Category Nigeria News

A transformative hybrid energy project at a significant Nigerian airport has already been discussed with the Federal Government, which has engaged international financial institutions to secure more than $60 million in climate finance.

The facility could serve as a model for the use of clean, affordable, and digitally monitored energy across other important public infrastructures.

At the State House Conference Center Abuja’s Decarbonizing Infrastructure Summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima made the disclosure. The summit sought to bring climate finance into play for long-term development.

He urged Nigeria to make the transition to a low-carbon economy a priority in order to address the threat posed by climate change.

Read more about Senate approval of the Bitumen Development Commission.

Shettima, the vice president, warned that the country’s development goals and economic prospects would be hampered if more action was taken in response to the country’s growing climate challenges.

“We can no longer delay,” He asserted that climate change is an economic necessity as well as an environmental necessity.

Shettima explained that the key infrastructure sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and urban development, which are essential to the nation’s economic life, account for more than 75% of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Without urgent intervention, he claims, Nigeria’s projected population boom, which will reach 440 million by 2050, could strain resources and worsen environmental degradation.

“The industries that sustain our livelihoods are also the ones that contribute most to our emissions.” He added that investing in Nigeria’s prosperity is the only way to decarbonize.

The Vice President cited a number of government-backed initiatives aimed at boosting climate resilience, including a State Innovation Challenge Park, regional climate engagement clinics, and a brand-new white paper on green growth financing, as well as a new white paper on green growth financing.

“Our transition must not be exclusive. Every state, every neighborhood, and every home must be served by it. Integrity is the foundation, he said, not an afterthought.

He advocated for the implementation of innovative financing models like green bonds and climate investment funds to support local solutions and scale climate-smart technologies, as well as policy harmonization across all levels of government.

A bill calling for the establishment of the Bitumen Development Commission will help to encourage the use of the nation’s vast bitumen resources has been passed by the Senate.

Following the adoption of a report from the Senate committee on solid minerals development, the bill, which was sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), was approved for third reading on Wednesday.

Senator Diket Plang, who was present, noted that the commission’s establishment is necessary for the effective regulation, exploration, and development of Nigeria’s estimated 42 billion tonnes of bitumen deposits, which are reportedly the second-largest in the world.

READ MORE: Senate Hands 10-Day Ultimatum Over 200trn Unaccounted Funds

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate’s president, praised the development-focused initiative that aims to unlock Nigeria’s potential in the solid minerals sector.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s advisor Paul Ibeh described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a “civil dictatorship.”

He made this assertion on Wednesday’s The Morning Brief on Channels Television.

He claimed that major opposition figures were being urged to save the nation from its current state, including Abubakar, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for president in 2023.

Because of the current civil dictatorship that we have, Atiku Abubakar and other leaders are being asked to restore Nigeria.

The rest of them, you may know, were military dictatorships, and these people are likely sporting “agbada” and suit after all, but they are not. They are worse than “Ibeh,” a military dictatorship.

Since Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, could work with President Tinubu’s government while also being a member of the opposition PDP, he claimed there was no justification for coalition members from leaving the party.

In light of the zoning controversy, Atiku questioned whether he could become the coalition’s sole candidate. “This coalition will stand to benefit from all of his experiences over the years. They are not therefore focused on the selection of the presidential candidate and anything else.

Read more about Atiku, David Mark, and other PDP leaders asking Nigerians to join the opposition-led APC in an interview.

Ibeh further refutes claims that Atiku threw the PDP into a debacle following the party’s primary for the 2023 presidential election.

He claims Wike worked against Atiku in the presidential election rather than working for the PDP. He lost in an open primary for president.

He also accused the minister of stifling efforts to address the PDP’s crisis.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark are among the concerned leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who have appealed for Nigerians to join them in urging President Bola Tinubu to step down in 2027.

Following a closed-door meeting to discuss the state of the PDP and the nation, they called on Tuesday in Abuja.

They urged all PDP members and Nigerians to form a broad coalition that is united in a statement released after the meeting, which is also committed to economic recovery, national security, democratic principles, security, and a strong fight against corruption.

Dotun Oyelade, the state’s information commissioner, has criticized the state’s decision to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan in honor of Victor Olunloyo, a former governor of the state.

Oyelade made this statement on Wednesday’s episode of The Morning Brief on Channels Television, in response to a protest by polytechnic students on Tuesday against the state government’s decision.

“Don’t forget that this man was the same man who became the institution’s first rector in 1970, when he was 35 years old. We therefore think that the protestation is somewhat lost and misplaced.

We support that choice because it is appropriate for a respectable state’s son, he said.

Read more about the students’ protests against the polytechnic Ibadan’s renaming.

The commissioner argued that despite the state government’s respect for the academic institution’s students, it would continue to make its own determination.

Oyelade added that the students’ opposition was caused by their ignorance of the former governor’s contribution to the state’s development.

We show great respect for our students. We rely on them, and as the deputy governor pointed out yesterday, we’ll do anything to please them.

“But we’ll be tough and fair.” We are sticking to our decision this time, he continued.

To honor the late scholar, Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, changed the name to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan on June 26, 2025.

Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, was the polytechnic’s founding principal and also served as state governor between October 1 and December 31, 1983.

Makinde said, “I discussed preserving and digitising his library yesterday in honor of Baba Olunloyo,” at the state interdenominational funeral service held in honor of the late former governor at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
“Today, we’re going to honor Baba in order to make him immortal.” He was the Polytechnic’s first Principal in Ibadan, which will now go by the name Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.

However, on Tuesday, Olunloyo was the institution’s new name, prompting students from the polytechnic to protest the name change at the Oyo State Government Secretariat.

The angry student urged the polytechnic’s founder to reverse his decision and give the school its current name by carrying placards with various inscriptions.

The Ibadan Polytechnic’s students, led by Olamide Oladipupo, president of the Students Union Government (SUG), made an appeal to the governor to protect the institution’s legacy, which is reflected in the name it bears all over the world.

A nine-year-old girl and an unidentified boy were pronounced dead on Monday afternoon in Minna, the capital of Niger State, after they were swept away by floodwaters.

Following hours of persistent rain that flooded the Tunga community, overflowed drainage systems, submerged roads, and halted movement in the area.

The girl, who is said to be the only of three siblings, was taken to the Tunga Market, which is located about two kilometers from her home, to purchase ingredients for soup, according to Channels Television.

Her 11-year-old brother accompanied her.

The children set out under an umbrella during a rain delay despite the early indications of the weather’s deterioration.

Read more about Tinubu’s request to activate the emergency response center as the death toll rises to 150.

According to eyewitnesses, the rain quickly intensified, creating flash floods that filled the streets and flooded the open drainages.

When the girl allegedly slipped into one of Julius Berger’s major drainage channels during the Ibrahim Babangida military administration after returning from the market, the children were reportedly hit by the deluge.

At the edge of the channel, she discovered her slippers and nylon shopping bag.

Residents claim that her brother tried to sound the alarm and call for help as he watched his sister being swept away, but bystanders were unable to assist due to the floodwaters’ strength and height.

The boy returned home to alert their parents.

More than five kilometers from the girl’s fall site, the girl’s father was contacted to find a corpse at a drainage outlet along Mandela Road.

Surprisingly, he discovered the body of both his daughter’s and another child’s body, both of which are thought to have perished in the same flood.

Hussaini Ibrahim, the agency’s public relations representative, stated that the incident was unrelated to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and that it was unaware of the tragedy.

He told Channels Television, “The agency is unaware of the disaster, but my people will meet with the girl’s parents at home in Tunga tomorrow.”

The most recent incident underscores the need for improved drainage and public safety awareness during the rainy season in the Niger State.

President Bola Tinubu has described education as the “most powerful weapon” to fight poverty, urging students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia to be bold, disciplined, and consistent in their pursuit of knowledge.

Speaking during a visit to the college on Tuesday, President Tinubu told the gathering of students and faculty that the youth have a critical role to play in shaping a united Afro-Caribbean future.

“Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” he said.

He also cautioned against an over-reliance on artificial intelligence, encouraging students to embrace analytical thinking and perseverance.

Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, President Tinubu announced a new scholarship scheme for students from OECS member states to study in Nigerian universities from the next academic year and proposed visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Later that day, Saint Lucia honoured him with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K. C. S. L. ) for his efforts in strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

Read the full statement below:

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO SAINT LUCIAN STUDENTS: EDUCATION IS YOUR GREATEST TOOL; BE BOLD, DISCIPLINED, AND COMMITTED

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology.

The President visited the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune, Castries, on Tuesday, the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia.

He engaged with faculty, staff, and students of the institution named after Sir Arthur Lewis, the 1979 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences.

Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu described the student community as vital to building a stronger Afro-Caribbean future.

He announced a cultural exchange opportunity for the college’s performing arts group following a stage performance of The Drum Maker, based on the work of Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte.

“I offer a trip—at their convenience—for the performing arts group to come and mix with the talents that we have in Nigeria,” President Tinubu said, clarifying that the invitation is independent of the tuition-free scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Acknowledging education as the most effective weapon against poverty, the President encouraged students to be bold, consistent, and disciplined in their pursuit of knowledge.

“Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” he said.

He stressed the importance of time management, perseverance, and critical thinking: “What you get out of this college is your own that you can use to achieve anything in life. Just be determined, consistent, and bold. Be intellectually inquisitive. ”

President Tinubu urged students not to abandon analytical thinking because of the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Don’t depend on AI technology to find you the solution. Go through like a recipe in the kitchen, one after the other. Then you solve the problem. Once you solve the problem, you see satisfaction in yourself and pride in achievement. ”

Highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between Africa and the Caribbean, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Afrocentric policies and South-South cooperation.

“I believe Nigeria will collaborate with Saint Lucia to make a difference in the lives of our Black race. In our national anthem, we pledge to hand over a banner without stain to the generation that comes after us. We will give you that banner if you work hard, honestly, and consistently. ”

Edward Shadrack, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, described the President’s visit as a powerful testament to the enduring ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

“Your presence here today is a powerful testament to the enduring bonds between Africa and the Caribbean—ties deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and aspirations,” the Minister said.

“Today’s gathering symbolises more than a diplomatic visit. It reflects our shared belief in the power of education to bridge continents, build partnerships, and shape a more connected and empowered world,” Shadrack added.

Mr. Cletus Springer, Chairman of the college’s board of governors, called for a robust partnership between the College and Nigerian universities and polytechnics in student and faculty exchange, joint research, digital innovation, and strengthening technical and vocational education.

On behalf of the Board and college community, Mr. Springer thanked President Tinubu for announcing scholarships for OECS students to study in Nigeria.

“We are excited about our students learning alongside their Nigerian peers. This is the surest way for our respective peoples to build networks that cross oceans but remain rooted in our shared African-Caribbean identity,” he said.

He also applauded the President’s decision to engage directly with the academic community.

“Your presence here today is deeply inspiring. We are touched that, among the many options you had for your official visit, you prioritised spending time with us—especially with our students, 25 of whom are here today and the countless others watching online. ”

Reflecting on the legacy of Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Darnley Alexander, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, both of whom were of Saint Lucian descent, Springer highlighted the intellectual and historical connections that bind Saint Lucia and Nigeria.

“Their lives inspire today’s leaders and institutions—such as our own Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Nigerian universities—to reignite intellectual, educational, and cultural collaboration in pursuit of shared development goals. ”

Speaking on behalf of the student body, Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council at SALCC, described President Tinubu’s visit as a moment of reconnection between Africa and its diaspora.

“Today is not just about diplomatic formality—it is a quiet yet powerful affirmation that we have not forgotten one another,” Philbert said.

“Though our stories have been written on different ocean sides, they remain deeply connected. For many of us in Saint Lucia, Nigeria is not a foreign country. It is family. Its music, literature, and legacy live with us. ”

Philbert also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the scholarship initiative.

“Your Excellency, your generosity in offering these opportunities speaks volumes. We look forward to building lasting bridges—student to student, story to story. This visit brings with it not only the weight of legacy but the promise of possibility for youth like us,” he said.

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Hon. Yusuf Yakub; and the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, accompanied the President on the visit to the school.

Before departing the college, President Tinubu paid his respects at Sir Arthur Lewis’s gravesite in the school compound.