Category: PM News

All On, Nigeria’s off-grid energy access impact investor, has launched the 2026 All On Off-Grid Energy Challenge, inviting Nigerian clean energy companies to compete for funding of up to $1 million to scale innovative solutions aimed at expanding energy access across the country.

Applications for the nationwide competition opened on July 2 and will close on July 31, 2026.

The initiative seeks to identify and support Nigerian entrepreneurs and businesses developing scalable and commercially viable off-grid energy solutions in renewable energy, productive-use technologies, energy efficiency, cold chain systems, mini-grids, solar home systems, and other clean energy applications.

According to All On, the Challenge is designed to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity access gap while promoting economic growth in underserved communities through sustainable energy solutions.

Since its launch in 2018, the programme has committed $3.6 million to 36 Nigerian-owned companies, supporting projects that have provided clean energy access to more than 150,000 Nigerians.

The 2026 edition significantly expands the level of support available, with selected companies eligible for between $200,000 and $1 million in blended financing comprising both non-dilutive and commercial funding instruments.

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will receive technical assistance and investment-readiness support from the All On Hub team.

This year’s competition places particular emphasis on projects that promote the productive use of energy (PUE) by converting electricity access into economic opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, food processing, cold storage, healthcare and small businesses.

The Challenge will also support innovations across the off-grid energy value chain, including technologies designed to improve outcomes for women and young people.

Speaking at the launch, Innovation Hub Manager, Sele Inegbedion, said the initiative reflects All On’s confidence in Nigerian entrepreneurs’ ability to solve the country’s energy challenges.

‘The Off-Grid Energy Challenge exists because we believe the solutions to Nigeria’s energy problems already live within Nigeria, in the minds and hands of our entrepreneurs,’ Inegbedion said. ‘Our role is to find them, back them, and walk with them as they grow. This year, we are doing that with more capital and more conviction than ever before. If you are building something that brings light and economic opportunity to communities that have been left behind, we want to hear from you.’

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of All On, Caroline Eboumbou, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting innovative businesses addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit.

‘Nigeria’s off-grid energy sector has proven, year after year, that the right kind of support that is patient, flexible, and rooted in deep market understanding, can produce transformational outcomes,’ Eboumbou said. ‘The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is one of the most direct expressions of what All On stands for: putting serious capital behind entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving one of our country’s most pressing challenges.’

To qualify, applicants must be majority Nigerian-owned and managed, operate as for-profit private companies legally registered in Nigeria, and present innovative, commercially viable solutions capable of serving unserved and underserved communities within a 12- to 18-month investment period.

Founded as an independent impact investing company and seeded by Shell, All On provides debt, equity financing, and non-financial support to renewable energy companies working to expand affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity access for low-income households and small businesses across Nigeria.

Taskforce seizes mining equipment, arrests two in Taraba gold site raid

By Fibemi Emmanuel Gashika

The Taraba Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce on Monday arrested two suspected illegal miners during a raid on a gold mining site at Mayo Kam in Gantu village, Bali Local Government Area of the state.

The Chairman of the taskforce, Mr Emmanuel Jamu, told newsmen in Jalingo that the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering.

Jamu said security operatives traversed difficult terrain to reach the remote mining site for the raid.

He explained that most of the suspected illegal miners fled into nearby forests before the arrival of the operatives but two suspects were arrested while attempting to escape.

The Chairman also said the taskforce recovered several items allegedly used for illegal mining, including pumping machines, digging equipment, generators and mineral processing materials.

‘We want to send a clear message. Whether they are there or not, we will keep trying. They can run today, but they cannot run forever. They will face the full weight of the law,’ he said.

He appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to support the taskforce with credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects still at large.

Jamu said the two suspects were currently in custody and the taskforce would continue operations in other identified high-risk areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Taraba Government on June 19, suspended all mining activities across the state over security concerns and subsequently constituted the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce to enforce the directive.

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of withholding important information from a visiting British Government delegation while alleging political violence against opposition leaders.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi.

The APC was reacting to Adeleke’s reported request that the British delegation consider economic sanctions and visa restrictions against some political figures over their alleged involvement in violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The delegation was led by Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo.

According to the APC, none of the people named by the governor has been convicted or indicted by a court or commission of inquiry for aiding or abetting political violence in Osun.

‘If we may ask, which court or commission of inquiry indicted the APC chieftains as being responsible for aiding and abetting political violence in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election?’ the party asked.

The APC alleged that Adeleke did not inform the delegation about claims that wanted political thugs were being harboured inside the Government House.

It also claimed that more than 30 of its members and supporters were killed before the 2022 governorship election.

The party further alleged that some of the governor’s aides were standing trial in connection with the killing of former Irewole Local Government Chairman Remi Abass.

It also referred to the recent killing of four APC members in Ilesa, which it blamed on thugs allegedly connected to the Accord Party.

The APC urged the British delegation to disregard Adeleke’s allegations against its leaders and members.

‘We want to inform the visiting British Government delegation to Osun State to disregard the accusations against our chieftains and members of aiding and abetting political violence in Osun State,’ the party stated.

The allegations and counter-allegations come as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.

Adeleke had reportedly called for sanctions and visa restrictions against several political figures he accused of aiding political violence.

Those reportedly named included Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola; Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi; APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji; and campaign council Director-General Wole Oke.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday sentenced Muhammad Sani, an associate of Danranmi, a notorious bandit who supplies arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits, to 20 years imprisonment.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a judgment, convicted Sani, who was arrested and prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), for concealing information that could have led to the arrest of Danranmi.

The judge committed him to a 20-year jail term each in counts one and two without an option of fine.

Justice Nwite, ordered that the sentencing must run concurrently beginning from Jan. 11, 2023, the date of his arrest,.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DSS had preferred a four-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences against Sani.

The offence is contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 16(1)(b)of the same Act.

The David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission over the alleged forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly issued by the commission.

The petition followed a claim by the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction that it had uploaded the names of its presidential candidate and other nominees to INEC’s nomination portal.

The rival faction announced on Sunday night that it had completed the exercise and displayed images bearing INEC’s name, symbol and logo.

However, the Mark-led ADC dismissed the claim as false, arguing that only the leadership recognised by INEC could access the nomination portal.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the claim was intended to create confusion and mislead the public.

‘INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise,’ the ADC said.

‘Secondly, the commission will not issue two codes to the same party. Otherwise, every impostor would simply upload names to the portal and proclaim themselves the authentic leadership of a political party.’

The party challenged the Bala Gombe-led group to provide evidence that it had successfully accessed the portal and uploaded its candidates’ names.

‘The question, therefore, is straightforward: where is the evidence of this purported upload by a group of individuals not known by law or the electoral body?’ it asked.

The Mark-led faction urged INEC to investigate what it described as the apparent forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly originating from the commission.

It warned that the alleged conduct could create confusion and undermine public confidence in INEC.

‘We trust that the commission will investigate this matter and take the necessary steps to correct this blatant misrepresentation,’ the party said.

The ADC maintained that it had only one leadership recognised by INEC and denied that the party was divided.

It said the recognised leadership had used the nomination portal to upload the details of its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The party accused unnamed individuals of attempting to distract it ahead of the 2027 general election.

It urged its members, supporters, the media and the public to disregard information not issued through its authorised channels.

INEC initially set Saturday, July 11, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to upload the details of their presidential and National Assembly candidates.

The commission subsequently extended the deadline to Tuesday, July 14.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to constitute an independent, multi stakeholder panel to investigate the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the disputed ?1.3 billion budget allocation linked to the body.

In the letter dated July 13, Adeyemi commended the President for directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter. However, he argued that an inquiry conducted solely by the anti corruption agency would not sufficiently guarantee transparency and public confidence.

Adeyemi, who has been accused of posing as the director general of the controversial PFIPC, said an independent panel comprising relevant stakeholders would ensure fairness and credibility in the investigation.

‘I write to you not as a fugitive evading accountability, but as a Nigerian citizen who maintains an unwavering belief in equity, justice and the rule of law,’ Adeyemi said in the letter.

He described the President’s directive to the ICPC as ‘a vital first step’ but maintained that the current arrangement presented ‘severe structural challenges’ to achieving an impartial outcome.

Adeyemi also claimed that surrendering himself under the present circumstances could put his life at risk, alleging that he had received credible intelligence suggesting he faced threats to his safety if taken into custody without independent oversight.

He urged President Tinubu to establish a broader investigative panel that would include representatives of professional bodies and civil society to strengthen public trust in the outcome of the probe.

The letter comes amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged creation of the PFIPC, a body authorities have described as fictitious, and the insertion of a ?1.3 billion allocation for it in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The controversy has also prompted police and anti corruption investigations into allegations of forgery, impersonation and other related offences.

Ororo Waste Management Limited, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Shell Foundation and the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), commenced a two-day capacity-building programme aimed at integrating waste pickers, market women and youths into the formal Used Cooking Oil (UCO) collection value chain in Lagos State.

The training, held from 9th to 10th July 2026 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required for safe collection, handling, storage and transportation of used cooking oil, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The initiative forms part of the strategic partnership between Ororo Waste Management Limited and the Lagos State Government to expand household used cooking oil collection across the State through LASEPA’s network of 21 zonal offices.

The Participants, numbering about two hundred and fifty, drawn from various communities across Lagos, including members of WAPAN, market women and youths representing different ethnic groups, received intensive training on quality assurance, traceability, environmental best practices and the economic value of used cooking oil as a vital feedstock for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and biodiesel.

Speaking during the training, Mrs. Adebiyi Atinuke one of the facilitators expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response from participants, noting that public perception about the value of used cooking oil is gradually changing.

She explained that many people initially doubted that used vegetable oil could generate income, but the training had successfully demonstrated its economic and environmental value.

According to her, the programme is designed to financially empower market women and youths, particularly young people seeking sustainable means of livelihood, while also contributing to improved public health through proper disposal of used cooking oil.

Mrs. Atinuke disclosed that participation in the programme was completely free, with organisers providing transportation for participants to and from the training venue.

She further recommended sustained public enlightenment through market sensitisation campaigns and grassroots engagement to encourage wider participation and increase awareness of the initiative.

She added that the financial incentive attached to used cooking oil collection serves as a major motivation for residents, as individuals receive payment for every quantity of used oil they supply through the collection network.

Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Ororo Waste Management Limited, Mr. Olaitan Dawodu, explained that while the company’s initial focus was on collecting used cooking oil from restaurants and hotels, the programme with the support of Shell Foundation, now seeks to extend collection to households through a structured community-based supply chain.

He explained that waste pickers will collect used cooking oil from households, market women and other designated collection points before transporting it to community collection kiosks where trained youths will conduct quality checks before the oil is moved into the recycling value chain.

Mr. Dawodu noted that every participant within the supply chain-including market women, waste pickers and youths-will earn income for their respective roles, creating an inclusive circular economy that generates employment while protecting human health and the environment.

He explained that extensive sensitisation was carried out across markets and communities before the training to encourage participation, he demonstrated how the initiative can increase household incomes through the collection of used cooking oil.

According to him, the programme also seeks to educate residents on the health risks associated with repeatedly used cooking oil for food preparation while promoting proper disposal practices that protect both public health and the environment.

He therefore encouraged residents to utilise the growing network of used cooking oil collection points located at LASEPA’s zonal offices, Laddo Filing Stations, participating markets and other designated centres, stressing that collective participation will support environmental sustainability while creating additional economic opportunities for Lagos residents.

Professor Mark Nwagwu, renowned Nigerian scholar, poet, essayist and former Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Ibadan, has added another remarkable chapter to his extraordinary academic journey, earning a second Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree at the age of 89.

Nwagwu was awarded a Ph.D. in Cultural and Media Studies by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, three years after he enrolled for the programme at the age of 86.

He made this known via a post on his Facebook page on Monday,13 July 2026.

‘Today my thesis came to life and history was made. I received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural anð Media Studies of the Institute of African Studies University of Ibadan,’ he wrote.

The latest achievement further cements his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished intellectuals and lifelong learners. It also makes him one of the oldest scholars in the country to complete a doctoral programme.

Photographs from the convocation ceremony showed the elated scholar celebrating the milestone with the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, the Registrar, his supervisor, the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies and other university officials.

Already a respected scientist before venturing into the humanities, Nwagwu studied at the University of Ibadan and obtained a B.Sc. in Zoology in 1961 as well as an M.Sc. in Zoology in 1965 from the University of London before earning his first Ph.D. in Zoology from Stockholm University, Sweden, in 1965. He also undertook post-doctoral research at the University of Connecticut, United States, between 1966 and 1969.

He rose through the ranks from Senior Lecturer to Reader before becoming a Professor of Zoology and later Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Ibadan. He retired in 2002 after a distinguished academic career and also served as Assistant and Associate Professor at Brock University in Canada.

Beyond science, Nwagwu has carved a distinguished reputation in literature, publishing several volumes of poetry, essays and memoirs. He remains the only Nigerian scholar who is both a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

Nwagwu first announced his decision to pursue another doctorate on his 86th birthday in May 2023, revealing that he had registered for doctoral studies at the Institute of African Studies.

In an interview with this reporter shortly after enrolling for the programme, the veteran scholar explained that his decision was driven by a desire to answer historical questions that could not be resolved through conventional writing.

‘It required answers that can be provided only through hard research. There and then I told him I would carry out work for a Ph.D. to provide some answers to the thorny questions,’ Nwagwu had said.

He recalled that the idea emerged while researching the biography of a prominent lawyer whose family history led to wider discussions about Nigeria’s past.

‘During our discussions on our history, far too many questions lingered on my mind and could not be answered by a book,’ he said, adding that the project demanded rigorous academic investigation rather than literary treatment.

Nwagwu is indeed an inspiration. The completion of the doctorate marks the fulfilment of that ambition and stands as a powerful testament to his belief that learning has no age limit.

For generations of students, academics and writers, Nwagwu’s latest academic feat is more than the award of another degree. It is an enduring lesson in intellectual curiosity, discipline and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

At 89, when many have long retired from public life, Professor Mark Nwagwu has once again demonstrated that scholarship is not measured by age, but by an unquenchable thirst for discovery.

The Osun State University on Monday commenced the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigerian Fisheries Scientists (ANFS) with a call for greater investment in innovation, climate resilience and strategic partnerships to unlock Nigeria’s vast fisheries and blue economy potential.

The conference, held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium on the University’s Main Campus, brought together academics, policymakers, researchers, development partners and industry stakeholders from across Nigeria to deliberate on the theme: ‘Driving Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nigeria: Harnessing Innovation, Building Climate Resilience, and Unlocking Blue Economy Potentials.’

Welcoming participants to the University, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Wumi Ipinmoroti, expressed delight that UNIOSUN was hosting the prestigious scientific gathering and urged delegates to take advantage of the conference to foster collaborations capable of advancing fisheries research and national development.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research, Innovation and Partnerships), Professor Adetunji Lawrence Kehinde, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting research, innovation and strategic partnerships.

He described the Association of Nigerian Fisheries Scientists as a critical professional body contributing significantly to Nigeria’s food security, environmental sustainability and economic growth through research and policy advocacy.

Professor Kehinde assured participants that the University would continue to provide the necessary support for the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management and other academic units in advancing teaching, research and community service before formally declaring the conference open.

In his keynote address, the President of the Association of Nigerian Fisheries Scientists, Professor Bamidele Oluwarotimi Omitoyin, said Nigeria possesses enormous aquatic resources capable of transforming the nation’s economy but lamented that the country still depends heavily on fish importation to meet domestic demand.

According to him, Nigeria’s annual fish demand exceeds 3.2 million metric tonnes, while domestic production remains around 1.2 million metric tonnes, forcing the country to import about two million metric tonnes of fish annually at a cost of over 1.2 billion US dollars.

He noted that climate change, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, inadequate investment and slow technological adoption continue to threaten the growth of the fisheries sector.

Professor Omitoyin stressed that the conference theme reflected the urgent need to embrace technological innovation, climate-smart aquaculture and the blue economy as strategic pathways to achieving food security, employment generation and sustainable economic development. He also called on governments at all levels to implement evidence-based fisheries policies, strengthen extension services and increase investment in aquaculture development, while urging private investors to explore opportunities across the fisheries value chain.

Delivering the first keynote lecture, Dr Austins Stankus, Fisheries Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy, examined strategies for driving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria through innovation, climate resilience and the development of the blue economy.

A second keynote lecture was presented by Professor Emmanuel Adedayo Fasakin of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, who spoke on ‘Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Development in Nigeria.’ He highlighted emerging technologies capable of improving fish production, resource management and environmental sustainability.

Among dignitaries at the opening ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Professor Shadrach Akindele; Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu; the Osun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Tola Faseru; the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole; members of the University’s management; senior academics; representatives of research institutes; development partners; and fisheries professionals from across the country.

The Katsina Police Command has foiled separate kidnapping and cattle rustling attempts in Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas (LGAs), rescuing two kidnapped women unharmed.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Katsina.

He said the first incident occurred on Saturday, at about 11:45 a.m. when armed bandits riding three motorcycles attacked Jauga settlement in Sabon Gida Village, Kankia LGA, and abducted two women.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankia immediately mobilised operatives to the scene after receiving a distress call.

He said the operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into a nearby bush with suspected gunshot wounds and abandon the victims.

According to him, the rescued victims were identified as 20-year-old Rukayya Yahaya and 22-year-old Sahura Abdulhadi, both residents of the community.

The police spokesman also said the command, on Monday, foiled an attempted cattle rustling attack in Majen Waya Village, Charanchi LGA.

He explained that the incident occurred at about 10a.m. when suspected armed bandits invaded the village with the intention of rustling cattle.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the DPO in Charanchi promptly deployed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team, which confronted the hoodlums in a gun duel.

‘The bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the operatives and fled into the bush with suspected bullet wounds.

‘No life was lost and no cattle were rustled during the operation. Normalcy has been restored to the area, while aggressive tactical patrols are ongoing,’ he said.

He added that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ali Umar-Fage, commended the gallantry and swift response of the operatives.

He quoted the commissioner as reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The commissioner also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security and facilitate prompt response to criminal activities.(NAN)