Business

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

Published

2 years ago

December 1, 2024

OCHEFA

542 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

Naira Exchange Rates Friday, 3 July 2026

Published

14 hours ago

July 3, 2026

OCHEFA

22 Views

BLACK MARKET RATES

US DOLLAR (USD) Buy ₦1, 397 Sell ₦1,405

GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,865

EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1, 580 Sell ₦1,600

CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90

UAE DIRHAM Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370

CHINESE YUAN Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200

GHANA CEDI (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110

WEST AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460

CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900

CBN OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATES

US DOLLAR (USD) ₦1,370.15

GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) ₦1,832.17

EURO (EUR) ₦1,568.28

SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,1705.44

JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8. 51

CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201. 80

WEST AFRICAN CFA (XOF) ₦2.38

WEST AFRICAN UNIT ACCOUNT (WAUA) ₦1,859. 98

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦364.91

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦84. 32

Business

Issue: Cloning Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)

Published

2 days ago

July 2, 2026

OCHEFA

45 Views

The Presidency says the bodies allegedly used by Adeyemi—including the so-called Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, and Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council—do not exist as government agencies.

The Presidency says a man identified as Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly created and operated fake government agencies, forged appointment letters, and falsely claimed to have been appointed by Femi Gbajabiamila.
According to the statement:
The Office of the Chief of Staff discovered the alleged scheme after complaints from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) that an unauthorized body was operating in a way that conflicted with its functions.

The Chief of Staff petitioned the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force in October 2025 to investigate alleged forged appointment letters.

The Presidency says the bodies allegedly used by Adeyemi—including the so-called Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, and Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council—do not exist as government agencies.

Investigators allege Adeyemi operated from an office in the Federal Secretariat Complex, held meetings with diplomats, and sought diplomatic support to obtain U.S. visas for members of the alleged organization.
Police reportedly recovered forged documents and other exhibits during searches of his office and residence.

The investigation allegedly found that Adeyemi operated 34 bank accounts, including several in the names of fictitious organizations, and used forged documents to open a Central Bank of Nigeria account.

The Presidency says no government funds were paid into that account.
Police charged Adeyemi and two others before the Federal High Court on multiple counts, including forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence. The case is scheduled for hearing on July 27.

The Presidency also denied claims that Gbajabiamila appointed Adeyemi, stating that appointments to federal offices are issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not the Office of the Chief of Staff.

Current status

The Presidency maintains that:
the agencies in question are fictitious,
the appointment letter was forged,
Adeyemi is an impostor,
and the allegations against him should be resolved by the court.

As the case is pending before the court, the allegations remain subject to judicial determination.