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AEDC To Partner Niger State Government On Solar Mini-Grids

Oluwasola Akintonde
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AEDC To Partner Niger State Government On Solar Mini-Grids

The Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), a subsidiary of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC), has expressed strong support for the Niger State Government’s initiative to deploy solar mini-grids and renewable energy solutions across underserved communities in the State.

The Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, Omede Odekina, disclosed this in a press statement, noting that the initiative, spearheaded under the leadership of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, aims to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to underserved communities.

According to Odekina, the programme has already delivered 24-hour solar electricity to more than 180 communities and facilitated the transition of key public institutions, including hospitals, government facilities, and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), to independent solar systems.

“These interventions mark a major milestone in addressing longstanding energy access challenges and improving service delivery, public health, and economic activities across Niger State, north-central Nigeria,” he added.

Commenting on the development, the Managing Director of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, described the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening decentralised power generation.

He noted that the project aligns with national efforts to promote renewable energy and reflects the importance of collaboration between government authorities, regulators, and licensed operators in accelerating access to reliable electricity.

Similarly, the Chief Business Officer and Acting Managing Director of NEDC, Sam Odekina, emphasised that the deployment of solar mini-grids supports the company’s vision of inclusive electrification.

He reaffirmed NEDC’s readiness to partner with the state government on hybrid power solutions, grid integration, and innovative projects that deliver sustainable benefits to residents, businesses, and institutions.

He further acknowledged that the initiative aligns with the decentralised electricity framework and the regulatory oversight of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC).

“Projects in communities such as Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area, supported through partnerships with agencies like the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and international donors, complement national efforts to expand renewable energy access and reduce dependence on conventional grid extensions,” he said.

Reaffirming its commitment, NEDC pledged continued collaboration with the Niger State Government, NSERC, and other stakeholders to ensure reliable, sustainable, and inclusive electricity supply throughout the State.

The company noted that through hybrid solutions, commercially viable grid extensions, and public-private partnerships, the current momentum can be sustained to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and build a resilient energy future for the people of Niger State.

FAAN Promises Strict Enforcement Of Cashless Policy At Airports

Oluwasola Akintonde
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FAAN Promises Strict Enforcement Of Cashless Policy At Airports

As part of efforts to eliminate revenue leakages and strengthen financial accountability. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing a comprehensive cashless payment regime across Nigerian airports.

Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Abuja following her appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, chaired by Mr James Faleke.

The committee is conducting a revenue-monitoring exercise covering the 2023–2025 fiscal years, aimed at improving transparency and accountability among government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Mrs Kuku explained that FAAN has deployed robust electronic payment and collection systems to ensure that all revenues generated at airports, particularly at toll gates and other collection points, are properly captured, transparently processed, and fully remitted to the Federal Government.

According to her, the reform aligns with the current administration’s broader fiscal policy to plug financial leakages, enhance transparency, and boost internally generated revenue across MDAs.

She acknowledged that the full enforcement of the cashless regime, which commenced on Sunday, had caused temporary inconvenience to some airport users, especially traffic congestion at toll gates.

She, however, described the situation as an adjustment phase that would stabilise as more users adopt electronic payment options.

She clarified that the transition was not sudden, noting that sensitisation campaigns, public advertisements, and stakeholder engagements began in mid-2025 to prepare airport users for the shift from physical cash transactions to electronic payments.

Mrs Kuku also dismissed misconceptions that FAAN-issued cashless cards are the only approved payment method, stressing that the policy simply eliminates cash transactions rather than restricts users to a single platform.

She listed four major payment options currently available at airport toll gates, which include yearly E-Tags for frequent users, enabling seamless drive-through access, VIP Stickers for approved users to facilitate expedited passage, Personal bank ATM cards, including contactless/NFC-enabled cards for faster tap-and-go transactions, and FAAN-issued Cashless Cards, obtainable within airport premises and through designated partner banks.

The MD enjoined Nigerians to confirm with their banks whether their ATM cards are contactless-enabled, noting that such cards significantly reduce transaction time compared to traditional PIN-based payments.

Minister Hails Growing Women’s Political Participation in Nasarawa

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Minister Hails Growing Women’s Political Participation in Nasarawa

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, for advancing women’s participation and representation in party politics.

The Minister, while addressing delegates at the Nasarawa State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Lafia, the state capital, described his leadership as “a legacy of inclusion and empowerment.”

Speaking to party faithful, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim applauded the emergence of more women into key positions within the party’s State Working Committee through consensus arrangements.

“Your Excellency, this is your legacy. We have a woman as the Treasurer, we have women who are holding other positions apart from Woman Leader,” she lauded.

She further praised the Governor’s commitment to gender inclusion, saying, “Your Excellency, you are truly a ‘He For She.’ We truly appreciate you.”

Reaffirming the loyalty of women in the state and across the country to the ruling party, the Minister declared: “Nigerian women, we don’t gamble, Nasarawa women, we don’t gamble, APC has been tried and tested, and we are here for APC 100 per cent.”

The Congress recorded a notable increase in the number of women emerging into various leadership positions within the party structure.

Among the offices now occupied by women are the State Treasurer, Assistant Welfare Officer, and Ex-Officio positions, among others.

Party stakeholders at the event described the development as a significant milestone in broadening inclusiveness and strengthening internal democracy within the APC in Nasarawa State.

Observers say the increased representation of women in strategic roles signals a growing commitment to gender equity in political leadership, in line with national advocacy for greater female participation in governance.

The State Congress concluded with a renewed pledge by party members to consolidate on the gains of unity, inclusiveness, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of future political engagements.

APC Elects Party Officials in Nasarawa State

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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APC Elects Party Officials in Nasarawa State

The Nasarawa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reappointed Dr Aliyu Bello as the party chairman by consensus.

Bello, who earlier served a term as the Party Chairman, was returned through affirmation alongside 80 per cent of the state working committee for another term.

Speaking shortly after the affirmation in Lafia, Dr Bello expressed appreciation to the members of the party for the confidence reposed in his leadership.

He said that the newly inaugurated state working committee would work with all organs of the party, including Local Government officials across 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

“We are going to be fair and just to everybody who wishes to aspire for any position on the platform of our party.

“We cannot thank the Governor enough for all he has done for us. We want to assure you of our loyalty to your government and the party,” he said.

Governor Abdullahi Sule, while speaking shortly after the inauguration of the party executive members, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for conducting a hitch-free election.

“I want to congratulate you today, it looks like almost 80 per cent of you have come back, the 20 per cent that did not come back, I want to assure you that you are still in the party.

“And as long as you are in the party, you will continue to enjoy all the rights and privileges of this party. We have several other positions you can actually occupy in Government, so you are not left out,” Sule noted.

The governor used the occasion to welcome new defectors to the APC, including Sen. Philip Gyunka and David Ombugadu, among others, announcing that a special event would be organised to receive them.

“Whatever has happened in the past has happened, let it go and allow the future to go in. With the way we are going, there is no more opposition in Nasarawa State,” he added.

Anambra Wins Global Award for Digital Property Tax Reform

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Anambra Wins Global Award for Digital Property Tax Reform

Anambra State has won international recognition at the inaugural Google Maps Platform Awards, emerging as the winner of the “Top Fan Vote” category for its large-scale digitisation of property tax administration.

Selected from more than 4,000 global entries, the state’s project was recognised for its impact, innovation and effective use of geospatial technology to modernise revenue systems.

The award highlights the work of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS), which deployed Google Maps and Earth Engine technologies to overhaul property enumeration, improve mapping accuracy and strengthen internally generated revenue through data-driven governance.

At the heart of the reform is the APLUC mapping initiative, launched just over a year ago to create a comprehensive digital inventory of properties across the state.

According to AiRS, the project has identified approximately 1.5 million properties statewide, with more than 553,000 already digitally clustered and integrated into the tax system.

Officials say the database is expected to expand as ongoing harmonisation efforts continue, providing a more reliable and transparent framework for property taxation and public revenue management.

Speaking after receiving the award delivered from Google’s headquarters in Silicon Valley, the Executive Chairman of AiRS, Dr Greg Ezeilo, described the recognition as validation of sustained institutional reform driven by technology.

He noted that once data harmonisation is complete, the system is expected to unlock stronger, more dependable revenue streams for the state.

The project leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map, classify and digitally link property records, imagery and tax data. By integrating geospatial intelligence into fiscal administration, authorities aim to reduce leakages, improve compliance and enhance transparency.

The recognition places Anambra among Nigeria’s leading reform-oriented states using digital tools to modernise governance. Observers say the initiative reflects a broader shift among subnational governments in Africa toward technology-enabled public administration.

The award comes amid a series of technology-focused reforms in the state, including the rollout of the Anambra State Geographic Information System (ANAMGIS) to update land records and streamline land administration.

In December 2025, Anambra also received four major honours at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE), where it was recognised for achievements in ICT development, broadband infrastructure and digital capacity building.

The Google Maps Platform Awards, which mark 20 years of global mapping innovation, evaluate projects based on impact, creativity, technological application and public engagement.

For Anambra, the latest recognition emphasises how digital mapping, once primarily a navigation tool, is increasingly being harnessed to transform public finance and governance.

 

 

APC Inaugurates Cross River State Working Committee 

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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APC Inaugurates Cross River State Working Committee 

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has inaugurated a new Cross River State Working Committee sequel to an extensive closed-door stakeholder meeting held in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.

The consensus candidate for Chairman of  Cross River State chapter of the APC is Mr. Christopher Etta, a former member of the national assembly, who represented Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.

Etta, who is a close ally of Governor Bassey Otu from Boki local government, alongside former state lawmaker, Dr. Ugana Lukpata, the Deputy Party Chairman and the party Secretary, Patrick Asikpo-Okon including 33 others were affirmed as consensus candidates in Cross River State.

Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, the Cross River State APC chairman , Etta commended party stakeholders and delegates for finding them worthy to serve in their different capacities.

He pledged to foster unity, peace, transparency and accountability, while soliciting for the support of party members to achieve success ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Etta stated, “we are going to hit the ground running. The inauguration of the wards and local governments chapter executive is next and means our work is already cut out for us.

“We are going to give every member of our party a listening ear because we are ready to serve you and seek your advise as stakeholders to win the 2027 general election.”

Addressing the newly elected State Working Committee, Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu, expressed confidence that the officers would perform beyond expectations and advised them to act within the ambit of the party constitution.

Otu said, “to the newly elected chairman, I know you will do well based on your wealth of experience.”

Earlier, the chairman of the APC Cross River State Congress Committee, Samuel Yarnap, commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and electing consensus candidates.

Yarnap advised the newly inaugurated executive to uphold the constitution and serve in fairness, sustain the peace and work closely with ward and chapter executives at the local government level.

He said, “I encourage you to discharge your duties with utmost sincerity, fairness and justice, so as to leave a positive mark in the sands of time.”

 

Akwa Ibom Geriatric Centre Set for Commissioning

Chidimma Anikwenze
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Akwa Ibom Geriatric Centre Set for Commissioning

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has announced that the State Geriatric Centre, also known as the ARISE Elderly Citizens Centre, will be commissioned by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, 7 March, 2026.

The Governor disclosed during the March edition of the Government House Monthly Covenant Service in Uyo.

He explained that the commissioning of the centre, situated along the ARISE Medical Corridor on the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road, will form part of activities marking the First Lady’s maiden official visit to the state. The visit will also feature the grand finale of the ongoing women’s sensitisation and mobilisation tour.

The Governor noted that the facility, which comprises a health centre and relaxation areas, is designed to cater for senior citizens, particularly those aged 65 years and above.

He commended the women of the state for their active participation in the sensitisation and economic empowerment programme and conveyed the warm felicitations of the First Lady.

Governor Eno further stated that “the state is embarking on several strategic projects that require fervent prayers for divine guidance and swift execution.”

He disclosed that the government is constructing a brand-new jetty in Oron as part of efforts to restore the city’s commercial vitality.

The Governor said that “strategic projects are ongoing across the three senatorial districts, with preliminary works already commenced at the Ikot Ekpene International Market, while full-scale construction will begin shortly.”

He also announced that the state would take delivery of two new Airbus aircraft within the year to strengthen the fleet of Ibom Air.

Governor Eno stressed that several upgrade projects are ongoing at the Victor Attah International Airport ahead of the commencement of international flights in April.

On fiscal reforms, he reiterated that the state is operating a Treasury Single Account, urging all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to comply fully, as his administration “will not tolerate any default.”

While outlining the achievements of his administration, the Governor described peace as the state’s greatest asset and urged citizens to resist any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine it.

Governor Eno expressed satisfaction that the era of oath-taking has ended with the new electoral law, which does not recognise special delegates.

He urged citizens to continue to pray for the success of his administration, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

WTA Players Split On Five-Set Match Grand Slams

Omolara Blessing
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WTA Players Split On Five-Set Match Grand Slams

Players on the WTA Tour offered a ​range of opinions on the idea of women’s matches becoming best-of-five sets from ‌the quarter-finals onward at Grand Slam events, a concept backed by newly named United States Tennis Association (USTA) CEO Craig Tiley.

Women’s tennis consists of best-of-three set matches, while men’s matches at Grand Slam events are best-of-five.

Tiley, the longtime head of the Australian Open renowned for championing ​innovation in the sport, has argued that research shows interest grows as a match goes on.

Iga ​Swiatek, who has won six majors, did not understand why the sport would want to ⁠make matches longer in an era of ever-shrinking attention spans.

Iga ​Swiatek.

“It’s a weird approach in the world where ​everything is becoming faster,” she told reporters at Indian Wells. “So I don’t know if the audience honestly would like ​that.”

She also voiced concerns that there could be a dip in quality as players get tired.

“I don’t know if we would be able to keep the quality for five sets. Men are more physically strong and they can handle it better,” she ​added.

“Also, we have never practiced in a way to prepare for that, so we would need to change ​our whole calendar, because the Grand Slams would be so tough that I don’t think we would have time to ‌prepare for ⁠any other tournaments.”

 

Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina echoed Swiatek’s concerns.

“You start in one format, and then it gets longer, so mentally, to be ready to play so many sets if it goes to that point, I think it’s not easy,” she said.

“It’s a tricky topic, and me, as a player, I would say I wouldn’t ​want to play three out ​of five, to be ⁠honest.”

Other players said the change would play to their strengths.

“It probably would favour me because I’m physically up there with the best,” said Coco Gauff, the winner ​of three majors.

Coco Gauff.

“But I probably wouldn’t want to see that happen, and if it ​were to ⁠happen, I would prefer it to be the whole tournament, not just the quarters,” she added.

“I think changing the format in the middle of the tournament defeats the purpose of the playing field.”

Power hitter Aryna Sabalenka enthusiastically backed the concept.

 

“Yeah, let’s ⁠do ​that,” said the world number one, who has won four Grand ​Slam events.

“I feel like I would have probably more Grand Slams. I feel like physically I’m really strong, and I’m pretty confident that ​my body can handle that. So let’s do it.”

Wolves Stun Liverpool In Premier League Thriller

Omolara Blessing
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Wolves Stun Liverpool In Premier League Thriller

Champions Liverpool slipped to a 2-1 loss to bottom ‌side Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League encounter, at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England.

Wolves scored late goals through Rodrigo Gomes and Andre either side of a strike by Egyptian Mohamed Salah as a dull ⁠game came to life in the final 15 minutes.

The game played at Molineux on Tuesday proved a blow to to the premiership defending champions’ Champions League qualification hopes.

Liverpool have 48 points from 29 games and are fifth in the table, while Wolves’ recent ⁠improvement has seen them move to 16 points from 30 matches

The teams will meet at the same venue on Friday for their FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Tuesday’s Premier League results

Bournemouth 0-0 Brentford

Everton 2-0 Burnley

Leeds 0-1 Sunderland

Wolves 2-1 Liverpool

Court Sentences Tunisian Tycoon, Ex-PM Over Corruption Case

Hauwa Mustapha
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Court Sentences Tunisian Tycoon, Ex-PM Over Corruption Case

A Tunisian court has sentenced prominent businessman Marouan Mabrouk to prison on corruption charges.

The court also handed jail terms to a former prime minister and several former cabinet members linked to the case.

Mabrouk, considered one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, has been in detention since late 2023.

He is the son-in-law of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted during Tunisia’s 2011 uprising.

Unlike many of Ben Ali’s relatives, Mabrouk remained in Tunisia after the revolution.

Prosecutors accused Mabrouk of ‘money laundering, misusing funds from state-owned firms and benefiting unlawfully from government decisions.’

He has business interests in retail, banking, telecommunications and the automotive sector, including stakes in major local and international companies.

Former Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, who led the government from 2016 to 2020, was sentenced in absentia as he is currently in the United States.

Chahed has denied the allegations, saying the case is politically driven.

He and several former ministers including those responsible for foreign affairs, finance, human rights and communication technologies each received six-year prison terms and heavy financial penalties over their role in lifting an asset freeze previously imposed on Mabrouk.

The case comes as President Kais Saied continues an anti-corruption drive launched after he dissolved parliament and took sweeping powers in 2021.

In 2022, Saied set up a committee aimed at recovering billions of dollars from businessmen accused of corruption, saying the funds would help ease Tunisia’s financial crisis.

However, no significant recoveries have been publicly confirmed so far.

 

Reuters/Hauwa M

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