Newton Ovie, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Sector Skills Council for Agriculture (SSC4A), highlights the potential of renewable energy to revolutionize farming practices across the country. Nigeria’s rural areas face significant energy challenges, with many farmers relying on diesel generators and traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal. This not only increases costs but also hampers productivity and contributes to environmental degradation. The unreliable national grid further exacerbates these issues, making it difficult for farmers to power irrigation systems and storage facilities effectively. Renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation and cold storage, offer a sustainable alternative. These technologies can reduce energy costs, enable year-round farming, and minimize post-harvest losses. For instance, solar-powered drip irrigation allows farmers in regions like Sokoto and Katsina to cultivate vegetables even during the dry season, leading to higher yields and increased income. Despite the benefits, the adoption of renewable energy in rural areas is hindered by high initial costs, lack of financing options, and inadequate technical expertise. Many smallholder farmers cannot afford the upfront investment required for solar panels or biogas systems. Additionally, poor maintenance and vandalism of installed systems further discourage investment. To overcome these challenges, SSC4A is working to integrate renewable energy training into agricultural skill development programs. Collaborations with private sector players, NGOs, and international organizations are also underway to provide support and reduce costs for smallholder farmers.
Lagos food delivery riders earn up to N25,000 daily amidst challenges
Food delivery riders have become an integral part of the city’s vibrant culture, navigating through chaotic traffic to ensure timely meal deliveries. Platforms like Chowdeck, Jumia Food, and Glovo are driving this lucrative industry, with riders earning up to N25,000 daily by completing multiple orders across the city. Riders like Ayankaa Keghter Paul, who covers about 90 kilometers daily, have found this ecosystem to be a lucrative opportunity. Paul earns over N25,000 per day by prioritizing longer trips for higher payouts. Cyclists, such as Iliya Obadiah, focus on shorter trips to manage the physical demands of cycling effectively. Despite operational costs and challenges like harassment, riders adapt by working across multiple platforms and maximizing incentives. For instance, Godfriend works with Jumia Food and Chowdeck, leveraging direct payments from customers for additional deliveries to boost his earnings. Glovo, a key player in the industry, supports riders through initiatives like the Couriers Pledge, which emphasizes fair earnings and safety measures. The company plans to promote the use of electric vehicles to enhance the rider experience. Improving conditions for riders, such as providing designated rest areas and addressing harassment, could further drive industry growth. With Chowdeck surpassing N30 billion in deliveries as of October 2024, the future of food delivery in Lagos looks promising.
Benue State initiates comprehensive five-day training program to equip 40,000 civil servants with e-governance skills
The governor of Benue state has launched a five-day digital training program aimed at equipping 40,000 civil servants and local government staff with essential e-governance and ICT skills. The training, held in Makurdi, the state capital, is designed to enhance service delivery, improve transparency, and prepare the workforce for a digitally-driven future. During the program’s inauguration, Governor Alia highlighted the importance of embracing technology in governance. “These initiatives are empowering people, enhancing transparency, and embracing the possibilities of a digitally-driven economy while fostering a future-ready civil service that adapts to a rapidly evolving world,” he said. The event also saw the unveiling of four key e-governance platforms: Electronic Document Management System (EDMS): A tool for efficient document processing, storage, and retrieval within government ministries. Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal: A platform to streamline land management services and reduce bureaucratic delays. Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal: A hub to nurture entrepreneurship through mentorship opportunities and financial support. Office of Benue Head of Service Website: A website aimed at improving communication and information sharing within the civil service. The Managing Director of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Terwase Hembaor Gbande, highlighted the state’s commitment to technological growth. He pointed out previous initiatives such as partnering with Microsoft Corporation to train 10,000 youths on ICT skills and establishing the Benue Fashion and ICT Hub. This latest effort complements another major partnership between Benue State and Google to train an additional 10,000 youths in ICT. The collaboration aims to empower young people with skills needed to thrive in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. Representatives from national agencies like NITDA, Galaxy Backbone Ltd., and the National Data Protection Commission praised the initiative. Moses Agbogbo Ode, Head of Benue State Civil Service, emphasized that transitioning from analogue to digital operations will improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions.
EFCC reopens case against Dasuki, co-defendants in ₦33.2 billion fraud allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday re-arraigned retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), alongside two companies, over allegations of misappropriating ₦33.2 billion in public funds. The case was heard before Justice Charles Agbaza at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. The defendants, Dasuki, Baba-Kusa, Acacia Holdings Limited, and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited, are facing a 32-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust and dishonest handling of funds. During the hearing, the court registrar read out the charges to the defendants, all of whom pleaded not guilty. The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, requested dates for the trial to commence. Meanwhile, defense lawyers urged the court to allow their clients to continue on their existing bail terms, emphasizing that they have consistently attended court sessions since the case began several years ago. Justice Agbaza granted the oral application for bail and adjourned the matter to July 1 for trial. This case is part of a long-running legal battle involving Dasuki, who served as NSA under former President Goodluck Jonathan. The initial charges were filed in December 2015, accusing him and others of mismanaging ₦15.5 billion in public funds. The charges were later amended to reflect a total alleged fraud of ₦33.2 billion after other defendants were removed from the case. The EFCC has also filed separate cases against Dasuki over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as NSA. One such case involves accusations of misappropriating ₦19.4 billion alongside former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda. These cases have faced numerous delays and adjournments over the years. The agency has recently been active in other investigations, including the arraignment of Okorie Sunday over $578,000 allegedly linked to money laundering and the arrest of 133 individuals involved in a Ponzi scheme operation in Abuja.
Ondo State revolutionizes tax collection with new digital platform
Ondo State is set to launch a digital platform designed to streamline tax collection and other government-related payments. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, aims to enhance revenue generation, improve accountability, and promote ease of doing business in the state. The platform, developed in partnership with BBA Consult Ltd., assigns each taxpayer a unique identification number linked to their personal profile, ensuring confidentiality and accessibility only to the individual taxpayer. It promises to eliminate bottlenecks associated with manual payments, offering seamless transactions across various sectors. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the platform will not only simplify tax payments but also significantly boost revenue, which will be directed toward critical infrastructure projects. He assured residents and businesses of the platform’s security, ease of use, and long-term economic benefits. This aligns with broader efforts to harmonize tax administration and optimize revenue collection, reflecting a national push toward enhancing fiscal policies. The platform serves as a one-stop shop for multiple government-related payments, including commerce, land, and education fees, further consolidating Ondo State’s position as a leader in innovative tax solutions.
Lagos Police crack down on four bank workers over £138,924 fraud
The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended four bank employees accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scheme to divert substantial funds from international airline accounts. The alleged theft involves a staggering sum of over £138,924, equivalent to more than N270 million. The intricate operation, which involved transferring money from domiciliary accounts into personal accounts before dispersing it to various destinations, was brought to light when the affected bank detected unauthorized transactions and promptly alerted the authorities. The suspects, identified as Oluwatobiloba Olaleye, Oladunjoye Adegoke, Austin Alfred, and Jude Uzobuaku, were subsequently arrested following a thorough investigation. According to the police, the stolen funds were initially channeled into an account belonging to one of the suspects before being distributed across multiple accounts in an attempt to conceal the trail. The authorities are now working diligently to identify any additional accomplices and recover the remaining stolen funds. The suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution as the investigation unfolds. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious financial transactions to aid in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the financial sector.