Category: News

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.

…Barefoot Renewable Energy College Will Power Nigeria’s Energy Future – Minister Udeh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned Africa’s first Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Osara, Kogi State, describing the projects as strategic investments in human capital development, renewable energy and Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, the President said the projects would help bridge Africa’s shortage of skilled technical manpower in the renewable energy sector while positioning Nigeria as the continent’s leader in renewable energy capacity development.

“This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent, modelled on the celebrated vocational colleges of India that turned unlettered grandmothers into solar engineers.

“If that method could light the villages of Rajasthan, it can light the settlements of Kogi, Ondo and Cross River. Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that although Nigeria is richly endowed with renewable energy resources, the challenge has been converting those resources into electricity and economic opportunities.

He said the new college was established to address the country’s shortage of skilled technicians by producing renewable energy installers, operators, maintenance professionals and other technical personnel equipped with globally recognised certifications.

Reflecting on the project’s completion, the President said, “Two years ago, we stood on this ground for the groundbreaking of this institution… Today, we stand before a world-class edifice, completed to international standards.”

He urged development partners, research institutions and the private sector to collaborate with the college to expand research, innovation and technical training, assuring that Nigeria was ready to lead such partnerships.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, described the commissioning as a major demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to innovation-led industrialisation, job creation and sustainable national development.

According to the minister, the projects reaffirm the government’s resolve to build a knowledge-driven economy where innovation, science and technology serve as catalysts for economic prosperity.

He said the Barefoot Renewable Energy College represents a strategic investment in technical skills development, designed to produce globally competitive solar technicians, mini-grid operators, renewable energy installers, maintenance specialists, energy auditors and clean-energy entrepreneurs.

Dr. Udeh added that the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant would position Nigeria at the forefront of emerging clean-energy technologies by providing a platform for advanced research, technology demonstration, capacity building and future industrial applications.

He expressed confidence that BARECKS would evolve into Nigeria’s premier centre of excellence for renewable energy technical education and a regional hub for Africa, promoting youth empowerment, technology transfer, local content development, enterprise creation and innovation.

The minister said the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology would continue to provide the policy support, strategic partnerships and enabling environment required to sustain the institution and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in renewable energy technologies.

He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to innovation-driven national transformation, appreciated Vice President Shettima for representing the President, and praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, for their roles in delivering the projects.

Governor Ododo described the inauguration as evidence that Nigeria was advancing towards sustainable development through investments in human capital, noting that the college would strengthen the country’s renewable energy sector, attract investments and create employment opportunities.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said the institution is equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories and other modern facilities to train highly skilled renewable energy professionals.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, welcomed the project, saying it would equip young Nigerians with valuable technical skills and contribute significantly to national development.

President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated August 4, 2026, about 250,000 personnel are to benefit from the new deal.

Under the new arrangement, which becomes effective from September 1, officers above the rank of colonel will enjoy a 30 per cent salary increase. This applies to Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals.

Personnel from colonel down to warrant officer will have a 50 per cent increase, while Private to Staff Sergeant will have an 80 per cent increase.

The pay package will increase the yearly salary bill for the country’s armed forces personnel from N660 billion to N924 billion.

President Tinubu has always praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces as they confront the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in some parts of the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation”.

Residents of Onu-Agu village in Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, have appealed to Governor Peter Mbah and MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited to restore electricity to the community after more than three months of blackout.

The residents said the prolonged outage had disrupted businesses and increased household expenses, particularly the cost of fuelling generators. Amechi is within Enugu South Local Government Area.

The residents staged a peaceful protest at the residence of the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, an indigene of the community. The protesters were led by former Secretary of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ike Orji, alongside community stakeholder, Hon. Dave Agbo.

The protesters said the community’s ageing transformer was severely overloaded and no longer capable of meeting the electricity needs of the growing population. They appealed to Governor Mbah and MainPower to replace it with a modern, higher-capacity transformer.

“Our people are suffering heavily under this prolonged blackout. The existing transformer is outdated and completely overloaded. We are appealing directly to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, and MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited to replace this breakdown-prone unit with a modern, high-capacity transformer so our community can breathe again.”

The Chairman of the Electricity Committee, Hon. Goddy Edeh, said the community had already formally notified MainPower in writing about the outage, after which an inspection team visited the area. He said the absence of any subsequent action prompted the residents to stage the peaceful protest.

“We have written to MainPower Electricity Distribution and their inspection team came to assess the situation, but since then, nothing has been done. The darkness continues, which is why we decided to seek government intervention.”

Receiving the protesters, Commissioner Ogbodo commended them for the peaceful and orderly manner in which they presented their grievances. He assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to Governor Mbah and the relevant authorities, while promising that the government would look into the matter.

“I commend you for the peaceful and civilised manner in which you have conducted this demonstration. I have heard your cries, and I am assuring this community that your urgent plea for light and economic relief will be delivered directly to Governor Peter Mbah and the relevant power sector authorities.”

Ogbodo also praised the protesters for preventing the demonstration from being hijacked by hoodlums, stressing that the peaceful nature of the exercise reflected the community’s commitment to seeking a solution through dialogue.

However, speaking on behalf of the Network Manager of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, Awkunanaw District, the company’s Safety Officer, Engr. Vincent Okeke, said the company had not received formal notification specifically concerning the reported outage.

Okeke acknowledged the community’s grievances and advised the residents to submit a formal petition to enable the company’s technical team to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

“We acknowledge the grievances of the Onu-Agu community. However, MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited was not officially notified of this specific outage. I advise the community leaders to immediately put down their grievances in a formal petition so our technical team can assess the site and address the issue promptly.”

The community, however, maintained that its Electricity Committee had already communicated the problem to MainPower in writing and that the company’s inspection visit followed that correspondence. It said the failure to receive further action after the inspection was the immediate reason for the peaceful protest.

The Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill has invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has explained why his administration withdrew the state from a World Bank loan programme, saying prevailing macroeconomic conditions at the time made the facility too costly despite its low interest rate.

Soludo made this known during his speech at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit on Monday, August 3, 2026, where he said exchange rate distortions at the time meant that even a zero-interest loan could translate into an effective interest rate of more than 100%.

Anambra Only State to Pull Out of NG-CARES

According to the Governor, Anambra was the only state that withdrew from the World Bank-backed NG-CARES programme after his administration assessed the implications of the prevailing exchange rate regime. He further stated that he has not borrowed any money since assuming office as governor.

“When I became governor, I pulled Anambra State out of an ongoing World Bank loan, NG-CARES, and Anambra was the only state that pulled out,” Soludo said.

Exchange Rate Distortions Made Loan Costly

The former Central Bank Governor explained the rationale behind the decision in detail.

“Because the macro fundamentals, the foreign exchange, the exchange rate distortions were such that I told the World Bank that even at zero interest, it was still the most expensive fund in the world, given what I knew was going to be inevitable: an exchange rate realignment much later.”

“If you are giving me money and I change it at 460 Naira to the dollar today, when I know that tomorrow it will be over 1,000, even if you lend it to me at zero, the effective interest rate in it is over 100 percent,” he stated.

Macroeconomic Environment Has Improved

Soludo added that Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment has since improved, noting that exchange rate stability has enhanced the country’s prospects for attracting foreign investment.

He also noted that Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves had increased from about $3 billion in 2023 to over $40 billion, while gross reserves had risen to about $52 billion, adding that improved macroeconomic stability would support the inflow of foreign capital.

Zero-Borrowing Policy Maintained

The governor reiterated his administration’s zero-borrowing policy, stating that Anambra has not taken loans from commercial banks, the Federal Government or international financial institutions under his leadership.

Despite the N100 billion borrowing facility approved by the Anambra State House of Assembly in 2022, the Soludo administration did not utilise the facility. In August 2024, the state government denied reports that it was seeking a N245 billion to N247 billion loan to finance budget deficits, describing the claims as false.

Soludo has consistently maintained that his administration has delivered major infrastructure and human capital development projects without borrowing.

Support for Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had in August 2025 expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as “necessary steps towards stabilising and reviving Nigeria’s economy.”

He said structural reforms were essential to accelerate national development and that his support for the reforms transcended political affiliations because they were aimed at placing Nigeria on a sustainable growth path.

The governor maintained that macroeconomic stability remains a key requirement for long-term economic development and investment, reinforcing his long-held position that exchange rate stability and prudent fiscal management are essential for sustainable economic growth and responsible public borrowing.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, says the Barefoot Renewable Energy College will play a pivotal role in powering Nigeria’s energy future by producing the skilled workforce needed to drive the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Udeh made this known in a statement ahead of the presidential commissioning of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) Complex and the Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Osara, Kogi State, describing the project as a strategic national investment in clean energy, innovation, and human capital development.

The ECN Complex also houses the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, and is designed to advance Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan through investments in renewable energy development, technology, research, and workforce capacity.

Speaking, Udeh said said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) Complex and the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, the first of its kind in Africa, perfectly aligns and projects the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

“It will promote job creation, economic diversification, improved energy access, poverty reduction, and sustainable development”.

He explained that the college would provide practical training in solar and other renewable energy technologies to Nigerians and help to build the required technical manpower to strengthen the nation’s expanding renewable energy industry.

The minister also highlighted the importance of the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant.

“The Pilot Plant is aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels…The facility will test decentralized hydrogen systems as a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel generators, particularly in the areas with unstable electricity supply.”

Udeh added that the project supports Nigeria’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, with hydrogen expected to play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the industrial, transportation, and power sectors.

Industry analysts have greeted the project as a game changer, noting that with its establishment, the Federal Government has demonstrated that it is not paying lip service in its commitment to energy security, environmental sustainability, indigenous innovation, and the clean energy transition plan.

Ogalla: Mbah making unprecedented marks

…South East making tremendous progress – Gen. Musa

Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (rtd), has been described as a patriot, a man of courageous, and exemplary officer whose career was defined by selfless service to Nigeria and an enduring commitment to national security and human capital development.

The encomiums were poured on the ex-service chief during a reception organised in his honour by the Enugu State Government to mark the successful completion of his tenure as Chief of the Naval Staff.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, at the weekend, Governor Peter Mbah said that the former service chief earned the love of his people and colleagues through impactful leadership that transcended the ranks he wore and the offices he occupied.

“Rank gives you authority. It does not automatically earn devotion. Office can command respect. But neither can command love. That is earned quietly, over time, through relationship and by the way you treat people when no one is watching,” he stated.

He commended Ogalla’s commitment to security and human capital development, highlighting the establishment of a naval base at Ogurugu, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area, and Navy Secondary School, Umuopu, both in Igbo Eze North LGA of Enugu State.

“An operational naval base strengthens security today, and a naval school will help shape tomorrow’s leaders. One protects the present. The other invests in the future,” he said.

Mbah urged Nigerians to emulate the Ex-Naval chief’s exemplary service at their various levels of leadership.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), stressed that Ogalla’s military career was marked by professionalism, discipline, courage, innovation, patriotism and unwavering commitment to peace, repositioning the Navy as strategic partner in protecting the nation’s maritime interests.

“He is someone that transforms. His genius, integrity, discipline, and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of colleagues, supporters, and the nation,” Musa stated.

The minister emphasised his faith in the strategic import of the South East to Nigeria and commended the progress made by the region in general and Enugu State in particular under Governor Mbah’s leadership in the last three years.

“We are proud of the South East. And my joy is that South East is getting it right. Within three years, we have seen massive changes across South East,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described Ogalla as a calm, humble, highly intelligent and dedicated officer whose exemplary leadership and professionalism had set a high standard in the Nigerian Navy.

Recalling their days together at the Nigerian Defence Academy and their decades of military service, Aneke said the former service chief’s character and achievements had inspired younger officers, noting that the outpouring of emotion during his pulling-out ceremony was a testament to the kind of leader he was.

“Sir, I want to thank you on behalf of the good people of Enugu State; you fought the good battle. You represented us well and we’re proud you’re our own,” he said.

He also commending Governor Mbah for organising the reception, saying, “If you don’t celebrate your own, nobody would do that for you.”

Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, commended Governor Peter Mbah for fulfilling his promise to honour Ogalla and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Naval Staff.

As the traditional ruler representing Ogalla’s senatorial zone, Igwe Asadu stressed that the event was a powerful demonstration of gratitude, noting that there was no virtue greater than honouring those who had served their people and country faithfully.

Responding, Ogalla expressed immense gratitude to Enugu State, his family, military constituency, and friends for the love shown to him.

“I must specifically thank the Governor for organising this event. I must say that I am overwhelmed by what I have seen here today,” he stated.

He commended Mbah for his massive development strides and for adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the fight against insecurity.

“I believe that what our Governor is doing is unprecedented. And I believe that we need to give him maximum support to do for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria to grow.

“The modern concept of security is not just military might and weapons, but also human security, improving the capacity of the citizens, providing employment, providing education. And these are exactly what the Governor is taking as his priorities,” he emphasised.

He expressed special gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to rise to the pinnacle of his career and to actualise his dream to take the Nigerian Navy to greater heights.

The event was attended by serving and retired military officers and prominent leaders, including former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; former Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (Retd.); former Chief of the Army Staff and former Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

Kaduna State graduated the pioneer batch of 1,101 Armed Forest Guards at the weekend, with Governor Uba Sani describing the milestone as a major step in the state’s determination to reclaim its forests from criminal elements and consolidate recent security gains across troubled communities.

Gunmen have abducted three persons from Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, with joint security operatives rescuing one of the victims and intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining two.

The Enugu State Police Command, in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said a joint security team comprising police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group responded swiftly after the abduction, forcing the fleeing kidnappers to abandon one of the victims during the operation.

According to Ndukwe, the abduction occurred in the early hours of  Sunday, August 2, 2026 within the precinct of a church at Inoyi, Affa Community.

He said security operatives, while closing in on the fleeing suspects, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was rescued unhurt, while the assailants escaped with the remaining two victims.

The police did not identify the victims or state their occupations.

“The operatives, while closing in on the fleeing suspects, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was immediately rescued unhurt. The assailants, however, escaped with the remaining two victims,” the statement said.

Although the police didn’t mention the name of the church, however, a viral video circulating on social media claimed that the attack was carried out at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In the video, a man speaking in Igbo said seven armed kidnappers carried out the attack, abducting a seminarian, a catechist and a church member while residents were preparing for church service.

The unidentified man confirmed that police operatives responded to the incident shortly after it occurred. He added that community youths mobilised in large numbers but could not pursue the kidnappers because they were unarmed.

The police said the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, had directed the Area Commander, Oji River, and the Head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to intensify ongoing operations and deploy all available operational assets to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the suspects.

The Commissioner also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to generate actionable human and technical intelligence to support the operation and ordered the activation of the surveillance and technical capabilities of the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre to strengthen the rescue efforts.

Giwa urged residents of the community to remain calm and continue providing credible and actionable information to the police, assuring them that every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Police Command has yet to officially confirm the identities of the victims or the number of attackers mentioned in the viral video.