馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Renewable energy stakeholders advocate for solar generator adoption in Nigeria amid rising fuel costs
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Renewable energy stakeholders are intensifying calls for the widespread adoption of solar generators in Nigeria, presenting them as a practical and cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel generators. This initiative is a key focus of discussions leading up to the inaugural Nigeria Solar Generator Day, where policymakers, investors, renewable energy firms, and development partners will explore strategies to accelerate the deployment of solar-powered systems nationwide. A joint statement from ZE-Gen, GOGLA, and VeraSol highlighted that Nigeria's demand for reliable electricity and increasing fuel costs create a significant opportunity for solar generator solutions. A recent ZE-Gen report, "Understanding Nigeria鈥檚 Fossil Fuel Generator Challenge," estimates that 41 million small businesses and 17 million households currently rely on petrol and diesel generators, spending approximately $8 billion annually on fuel. The report suggests that a standard solar generator system could meet up to 85 percent of many users' typical electricity demand, eliminating recurring fuel expenses and protecting consumers from volatile energy prices. Nigeria is identified as one of the largest generator-dependent markets globally, with over 86 million people lacking electricity access. Lily Beadle, Programme Director at ZE-Gen, noted that efforts are now shifting from demonstrating solar technology viability to expanding its reach across the country, emphasizing the need for increased investm
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Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo reported that $700 was stolen from her wallet at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, where the team was preparing for the 2026 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations. Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto, made the allegations on Snapchat, stating that several teammates also had money stolen from their wallets while they were away from their rooms. She initially claimed $500 was taken but later corrected the amount to $700 after recounting. Okoronkwo accused the hotel's housekeeping staff of the theft, alleging they waited for the players to be out of their rooms. She also stated that the players confronted hotel staff but were dissatisfied with the response, describing it as disrespectful. Despite this incident, the Super Falcons continued their WAFCON preparations, securing a 2-1 friendly victory against Tanzania, with Okoronkwo scoring the winning goal. The team is set to begin their WAFCON title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt in Group C, as they aim for their 11th WAFCON title.
Obstetricians and gynaecologists have warned pregnant women about the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption, citing increased risks of miscarriage, hypertension, and poor fetal growth. Dr. Joseph Akinde, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, advised avoiding coffee due to its stimulant effects, which can cause restlessness and interfere with the essential eight hours of daily rest needed during pregnancy. He also noted that excessive caffeine can lead to high blood pressure and negatively impact fetal development. Consultant gynaecologist Dr. Stanley Egbogu echoed these concerns, stating that high doses of coffee are linked to complications such as miscarriage, early delivery, and fetal growth restriction. He explained that caffeine crosses the placenta to the baby, who lacks the capacity to metabolize it, leading to accumulation and potential interference with development. Dr. Egbogu also highlighted that caffeine can overstimulate the mother's body, increasing heart rate, causing restlessness, and affecting sleep quality, all of which can contribute to pregnancy complications. Both experts emphasized that caffeine is present in various sources beyond coffee, including some teas, soft drinks, and chocolate, making it easy for pregnant women to unknowingly exceed recommended limits. The World Health Organization and the United Kingdom鈥檚 National Health Service advise limiting ca
Tech billionaire and investor Prateek Suri has encouraged investors to focus on Africa's long-term economic potential, despite ongoing currency fluctuations. He stated that exchange rate volatility, a common feature in emerging markets, should not deter investment. Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and founder of MDR Investments, emphasized that successful investors prioritize economic fundamentals, productive assets, and long-term value creation over temporary currency movements. He highlighted that Africa should not be viewed as a single market, noting varying fiscal management, export growth, and foreign investment across different countries. Suri identified infrastructure, logistics, mining, technology, and industrial development as sectors poised for sustained growth. He advised investors to adopt a long-term approach, paying attention to government reforms, regulatory stability, infrastructure development, and local industry strength. Suri, recently named among Gulf Business magazine's Top 50 CEOs and Leaders of 2026, believes Africa's strong economic fundamentals, youthful population, and expanding consumer market continue to attract international capital.