Business

UNDP, AFS Hub Train 200 Women and Youths in Renewable Energy Systems

Published

2 years ago

December 1, 2024

OCHEFA

615 Views

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with AFS Vocational Hub, has announced the training of 200 youths and women in renewable energy systems through the Comprehensive Vocational Training in Renewable Solar Energy Systems (VTRES) initiative.

AFS Vocational Hub Programme Manager Ndueso Eno, in a statement on Sunday, said the initiative is targeted at tackling unemployment and driving the nation’s transition to clean and sustainable energy solutions.

While a total of 1,000 beneficiaries are expected to participate in this initiative, the first 200 participants are being trained on the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

The eight-week training, which officially commenced on Monday, October 7, 2024, at AFS Vocational Hub, integrates instruction on solar PV systems with entrepreneurship, soft skills, and digital marketing, thereby promoting economic inclusion and growth.

UNDP National Programme Specialist Lady Clare Henshaw said the program was designed to empower young people, unemployed and underemployed individuals, women, and persons with disabilities, equipping them with critical skills to actively engage in the renewable energy sector.

She encouraged participants to seize the opportunity and highlighted the global shift towards a greener economy, with solar energy emerging as a leading source.

“This training is a vital step towards achieving sustainable development in Nigeria. By empowering youths and women with practical skills in renewable energy, we are not only tackling unemployment but also driving the nation’s transition to clean and sustainable energy solutions,” she added.

The Managing Partner of AFS Vocational Hub, Babafemi Oladosu, said, they are proud to partner with UNDP Nigeria to provide quality vocational training that equips participants with the tools they need to succeed.

The provision of startup packs ensures they can immediately apply their skills and start building careers in this critical sector.”

Business

Cybercriminals cloning DStv, other brands to steal bank accounts across Africa

According to cybersecurity company NordVPN, the campaign distributes Remote Access Trojans (RATs) and banking trojans, forms of malware that can give criminals control over infected devices and access to sensitive information.

Published

2 days ago

August 21, 2026

OCHEFA

27 Views

Cybercriminals are impersonating popular companies and government agencies across Africa in a campaign designed to take over smartphones and bank accounts.

More than 100 fake websites linked to the malware campaign have been identified since August 2025.

Brands including DStv, Takealot and South African Airways, as well as the South African Revenue Service (SARS), are being used to make fraudulent messages and websites appear legitimate.

The attacks are particularly concerning in South Africa, where Android dominates the mobile operating system market.

NordVPN said the attacks typically begin with social engineering, where criminals send convincing messages through SMS, WhatsApp or social media.

The messages may contain urgent offers or requests involving job opportunities, tax refunds, identity renewals or pension verification.

Victims are then directed to fake websites designed to closely resemble the official websites of trusted organisations.

The sites encourage users to download an Android application. Once installed, the malicious software can operate quietly in the background, including after the smartphone is restarted.

Business

Cement price hits N16,000 per bag

The current cement prices mark a steep rise from late 2024, when a bag sold for around N7,500.

Published

2 days ago

August 21, 2026

OCHEFA

33 Views

• Chairman of BUA cement, Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR)

Cement dealers across Nigeria have announced fresh price increases, with a 50kg bag now selling for as much as N16,000 in some markets, up from N13,000 recorded by buyers just days earlier.

The current cement prices mark a steep rise from late 2024, when a bag sold for around N7,500.

By the third quarter of 2025, that had risen to about N9,000 before reaching the N12,000 to N16,000 range now seen across different locations.

Other building materials have followed a similar upward path. Blocks have climbed from around N600 to N1,100 each.

Sand has gone from N165,000 to N250,000 per 30 tonnes. Granite has risen from N530,000 to N780,000 per 30 tonnes.

Reinforcing steel now costs N1.15 million per tonne, up from N850,000.