Governments and private sector. I think as stakeholders, we can look at how best we can buy into this concept not only the product, but the whole concept about the Smart Village and see how best we can change the lives of people that we are responsible for their status.”

Speaking to journalists, the LR Group of Israel, E-Cube, Avi Eluayam explained that the “E-CUBE is scalable. We can have a smaller system and we have a larger system. The system that we have here on display has 50 kilowatt of modules and is able to generate 300 kilowatt per day. This is enough for a community of 300-400 families. The cost of it is about $250,000. So it is a high capital cost but then for 20 years, you have zero maintenance costs. You don’t need to buy diesel, you don’t need to transport diesel. You don’t need to deal with environmental issues. And I think that in Nigeria, we can receive long term financing and then, if this system can finance for 20 years, we can have a very low monthly cost for this.”

FG, Private sectors urged to invest in $250,000 energy innovation for Development Across the Country

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

Published

on

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising incident of human rights violation in the country, stating that last alone over 320,000 cases were reported across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.”

He lamented that: “Every month, when we gather to present this human rights dashboard, we are confronted with a sobering reality of the lived realities of those affected by violence, injustice, discrimination, and systemic neglect. These numbers compel us to reflect deeply on our collective responsibility and ask ourselves the difficult question: Are we doing enough? The events of June 2025 demand not just reflection, but an honest and urgent response.”

He said: “Last month, Nigeria witnessed a harrowing surge in violent attacks, with devastating consequences for affected communities and our national conscience. Among the most tragic incidents were the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost. These were not mere figures on a report; they were fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners; families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and futures extinguished in moments of senseless brutality.

“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces. In Kaduna and Niger States, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilizing already fragile regions. Equally distressing was the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida, brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities, only to pay the ultimate price.

“Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”

Ojukwu noted that: “The wave of insecurity plaguing our highways has also intensified. In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States. These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation, and personal dignity. These abductions inflicts lasting trauma on victims and their families while further eroding public trust in the safety of our roads. This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”

He added that: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.

“To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues. This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change.

“Let us never forget; every complaint documented, every statistic recorded in these dashboards represents a Nigerian citizen, a fellow human being seeking justice, safety, and the fulfilment of their basic rights.

“The National Human Rights Commission remains unwavering in its mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights across Nigeria. We will forge ahead with purposeful and sustained action.”

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

Continue Reading

National News

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

Published

on

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

By:Michael Mike

The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.

A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.

The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).

“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”

He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.

He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.

He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.

He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

Continue Reading

National News

Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in defending national unity at 162nd anniversary celebration

Published

on

Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in defending national unity at 162nd anniversary celebration

By: Zagazola Makama

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Army for its unflinching commitment to national unity, security, and sovereignty over the past 162 years, describing it as the “spine of Nigeria’s sovereignty” and a “symbol of unity and duty.”

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the commendation on Sunday at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held in Kaduna.

The President said the anniversary was not merely a ceremonial occasion, but a moment of solemn reflection, history, and collective gratitude to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation.

“This is not another entry in our calendar of commemorations. It is a time of reflection, a time of remembrance, and a time of profound appreciation,” he said.

“A nation is only as strong as the courage of those who defend it. And for 162 years, the Nigerian Army has remained the unbreakable spine of our sovereignty.”

The President recalled the Army’s historic role in bringing the Nigerian Civil War to an end, upholding the principle of national unity, quoting former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s immortal words: “No victor, no vanquished.”

He emphasized that the Nigerian Army has continued to carry the national flag high, not for conquest but for peace, and not for power but for principle — both at home and in global peacekeeping missions.

“We honour the enduring sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service, and those who continue to bear the uniform with pride and resolve. You are the sentinels of our democracy,” Tinubu said.

He expressed full support for this year’s theme, “Developing the Soldier-Based Concept: A Priority for Nigerian Army’s Transformational Drive,” describing it as visionary and timely.

“You cannot build a great army without building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts; they are the bedrock of national security,” he said.

The President praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for prioritising the welfare of troops and placing the soldier at the heart of institutional reform.

Tinubu acknowledged the numerous security challenges confronting the country, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations, which he described as existential threats that demand a united and resolute response.

“These evils do not discriminate by tribe or religion. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking how they worship,” he said.

“Our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising. And to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this clearly: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorization and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation.”

The President paid tribute to fallen soldiers, some of whom now lie in the soil of a grateful nation, and others who carry the wounds of battle.

“To the families they left behind, I extend the deepest sympathies of a nation that will never forget. Their memory will endure for generations,” he said.

He urged serving personnel to continue in honour, guided by the Constitution and the principles of international law, saying their courage must remain anchored in justice.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, training, and operational capability of the Armed Forces.

“We will continue to invest in modern equipment, in intelligence, and in the human capital that drives your effectiveness. This is not a favour; it is a duty owed to those who defend us,” he said.

He further commended the Armed Forces’ synergy, especially with the Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, in tackling complex national threats.

Tinubu reminded all Nigerians that securing the country is not the burden of the military alone, but the responsibility of every citizen.

“We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay. Nation-building is the work of every leader, every institution, and every citizen,” he stated.

In his closing remarks, Tinubu saluted all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, past and present, describing them as “the guardians of our nationhood and the shield of our democracy.”

“Long live the Nigerian Army. Long live the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.

Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in defending national unity at 162nd anniversary celebration

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights