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Solar Cells, game changer for nation’s alternative power sources – Buhari

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Buhari pays tribute to late Soviet leader

President Muhammadu Buhari, in the course of the week, directed the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to produce more solar cells to boost the alternative power sources in the country.

Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna made this known to State House correspondents after briefing the president on the activities of the Agency on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president gave the directive when the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, updated him on the activities of the Agency on Friday in Abuja.

President Buhari is the Chairman of NASENI.

According to Haruna, the president also directed the implementation of modular irrigation project and the production of more farm implements, to boost agricultural activities.

President Buhari also received a delegation of SUN Africa LLC, USA, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Aug. 4.

Speaking at the event, Buhari expressed the hope that the rapid integration of solar power into the country’s energy mix woujd  lead to an increase in electricity access to underserved and unserved communities.

According to him, the Federal Government has embarked on several reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s energy sector aimed at improving energy access to communities across the country.

He commended the interest of the U.S. developer to invest in Nigeria’s power sector.

He pledged that the Federal Government would remain committed to collaborating with the private sector in improving energy access, creating jobs and industrial development.

The president highlighted some of the reforms embarked upon by this administration to address Nigeria’s energy needs.

Earlier in the week, the president received Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. James Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan  Oritz, on Tuesday in Abuja.

At the event, Buhari commended collective efforts of nations towards tackling security challenges across the globe, and within Nigeria, urging more collaboration to check terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

The Nigerian leader told the diplomats that successes in taming insecurity had been recorded through collaboration across borders, and more could be achieved.

 President Buhari, on Aug. 3, administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office on three new Permanent Secretaries of the Federal Civil Service.

NAN reports that the Permanent Secretaries include Lydia Jafiya from Adamawa; Udom Okokon Ekenam from Akwa Ibom and Farouk  Yabo from Sokoto State.

The president performed the ceremony shortly before the commencement of the weekly virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at the Council Chambers of the presidential villa, Abuja.

The FEC meeting approved 2.59 billion dollars for the development of Badagry Deep Seaport in Lagos State.

The council also approved N2.6 billion for the procurement of utility vehicles and gadgets for security agencies operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The APC National Chairman,  Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu presented the newly appointed Director-General of the party’s Presidential Campaign Organisation,  Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau to President Buhari.

The presentation was made at the State House Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairman also introduced the party’s presidential campaign spokesperson, Mr  Festus Keyamo to the president.

Adamu was accompanied by the presidential candidate of the APC, Sen.  Bola Tinubu,  alongside the vice  presidential candidate of the party, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

The president also congratulated two of his aides, Sarki Abba and Amb. Lawal Kazaure, on being conferred with the highest civilian national honours of Niger Republic.

Abba is the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Household and Domestic Matters while Kazaure is the State Chief of Protocol.

Also during the week under review, President Buhari joined the entertainment industry, particularly artistes and musicians, in commiserating with ace instrumentalist, singer and song writer, Bongos Ikwue, who lost his wife, Josephine Ifeyinwa, 73.

He also joined family, friends and associates in mourning the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mustapha Balogun.

President Buhari had sent condolences to family, friends and associates of Prof. Akin Mabogunje, who passed on at 90.

Buhari declared that Mabogunje’s “departure will be greatly felt by the nation, especially the academia”.

President Buhari also condoled with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, over the demise of his elder sister, Mrs Maryamu Dimka, who died on Wednesday.

Maryamu was the wife of Late Commissioner of Police, Mr S.K. Dimka, and survived by children including Mrs Elizabeth Rimdans, one time Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra and Bauchi State.

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Shettima Arrives Maiduguri to Commission Hospital, Schools, 104 Housing Units

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.

The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

SEE ALSO: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima

Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.

During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.

The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.

He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.

 

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Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Brutality Ahead of 2027 Elections

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.

Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.

According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

SEE MORE: Lagos Police Nab Educational Consultancy Staff Over Fake Visa Fraud

The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.

Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.

He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.

The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.

He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.

According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.

Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.

He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.

Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy

Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.

He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.

The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.

Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.

He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.

The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.

Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.

 

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Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains

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The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.

Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.

SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Over 3,000 Dead as Ebola Outbreak Ravages DR Congo

He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.

“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.

“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”

The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.

According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.

“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.

Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case

Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.

He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.

According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.

“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.

He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.

“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.

Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.

“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.

 

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