Business
UNDP, AFS Hub Train 200 Women and Youths in Renewable Energy Systems
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
President Tinubu Leaves for Kenya, Rwanda and France to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
At the two summits, President Tinubu will deliver statements highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to reposition the nation as a prime destination for investment and growth. He will also hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2nd, on a visit to Kenya, Rwanda and France.
The itinerary details are provided by Bayo Onanuga,Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy), as follows:
” President Tinubu’s first stop will be in France, after which he will depart for Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled to begin next week.
Co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto, the summit focuses on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, restructuring of global financing architecture, and climate action.
President Tinubu’s participation at the summit from May 11- 12 will underscore Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic.
The summit, with the theme – “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” – will provide a high-level platform for African leaders and their French counterparts to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including economic transformation, climate resilience, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, technological advancement, and peace-building initiatives.
At the end of the Kenyan summit, President Tinubu will depart for Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the annual Africa CEO Forum, taking place between May 14th and 15th.
With the theme “Scale or Fail”, this year’s Africa CEO Forum will be the largest gathering of African private sector leaders, investors, and policymakers, focusing on accelerating economic transformation through shared scale, regional integration, and increased cross-border investment.
Held in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the summit brings together over 2,000 top executives and national leaders to debate strategies for building resilient, competitive industries.
At the two summits, President Tinubu will deliver statements highlighting his administration’s ongoing reforms to reposition the nation as a prime destination for investment and growth. He will also hold high-level meetings with top-tier global and African business leaders.
President Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some of his ministers and senior aides.
He will return to Nigeria at the end of the Rwanda summit. “
Business
Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Arrest of World Bank Official Calling for Reinstatement of Petroleum Import Licences
Declaring the unnamed World Bank official persona non grata, the Committee gave the Bank 30 days to issue a public retraction and written apology.
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has call for the dismissal and arrest of the World Bank official responsible for the April 7, 2026 Nigeria Development Update, which recommended the reinstatement of petroleum import licences.
The Committee described the recommendation as a reckless move capable of undermining Nigeria’s indigenous refining capacity.
In a formal resolution, the Committee condemned the World Bank report, which claimed that imported petroleum products are 12 percent cheaper than those from the Dangote Refinery.
It rejected the position as contrary to Nigeria’s national economic interest and an unacceptable interference in the country’s sovereign petroleum policy.
Declaring the unnamed World Bank official persona non grata, the Committee gave the Bank 30 days to issue a public retraction and written apology.
It further demanded that the staff member responsible for the report be relieved of their duties and subjected to investigation.
Business
Senate approves Tinubu’s $516.3m loan
The syndicated financing facility is being sought from Deutsche Bank, according to a letter of request Tinubu sent to the Senate last Thursday.
The Senate has approved the $516.3 million loan requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The money will be used for the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (Section One, Phase 1A and B).
The approval was given on Wednesday after the Senate considered the report of its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
The committee, chaired by Senator Magatagarda Wamakko, recommended the approval of the loan.
The syndicated financing facility is being sought from Deutsche Bank, according to a letter of request Tinubu sent to the Senate last Thursday.
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