🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
REA launches 42 renewable energy projects in Kebbi and Adamawa states
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
The Rural Electrification Agency, in collaboration with federal and state governments, has initiated the construction of 42 renewable energy projects in Kebbi and Adamawa states. These projects aim to expand electricity access, support economic activities, and improve power supply in underserved communities. Adamawa State will receive 39 mini-grid projects, including three interconnected mini-grids in Kofare, Saminaka, and Mbamba, and 36 isolated mini-grids, totaling nearly 27 megawatts of renewable electricity. These are expected to power approximately 40,000 households and businesses, and over 100 public institutions. In Kebbi State, a 3.5-megawatt solar power project with battery storage systems is being constructed in Ambursa, with an investment of about $10 million, to provide electricity to over 1,000 households and strategic facilities, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport. The Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and the governors of Adamawa, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and Kebbi, Nasir Idris, highlighted the projects' potential for economic growth and improved quality of life. The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a $750 million facility for interconnected mini-grid projects across Nigeria. The Kebbi project is anticipated to be completed within eight months by Kelm Elicon Joint Venture.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Belgium eliminated the United States from their home World Cup with a 4-1 victory, secured by Charles De Ketelaere's two goals. This win means Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals, while the US exits the tournament in the round of 16. The match was preceded by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension, which US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review, leading to its reversal. Despite this, Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia made surprising lineup choices, benching key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. De Ketelaere scored early, followed by a goal from Malik Tillman for the US. However, De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium's lead. A goalkeeping error by Matt Freese and a late goal from Romelu Lukaku sealed the win for Belgium. The decision to lift Balogun's ban was criticized globally, but the Seattle crowd enthusiastically supported him. The US team's performance was described as flat, with their defense appearing nervous and midfield outgunned. Christian Pulisic left the game due to injury, further diminishing US hopes. Chris Richards' error in stoppage time allowed Lukaku to score the final goal.
Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide stated that qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup will motivate Nigeria as they prepare for the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament, scheduled from July 25 to August 16, will feature 16 teams for the first time and offers spots in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. Babajide, an AS Roma Women winger, told the Nigerian Football Federation that the expanded format will increase competition, but Nigeria's goal remains to defend their continental title. She emphasized that the pressure to win is constant, whether for the African championship or World Cup qualification. Babajide, who was part of the Super Falcons team that won the continental title in Morocco last year, noted that her football journey in England and Nigeria has shaped her, teaching her resilience and professionalism. The Super Falcons are in Group C with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt, and will start their campaign against Malawi in Rabat on July 28.
Must ReadNigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi secured a significant win at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 9.84 seconds in the men’s 100m. This time equals his own Nigerian national record, which he first set in May. Ajayi’s performance saw him defeat reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished in 9.89 seconds, and American Olympian Christian Coleman, who took third with 9.95 seconds. Ajayi, 21, expressed confidence that faster times are achievable, stating, “Equalling the national record again means a lot. That means I can do better and I feel great about that.” This victory follows his recent NCAA Outdoor 100m title. Ajayi attributed his success to consistency, practice, staying healthy, and trusting himself and his coach. He also noted that the demanding collegiate athletics environment prepared him for professional competition, stating, “If I could overcome the pressure in the NCAA, that means I can overcome any pressure at pro level.” His 9.84s time is currently second only to Seville’s season-best of 9.82s. Ajayi initially broke Olusoji Fasuba’s 2006 national record of 9.85s in May at the NCAA East Regional Championships.