• Aso Villa Abuja

The Aso Presidential Villa in Abuja will completely stop using electricity generated from the national grid by March 2026, as work on its solar power initiative reaches the final stage.

State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly.

Fashedemi explained that installation of the Villa’s solar mini-grid was concluded late in 2025 and has been undergoing technical trials since December.

He expressed confidence that a full transition to the new power system would be achieved within the first quarter of the year, noting that the shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity.

To demonstrate the project’s effectiveness, the Permanent Secretary cited the State House Medical Centre, which switched to solar power in May 2025.

Since then, he said, the facility has operated almost entirely off-grid, without relying on generators and drawing only minimal supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Meanwhile, the Federal Government had earmarked N10 billion in the 2025 budget for the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” a move that triggered debate among Nigerians.

Critics argued that installing solar panels at the seat of power suggested a lack of confidence in efforts to stabilise the country’s electricity supply.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill proposes an additional N7 billion to complete the initiative.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid glowing tribute to a forest guard who lost his life in a confrontation with suspected kidnappers, describing him as a hero in the ongoing battle against banditry and insecurity.

The deceased, identified as Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, was killed on Sunday, February 8, 2026, during a security operation in the bush around Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area, a border area near Kogi State.

According to reports, Samuel and a combined team of forest guards, local hunters, and vigilantes responded to intelligence about armed bandits in the vicinity and engaged them.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “devastating.” He commended Samuel’s bravery and patriotism, noting that the fallen guard made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the community.

“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” the governor said, while extending condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the wider security network.

To support the grieving family, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a N10 million financial assistance package as a token of the state government’s appreciation for Samuel’s service and sacrifice in the collective fight against kidnapping and banditry.

The gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those on the front lines of security efforts in the state.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded the roles played by the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), as a strategic partner in the industrial and economic development of the state through investments.

Governor Abiodun expressed the gratitude yesterday, during the flagged off ceremony for the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.

He said that the state government proudly recognises the Dangote Group as “a truly exemplary strategic partner in the collective pursuit of industrial advancement and sustainable economic development in the state.”

The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela.

In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.

Also, National President of NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim, represented by Dr Michael Olawale Cole, lauded the Ogun State Governor for his administration’s business-friendly policies, which have made the business environment conducive.