News Agency of Nigeria
Zamfara was bankrupt when I took over, says Gov. Lawal 
General News , Politics

Zamfara was bankrupt when I took over, says Gov. Lawal 

168 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

 Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has said that the state he inherited was bankrupt when he took over power.

Lawal, who stated this on Wednesday evening at an interactive session with Zamfara professionals in Abuja, said that the state was in in a bad state when he assumed office.
“I believe in the history of our state, this is the first time where professionals and people of Zamfara State are here to interact.
“I am delighted to hear some of the comments made. It is indeed incredible.
“The Zamfara State we inherited is in a bad state. At the time we took over, Zamfara was bankrupt with nothing left.
“It is a state where we inherited so many bad things,” he said while responding to questions and comments from professionals from the state,” he said.
The governor, however, gave assurance that things were going to change for better.
Lawal, who said that he inherited three-month salary backlog with no single money to take care of the civil servants, said as at the time he took over, the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) exam was already over and the children were unable to sit for it.
“Fortunately for us, NECO (National Examinations Council) is about to start and if we did not do anything, the children may not write the exam,” he said.
He said that though the state was owing WAEC about N1.6 billion and NECO about N1.4 billion which had made the students to be unable to sit for the exams in the past, his government had recently paid off NECO’s debt.
“This is something that is verifiable. Outside security, education is key because without education, we are going no where,” he said.
He said his government had commenced reconstruction of primary schools and building the capacity of the teachers to boost their productivity.
He said when he came in, Zamfara had 28 ministries which had now been reduced to 16 ministries
Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and other dignitaries during an interactive session Wednesday evening in Abuja.

The governor, who lamented over the condition of the hospitals in the state, said he was committed to change all the narratives.

He, therefore, solicited for the professionals’ support in order to build the state in the interest of the people.
Lawal said as part of the efforts to tackling the security challenge in the state, he met with the chief of defence staff, the chief of army staff and the national security adviser on different occasions yesterday.
He said he also met with officials of the European Union and the World Bank on issues of insecurity, education, health and infrastructural development, and that they were ever ready to provide support.
“I appeal to you to be our ambassador, that in everything you do, Zamfara comes first.
“We can’t do it alone. We need the support of all to change the fortune of Zamfara State.
“I want to appeal to all to keep praying for peace and prosperity for our dear state
“I am open for discussion, I am open for advice and collectively, we shall build a better Zamfara,” he said.
Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, congratulated the governor on his election victory.
According to him, we on this side are ready to assist our state in whatever capacity we have found ourselves.
Shinkafi, who said cooperation is in two ways, said: “when we call on you, try and listen to us.”
He gave assurance that the federal civil servants from the state would remain apolitical.
The Grand Khadi of FCT, Alhaji Ibrahim Rufai-Imam, urged the people of Zamfara to be lovers of one another irrespective of local government of origin.
Let us unite and see how we can move the state forward.
“We need to continue praying for the state to come out of the present predicament,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the professionals offered advice on issues of insecurity, youth empowerment, education, agriculture, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
Washington Accord: Nigerian engineering now internationally marketable -NICE
Metro

Washington Accord: Nigerian engineering now internationally marketable -NICE

130 total views today

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE) says the signing of the Washington Accord by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has put Nigerian engineers in the international market space.

Mr Sharafadeen Olumoh, National Vice President NICE, said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Washington accord is an agreement between member countries that engineers within the member states, will have opportunity to work in member countries without any interference and further tests or certification.

“There are previous conditions that were given to Nigerian engineering family to meet before this signature because there are minimum standards in engineering education that are required as significant such as Outcome Based Education.

“That is a deviation from the existing educational system that we have, the existing one is the curriculum based.

” There are formation of curriculum and courses which students must pass and graded after passing it, then the students are graded and graduated and the difference of that from the OBE is that students are graded based on what they can do.”

He said it was marrying the educational theory with the practical; somebody that had in mind what to invent, for example in machine, can go into a university for that purpose and begin his career by studying how to invent such a machine.

He said if the individual succeeded and the invention was approved and he succeeded in inventing that machine, the certificate or degree would be awarded to such an engineer, based on that expertise.

” Washington Accord signatories are granted the mobility of the engineering personnel within member countries. So Nigeria was duly granted the signatory status though Nigeria is not yet a permanent member.

“With this status, Nigerian engineers are able to move within these member countries and then practice without hindrance and it will improve certainly the engineering practice within Nigeria.”

Originally signed in 1989, the Washington Accord, is a multi-lateral agreement between bodies responsible for accreditation or recognition of tertiary-level engineering qualifications within their jurisdictions.

Currently there are 21 signatories that make up the Washington Accord; Nigeria is the second African signatory.

Some of the signatories to the Accord are Australia, Canada, South Africa, Indonesia, United Kingdom and the United States of America. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

 

Leprosy Mission Nigeria strategises on ending disease, unveils new country office
General News

Leprosy Mission Nigeria strategises on ending disease, unveils new country office

188 total views today

By Lizzy Okoji

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) says it has stepped up measure on ending the disease by 2035,  as it inaugurated its new country office building in Abuja on Wednesday.

The National Director, TLMN, Dr Sudnay Udo, said   at the inauguration ceremony that “the expansion of the mission goes beyond a bigger space to an innovative space where strategies will be developed to ending leprosy.”

According to him,  TLMN’s new office building not only celebrates the physical manifestation of growth and progress but a significant milestone of a mission striving for zero transmission to leprosy, zero disabilities and zero discrimination.

“It is not about the building, it is not about the bricks and walls, it is about a space that is conducive for us to think, plan, innovate, we want to actually end leprosy in our life time.

“We want to control Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), we want to eradicate NTDs, we are not playing.

“TLM as a global entity will be 150 years next year and we have told ourselves that 150 years, it is time to end this thing.

“As we speak, we are putting together strategy for zero transmission of leprosy by 2035. That is our next major goal.

“We have done that as a health community for small pox, polio has already been squashed to the ground. Leprosy is the end as far as I am concerned. By 2035 it will be thrown to the dustbin of history,’’ Udo said.

Udo lauded TLM England and Wales for their support, the governments of Nigeria, Australia and Sweden, and other partners.

Mr Peter Waddup, Country Leader, TLM England and Wales said that TLM England and Wales was honored to be part of the journey to ending Leprosy in Nigeria.

Waddup expressed optimism that the new office building would enhance the capacity of TLM Nigeria, as he advised on early detection and treatment.

“We believe that eradicating leprosy in our lifetime is possible and we are just so thrilled to be part of the Leprosy Mission family and working in partnership with the leprosy mission Nigeria.

“And now that they have this new facility, we believe that they can make great strides to the goal of ending leprosy

“I will say that everyone needs to understand that leprosy is curable and very, very quickly.

“If you find the early signs of fair patch of skin then go to a doctor, come to the representatives of Leprosy Mission in Nigeria, they will give you the pills. It is when you hide in the way that it becomes an issue,” Waddup said.

Prof. James Ayatse, Tor Tiv and President, Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said that the building would serve as a strategic hub that would enable TLMN to achieve its goals.

Ayatse also shed more light on leprosy, waring against the myths surrounding the disease, urging everyone to be agents of ending the disease, avoid discrimination against people with the disease, and show them love.

“This building will serve as a strategic hub, enabling TLM Nigeria to expand its reach, foster greater collaboration with stakeholder at all levels, enhance its research capabilities.

“And sustain its interventions towards transforming the lives of people and community affected by leprosy.

“Leprosy is treatable, curable, preventable and its treatment is free. We must keep challenging the deep-rooted myths and stereotypes surrounding the disease. It is not contagious, it is not hereditary and it is not a curse.

“We must eradicate the stigma and prejudice associated with leprosy. People associated with the disease are like you and me, deserving of acceptance and support.

“Let us build a society where no one suffers in silence and stigma becomes a thing of the past,” Ayatse said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Australian High Commissioner of Nigeria Leann Johnston, Swedish Deputy Head of Mission to Nigeria, Joran Bjallerstedt congratulated TLMN on the giant stride, pledging the continuous support of their governments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

FG enrols 500 persons with disabilities into NHIS
Metro

FG enrols 500 persons with disabilities into NHIS

154 total views today

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government says it has enrolled 500 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to enhanc access to quality healthcare services.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Dr Sani Gwarzo, stated this at a symbolic presentation of the NHIS Identity Cards to the beneficiaries, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the move will ensure affordable healthcare coverage for PwDs across the country.

Gwarzo spoke when he led a delegation to the palace of the traditional ruler and Head of the PwDs at Karo Majiji in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enrolment exercise was facilitated by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

The exercise was meant to alleviate the suffering being faced by PwDs in accessing affordable healthcare services.

He said the government began implementation of the pilot scheme in the Federal Capital Territory and expected to be extended to the 36 states of the federation.

Also, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr James Lalu assured PwDs of his determination to support their welfare and education of their children, to ensure a better future within the disability community.

The Commission, he said, secured employment opportunities for PwDs in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

”This is in fulfilment of the five per cent employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in line with the NCPWD establishment Act,” he said.

He lauded former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for accelerating the percentage of employment opportunities for PwDs in the country.

Lalu reitrated commitment to ensure the development of the allocated permanent site meant for building of residential houses of PwDs at Zuba area of the FCT.

Responding, Mr Mohammed Dantani, who spoke on behalf of the palace, urged government to support the education of their children.

Dantani, who is also the Secretary, FCT Community of PwDs, thanked the federal government for its support towards uplifting the living standard of PwDs in the FCT

He, however, called for deployment of additional teachers to the community primary school in the area,  adding it was being overstretched due to manpower gaps.

“There are only three teachers to over 200 pupils in the school.

”We are appealing to government to increase the teacher ratio to help our children have better education.

”We don’t want our children to be on the street begging the way we are doing. Please, help assure the future of our children with better education,” he said. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Wamakko lauds Sokoto Govt. for recording key achievements in a jiffy
Politics

Wamakko lauds Sokoto Govt. for recording key achievements in a jiffy

182 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), has lauded the state government for recording all-important achievements within a short time in office.

Wamakko, the All Progressive Congress (APC) leader, expressed optimism that Sokoto under the stewardship of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu would soon blossom to a developed state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bashar Abubakar, Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

The Lawmaker, who made the assertion while addressing APC supporters, said the recent developments within Sokoto city were highly commendable.

“The development regarding the provision of water supply, environmental sanitation and payment of allowances to the physically challenged are all-important achievements.

“More so, the re-installment of monthly stipends payment to Chief Imams of Jumu’at Mosques, their deputies and Azhans in the state is highly commendable.

“These laudable people-oriented programmes, if sustained, will surely make Sokoto State among the advanced states in the country,” he said.

He appreciated the APC supporters in the state for their commitment to ensure good governance, while soliciting for prayers and citizens’ understanding for the administration to succeed.

Wamakko expressed optimism that more dividends of democracy would come to the state in a very short time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Sports

FCTA pledges continued support for sport development in schools

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Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (middle in black) with basketball teams of GSS Karu and other officials in Abuja on Tuesday

 

By Philip Yatai

Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says FCTA will continue to support sports development in schools for the mental and kinetic development of students.

 

Adesola said this on Tuesday when Mr Adamu Hashimu, Director, Department of Schools Sports, FCT, presented the winners of the 23rd edition of Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship to him in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the male team of the Government Secondary School Karu, FCT, won the male category of the competition.

 

The female team of the same school came second in the female category.

 

The permanent secretary, who congratulated the team for the laudable feat, added that the FCTA would continue to support the youths to develop their skills in sports.

 

He said that sport was one of the activities highly recognised for its significant contribution to the development of children, particularly while in school.

 

“Sport is not just a play; it comes with a lot of reward, great fame and adds meaning to life.

 

“This adds to the credence that in FCT, we do not only teach but we develop the kinetic mental capacity of children to grow and achieve their full potential.

 

“We look forward to seeing many of you in the national team, because basketball is a very big business,” he said.

 

The permanent secretary said that the FCTA would do everything possible for the boys to participate at the World School Basketball Championship in China at the end of the year.

 

Adesola urged the team to come back with the winning medal.

 

Earlier, Hashimu said that both the male and female teams of GSS Karu emerged champions out of the 35 secondary schools that participated in the competition at the FCT level.

 

He added that the teams represented the FCT in the Central Conference held at the National Stadium, Abuja, where nine secondary schools across the country participated.

 

He said that during the central conference, the boys team lost the finals to a school in Niger while the girls team won the central conference and qualified to participate at the National Championship.

 

“The boys’ team went to the national finals as the best losers in the male category and won the championship while the girls’ team came second in the female category.

 

“For the first position, the boys were rewarded with N1 million, a trophy, shoes for each of the players and a medal.

 

“The female team was also rewarded with N750,000, a trophy, shoes for each of the players, and a medal,” he said.

 

On his part, Mr Paul Edeh, President of the Ratels Sport Development Foundation pledged a donation of N500,000 to improve basketball infrastructure in the school. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

AADdited by Deji Abdulwahab

FCTA plants 20,000 trees to maintain good environmental ecosystem
Environment

FCTA plants 20,000 trees to maintain good environmental ecosystem

207 total views today

 

The Director of Parks and Recreation, FCTA, Mr Isaiah Ukpana (right), planting a tree with the support of an official during the tree planting exercise at Wuye District, Abuja on Tuesday

 

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says is to plant 20,000 trees in selected districts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to maintain a good environment ecosystem in the city.

The Director of Parks and Recreation of the FCTA, Mr Isaiah Ukpana, stated this during the tree planting exercise in Wuye District on Tuesday.

Ukpana said that the exercise was a continuation of the tree planting campaign in the three districts – Guzape, Wuye and Katampe Extension, which began during the 2023 World Environment Day.

He said that trees in the areas were vanishing due to developmental activities, saying “there are not many trees in the areas” .

According to him, the tree planting exercise is an attempt to replace the lost trees to maintain a serene environment.

“This is also part of efforts to encourage tree planning which should be the responsibility of everyone.”

He warned residents against indiscriminate felling of trees without permission.

He added that there were regulations guiding felling of trees, adding that people must seek permission to feel a tree.

The director warned that anyone who fell a tree without permission would be penalised.

He noted the need for a massive awareness campaign on the importance of trees in the environment with a view to encourage people to plant trees and not to cut down trees.

Ukpana said that the department was working with some non-governmental organisations to plant more trees in the capital city, particularly fruit trees.

One of the partners, Dr Aliyu Ahmed, the Chairman of ZFH, a charity foundation working on environment and ecosystem mediation, expressed concern on how the ecosystem in Abuja was being eroded and abused.

Ahmed said that the NGO, with the Director of Parks and Recreation, have also concluded plans to plant fruit trees in major parks and gardens in Abuja.

This, according to him, will help to rebuild the battered ecosystem and maintain a serene environment in the capital city. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

We’ll work with private sector for agric, economic growth – ARCN
Agriculture

We’ll work with private sector for agric, economic growth – ARCN

672 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Hamisu Sharabutu, says the council will continue to work with the private sector for agricultural innovations and economic growth.

Sharabutu said this at the Reporting Achievements of Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) in Nigeria to the government and National stakeholders on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that agriculture issues should be of national interest, where everybody should be a stakeholder.

“I want to remind us that those of us who are politicians should not only mention agriculture but become very serious about it .

“Whether at the local, state, federal and private level all stakeholders must come together and give our assistance and services.

“For those of us in the public service, we are supposed to extract from the private sector and individual as we can not do much if they do not come to our aid,” he said.

He urged the organisers to intensify efforts in the promotion of organic agriculture for the health of the nation and it’s habitats.

He said that organic agriculture principles education should be extended to all farmers whether small holder farmers or big time farmers.

A cross section of participants at the Reporting Achievements of Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) in Nigeria to the government and National stakeholders on Wednesday in Abuja.

“We cannot practice organic agriculture if we do not bring in some of the people from the states and the extension agents who sat at the level of the agricultural development program we have all over the place.

“I pray that those representing government here will be able to take this message back to the government so that each organisation can give teeth, tongue and a helping hand to the growth of the agriculture sector,” he said.

Mrs Janet Igoh, Chairperson EOA Initiative in Nigeria, in her remarks disclosed that the FCT had graciously given them organic markets but they need these markets to become functional.

“We are extending our coasts so we can accommodate as many organic farmers as possible to grow more produce to be able to serve the huge available markets.

“We are united and will continue to be united as a nation by the special grace of God, and we are still united because we have food on our tables.

“If food is taken away, then you will want to wonder what we will do with ourselves.

“God has endowed us with large masses of arable land, plenty of sunshine and abundant human resources; our people are ready to work, all we need to do is to lend a helping hand to one another,” he said.

Dr Olugbenga AdeOluwa, Country Coordinator, EOA Initiative in Nigeria, said the EOA would continue to work with stakeholders through the National Organic Agriculture Business Summit (NOABS) to propagate healthy agriculture and economic growth.

He said that EOA will be exploring how to continue to enhance an enabling environment for domestic and export businesses in organic agriculture and agroecology sectors of Nigeria.

“We are also working towards policies for upscaling organic and agroecology businesses in Nigeria and increase production level of organic and agroecological produce and products in the country to contribute to food security and safety,” he said. (NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Kogi APC governorship: Court dismisses Smart Adeyemi’s suit against Ododo
General News

Kogi APC governorship: Court dismisses Smart Adeyemi’s suit against Ododo

128 total views today
By Wandoo Sombo

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Sen. Smart Adeyemi, an aspirant in the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governorship primaries in Kogi, against the emergence of the candidate of the party, Usman Ododo, saying it lacks merit.

Delivering judgment in the suit marked FHC/CS/556/2023,
Justice James Omotosho held that Adeyemi’s allegations were criminal in nature, as he alleged that elections did not hold and that the produced results were forged.
He said the plaintiff needed to prove the allegations of forgery, falsification of results beyond reasonable doubts.
The court noted that the burden of proof was on the applicant to produce the forged result or the original and the forged results to discharge the burden, adding that failure to discharge the burden was fatal to the case of the applicant.
The court held that contrary to the position of the plaintiff, there was evidence that the primary election was validly held and monitored by INEC.
It held that allegations the plaintiff raised in the suit were criminal in nature and therefore ought to be proved beyond every reasonable doubt.
The judge held that Adeyemi failed to discharge the burden of proof that was placed on him by the law.
“There is enough proof before this court to slow that indeed a direct primary election of the APC held in Kogi state on April 14.

The judge said that Adeyemi had lodged a complaint  after he lost the election before an appeal committee that was constituted by the APC.

The court held that the evidence before it showed that Adeyemi failed to appear before the committee to prove his allegations.
The court said it found no reason to invalidate the outcome of the primary election. Consequently, the judge dismissed the suit as lacking in merit.

“In the final analysis, having reviewed all the evidence in this matter, I have no doubt that the APC primary election result held in all the wards of Kogi State on the 14th day of April 2023 and I so hold.

“This Honourable Court will not allow the will of a few just like that of the Applicant to override the will of the majority. The Applicant’s case has no merit. It is hereby dismissed.”

Speaking with newsmen through his counsel, Mr Adekunle Otitoju, the former lawmaker said he was heading to the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment of the lower court.

Adeyemi said he was dissatisfied with the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja which dismissed his case.
Justice James Omotosho had in his judgement, affirmed the primary election that produced Ododo as candidate of the party for the governorship election billed to hold in the state in November.
The judge held that Adeyemi did not prove his allegation that Ododo was not lawfully nominated by the APC.
The plaintiff had in his suit  marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/556/2023, sought the cancellation of the primary election on the grounds that it was not validly conducted.
He prayed the court to declare the primary election as illegal, unlawful and invalid.
Adeyemi told the court that Ododo was handpicked as flag-bearer of the party by Gov. Yahaya Bello, in gross violation of Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, Section 29 and 84 of the Electoral Act as well as Article 20 of the Constitution of the APC.
He prayed the court to give an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise Ododo as the bonafide candidate of the party for the governorship election.
The aggrieved governorship aspirant further  prayed the court to order the APC to conduct a fresh primary election and to give all aspirants an equal opportunity as provided for in the Electoral Act, 2022.
 Adeyemi, through his counsel, said he would take the case to the appellate court.
He insisted that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the proof of evidence that was placed before it by the parties.
He insisted that there were inconsistencies in the report that was tendered by the INEC and affidavit that was deposed by the APC.
Adeyemi alleged that whereas INEC claimed that option A4 mode was adopted for the primary election it monitored, the APC, told the court that the election was through secret ballot.
The former lawmaker had in a 35 paragraph affidavit he filed in support of his originating summons, told the court that he obtained nomination and expression of interest forms from the party at the cost of N50 million.
 He said he was subsequently screened and cleared to participate in the primary election that was slated for April 14.
Adeyemi told the court that while he waited at his constituency to cast his vote along with his people, he was shocked when information came to him that the purported primary election had been conducted and a purported winner declared.
Adeyemi prayed the court to nullify the governorship primary election and order the APC to conduct a fresh one.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Subsidy removal will heighten demand for renewable energy —- Expert
General News

Subsidy removal will heighten demand for renewable energy —- Expert

153 total views today

By Ibukun Emiola

A renewable energy expert, Mr Uka Ibe, has described the removal of fuel subsidy as a good economic decision which favoured the demand for renewable energy in Nigeria.

Ibe stated this while speaking on the acceptability of green energy regarding climate change advocacy with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nexgen Energy and Allied Services Limited stated that there was the need for the implementation of government policies to tackle issues of climate change.

He said there had been more consideration for renewable energy products from his company, as informed by their distribution frequency.

“Yes, there has been an increasing uptake in the demand for renewable energy sources, in particular the solar hybrid systems, since the removal of fuel subsidy, which is a good economic decision,” Ibe said.

He, however, said the demand would have been more if the prices of green alternatives had not been affected by the removal of multiple exchange rates.

Ibe said the cost of importation has led to the increase in prices of solar power systems because Nigerian companies have challenges in accessing foreign exchange to import production inputs.

“Overall, I will say that in spite of this, there has been an uptake in the actual sales of solar power systems.

“It is now becoming the mainstream of energy deployment services in Nigeria, with about 10 per cent uptake recorded since the new administration took over,” he said.

Ibe added that in spite of the downward trend that usually come with seasonal changes, especially characterising the business during the rainy season, sales have continued to boom.

“Renewable energy products work for all categories of productive users, and there are no limitations as to what they can do.”

Ibe allayed the fear that solar systems were limited in their services, explaining that the sun with advanced technologies could serve human needs 10 times over.

He said the only limitation is the availability of funds to provide for the different needs of users.

“However, the good thing about solar systems is that they are scalable.

“When people start with what they can afford with the budget they have, they can increase the capacity with time as they have the resources.

“So, often times, the challenge is not what solar power system can do, but the finance to harness its potentials, which are unlimited,” Ibe said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Moses Solanke and Olawale Alabi)

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