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Newdigit says it is revolutionising healthcare in Nigeria by providing hospitals with reliable electricity and medical-grade oxygen through an innovative clean energy system.

Supported by the initial round of the Powering Healthcare Innovation Fund, this project enhances healthcare delivery with a modular solution powered by water and solar energy.

In a statement, Derick Nwasor, co-founder and CEO of Newdigit, says the organisation designs and manufactures advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, electrolyzers, and related components, supporting healthcare and agriculture for both small and large-scale applications.

According to Nwasor, their innovation, the ‘Just Add Water’ system, is specifically designed for the healthcare sector and combines solar power with PEM technology to produce electricity, oxygen, and clean water, all essential resources for healthcare facilities.

‘Many hospitals in Nigeria experience unstable grid electricity, with 8-10 hours of daily power outages, forcing them to rely on polluting diesel generators for backup. With Just Add Water, hospitals can power critical equipment, generate life-saving oxygen on-site, and even recover clean water, leading to better healthcare services.’ he said.

Nwasor explained that the system integrates three key components: a PEM Electrolyzer, which separates water into hydrogen and oxygen; a PEM fuel cell, which converts hydrogen into reliable electricity; and a solar PV array, which powers the entire process using renewable energy.

Together, these components provide hospitals with 12-15 kW of continuous, clean power, 10-40 liters of medical-grade oxygen per day, and a consistent supply of clean water as a byproduct. The system also features a plug-and-play design for quick installation and easy expansion.

He noted that the Newdigit’s Just Add Water systems are being installed in three hospitals across Lagos, Nigeria, serving a combined patient population of over 24,000 people annually.

Nwasor stressed that by lessening the dependence on unreliable grids and expensive diesel generators, the systems will prevent over 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and produce approximately 274 MWh of clean electricity in their first year of operation.

To ensure long-term viability and local expertise, Nwasor said Newdigit is training hospital staff and local technicians to operate and maintain the systems.

This practical training ensures facilities can maximize uptime and independently manage their clean energy and oxygen supply.

‘We’ve started in Lagos, but our goal by 2030 is to reach at least 1,000 hospitals across Nigeria,’ said Joy Princess, co-founder and COO of Newdigit. ‘We aim to improve the lives of millions of patients every year.’

Newdigit Technologies’ project was funded by the Powering Healthcare Innovation Fund, which Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) launched in 2024 with UK aid from the UK government through the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) initiative. This fund supports innovative solutions for healthcare electrification.

Newdigit Technologies was one of three grantees chosen from 84 applicants in the first round, receiving a USD 50,000 grant to implement their clean energy and oxygen generation solution. The project began in September 2024 and is expected to finish this month.

Charlie Knight, Senior Energy Officer at SEforALL, stated that Newdigit’s approach is revolutionary for creating resilient health systems in Africa. Knight highlighted how combining renewable energy and innovation can provide reliable electricity, oxygen, and water using clean technologies.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo said the party’s presidential candidate; Bola Tinubu has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that will restore Nigeria to the path of greatness if he becomes president.

Kolo told reporters in Minna, the state capital yesterday that Tinubu had the required knowledge to move the country forward.

The APC chieftain described Tinubu as a leader who will unite and move the country forward.

According to him, the APC presidential candidate has vast experience in how to solve the problems bedevilling the country.

He noted that despite the withholding of local governments’ allocation from the Federation Account by the Federal Government during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, he was able to manage the state’s finances and put Lagos economy on sound footing.

In a bold demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to human capital development, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Borno North, has unveiled a groundbreaking scholarship scheme that will send 11 exceptional science graduates abroad for fully funded Master’s degree programmes.

The initiative, established under the M.T. Monguno Foreign Scholarship Programme, represents a monumental investment in education and youth empowerment, offering hope and opportunity to a region that has endured years of hardship due to insurgency.

It also aligns with the transformative agenda of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, whose unrelenting drive to reposition Borno State through education and empowerment continues to inspire progress across the state.

The beneficiaries, carefully selected after a merit-driven process, emerged from a pool of qualified applicants with Second Class Upper degrees in STEM disciplines. They excelled in a rigorous aptitude test overseen by an independent assessment committee, reflecting both academic brilliance and resilience. Drawn from across the senatorial district, these scholars will proceed to India for a two-year Master’s programme, with the first year dedicated to coursework and the second to groundbreaking research, culminating in the award of MSc degrees that will equip them to compete globally.

Valued at hundreds of millions of naira, the comprehensive scholarship package covers tuition, visa and travel costs, living allowances, laptops, research funding, and every resource necessary to ensure the students succeed abroad. It is a holistic empowerment model designed not just to educate, but to transform the lives of the beneficiaries and, by extension, their communities.

Senator Monguno described the programme as a deliberate effort to rebuild Northern Borno through the strategic empowerment of its brightest minds. He emphasized that education remains the most potent weapon for progress and pledged to institutionalize the programme annually, ensuring that future cohorts of young people also benefit.

‘This initiative is about producing a new generation of leaders and professionals who will return with the knowledge and expertise required to rebuild our communities and reposition Northern Borno. Education is the strongest foundation for sustainable growth, and by investing in our youths, we are investing in the destiny of our people,’ Monguno declared.

The initiative has been hailed across the state as a landmark intervention and a testament to the transformative role of legislative leadership. It is expected to inspire a ripple effect of hope, development, and progress, placing Borno North on a stronger path toward recovery and prosperity.

Following the release of six months withheld allocation of Osun Local Government Areas (LGAs), council workers, who have been on strike since February, have fixed Monday for resumption.

The Nation recalls that the workers have stayed off duty since February, as elected council chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were laying claim to the control of the secretariat, following the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

The development led to Federal Government withholding the allocation to the councils. Offices of the Minister of Finance, Attorney-General of the Federation, Accountant General and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recognised the APC reinstated chairmen, directing them to open accounts for the 30 councils, to which the allocation was later released.

Amid the development, council workers under the auspices of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State, led by Comrade Adedayo Adekunle, addressing reporters alongside scores of council workers across the state in Osogbo yesterday, said they were ready to resume on October 6.

He described the strike earlier declared by the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) as needless, ”because the seven months strike has resulted in the death of our colleagues.”

He said: ‘This is best time for autonomy, but some disgruntled elements under the disguise of comrades are working against it. The excuse of insecurity given for strike is not tenable; we are landlords of the council secretariat. The ongoing legal actions should not make us to abscond from our duty posts, yet receiving salary from the state government. The strike is unwarranted.’

Adekunle said workers, who failed to resume duty, risked degradation and job loss, ”as the reinstated chairmen of APC may conduct staff auditing after their resumption on Monday, to ascertain the actual workers before paying them salary forthwith.”

He urged the reinstated chairmen to prioritise the welfare of council workers, noting that the union would continue to fight for the right of its members any day and time despite resumption.

NULGE, through the state Publicity Secretary, David Owoeye, in a statement, kicked against the planned resumption of workers, saying: ‘We have not ordered any worker to resume duty. Our safety is paramount.’

Music and love are inseparable, each inspiring the other and shaping the hearts of those who feel deeply. For Nigerian singer Tony Frank, that connection is personal, emotional, and central to his artistry.

‘Yes, I’m gonna be Frank with you, like my name, Tony Frank. Or should I say, to be Frank, it’s Tony Frank. Being an artist definitely shapes how I experience love. As a creative, I tend to feel emotions very deeply, and that reflects in how I connect with people. Love, for me, isn’t just about romance; it’s inspiration, vulnerability, and storytelling,’ Tony shared.

Known for soulful songs like Call My Baby and Fall, Tony explains that both the highs and lows of love fuel his music. ‘Sometimes it makes the highs even more intense, because I don’t just live the moment-I also translate it into music. And the lows-heartbreak, distance, or challenges-they also become fuel for creativity. Love doesn’t just shape me as a person; it shapes my art, and my art gives me a deeper way to process love,’ he adds.

Being in the spotlight comes with challenges. ‘Things I used to do freely, like moving around unnoticed or keeping my personal space, are different now. There’s more pressure to always be mindful of how I carry myself, both online and offline. Fame also shows you how differently people treat you. Some genuinely support you, while others are drawn to the image of success rather than the person behind it,’ he notes.

Sacrifice is central to his journey. ‘I once sold my family’s land to promote a song with Timaya. I even put my car up as collateral. The sacrifice is worth it. Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m not where I used to be,’ he says.

Tony navigates music promotion strategically: ‘Social media is a huge tool. I create content that connects with people and lets the music spread organically. I also build good relationships with DJs, influencers, and media houses, which reduces costs.’

Looking ahead, he hoped for a fairer system. ‘Nigeria has so much raw talent, but many voices are silenced because they can’t afford promotion.’

Tony Frank said that love and music are inseparable. Every note he sings and every emotion he shares is a story lived, boldly and unapologetically.

An Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court has remanded a leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamusideen Oladiti, for alleged assault and murder of a tricycle driver.

The Lagos State Police Command arraigned Oladiti, 55, for alleged assault and murder of the driver, Omale Samuel, before Mrs A. O. AKinde of Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court, who ordered his remand in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge offence in charge number BG/B53/25 bordering on assault and murder contrary to sections 223, 411 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, Anthony Iyeye said the offences were related to two crimes on Lagos Island involving a case of murder and another of assault occasioning harm.

The charges stated: ‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti on August 27, 2025 on Lewis Street, Lagas Island, did unlawfully beat Imam Ramon with fist blows all over his body, which caused him harm and was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina Lagos where he later died and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos Stale, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladitl ‘m’ and others at large, on September 17, 2025 at Lagos Island Lagos in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit grievous harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti and others at large, on the same date, time and place, did unlawfully beat Omale Samuel with fist blows which caused him grievous harm all over his body and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The court did not take the plea of the defendant after the charges were read.

Chief Magistrate Akinde ordered the case file to be duplicated and forwarded to the Director, Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

She ordered the remand of Oladiti in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending legal advice.

The case was adjourned to October 28.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he thought the Boko Haram insurgency would end during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan made the revelation when he spoke at the public presentation of ‘Scars’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

Reflecting on the insurgency that defined much of his presidency, Jonathan said his administration devised several ways to curtail the insurgency, but with little success.

He explained that during one of the processes aimed at getting the terrorists to surrender, the insurgents nominated former President Buhari as their preferred negotiator.

Jonathan admitted that with such developments, he believed Buhari’s presidency would eventually bring an end to the insurgency.

He said, ‘One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.

‘So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them, and they would have handed over their guns. But it was still there till today,’ he said.

Jonathan noted that the inability of Buhari to eradicate Boko Haram terrorists showed that the crisis was more complex than often portrayed.

‘If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story, but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there. Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.

‘I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there. The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.

‘So, it’s a bit complex, and not a matter of a single story. But I believe, as a nation, we have to look at the Boko Haram issue differently from the conventional approach. I believe one day we’ll overcome it. Once again, let me thank General Irabor for this, because I always appreciate people who document events clearly. That way, when we write our own accounts, we can borrow from such documentation. I also believe that all the military officers involved in the Boko Haram saga should provide information about what the group truly stood for,’ he said.

Jonathan also said the issue of Boko Haram was beyond hunger, adding that his administration employed so many strategies but did not work.

He said, ‘If it was only about hunger-because we tried different options-I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books. But I believe we did our best: we set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office. I believe the late Buhari too, must have tried his best.

‘I believe the government-luckily, with the Defence Minister here and the service chiefs represented-must adopt a slightly different approach. God willing, we will be able to resolve this crisis.’

The former president described the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 as a permanent scar on his administration.

He added that he hoped some leaders of the insurgent group would eventually document their actions, similar to how key actors of the Nigerian Civil War wrote their own accounts, to provide clarity on the insurgency’s motives.

He said, ‘One of the major scars on my government-and it will remain on my face, as Bishop Kukah said, no plastic or cosmetic surgeon can remove it-is the issue of the Chibok girls.

‘It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram.

‘What did they really want? Our chairman once raised the issue when he interviewed some of them, and they gave him certain perspectives. But I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done, so that people will truly understand what they want. It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.’

Jonathan urged the current administration to consider the carrot and stick approach to address the insurgency that has lasted over a decade.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs), to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

He made the call at the maiden national State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme: ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria’, underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents and the growing threat of climate change.

He said resilience at the national level depended on how prepared state-level agencies were to manage emergencies.

Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration had upgraded Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, expansion of Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks synchronisation of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination and technology-driven response.

‘Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,’ he said.

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, hailed Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units and building resilient communities.

She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive and participatory.

Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners and communities.

She stressed the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them, rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery and resilience.

‘When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

‘Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

‘Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society and international partners for their support. Disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,’ he added.

Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with reporters, said the agency had concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute tomorrow, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that the present administration would sustain the dynamics in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in combating terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

Akume said this in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made tremendous progress towards a secure country in which productivity shall spur us to a Nigeria of our dreams.

Akume praised General Irabor’s distinguished service to the country, particularly as Chief of Defence Staff, which stands as a powerful testament to his patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.

‘At some of the most challenging moments in our recent history, when the fabric of our nation was threatened by insurgency and violent extremism, he stood firmly at the forefront, providing leadership that not only safeguarded lives but also strengthened the resilience of our Armed Forces and our collective will to overcome adversity,’ he said.

Akume described General Irabor’s new book as far more than a memoir, but ‘ a vital reflection on our national journey and a contribution to the ongoing discourse on peace, security, and nation-building.’

According to him, by documenting the complex realities of the Boko Haram challenge and the lessons learned in confronting it, General Irabor is enriching our national memory and equipping future generations with knowledge critical to building a safer and more united Nigeria.

‘As we celebrate his diamond jubilee, we also celebrate a life devoted to service – a life that continues to inspire confidence in the strength and potential of our nation.

‘On behalf of the federal government and the good people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest felicitations and gratitude to General Irabor. May this new chapter of your life bring you joy, fulfilment, and continued opportunities to contribute to our shared dream of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,’ Akume said.

Glovo has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Small and Medium enterprises in Nigeria with the new edition of Glovo Academy in Abuja.

Glovo Academy is an in-person learning and development initiative designed to provide training and digital tools to help local businesses optimise operations, boost their brand, and increase online sales through the Glovo platform.

In this Glovo Academy edition, the Head of Growth, Glovo Nigeria, Reni Onafeko, noted that the company remains committed to empowering SMEs on its platform by offering access to opportunities such as advisory and finance. She explained that with the million of orders delivered since the launch of Glovo in 2022 in Abuja, over N11 billion in value has been delivered to partners.

According to her, the company has recorded 30% increase year-on-year in orders in Abuja, working now with over 1,000 local restaurants. She emphasised the need for SMEs to embrace digital literacy to enable their businesses to expand, formalise their operations, and scale sustainably.

Speaking during the panel session, the Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, Ifeoma Williams, stressed that MSMEs remain the backbone of any economy, noting that current data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 40% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product is derived from these small businesses.

While bemoaning poor access to loan facilities from the federal government for many SMEs, she attributed the challenge to a lack of proper structure and the right business plan. She stated that the federal government is doing a lot to provide the right policies for thriving businesses.

Making his contribution, the founder of Ahmad’s Sharwarma, Tijani Mustapha, who delved into the operational challenges confronting SMEs, stated that business owners must have staying power or resilience to overcome the challenges of human resources and quality control.

Mustapha underscored the need for SMEs to invest in technology to stay competitive and grow their businesses.

‘Any business we do today must embrace technology. Through technology, we can gather customer feedback, keep the business in check, and improve,’ he said.

Also speaking at the session, Kayode Meyanbe, Head of ICT, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, stated that through the agency, the federal government is leveraging a partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission to provide free registration for 250,000 businesses.

Kayode urged SMEs to take advantage of the opportunity to formalize their operations and access the opportunities provided.

‘As an agency, we have partnered with banks to provide loans at an interest rate below 10% to support their businesses. Not only that, state governments have also been helping us with funds for these SMEs to access our loan facilities. Beyond that, we have also engaged BDSPs to provide capacity training on how to run businesses for SMEs. We do this through Kaduna Business School and Lagos Business School to dispense need-based skills and curriculum to SMEs,’ he said.

In his remarks, Head of Commercial at Glovo , Nigeria, Kolawole Adeniyi, disclosed that the platform, which registered its presence in 2021 in Africa, has invested 206 million euros in the African continents.

According to Adeniyi, the platform has impacted businesses, with 90% belonging to the SMEs category, and offers N55 billion in direct economic value generated for partners.

At the event, presentations and sessions were held for partners to educate them about the company’s operations and capacity training. The training session and presentation focused on operational excellence, marketing, addressing customer complaints, and capacity-building training on business and financial literacy or management facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University.