馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Energy Commission of Nigeria launches 1MW solar hybrid project at Bayero University
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, initiated the installation of a 1-megawatt solar hybrid power system at Bayero University, Kano. This project aims to enhance electricity supply and promote sustainable energy solutions within the university, which has a population exceeding 40,000. Abdullahi highlighted that this is the first initiative of its kind, featuring advanced solar technology capable of generating power even in shaded or dusty conditions. The system will include a smart monitoring system for tracking electricity load and performance via mobile devices, and will integrate inverters, batteries, and other components in a centralized, easy-to-operate format. An energy audit was previously conducted to assess the university's power requirements. This 1MW project is the initial phase, with plans to expand generation capacity to 4.5 megawatts after the pilot stage. Abdullahi noted that the Federal Government has mobilized renewable energy projects across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with approximately 150 megawatts currently under implementation nationwide. He affirmed President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 administration's commitment to providing affordable and reliable solar power to Nigerians, assuring the university management that funds have been released and contractors are ready to begin work immediately, with necessary equipment already provided.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The White House has placed a long-serving teleprompter operator for President Donald Trump on unpaid administrative leave. This action follows allegations that the employee, identified by ABC News as Gabriel Perez, used advance knowledge of the president's speeches to earn over $100,000 through prediction market bets. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision, stating the employee "will no longer be here" and described the situation as "deeply unfortunate" and "a disgrace." Kalshi, the prediction market platform, also confirmed it flagged suspicious trading activity related to Trump's speeches and referred the matter to federal regulators, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Kalshi's Head of Enforcement and Legal Counsel, Robert DeNault, stated the company cooperated with regulators by providing all evidence from its internal review. Perez is reportedly in discussions with the CFTC regarding allegations of placing wagers on whether Trump would use specific words, phrases, or discuss certain topics in numerous speeches, including his State of the Union address and remarks at the World Economic Forum.
President Bola Tinubu affirmed his administration's commitment to protecting local and foreign investments, stating that Nigeria is "ready and open for business." This declaration was made during the inauguration of the Sales Office and Experience Centre for the Abuja City Walk Development project. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu highlighted that the government is strengthening legal, physical, and financial frameworks to safeguard capital and guarantee returns. He described the Abuja City Walk project as a manifestation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to drive economic transformation and infrastructure renewal. The project, which has Free Trade Zone status, is expected to catalyze regional commerce, medical tourism, premium retail, and high-end hospitality. President Tinubu commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike for revitalizing the Abuja Technology Village corridor, which had been dormant for 20 years. He emphasized that his administration is ending land speculation and abandoned projects, viewing land as an asset for rapid development. Minister Nyesom Wike noted that the project aligns with the administration's goal of attracting foreign direct investment and creating jobs. Dr. Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of Link Development, described the project as a modern mixed-use district with residential estates, educational institutions, shopping malls, and a green corridor, designed to position Abu
The House of Representatives encouraged Nigerian youths to actively participate in the electoral process to influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections. This call was made at the Youth Town Hall, part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja. The event gathered lawmakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and students to discuss youth inclusion in governance, democratic accountability, and nation-building. House Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, speaking for Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the 10th House prioritizes youth development and inclusion. He noted that recommendations from previous Youth Town Halls have influenced constitutional amendment proposals and national policies. Ihonvbere described young Nigerians as the largest voting bloc, crucial for the credibility of future elections, and affirmed the House's commitment to making youths active partners in governance. He highlighted legislative initiatives including the National Youth Service Corps Reform Bill, the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill, and a constitutional amendment bill to reduce the minimum age for governorship candidates to 30. Reforms in education financing, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity, and the digital economy were also cited as measures to expand opportunities for youth. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the National Assembly for institutionalizing the Youth Town Hall, empha