Page 402 – News Agency of Nigeria

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Sat, 2025

Tinubu’s economic reforms’ll bear fruits soon – Don

841 total views today

By Mohammed Tijjani

Prof. Philip Achimugu, the Dean, Faculty of Computing, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), says the economic reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu will bear fruits soon.

Achimugu, who urged Nigerians to be patient, said that the reforms would lead to a buoyant economy and prosperity in Nigeria.

The dean made the remarks while reviewing a book on bridging the gap between Mathematics, Statistics, and Quantitative Techniques.

The book, titled ‘Nexus of Qualitative Techniques, Mathematics and Statistics’, authored by Dr Michael Agility, Ms Hafsat Galadima and Mr Nasir Shema, was launched on Saturday in Kaduna.

Achimugu, who was one of the book reviewers, however, acknowledged that the current reforms were painful, and would take a number of years for Nigerians to realise the benefits.

He, therefore, said what was needed was to encourage the Federal Government and also help the president to achieve his 9-point Renewed Hope Agenda for the country.

He believed that with time, the government policies would lead to “economic buoyancy and prosperity of Nigeria”.

On the new book, the professor said it was timely, “because the president’s

Renewed Hope Agenda would require a lot of analysis and data science to make sense to Nigerians”.

“If you look at the content of the book, the authors did justice to the various

tools that will be required to actually assist the Federal Government in

achieving the renewable budget,” he said.

Achimugu said the book comprised significant contributions in terms of research, economics, statistics, and mathematics, and how to deploy various tools for data analysis and presentation.

He, therefore, said the book was important for Nigeria, and virtually all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

One of the authors, Dr Michael Agility, a lecturer at AFIT and pioneer Head of Department of Economics, explained that the book focuses on solving complex problems by bridging the gap between mathematics, statistics, and quantitative techniques.

“It aims to promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly in economics,” he said, adding that the these subjects often overlap, with similar topics covered in each field.

“The book is written in a simple language with plenty of demonstrations and simple examples, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

“It caters to those in the secondary section, undergraduates, postgraduates, and even those on technical research at the PhD level,” Agility added.

He acknowledged the contributions of his co-authors and students, highlighted their potentials and brilliance.

Agility encouraged readers and institutions to find value in the material. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Shettima seeks int’l collaboration on Nigeria’s HCD strategy

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Sat, 2025

Foreign

Shettima seeks int’l collaboration on Nigeria’s HCD strategy

377 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger international collaboration to advance Nigeria’s Human Capital Development 2.0 (HCD 2.0) strategy.

Shettima made the call virtually at a high-level roundtable on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank/International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HCD 2.0 programme is designed to elevate Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI).

It will equip Nigeria to face both national and global challenges, including climate change and digital transformation.

The vice-president stated that the success of HCD 2.0 would hinge on data-driven, evidence-based interventions and sustained political will.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to positioning human potential at the heart of national development.

He pointed out that the meeting was necessitated by the urgency to invest in the Nigerian people and by the recognition that true national wealth was found, not in natural resources, but in human potential.

“This meeting, for us, is not just another item on our global agenda. It is a continuation of a journey whose beginnings I had the privilege of witnessing about seven years ago.

“True national wealth is found not in natural resources, but in human potential.

“We will offer our HCD 2.0 Strategy the political backing it deserves to be the priority of our nation, and Tinubu has never wavered on this,” he said.

Shettima reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to ensure the continuity and deepening of the HCD agenda.

“Government is a continuum. Nowhere is this truer than in programmes that demand patience, vision, and long-term commitment—programmes such as our Human Capital Development programme,” he said.

The vice-president revealed that under HCD 2.0, six priority indicators from the health, education, and labour force sectors have been selected as “quick wins” to guide policy interventions and track measurable progress.

“We have carefully curated priority indicators and an HCD Dashboard to track them.

“This allows us to make informed policy decisions and measure our progress against tangible benchmarks,” Shettima said.

The vice-president also reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to remain transparent and results-oriented to achieve measurable outcomes.

“We will continue to hold ourselves accountable and press forward toward our bold goal to elevate Nigeria among the top 80 countries in Human Capital Index rankings,” he said.

Shettima also called on the World Bank and other development partners to support the availability of disaggregated, state-level Human Capital Index (HCI) data to enable more targeted interventions.

He stressed the need for equity and inclusiveness in implementing the HCD 2.0 strategy.

Shettima said, “We are leaving no sub-national in Nigeria behind. Some of the states have already set a template for the others, having localised the HCD strategies to align with the peculiarities of their people.

“While, of course, aligning them with the national strategy.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Radiographers urge action on quackery, equipment deficit

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Sat, 2025

Health

Radiographers urge action on quackery, equipment deficit

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By Folasade Akpan

Radiographers have identified quackery, lack of modern equipment and the high cost of equipment as key challenges facing the profession.

They made this known on Saturday in Abuja at a free radiology workshop themed “The Future of Radiology”, organised by Cassona Global Imaging and Neusoft Medical Systems.

Mr Ebere Onwuegbuutu, a radiographer with the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, described quackery as a major challenge confronting the profession.

According to him, many individuals who are neither professionally trained, registered, nor licensed are practising radiology.

“They see it as an opportunity to make quick money, without considering the dangers they pose to human beings exposed to these substandard diagnoses.

“As a regulatory body, we seek a situation where the standard of practice is upheld across the board,” he said.

Onwuegbuutu added that although there had been major technological advancements to enhance patient care, such equipment was often unavailable for public use in Nigeria due to the high cost, making it difficult for hospitals to acquire them.

“It would be highly beneficial if collaborations could help reduce the cost of this equipment, making it more affordable and accessible across the country,” he stated.

Speaking on the impact of the workshop, he said it was timely, as the profession was evolving and technological advancement was key to achieving accurate and timely diagnoses.

“Image acquisition must have clinical relevance, and the images should be capable of being stored, retrieved, and transmitted to clinicians,” he explained.

Mr Isaac Pada, a Clinical Medical Physicist at the National Hospital, Abuja, also highlighted the impact of the ongoing brain drain, popularly referred to as ‘Japa’ on the healthcare sector.

According to him, a huge number of radiographers and medical physicians have left the country in search of better remuneration abroad.

“My advice to the government is to critically assess the welfare of healthcare professionals, improve their remuneration packages, and create a more conducive environment for practice.

“They should also consider providing incentives to encourage professionals to remain and serve their fatherland,” he said.

Pada further noted that the absence of a structured training programme was adversely affecting the development of the profession.

However, he expressed optimism that the workshop would broaden the knowledge base of radiographers, medical physicians, and radiologists, as well as provide insight into operating state-of-the-art equipment.

He added that it would enhance patient service delivery and strengthen the handling of radiation medicine.

One of the facilitators, Mr Samer Noureldine, a Senior Clinical Application Specialist at Neusoft Medical Systems, said the workshop, which involved training radiologists on a new CT scanning device, would improve diagnostic capabilities.

According to him, the device can perform all types of CT examinations except cardiac imaging.

“This is an intermediate-level device that greatly facilitates diagnosis and helps radiologists and radiographers obtain the best images, information, and diagnostic outcomes for effective patient care,” he explained.

Mr Nketiah Suphianuh, Sales Lead and Branch Manager of Cassona, said that Africa was lagging behind in technological advancement, particularly in the field of medical imaging.

“If you go to China, the United States, and other countries, you see advanced technologies. However, in Africa, these technologies are largely absent.

“Cassona is working to bring such advanced technologies to the African continent,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG to reduce inflation, create more jobs- Edun

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Sat, 2025

Foreign

FG to reduce inflation, create more jobs- Edun

411 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the Federal Government plans to reduce inflation rate to single digit and create more jobs.

Edun stated this during a press conference addressed by the Nigerian economic team, as part of activities marking the end of the 2025 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings on Saturday in Washington D.C.

He said that the government was collaborating with development partners like the World Bank to create jobs for Nigerians in pursuit of sustainable employment and poverty eradication.

“The objective is to create jobs locally, empower youths, and support them through essential infrastructure.

“That includes digital infrastructure, access to data, internet, and fibre optic networks, to enable them to work remotely,” the minister said.

Edun said that the country’s unemployment rate had dropped to 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 from 5.3 per cent in first quarter 2024.

According to him, the world now faces a very uncertain future, but Nigeria is well positioned to survive the shocks in spite of heightened tensions, inflation, and declining global growth.

The minister also said that President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda were working and the results were commendable.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, said that the government acknowledged the impact of inflationary pressures on the country.

“We recognise that inflation remains the most disruptive force to the economic welfare of Nigerians.

“Our policy stance is firmly focused on bringing inflation down to single digits in a sustainable manner over the medium term,” Cardoso said.

The CBN governor said that the painful reforms embarked upon by the country was now yielding positive results.

“At the IMF meetings the nation was a reference point of how reforms could change the economic trajectory of a nation for the better.

“The reforms are not easy, but they are delivering results. We have moved from a position of vulnerability towards one of growing strength,” he said.

Cardoso said that the significance of Nigeria’s efforts was restoring investors confidence.

“The country had a high-level investment forum at the Nasdaq Market Site in New York.

“That gave insights into the positive impact of the reforms and growing appetite for investment in Nigeria by Diaspora Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

“The New York forum delivered powerful outcomes, it significantly bolstered investor confidence in the country’s market fundamentals, with leading voices affirming the country’s economic progress and renewed standing as a compelling investment destination,” he said.

The CBN governor said that the country recorded a balance of payments surplus of 6.83 billion dollars in 2024, principally on the back of rising exports and capital inflows.

According to him, this has supported the stability of the domestic unit amidst boosted investor confidence, discouraged speculative arbitrage and closed the gap between official and parallel market rates.

Cardoso said that the recapitalisation efforts were gaining momentum with maximum support and compliance from all stakeholders in the banking sector.

He said that the Tinubu-led government planed to set the nation on an ambitious trajectory of becoming a one trillion dollar economy by 2030.

According to him, the CBN has set the capital base for financial lenders nationwide, highlighting its goal of enhancing banks’ ability to fund large-scale projects and drive economic activities.

“The banking sector recapitalisation is well underway, with strong momentum and stakeholder alignment,” Cardoso said.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, said that the country was doing well to reposition the financial system so as to restore confidence.

“The economic team of this administration is doing very well on the fiscal aspect of our economy, so that poverty will be reduced.

“I think we have done all the needful in terms of activities to the tax reform bills to make them workable,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the delegation, which was led by Edun, include Cardoso, Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, and other top government officials.

NAN reports that the delegation had a series of meetings with fund managers, global financial leaders, and multilateral institutions investors.

Also, meetings were held with other development partners to cement existing relationships, create new partnerships and spread the news of the dividends of Nigeria’s economic reforms.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Prince William pays respects to Pope Francis at funeral in Vatican

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Sat, 2025

Foreign

Prince William pays respects to Pope Francis at funeral in Vatican

440 total views today

Britain’s Prince William on Saturday paid his respects to the Pope on behalf of King Charles III, as he gathered with world leaders for the historic funeral in St. Peter’s Square.

William, side by side with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stood for a moment’s silence in front of Pope Francis’s sealed wooden and zinc coffin in its place before the altar in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The prince, with his hands clasped, solemnly bowed his head as he stood in reflection ahead of the funeral mass.

William, dressed in a dark blue suit and black tie, then walked through the ornate basilica and down the steps into St. Peter’s Square, before shaking hands with a member of the clergy and being guided to his seat.

He was carrying out his most significant duty so far as heir to the throne as he made the solo journey to the Vatican on Saturday.

It is the first time the prince has represented the monarch at an international funeral.

William spoke briefly to U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the basilica on his way to the service.

He also spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron ahead of the mass.

William was seated in the third row, and placed seemingly unexpectedly next to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The prince, a non-Catholic heir to the throne, had been expected to sit alongside fellow heir apparent, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, who was accompanied by his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

But this element of the delicately arranged diplomacy of the previously announced seating plan – in order of precedence and alphabetically in French – appeared not to have been followed.

The prince was seen reading the order of service booklet containing an English translation during the ceremony.

In the row in front of William were Jordan’s King Abdullah and Queen Rania.

Some 55 heads of state, 14 heads of government and 12 reigning monarchs joined mourners for the open-air service in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

The U.S. and French presidents and their wives were among those who, like William and Starmer, paused in front of the pope’s coffin to pay their respects.

William made the journey on behalf of Charles, head of the Church of England, in honour of Pope Francis, who was head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The decision for William, a future Supreme Governor of the Anglican church, to represent his father is in keeping with modern tradition and protocol, with Charles as the Prince of Wales attending Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 on behalf of Elizabeth II.

It marks a major milestone in William’s role as a global statesman and future king.

A complex security operation is in place around the Vatican as hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Vatican City. (PA Media/dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Pope Francis buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Sat, 2025

Foreign , Religious

Pope Francis buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major

359 total views today

Pope Francis has been buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, his favourite church in Rome, on Saturday afternoon, after a two-hour funeral service held in St Peter’s Square, the Holy See says.

Earlier, some 150,000 people bid farewell to the pope from the roadside as his funeral procession passed through central Rome, according to estimates by the Vatican.

Earlier, leaders and dignitaries from around the world attended his funeral service, held in St. Peter’s Square.

The pontiff died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.

Some 150,000 people watched Pope Francis’ funeral procession through Rome from the roadside, according to estimates by the Vatican.

The pontiff’s coffin was brought to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the pope’s favourite church in central Rome, in an old popemobile, following the funeral service in St Peter’s Square.

The convoy travelled through the centre of Rome, passing some of its best-known sites including the Forum and Colosseum, accompanied by several escort vehicles and police motorbikes.

Some 250,000 gathered for the funeral service, both in St Peter’s Square itself and in the surrounding streets.

In total, the authorities counted around 400,000 people, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said, according to media reports. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Stakeholders push for passage of Safe School Declaration Bill

Folashade Adeniran
Apr, Sat, 2025

General News

Stakeholders push for passage of Safe School Declaration Bill

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By Joan Odafe/Oluwatope Lawanson

Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), on Friday, urged all tiers of government to prioritise safety and security of schools across Nigeria through the passage of Safe School Declaration (SSD) Bill into law.

Mrs Jennifer Nwokedike, the Coordinator of SSD, made the call at a roundtable for media executives on advocacy for safe and secure schools in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Safe School project, spearheaded by WARDC, is supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund.

The coordinator said that the Safe School Project was aimed to ensure that schools in Nigeria, especially in areas at risk, would be safe and protected.

She added that the essence of the project was to ensure that children could continue to access education without fear of violence or attack.

According to her, the aim is to increase public awareness of the Safe School Declaration and hold the government accountable for implementing safe school policies in Nigeria.

“We have made significant progress, including increasing public awareness of SSD and developing a framework for its actualisation.

“The project has successfully increased awareness of SSD, particularly in Lagos State, Bauchi and Abuja.

“Also, a framework has been developed to help actualise SSD in Nigeria by strengthening partnerships among relevant stakeholders to ensure implementation of SSD.

On the progress of SSD Bill, Nwokedike said that the bill had passed the first reading at the National Assembly and was awaiting further action.

“The bill has gone through readings at the Bauchi State House of Assembly and is at the final stage of being passed.

“Likewise, the bill is awaiting presentation to the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she said.

The Director of Operation, WARDC, Mrs Mary George-Peluola, said the meeting was aimed at highlighting major safety concerns on schools.

George-Peluola said the roundtable was also to strategise for effective advocacy, develop plans for collaborative actions, particularly the role of the media in promoting safe school initiative.

A Deputy Director of Research at the National Human Rights Commission, Mrs Uche Okwuobi, said that continuous attacks on schools violated children’s rights.

“These attacks do not only disrupt education of the children, but also inflict lasting psychological trauma on them, their families and communities,” she said.

The National Network Coordinator of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding Nigeria, Dr Bridget Osakwe, said that schools should be sanctuaries, not places of fear.

Osakwe, who was represented by the Head of Programmes of WANEP, Mrs Patience Obaulo, said that issues, including violent attacks, bullying, drug abuse and kidnapping, had made many Nigerian schools unsafe.

“A safe learning environment enhances academic performance, reduces student dropout, promotes social and emotional development, and encourages peaceful co-existence,” she said.

Highlighting abduction since 2014, she said the Safe School Initiative, which was launched by the nation, was grounded in three pillars that would help to ensure safe learning facilities.

She added that it would enhance school disaster management, risk reduction and resilience education.

The Executive Director, International Press Centre, Dr Lanre Arogundade, emphasised the need for the government to prioritise safety and security of schools across the country.

According to him, practical actions are required to address the issue.

Arogundade suggested a multi-stakeholder approach involving state security forces, federal forces, community leaderships, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

He said that solutions to the problem would vary across different parts of the country, requiring tailored approaches.

He stressed the need for collaboration between security agencies.

“We need to see practical actions – involvement of community leadership, traditional rulers.”

He also emphasised the need for governments to commit resources to ensure school safety and security and develop solutions to address specific challenges. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

by Ijeoma Popoola

MACBAN commends DSS, lauds Tinubu’s appointments

Salisu Sani Idris
Apr, Sat, 2025

General News

MACBAN commends DSS, lauds Tinubu’s appointments

428 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its professional handling of the security situation in Plateau, Benue, and other states.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, expressed the association’s commendation in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

He noted that the DSS had managed the security challenges in the mentioned states with utmost professionalism, deserving of recognition.

Othman-Ngelzarma also lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Tosin Ajayi as the Director-General of the DSS, describing it as one of the best decisions of his administration.

He urged other security agencies to learn from the way the new DSS leadership had approached securing lives and property.

The MACBAN President highlighted the efforts of the DSS to investigate the root causes of the problems affecting the states.

“We salute the professionalism with which the DSS has been handling the delicate security challenges in Plateau, Benue, and several other states,” he said.

He also noted that the DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, had successfully distinguished between law-abiding Fulani herdsmen and criminals.

Othman-Ngelzarma further alleged that more than 20 per cent of MACBAN members and four million heads of cattle have been forced to flee Nigeria due to insecurity, with many families displaced.

He pointed out that the exodus of herders had driven up the cost of beef, which had traditionally been the cheapest source of meat in Nigeria.

He reiterated the association’s readiness to cooperate with both the Federal and State Governments to support security agencies in restoring peace, thereby ensuring the smooth functioning of business and economic activities.

He also thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling one of his campaign promises with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to him, the ministry will significantly improve Nigeria’s livestock industry.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to provide solar hybrid system in 37 universities

Folashade Adeniran
Apr, Sat, 2025

General News

FG to provide solar hybrid system in 37 universities

408 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government says it will provide two megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in each of the 37 Federal Universities in the states and the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clean renewable energy is a source of generating power through hydro energy, solar power and wind power.

The Director-General of Electricity Company of Nigeria ( ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this in a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Abdullahi said Government would also provide two Megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in each of the 37 Tertiary Hospitals across the 36 States and FCT.

He disclosed that the project was part of the N10 billion presidential solar power project recently initiated by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“The project is in fulfillment of Tinubu’s presidential campaign promise to provide stable electricity supply in the country.

“Experts view the project as a strategic and bold step toward national aspiration and fundamental investment in the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.

“It is also a strategic step towards sustainability, Universal access, self-reliance and a leading role in the power supply equation,’’ he said.

The DG, however, explained that prior to President Tinubu’s administration, Federal Institutions in Abuja including the Presidential Villa were owing the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) N47.1billion.

According to him, the transitioning to alternative and sustainable energy source will significantly reduce burden and allow government institutions to become models of efficiency by cutting costs and enhance reliable and sustainable governance.

“The move clearly intends to insulate Nigerians from incessant high electricity bills, which underscores the President’s commitment to cutting costs and reducing spending across public and private facilities,’’ Abdullahi said.

On the solar power projects, the DG said the initiative has sent a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners on Nigeria readiness to take control of its energy sector.

“This initiative opens doors to thousands of jobs in solar panel manufacturing; systems design, installation, operation and maintenance.

“It fosters innovation among the indigenous engineers, entrepreneurs, and young graduates seeking opportunities in a global green economy.

“It reduces pressure on our overstretched national grid, cuts long-term costs and puts us on a path to energy equity.”

He said that the initiative would plant the seeds for decentralized renewable power systems that could light up rural communities and empower under-served and unserved communities across the country.

Abdullahi urged Nigerians to focus on the expected gains, adding that the initiative was a long-term energy vision. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan and Benson Iziama

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Fri, 2025

Science & Tech

FG to provide solar hybrid system in 37 Universities

275 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government says it will provide two megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in each of the 37 federal universities in the states and the FCT.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clean renewable energy is a source of generating power through hydro energy, solar power and wind power.

The Director-General of Electricity Company of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this in a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Abdullahi said government would also provide two megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in each of the 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and FCT.

He disclosed that the project was part of the N10 billion Presidential Solar Power Project recently initiated by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“The project is in fulfilment of Tinubu’s presidential campaign promise to provide stable electricity supply in the country.

“Experts view the project as a strategic and bold step towards national aspiration and fundamental investment in the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.

“It is also a strategic step towards sustainability, universal access, self-reliance and a leading role in the power supply equation,’’ he said.

The D-G, however, explained that prior to President Tinubu’s administration, federal institutions in Abuja including the Presidential Villa were owing the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) N47.1billion.

On the solar power projects, the D-G said the initiative has sent a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners on Nigeria’s readiness to take control of its energy sector.

“This initiative opens doors to thousands of jobs in solar panel manufacturing; systems design, installation, operation and maintenance.

“It fosters innovation among the indigenous engineers, entrepreneurs, and young graduates seeking opportunities in a global green economy.

“It reduces pressure on our overstretched national grid, cuts long-term costs and puts us on a path to energy equity.”

He said that the initiative would plant the seeds for decentralised renewable power systems that could light up rural communities and empower under-served and unserved communities across the country.

Abdullahi urged Nigerians to focus on the expected gains, adding that the initiative was a long-term energy vision. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan and Benson Iziama