Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Sir: Nigeria’s energy deficit is quite evident; over 84 million Nigerians live without access to electricity, while countless others rely daily on diesel and petrol generators due to unreliable electricity supply and grid instability. While the cost of powering these generators annually is quite significant, they also pollute the environment and pose threat to human health, stifling productivity. Yet, the country is blessed with abundant renewable resources (especially solar) that stand as a viable means to addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis but remain under-utilized. The missing link is financing.

Estimates suggest that Nigeria needs around $9 to $10 billion dollars annually until 2030 to achieve universal electricity access under its Energy Transition Plan. Clearly, public funds and donor contributions alone cannot meet this need. The key lies in unlocking private capital from commercial banks, institutional investors, and other financiers. To attract this much needed investment, several priorities stand out.

First, it is important to de-risk the renewable energy sector. Investors are naturally cautious and in Nigeria, there are concerns about currency volatility, unclear regulations, and repayment challenges. Innovative measures such as guarantees, blended finance, and insurance products can help share risks, giving investors greater confidence to participate.

Second, there is the need to bring forward more bankable projects. Many renewable energy ideas stall because they lack solid financial structures, credible customers, or regulatory backing. Renewable energy project developers must be supported to prepare projects in ways that meet investor requirements and ensure long-term viability.

Third, we have to design tailored financial tools for Nigeria’s market. Renewable energy projects are not like conventional businesses in that they usually require patient capital which means longer repayment periods and flexible structures. Local financial institutions should also create products such as ‘pay-as-you-go’ or ‘lease-to-own’ models that reflect how renewable energy projects actually generate income.

In addition, we need stronger policy and regulatory frameworks. Streamlined approvals, enforceable contracts, predictable tariffs, and better coordination among regulators can make Nigeria a far more attractive destination for private investment.

Finally, leverage climate finance. Instruments such as green bonds, sukuks, and carbon markets represent an untapped pool of funding. When combined with private capital, these tools can significantly accelerate renewable energy expansion.

The future of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector depends not only on technology but also on finance. By reducing risks, strengthening policies, and being innovative in our financial design, the country can unlock billions in private investment. The prize is enormous; we will have affordable and reliable energy for households and businesses, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and a cleaner, more sustainable economy. The path forward is clear, if we will take it.

Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited has disowned a suit filed on its behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, alleging it was done without authorisation.

In a letter to Malik, the firm stated that neither its board nor management approved the action purportedly filed by his law firm, A. A. Malik and Co, against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The company demanded the withdrawal of the suit, requesting evidence of compliance.

It warned that failure to comply would lead to petitions to law enforcement agencies, the Body of Benchers, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee.

Houses for Africa also raised concerns about the transfer of the case from Court 38 to Court 37 in Jikwoyi, and the assignment of the matter to Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the FCT High Court, despite other pending cases on the same subject.

It described the process as questionable and urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to ensure that the integrity of ministerial decisions on the River Park Estate crisis was maintained.

The eighth edition of a Career, Business and Skill Acquisition (CABSA) initiative, combining grants, exhibitions, open markets exhibition and career clinics to support entrepreneurs and professionals in the country’s largest local government, Alimosho, kicked off yesterday. The five-day empowerment programme is powered by the Calvary Bible Church.

The Founder and General Overseer of the church, Dr. Olumide Emmanuel said at the event tagged ‘CABSA 8.0: The Alimosho Exhibition and Business Summit’, participants will benefit from free business consultancy, career guidance, wholesale markets, panel sessions and business showcases, while several entrepreneurs will also receive grants worth millions of naira.

He described CABSA as a transformational initiative that has evolved beyond skills training to become a hub for business and career growth.

‘Some of the exhibitors you see today came here eight years ago to learn soap-making or photography. They have now built businesses, employ others and are exhibiting their products. That’s the transformation we want to see,’ Emmanuel said.

CABSA, which began as a skills acquisition project during an Easter programme organized by the church, has grown into a multi-faceted empowerment platform. According to the wealth coach, its uniqueness this year lies in the Alimosho Exhibition, where entrepreneurs and businesses will connect directly with consumers and wholesalers.

Emmanuel explained that CABSA is not just a church project but a ‘strategic effort to put Alimosho on the global map’, noting that the community’s size and electoral influence made it central to Lagos and Nigeria’s socio-economic future.

‘Alimosho is the largest local government in the country. For 30 years I’ve told my people, we are not here by accident. We are here to say, Alimosho must be put on the global map. Together, we will change this,’ he said.

Although he could not quantify CABSA’s overall impact in monetary terms, the life coach however, stressed that the initiative had touched thousands of lives, created hundreds of entrepreneurs and strengthened businesses through grants and training.

He pointed to the church’s wider social projects, including 27 years of scholarship schemes and feeding initiatives through ‘Martha’s Kitchen’ since 2008, as proof of its long-standing commitment to community development.

‘In the business world, we measure by cost-benefit analysis. In the kingdom, it’s different. You can spend N100 million to win one soul because one soul is worth more than a $1trillion. Our focus is on transformed lives,’ Emmanuel added.

Meanwhile, exhibitors at CABSA 8.0 credited the platform with giving them visibility, confidence and direct customer engagement.

Fashion entrepreneur, Favour Ogedengbe, who recently graduated from a tertiary institution and now runs a clothing and skincare brand, said the programme had accelerated her business growth.

‘CABSA has really given me visibility. Unlike social media, here you see customers face-to-face, understand their needs, and grow your business in real terms. It has given me exposure at the right time,’ she said.

For Pertinence Group, the event was an opportunity to introduce its fintech innovation, Genius by Pettisave, designed to build saving cultures among SMEs.

‘The church has a significant role to play in society. Supporting businesses is one of the critical pillars of nation-building. This exhibition shows how the church can foster unity and enterprise development,’ the firm’s Assistant General Manager, Tolulope Oduselu said.

Food brand, Eagle Foods, also a first-time participant, said CABSA enabled them to sell healthy food products at wholesale prices, helping families cope with economic challenges.

‘CABSA is an impactful programme that builds confidence and helps businesses project themselves beyond Lagos to the world. It’s about growth, visibility, and encouraging entrepreneurs to aim higher,’ co-founder, Temitope Ayo-Joshua said.

Looking ahead, Emmanuel projected bigger grants and broader reach for future editions of CABSA.

‘When we started, we shared N20,000 grants. Today, we’re giving out millions. By CABSA 10.0, we may be talking about N20 million or N50 million in grants, with hundreds more entrepreneurs empowered and exhibiting their businesses,’ he said.

On government support, Emmanuel argued that effective institutions, not political handouts, were what the country needed. According to him, CABSA thrives on personal responsibility, partnerships, and sustainable structures rather than politics.

‘When government does its job, much of what we are doing won’t be necessary. But as long as there is a need, we will keep doing our part to transform lives,’ he stressed.

Yesterday, the country clocked 65 years as an independent nation. It was an avenue for reflection, stock-taking and future projections. Students, who are key stakeholders in the education space believe it is not all gloom and doom. They reckoned that the President’s reforms underlined a steely resolve to reposition the sector, thus, it is a ‘work in progress’.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Oluwagbemileke Oduselu, a 300-Level student at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, said: ‘President Tinubu’s reforms are bold and show intent, but for us, what matters is seeing them work in real time with better funding, digital learning tools, and skills that match today’s job market.

‘The education system has definitely had its share of ups and downs.

At 65, Nigeria has produced brilliant minds, yet many students still face poor facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated learning methods.

Students want an education that prepares us for life, not just for exams.’

A 400-Level student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Oshunkeye Moyinoluwa, described Nigeria’s education system as ‘a work in progress’.

‘At 65 tomorrow, I feel like our education system is still a work in progress because we have made some strides, but honestly the challenges are still plenty, from underfunding, to outdated curriculum, to strikes that keep setting students back.

‘I would say President Tinubu’s reforms are bold and needed actually, from the student loan scheme, the push for skills over certificates, and plans to reposition our schools show he’s updated and not ignorant

‘The real issue is whether these things will move from paper to reality – we’ve heard several promises before, so expectations are high,’ she said.

‘At the end of the day, education has to be the backbone of our growth. If these reforms are seen through, Nigeria’s young people can actually compete globally and build the future we all want and dream of,’ she said.

An ND2 Mass Communication student at Auchi Polytechnic, Zenab Oseni, described Nigeria’s education system as ‘a talented student juggling multiple responsibilities – resilient, yet rough around the edges!’

‘Despite challenges, our students are making do with limited resources, while educators are passionate and dedicated, often going above and beyond.

‘President Tinubu’s reforms have brought fresh air, focusing on data-driven decisions, skills development, and student support.

‘With the right investment and love we tend to do better,’ she said.

Over the years, the government has made promises such as student loans, increased funding, and better technical schools, said Ifeoluwa Adeyeye, a 300-Level Mass Communication student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

According to Ifeoluwa, more schools have been built, the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme has expanded free basic education alongside the continuous campaign against reduced girl-child education, yet, the progress hasn’t reached new heights.

Ifeoluwa said: ‘Millions of children, especially in Northern Nigeria, remain out of school. Most schools are overcrowded, poorly equipped, and run by underpaid teachers.’

She recalled the challenges faced in her school: ‘Sometimes, we stand during lectures because of inadequate infrastructure. Lecture halls are shared across departments, leading to schedule clashes and, most often, cancelled classes.’

The major change Ifeoluwa expects to see in Nigeria’s educational sector is stability.

‘No more strikes, no more disrupted calendars, no more wasted years. Stability would allow students to graduate in due time, plan their lives better, and truly enjoy the value of the education they struggled for.

‘Nigeria’s education system doesn’t need more promises; it needs an environment where learning thrives to help build trust between the government, lecturers, and students,’ she said.

A 500-level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Joseph Busayo, said :’On paper, the reforms sound good, especially things like curriculum review and all of that. But will every school truly benefit? Even the ones in the slums.

‘I’m just choosing to be hopeful. At least I haven’t lost total confidence that education at all levels in Nigeria can still be revived.’

Raji Halimat Mopelola, a 200-Level Mass Communication student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), said an investment in education shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while thing but a top priority to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to provide inclusive and quality education for all.

‘Celebrating 65 years of independence when some universities are on strike speaks volumes. True independence is not just political; it means giving young people the freedom to learn without interruption and the opportunity to build a better future,’ she said.

The Flying Eagles will be aiming for victory against Saudi Arabia on Matchday 2 in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, after a painful loss to Norway in their first group game on Monday.

Despite dominating the game and creating a number of opportunities, the seven-time African champions were unlucky not to have equalized in the second half of the encounter, and probably taken the three points. On two occasions, their appeals for penalty awards were turned down by the referee.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubair is upbeat his wards have shaken off the defeat against Norway as their attention has shifted towards the confrontation with Saudi Arabia, to ensure the team gets the desired result. With the availability of all key players, Coach Zubair may stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation with more focus on attack and ball possession.

Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga and Charles Agada have all been booked and will have to play with caution to avoid missing the last group game against the Colombians.

A non-governmental organisation, Iykon Global Foundation, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has officially unveiled a web-based test engine system and online learning for Nigerian students, both at secondary and undergraduate levels.

It is aimed at enabling students to excel in their educational pursuits and reduce the incidents of abysmal failures.

Speaking during the unveiling of learning platform in Asaba, Delta State capital yesterday, the Executive Director, Iykon Global Foundation, Ambassador Ephraim Ikechukwu Nwonu, said the essence of the initiative was to assist Nigerian students to enable them to pass their examinations with ease and reduce the incidents of failures among students in WAEC, NECO, JAMB and other examining bodies.

He also said the platform would keep the students well informed and also to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitments to improving education in his Renewed Hope Agenda policy.

Nwonu said: ‘The whole essence of this initiative is to assist Nigerian students to be able to pass their examinations, including job seekers to be well informed ahead.

‘Also, the initiative will go a long way in complementing the wonderful commitments of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector. I also commend the President for the NELFUND programme for students to have access to education.

‘It is expected that this initiative will serve as an antidote to JAMB, WAEC, and NECO examinations’ abysmal failure, especially in recent times. Job seekers and graduates can also benefit from this all-important initiative.’

Also speaking during the flag off, the President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said the web-based test engine system speaks directly to the struggle and advocacy for students to have access to qualitative and affordable education enhanced by technology. He added that the initiative was not just a project but a tool for empowerment, a bridge to excellence, and a strategic response to the evolving educational demands of the 21st century.

He maintained that Nigerian students had been constrained by inadequate learning resources, poor access to practical platforms, and the gap between classroom knowledge and exams preparedness.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday returned to Abuja after a week-long international mission where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and concluded strategic engagements in Germany.

During the high-level meetings in New York, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement in which Nigeria called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including a permanent African seat on the Security Council.

He also championed Africa’s sovereignty over its estimated $700 billion mineral resources, urging global equity in resource governance.

Shettima also met with United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s bid for a permanent Security Council seat, and later showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Vice President strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders while assuring the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the policies and programmes of President Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima proceeded to Germany where he held further talks with financial and development partners, rounding off what observers described as a highly successful diplomatic mission before returning to Abuja.

Nigeria marked its 65th anniversary yesterday, without the commemorative parade, a major highlight of the yearly event. At 65, we have come some way as a nation. Our biggest test was the 1967-70 civil war. We came out of it united and indivisible. We have remained one since then. There have been other anxious moments after that, with

The annulment nearly plunged us into another war. We came out of it badly bruised, but unbowed. The military, especially Generals Babangida’s and Abacha’s evil plan to destroy democracy failed. They wanted to subject us to perpetual military rule, but the vigilance of Nigerians saved the day. Since 1999, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule, the longest ever in our chequered history. It has been 26 years and counting. We have seen that the worst form of democracy is better than the most benevolent military rule.

Things can only get better as we soldier on as a nation. There is no doubt that things are difficult, but the hope is that, as the President said in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday things are looking up. To borrow his words: ‘there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel’. May the light shine brighter and brighter, so that the people will rejoice. Happy anniversary, Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged boat operators in the water transportation subsector across the country to putsafety above financial considerations in the conduct of their daily business.

The President said this yesterday while commiserating with the government and people of Kogi State over Tuesday’s boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.

Reports said the boat accident victims were traders travelling from Ibaji to the Ilushi market in neighbouring Edo State when the tragedy occurred.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the incident as ‘shocking and unfortunate,’ stressing the victims were on a trying to earn a living.

The President praised first responders and urged emergency agencies to intensify rescue and relief efforts to support survivors and assist affected families.

Consoling the government and people of Kogi State, President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.