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UNDP, REA Join Forces to Accelerate Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition

Victoria Ibanga
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UNDP, REA Join Forces to Accelerate Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition

The United Nations Development Programme UNDP and the Rural Electrification Agency REA have formalized a landmark partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition and boost innovation.

The collaboration is to focus on five core pillars, energizing education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting State-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing and advancing research and communication to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria The Managing Director of REA, Abba Abubakar-Aliyu, described the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s clean energy future.

He emphasized that, the initiative will build on ongoing Nigerian Government renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing and drive sustainable investment.

“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyze innovation, research, and development“

Aliyu further explained that the REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalyzing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, Research and Develop local expertise and sustainable investment in the country.

Abba stressed on the value of turning Nigeria into the renewable energy hub of Nigeria, leveraging the huge energy market in Nigeria and exploring practical strategies on local content, local manufacturing and innovative finance adding that this would cut cost of governance and advance sustainability.

Speaking during the signing ceremony,
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria
Ms. Elsie Attafuah, stated that, the collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency is a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.

Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation.

We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential.” 

Describing how important it is for the nation to transform its natural resources, such lithium, into impactful renewable products like the lithium battery systems, Ms. Elsie explained that innovation, research and development must continue to form a central part of learning institutions to catalyze the creation of green jobs in Nigeria.

Key Pillars of the REA–UNDP Partnership:

  • Energizing Education & Innovation : Integrating UNDP’s University Innovation Pods (UNIPODS) and Maker Spaces into REA’s Energizing Education Programme (EEP) to transform universities and teaching hospitals into innovation hubs.

This will transform federal Universities and teaching hospitals into hubs of innovation, providing students with the resources to develop practical skills and build solutions for local and national challenges.

  • Scaling the NEXTGEN Initiative:

UNDP will support the expansion of REA’s NEXTGEN initiative, a critical program designed to train a new generation of clean energy professionals.

This collaboration will create a national pipeline of talent, address youth unemployment and equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the growing clean energy sector.

  • State-Level Policy Support : it Provides technical and policy guidance to help States implement the Electricity Act effectively and harmonize energy policies

Through State-to-state engagements, UNDP and REA will offer technical assistance and policy guidance to help subnational governments navigate the new regulatory framework and develop harmonized energy policies.

  • Innovative Financing :  Leveraging blended finance to de-risk projects, attract private capital, and strengthen the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
  • Research & Communication: Jointly producing robust data and evidence on sustainable energy progress to ensure interventions are targeted and impactful, as well as public engagement campaigns to inform policy and drive support for clean energy adoption.

This partnership reflects UNDP’s commitment to locally driven, inclusive, and resilient development, and REA’s mandate to bring sustainable energy to Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.

Together, both organizations aim to accelerate the nation’s journey toward universal clean energy access and a greener, more prosperous future

Victoria Ibanga

Katsina Polo Club To Host Anniversary Of Nigeria’s First Tournament

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Katsina Polo Club To Host Anniversary Of Nigeria’s First Tournament

The Katsina Polo Club in North-Western, Nigeria, has concluded plans to host the 100th Anniversary of the Nigeria Polo Tournament, at Katsina Polo Ground in the ancient city of Katsina.

The president of the Katsina Polo Club, Sanusi Muhammad Kabir, who briefed newsmen as part of the preparations in hosting the tournament, said this year’s tournament is in commemoration of the first anniversary (1925 – 2025) of the Nigeria Polo Association.

The tournament which started in Katsina Emirate, after the late Sir Usman Nagogo, the then Emir of Katsina brought the game to Katsina from London, before it spread to other parts of the country.

“This year’s tournament will be a special one as it was organised for the commemoration of 100 years and first anniversary of the game in Nigeria,” Sanusi Kabir said.

“After the creation of the first Nigeria Polo Association in Katsina, we are ready to see highly accomplished polo players competing for cups and prizes.

“With the number of expected teams and the calibre of players who would showcase their skills, the 2025 edition of the tournament promises to be an intense competition and a wonderful experience,” he added.

Sanusi Kabir noted that at least 26 polo teams and hundreds of players from across the nation and some foreign nationals, will participate in the tournament to compete for various cups and prizes.

He maintained that the teams will play a week long games from Saturday, 16th – 21st August, at the Katsina Polo Ground, competing against ‘Nigerian Cup’, Hassan Katsina Cup, ‘Wazirin Katsina Cup’ and the Talban Katsina Cup as major Cups of the tournament.

“The event would be the most competitive and the most exciting ever, as players from notable polo clubs across Nigeria are being expected,” he concluded.

VP Shettima Applauds Zenith Bank’s 35-Year Innovative Culture

Lantana Nasir
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VP Shettima Applauds Zenith Bank’s 35-Year Innovative Culture

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has praised one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions; Zenith Bank, for instilling a culture of innovation and deep-seated integrity into the country’s financial standards.

According to him, beyond performing excellently in guarding Nigeria’s wealth, Zenith Bank has also nurtured the nation’s dreams, sealing the bank’s status as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital.

Speaking in the early hours of Saturday in Lagos, during the 35th Anniversary of Zenith Bank, VP Shettima observed that from July 1990, when the bank was born in Nigeria’s banking sector, it was quite glaring that “a motion was set in place for a revolution in the nation’s corporate culture.”

Great Strides

The great strides the bank has made, he noted, are the cumulative effects of what has earned it the prize as the nation’s number one bank, a position it has retained for 16 consecutive years, “making it a benchmark in the annals of African enterprise.”

Extolling the bank’s innovation and integrity, VP Shettima said, “And so, as we gather to celebrate Zenith Bank at thirty-five, we are honouring a culture—a culture where innovation is instinct, where integrity is non-negotiable, and where service to humanity is as important as service to shareholders.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute Zenith Bank, I honour Jim Ovia, and I commend Dame Adaora Umeoji. May the next thirty-five years find you still breaking barriers, still setting standards, and still proving that in Nigeria, greatness is not an exception—it is an expectation.”

The Vice President, who noted that he was also attending Zenith Bank’s 35th anniversary as “a proud alumnus” of the bank said that while some financial institutions exist mainly to expand their profit margins year after year, there are other banks that write history.

“I know the difference because I was bred in this system, and I know that Zenith Bank belongs to a class of its own. It is a family that has stood together. A family that thinks together. A family that builds together. A family that grows together. A family that celebrates each other’s victories and endures each other’s trials.

“A family bound not solely by contracts and capital, but by the foresight that tomorrow arrives heavy with promise. For thirty-five years, this Bank has opened more than branches across the world; it has opened possibilities,” he maintained.

Commendation

VP Shettima lauded the Chairman/Founder of Zenith Bank, Chief Jim Ovia, describing him as a “master of foresight, the architect of dreams, the conjurer of possibilities, and the alchemist who turns vision into gold— a magician whose wand is wisdom, whose stage is the future, and whose art is the transformation of an industry.”

The Vice President said Chief Ovia’s genius has never been in doubt, having had the privilege of working under his watch during the period he worked as a banker.

“He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution,” said the Vice President.

VP Shettima also praised Zenith Bank’s culture of continuity, which eventually placed the leadership mantle on its first female Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, saying the bank’s story is a relay of “baton passed with trust and received with grace.”

The Founder of Zenith Bank, Chief Ovia, appreciated Vice President Shettima for his show of support and for personally attending the event.

He also thanked the customers of the bank for trusting Zenith Bank with their funds, even as he assured them of more effective services by the management and staff of the bank.

Earlier, Group Managing Director of the bank, Dr Umeoji, said the bank has made its mark in the banking sector in Nigeria and around the world, noting that the bank currently boasts of a market capitalisation of N3 trillion, putting it above many other banks in the country. 

She said, “In just 35 years, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings in a converted residential building to become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution.

“Zenith Bank is the most profitable bank in Nigeria, setting the standard for financial performance. Our tier-1 capital has remained the largest in the Nigerian banking industry for 16 consecutive years, demonstrating our unwavering financial strength and stability.

“We have a shareholders’ fund of 4.44 trillion naira, the highest in the Nigerian banking industry, reflecting investor trust and confidence. Our market capitalisation stands at 3 trillion naira, one of the largest in the Nigerian banking industry, showcasing our market leadership.”

The Group Managing Director applauded the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, for establishing and leading the bank to greater heights, assuring that the dream of the Founder shall not die.

Those present at the event included the Governors of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Borno, Prof Babagana Zulum; Taraba, Dr Kefas Agbu; representative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu; Senator Ahmed Wadada; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwale; Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Agriculture, Sen Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State, Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, among others.

WEIDE Fund: Women Affairs Minister Applauds President Tinubu, Iweala

Victoria Ibanga
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WEIDE Fund: Women Affairs Minister Applauds President Tinubu, Iweala

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key international partners for their support in launching the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs through international trade and digital innovation.

In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, the Minister praised President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the WEIDE Fund as a strategic step toward positioning Nigerian women at the forefront of global commerce.

“President Tinubu has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for Nigerian women-led enterprises by ensuring their inclusion in global digital trade platforms,” she stated.

“Under his visionary leadership, women entrepreneurs are now better equipped to innovate, grow, and compete internationally.”

Highlighting the critical role of women in Nigeria’s economy, the Minister noted that women currently constitute 43% of MSMEs and contribute over 23% to the national GDP.

She emphasized their importance is not only in driving domestic growth but also in advancing Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy.

At the heart of this transformation is the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Program (RH-SII), spearheaded by the Ministry, which provides digital tools, skills training, access to finance, and market linkages for women-led businesses.

The Minister, also extended appreciation to key partners in the success of the WEIDE Fund, including: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), under Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.

She also acknowledged international funders such as the United Arab Emirates and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Legacy Fund for their financial contributions to the initiative.

The Minister celebrated the recipients of the WEIDE Fund, describing them as “innovators, leaders, and ambassadors of Nigeria’s ingenuity,” whose achievements reflect the power of inclusive growth and women’s economic participation.

“Your success is not just personal—it is a national victory that reaffirms the transformative potential of women-led enterprises in reshaping global trade,” she said.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the Minister added: “We remain resolute in our mission to empower Nigerian women, break barriers, and drive inclusive prosperity.”

 

 

Victoria Ibanga

Jigawa By-Election Records Large Turn out of Voters

Confidence Okwuchi
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Jigawa By-Election Records Large Turn out of Voters

The Federal Constituency By-elections in Jigawa State North West Nigeria have recorded large turn out of voters who storm various Polling units to exercise franchise.

The By-ellections is holding in two local governments of Garki and Babura.

A visit to Polling unit 001 by Voice of Nigeria Correspondent in Garki town indicates large turn out of voters in unit which commenced voting at 8:30am local time.

The Presiding officer of the unit Mr. Ioryue Iorfa told Voice of Nigeria that, the unit has 984 registered voters and that all elections materials are complete with voters conducting themselves orderly.

The large turn out of voters was also the same at Kofar Kudu polling unit which has over one thousand registered voters.

At Garki special Primary School polling unit 004 similar turn of voters were seen queueing to cast their votes.

The Presiding officer, Umar Murtala in an interview said, the unit with 946 accredited voters has received all materials in good time and that the process was moving fine.

The elections in polling unit 011 in Garki with 750 registered voters was moving peacefully as at the time of this report.

The Presiding officer, Obanla Damilola said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation BIVAS machine giving to the unit was working without hitch.

Babura LG

The situation of large turn out of electorate was the same in some polling units, though slightly different in some.

In all the polling units visited, voters turn out to cast their votes in a peaceful manner.

Some of the voters interviewed commended the timely arrival of election materials and the peaceful conduct of the process.

Also, some party agents who spoke to Voice of Nigeria expressed satisfaction with arrangements provided by the INEC and the conduct of electorates.

The by-election follows the death of the former representative, Hon Isa Yaro, who passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 46. INEC scheduled the poll for August 16, 2025, to fill the vacant seat.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

ACReSAL, NGO Partner to Promote Proper Waste Disposal

Rita Obiora
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ACReSAL, NGO Partner to Promote Proper Waste Disposal

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) and the Global Peace Development (GPD), an NGO, have entered into a partnership to promote proper waste disposal in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria.

Mr Ebruke Esike, GPD Executive Director, made this known at a two-day workshop on waste management for ACReSAL Site Management Committees (SMCs) in Damaturu on Friday.

He said the training would build the capacities of SMCs to monitor project implementation, ensure compliance with technical designs, and promote proper waste disposal to prevent gully erosion and flooding.

According to him, poor waste management leads to environmental degradation, which in turn can cause waterborne diseases and loss of livelihoods.

“By disposing of waste properly, we will reduce flooding, minimise gully erosion, and improve community resilience.

“Waste can also be turned into resources such as fertiliser and biogas, creating economic opportunities,” Esike said.

He said the training drew 50 participants from SMCs in Buni Yadi and Damaturu, adding that the beneficiaries were expected to step down knowledge acquired at the training to members of their communities.

The executive director listed the expected outcomes of the training to include cleaner surroundings, reduced flooding, fewer waterborne diseases, and enhanced capacity of SMCs to plan, implement, and monitor waste management.

In his remarks, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu, the state ACReSAL Project Coordinator, noted that tackling land degradation and the impacts of climate change were part of the project’s mandate.

Shehu, represented by Mr Usman Inuwa, the Project’s Social Livelihood Officer, said the state government had awarded contracts for the control of gully erosion in Buni Yadi and Damaturu.

He said that sensitisation of the general public on waste management in the areas was ongoing.

One of the participants, Jidda Mustapha, commended the organisers, saying the workshop had enlightened them on the dangers of dumping waste in drainage channels.

“I will take this message back to my community to stop waste dumping in drains, which causes flooding and erosion,” Mustapha said.

Legislative By-Eection Begins in Edo State

Confidence Okwuchi
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Legislative By-Eection Begins in Edo State

Voters in Edo State, Southern Nigeria, have gone to the polls as legislative by-elections commence. The elections come amid high anticipation and intense political activity across the state.

The elections will provide replacements for Edo Central Senatorial seat and Northeast and Ovia Southwest Federal constituency.

Our correspondent reports that voting commenced as early as 8:00am local time in Ovia Northeast polling unit 002 and 004.

Voters could be seen trickling into Eresonye primary school, Oluku where unit 002 is located to cast their votes.

Hitherto, Edo Central Senatorial seat was occupied by the incumbent governor of the state, Monday Okpebolor while Ovia Northeast Federal constituency was Dennis Idahosa, who is now the deputy governor.

The two major contenders for the House of Representatives seat are Omosede Igbinedion of the All Progressives Congress and John Aikpitanyi of the People’s Democratic Party.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

By-Election In Progress In Sagamu/Ikenne/Remo North Federal Constituency

Confidence Okwuchi
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By-Election In Progress In Sagamu/Ikenne/Remo North Federal Constituency

Polls have officially opened in the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency bye-election and voters troop out to elect a new representative for the house of Representatives.

The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC confirmed that accreditation and voting commenced at 8:30am local time across polling units in the constituency.

Electoral official arrived early at several centres with materials already distributed to ensure a smooth electoral process.

VON’S Correspondent who visited some polling units described the turnout of voters in some wards as encouraging, with voters seen on queues as early as 7:30 am local time, determined to exercise their civic rights.

Security operatives are on ground to maintain law and order.

INEC has reminded eligible voters that the electoral process would continue until 2:30pm Local time, after which only people on the queue will be allowed to cast their ballot.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had announced Saturday, August 16 date for the exercise to fill vacant seats that arose following the resignation or death of serving members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Similarly, the court-ordered re-run election in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Anambra State and the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State will be held simultaneously with the bye-elections.

In Ogun State, the two front runners in this election, are Princess Adesola Elegbeji of the All Progressive Congress, APC and Mr. Bolarinwa Oluwole of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

The position became vacant following the death of Adewunmi Onanuga, who represents Ikenne, Sagamu and Remo North in Federal House of Assembly in Abuja.

Onanuga, an APC lawmaker, who was then the Deputy Chief Whip in the Federal House of Representatives, died on January 15, 2025 after brief illness.

Counting of votes will begin immediately after the close of polls at each polling unit.

NPFL Pre-Season Workshop: Gusau Emphasises Applying New Learnings

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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NPFL Pre-Season Workshop: Gusau Emphasises Applying New Learnings

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau in Lafia, Nasarawa State enjoined participants to put into practice the learnings from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Pre-season workshop.

Gusau made the call while declaring open the workshop for Media Officers, Supporters Club Chairmen and Chief Security Officers and commended the NPFL Board for organising event, where the participants are updated on their expected roles in the league ecosystem.

Nigeria Football Federation president, Ibrahim Gusau (second from left), with NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye (R).

“Your roles in making your clubs and the league to succeed is very important and it is the reason this workshop is put in place to ensure you are properly equipped to carry out your duties,” Gusau stated.

In his welcome address, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule said his government is working with the football authorities to make the state one of the best destination for football.

“The government of Nasarawa State is happy to play host the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason tournament and the NPFL Preseason Workshop,” said the Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.

“It shows that we are on the right trajectory to making the state one of premium destination for football.”

The chairman of the NPFL Gbenga Elegbeleye, said that the workshop is an important and compulsory build-up to every new season. He thanked the NFF President for always finding time to attend events associated with the league.

The workshop had as resource persons, Prince Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, who spoke on role club chairmen in the growth of teams and the Commissioner of Police, Tony Emefiele, who spoke on safety and security at Matches.

Also, Harry Iwuala, the NPFL Communications Director spoke on Matchday Protocols for Media Officers while Emeka Enyadike, spoke on Fan Engagement.

Edo Hosts Training For Thirty-Five Disability Inclusion Leaders

patience ameh
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Edo Hosts Training For Thirty-Five Disability Inclusion Leaders

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has trained 35 “Disability Inclusion Champions” in Edo State to lead advocacy for inclusive education, accessible healthcare, and enforcement of disability rights.

The two-day capacity-building workshop, supported by the Ford Foundation, concluded on Friday in Benin City.

The programme brought together young advocates, civil society organisation’s, media representatives, and members of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from across the state.

Winnie Ishaku, Programme Officer of JONAPWD, told the Newsman that the training was designed to equip participants with the skills to mainstream both disability and gender inclusion in policy engagement.

“When you are designing your programme, you have to look at everything — accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and quality.

“At the end of this programme, we want our participants to engage policymakers in education, health, and other sectors to implement the rights of persons with disabilities,” Ishaku added.

She stressed the need for Edo to shift from special schools to a globally accepted model of inclusive education, where children with and without disabilities learn in the same classrooms.

The project, according to her, also aims to model a fully accessible primary healthcare centre, equipped with ramps, sign language interpreters, and assistive devices.

This, she said, was to demonstrate that “universal design is possible” and push the government to replicate it across all local governments.

READ MORE:Bill To Establish Anti-Quackery in Healthcare Sector Passes Second Reading 

In her address, Ann Ojugu, Chairperson of JONAPWD in Edo, described the training as “a wonderful programme” that would trigger “a great change” in the state.

“Our governor has set up the Disability Commission. With this training, we will engage the commission, ministries, and local governments to ensure that exclusion becomes a thing of the past.”

A participant, Ibrahim Momoh, said the workshop was also an opportunity to review the implementation of the Edo Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Law, 2022.

Momoh noted that advocacy by the association had led to the establishment of the state’s Disability Commission earlier this year.

“We’ve learnt how to advocate effectively, the proper use of language, and the concept of progressive realisation.

“Our duty now is to step down this knowledge in our communities, schools, mosques, and churches so more people are aware of disability rights,” he added.

The News reports that the Ford Foundation-supported training is part of a broader initiative taking place in Edo, Osun, and Sokoto States to build a network of advocates pushing for an inclusive society.

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