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
Nigeria First Policy: Customs Championing Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles Procurements
In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient.”

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi has assured members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) that the Service would champion the procurements of locally assembled vehicles from the auto manufacturers inline with the government’s Nigeria First Policy Directive.
CGC Adeniyi gave the assurance when he inspected vehicles produced by members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) at the Service’s headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
After the inspection, the CGC commended the association for turning up in full strength and expressed satisfaction with the quality of the vehicles.
He remarked, “In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient.”
“What gives me joy is that in all the vehicles I have seen today, there is an imprint of Nigeria, which shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr President’s policy is on the right course,” he added.
He further praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy initiative in the automobile industry.
He pledged that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to patronise and support the sector for the growth and well-being of the nation’s industrial economy.
In response, Ilekuba Anslem Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Cedric Masters Group, commended the CGC for his unwavering support for the automobile industry.
Also, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobile Limited, praised the CGC.
“Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles.
With Mr President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy,” he said.
He assured the CGC that the company would not abandon its vehicles after sales.Similarly, Jonas Ojukwu, a Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the company’s commitment to delivering the best to the Service.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event included representatives from Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria.
Business
Lagos Marks 39 Building in Lekki Axis for Demolition
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that government swung into action following a series of petitions on encroachment of the Ikota River.

Lagos State government has marked no fewer than 39 buildings located in two highbrow estates for demolition for building on the Right of Way, RoW, of Ikota River, at Eti-Osa Local Government Area. Ikota is part of the Maroko Okun Alfa Ward in the Lekki axis.
This is coming as the state government issued indefinite quit notices to affected occupants to enable them move their properties and families before the demolition exercise commences.
The affected buildings, located at Oral Extension Estate, Westend and Megamound Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA, include 20 buildings to be totally removed, eight marked for partial removal, while 13 buildings are to go down at Westend Estate.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that government swung into action following a series of petitions on encroachment of the Ikota River.
Wahab said: “We had several complaints. We have been on this for a while now, and we found out at the ministry level that while we are engaging to find a win-win solution that will mitigate the negative impact on the environment and they don’t affect the people so much. Some developments were also going on to further push back the RoW, and the alignment of the Ikota River.
Business
Senate Constitutes Abdullahi Yahaya Tax Harmonisation Committee
Altogether, the four Tax Reform bills were Executive Bills transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the two chambers of the National Assembly in November last year.

The Senate on Thursday constituted a committee saddled with the responsibility of harmonizing its amendments to the tax reform bills with the House of Representatives version for final transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced this during plenary after the passage of the bills.
Akpabio named senator Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi North) as chairman of the committee.
The members of the committee as announced by the Senate President are Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), Chief Whip, Tahir Mongumo (APC, Borno North), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), and Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West).
Earlier, the remaining two Tax Reform Bills — the Nigeria Tax Bill 2025 and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025.
This was in addition to passage of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, 2025.
Altogether, the four Tax Reform bills were Executive Bills transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the two chambers of the National Assembly in November last year.
The passage of the bills was sequel to the consideration and adoption of a report of the Senate Committee on Finance presented by its Chairman, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).
-
News2 days ago
BREAKING: Two dispatch riders killed in Eko Bridge truck collision
-
Entertainment23 hours ago
Tricycle kills Imo Awka Masquerade in Anambra
-
Entertainment22 hours ago
It’s Painful I Couldn’t Settle Down With My Wife At Old Age – Bongos Ikwue reflects on late wife
-
Sports9 hours ago
Christian Chukwu for burial August 22
-
Entertainment22 hours ago
It’s Painful I Couldn’t Settle Down With My Wife At Old Age – Bongos Ikwue
-
Business1 day ago
Lagos Marks 39 Building in Lekki Axis for Demolition
-
Crime18 hours ago
JUST IN: Tompolo has questions to answer – EFCC breaks silence on viral video
-
Sports9 hours ago
AFCON U-20: Nigeria to face South Africa as semi-finals fixtures confirm