With 10MW Solar Energy, Buhari Has Set Kano On Industrial March, By Garba Shehu

January 28, 2023

For an electricity distribution area, Kano DISCO that gets between 250-360 Megawatts Hour, on a day by day, many will dismiss the commissioning of the 10MW, Challawa Kano Solar Power Project as inconsequential.

Yet, in terms of, both significance and consequential impact, this power plant, the first of its kind in Nigeria is a game-changer in many respects.

It is important to note that this is the largest grid-connected solar power plant in the country so far. Not only this, it is a pointer to growth in the power sector and a strong and unambiguous message that large-scale renewable projects can be successfully delivered in the country.

The plant is equally a personal goal achieved by President Muhammadu Buhari, a globally recognized champion of awareness creation and the mitigation of climate change. He is a recognized promoter of biodiversity and a strong advocate of clean energy sources.

For him, the destruction of the natural environment, be that from uncontrolled carbon emissions of or the destruction of natural environments is an anathema; the reason for most, if not all of the security and socio-economic challenges, from terrorism to banditry, hunger and poverty that confront us.

The Challawa, Kano plant is built to generate energy that produces no greenhouse emissions from fossil fuels and reduces air pollution.

The intention is for the project to supply the Challawa Water Works, the backbone of public water supply to the city of between 4-5 million people and the provision of unbroken power supply to streetlights in the state capital thereby helping with security. The effect will be to ease pressure on the overstretched power distribution to the Challawa industrial estate, the city’s second but largest industrial layout, to help spur industrial production and motivate other companies to invest in additional capacity and allow them to reach full capacity utilization.

We are also informed that the choice of contractors was done in a way that a local contractor must have a foreign partner and vice-versa, the reason being to ensure local participation, local creation and value retention and knowledge (technical) transfer. The goal is for the sector to grow into maturity to such point where no foreign content is required to undertake similar complex technical projects in the future.

At the construction stage, the project created 300 direct jobs and indirect jobs (transportation,food and beverage, hospitality etc) in excess of 2,000.

The project is a demonstration pilot project, intended to stimulate investment in the Nigerian power sector. Kano wasn’t initially chosen for it. Another state among the country’s large number of states in the sun solar belt was chosen but their indecision and failure to meet deadlines cost them this project.

To meet an irrevocable deadline, Kano state government was challenged by on order of the President to respond to the requirements, and in time. Can Kano government respond in time, asked the Presidency? Happily, the Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his Deputy, Gawuna did not disappoint.

In just one week, the Governor sent a duly registered Certificate of Occupancy covering a 24-hectare parcel of land, valued at N322 million at market value to the President, meeting thereby a strong requirement, for his approval. An agreement was signed with an ownership structure in which the federal government has 80%, Kano State Government with 15% and Kumbotso Local Government, 5%.

Power generated will be directly supplied to the distribution system.

On January 4, 2019, following a directive from the President, the Federal Ministry of Finance instructed the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, to transfer the approved sum of N4.71 billion from the Development of Natural Resources Development Account to the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA.

The President chose the NSIA to be the funds and project manager for the development and construction of this solar project because of the seriousness he attached to it. The President chose them because the NSIA has a record of adherence to transparency and are known to go with the highest environmental and social standards. The Covid epidemic and consequent lockdown, and the currency fluctuation impacted negatively on the project’s execution but the good news is that the NSIA has, notwithstanding the delay, done its part by delivering the project.

Kano, home to 15-16 million people and is poised to overtake Lagos as the most populous state. With 60-plus integrated rice mills today in Kano, the city has transformed into the the country’s rice processing hub in the seven years of the Buhari administration and with this, a growing and voracious appetite for energy.

With this commissioning, President Buhari will put Kano on the front line of the combat against climate change. It will also mark the President’s big push on renewables to decarbonize the power sector and reduce air pollution starting with Kano on Monday.

All these put together will lead to a huge transformation of Kano from a semi-arid state to a solar state.

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity wrote in from Abuja.

I’m Aware Of Difficulty By Ordinary Nigerians To Deposit Old Naira Notes – Buhari

Editorial staff

January 28, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he is aware of the difficulties ordinary Nigeria’s are encountering in the process of trying to deposit the old naira notes as the deadline to do so grinds to the end.

He assured such Nigerians that his government will ensure that they are not harmed in their businesses and no disruption is caused to the entire supply chain arising from the currency swap.

President Buhari was reacting, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, to reports of long queues of people waiting for hours for their turn to deposit old notes and get new ones, thereby triggering public anger and opposition’s criticism.

President Buhari reiterated that the currency changes are aimed at people hoarding illicit funds and not the common man, and that it had become necessary to prevent counterfeits, corruption, and terrorist funding. This, he assured, will stabilize and strengthen the economy.

Buhari acknowledged that the poorest section of society is facing hardship as they often keep hard cash at home for various expenses.

President Buhari gave strong assurances that the government will not leave them to their own fate.

According to the President, a number of initiatives by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all commercial banks are underway to speed up distribution of the new notes and do all that is necessary to forestall cash squeeze and chaos.

I’m Grateful To Osun People For Rejecting Kangaroo Tribunal Judgment – Gov Adeleke

Editorial staff

January 28, 2023

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their passionate show of love and rejection of what he called “the Kangaroo judgement of the governorship tribunal.”

Reacting to protests of support and rejection of the judgement from the 30 local governments and the Area Council, Governor Adeleke expressed delight at the reaffirmation of popular support for his governorship mandate, assuring the people that “the popular mandate will not be stolen either through front or backdoor.

” I have read stories of multiple protests and I have seen many videos from all over the state. From Central, West and east, I am overwhelmed by your open defence of our mandate. I express my appreciation to our people for their show of support. Your love for me is much appreciated.

“We have not done anything wrong. We won clearly with a wide margin. Local and foreign observers hailed our election as the best in recent Nigerian history. Be rest assured that by God and Man, justice will be done. Our mandate won’t be stolen.

“I urge you to remain calm. We should not take the law into our hands. We have appealed the judgement and we are sure of victory by the Special Grace of God.”

Forces Of Darkness Wanted To Extinguish Light Of Osun, Tinubu Reacts To Tribunal Verdict

Editorial staff

January 27, 2023

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said that the governorship Electoral Petition Tribunal has just delivered people of Osun State from the forces of darkness by sacking the newly elected state governor on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke.

In a message congratulating Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was swept off his feet in the election that threw up Adeleke, Asiwaju described the tribunal’s verdict as a victory for the people of the Osun state.

“The forces of darkness plotted to extinguish the able leadership and progressive good governance that improved the quality of life of our people under your leadership.

“It is the victory of light over darkness; a triumph of perseverance, courage and justice over electoral fraud and democratic perversion.”

Asiwaju Tinubu said that Oyetola’s victory is deserving, describing it as a “triumph of courage and perseverance, and light over the forces of darkness that sought to arrest the progressive good governance the APC administration delivered to the people of Osun State under the leadership of Oyetola.”

He said, in the statement by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman: “I heartily rejoice with Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola on his much deserved victory at the Election Tribunal, saying: “today, the Tribunal delivered justice and restored the mandate freely given to you and our great party.

“I am confident that the good work you championed that was momentarily paused will soon resume and Osun people will be happy again. And together we can renew their hope of a shared prosperity.

The three-man election tribunal, chaired by Justice Tertsea Kume, in Osogbo, the State capital, ruled that Oyetola is the duly elected governor of the state and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Certificate of Return to Oyetola while declaring the result that produced Ademola Adeleke as Governor as null and void.

2023 Polls: Coalition Of 10 Civil Society Organizations Smell Rat

Editorial staff

January 27, 2023

File photo of Electoral commission officers count votes at Shagari Health Unit polling station in Yola | Credit:

A coalition of ten civil society organizations (CSO) have identified 22 states with high risks of manipulation and malpractices in the electoral process to install a new government starting with Presidential election on February 25, 2023.

The findings by the CSO showed that 12 states have medium election manipulation risks while three States are classified as having low risk of manipulation.

They made these points known today, January 27, during the presentation of the Election Manipulation Risk Index (EMRI) first iteration report.

The report said: “As preparation for the 2023 general election reaches advanced stages, attempts to distort election outcomes using manipulation strategies are on the rise. Key actors are devising strategies to punctuate electoral preparations and neutralize the impact of laudable reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.

It’s With God’s Miracle That I survived Civil War, Kaduna Bomb Attack, Others – Buhari

Editorial staff

January 27, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has given all the glories to God for surviving all the dangerous turns in his life’s journey, including the 30-month civil war, bomb attack on him in Kaduna before he became President and several others.

President Buhari, who visited the Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Faruk Umar Faruk today, January 27, after commissioning two roads, said that he is convinced beyond doubt that the destiny of man, country and the world remains in the hands of God.

“I was at the war front during the civil war, and saw how many died. Some fell right beside me. God kept me.

“Many bridges were blown just before we arrived at some places, and after we crossed. I arrived at some places to see bodies of my own colleagues that we were fighting together. I am alive today only by God’s grace.

“For the President of Nigeria, at this time, to come from Daura is the grace and mercy of God.”

Buhari said that the opportunity for him to serve the country as President came from God, saying that Nigeria is known all over the world for its diversity, with different religions and cultures.

“We are also known because we have a huge population of millions of people.

The President recalled that he secured his first job early after school to manage a co-operative in Daura, but had to escape and join the army when there was pressure that he should get married.

“I told Governor Aminu Bello Masari the story of how I left Daura to join the army. That was how God planned it. We make choices in life, but eventually destiny is before God.

According to him, the Daura Emirate and community had gained international recognition by divine purpose, not man’s efforts, assuring the Emirate that he would return and settle down in Daura, after handing over on May 29, 2023.

“The Emir has spoken extensively and I don’t have much to add. I have three of my classmates that are here today in the Emirate Council.

“I also hear of how the Emir has been giving recognitions and titles to my staff and family members. I am grateful for all the support.”

The Emir of Daura had said that the survival of the President when his car was bombed in 2014 was a divine act, which happened shortly before he won elections in 2015.

“The visit of the President is historic. He was invited by the Governor to inspect and commission development projects.

“The Governor has performed exceedingly well, beyond the projects that had been spotlighted. Close to seven years, he has been working for the people and he has made a big impact.

“Governor Masari is not a thief. The governor has done his best with available resources. He has showcased his record of service by inviting the President to witness progress in the state.

“The President has seen a lot in two days, but he has not seen all. We know the good works of the governor and really commend him.”

The Emir thanked the President for Federal Government projects in the state, and extoled the governor for creating an enabling environment for many to thrive.

“As a state, Katsina benefitted a lot from your position, Mr President and the Daura community remains grateful for all. For a long time, we will be talking about the blessings of God in our domain.”

President Buhari, today, concluded a two-day visit to Katsina State where he commissioned projects such as the Musawa General Hospital, Government Day Secondary School, Musawa, Gora-Makauraci-Malamawa road and Sandamu-Baure-Babban Mutum road, Gurjiya -Sandamu-Karkarku roads in Daura.

Nigerians Are Too Intelligent To Be Suffering Like This; It’s evil – Actress Omotola

Editorial staff

January 27, 2023

The 44-year-old Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde who relocated to the United States of America in 2021, has lamented the level of suffering in Nigeria.

“We are too intelligent a people to suffer like this. Suffering is not lesson to brag about … it’s evil. Why must people suffer to get anything done? Why?”

The actress took to Instagram today, January 27, to say: “After living in the US now for about 2 years.. Not just visiting but living and changing systems, I now see many things we managed and let slide (in Nigeria. It is just pure craziness.

“I’m deeply frustrated at the depth and volume of the needless suffering Nigerians go through.”

She said that living in the US has opened her eyes to the “needless sufferings in Nigeria,” saying that the country’s economy gasps for breath as food price hikes and fuel scarcity continue to persist even as insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers are also threaten the well-being of the citizens.

Omotola had appeared in over 300 films and received so many domestic and international awards during her active days.

Osinbajo Sympathizes With Nasarawa Gov For Death Of His Son

Greenbarge Reporters

January 27, 2023

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was in Nasarawa State today, January 27, to condole with the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule over the death of his son, Hassan Sule. he died yesterday, January 26, in Gudi, Nasarawa State.

Osinbajo also sympathises with the family members of the Governor over the loss of Hassan. Photos by Tolani Alli

My Govt Has Successfully Stamped Out Budget Padding, Buhari Boasts

Greenbarge Reporters

January 27, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has beaten his chest that his government has successfully dealt a blow on budget padding used by the legislators in the past as conduit pipe to siphon the nation’s financial resources.
He commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) for being one of the vehicles in achieving the feat, through Tracking of Constituency and Executive Projects.
The President spoke today, January 27, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha at a high-level stakeholders conference on the theme: Fighting Corruption in Nigeria: The Past, the Present and the Future. The conference was convened by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).
Buhari said that constituency projects used to be “conduit pipe” for self-aggrandizement but that with the intervention of ICPC, a lot is being done to ensure that both the government and constituents have value for money appropriated.
“Today, there is a rebirth of the National Assembly as the issue of budget padding has been addressed, resulting in the initiation and completion of constituency and Federal Government projects nationwide.
“I must commend the ICPC for tracking constituency projects because in the past, was a major conduit pipe.”
The President also spoke on how his effort at checkmating corruption led to the recovery of huge resources, which were directed towards critical and physical infrastructure such as roads, rail lines, bridges, airports, seaports in order to boast the economy.
He tasked the Anti-Corruption Agencies to concentrate more on asset recovery regime in order to deny looters the proceeds of their crime.

This was even as the ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye said that the surveillance of constituencies by the ICPC has forced many contractors who hitherto abandoned projects or executed projects shoddily to mobilize back to sites to either complete such projects or ensure their excellent execution.
The ICPC boss, who was represented by the Director of System Study and Review Department (SSRD), Abbia Udofia, spoke against the backdrop of constant abuse of personnel costs of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He said that through its system study and review intervention, the Commission retrieved huge sums of money in billions of naira that would have been diverted.
He listed other initiatives such as Corruption Risk Assessment, National Ethics and Integrity Policy, National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector and the Public Service Integrity Award among other interventions that yielded positive result in the fight against corruption.

INEC To Conduct Mock Voter’s Accreditation Nationwide February 4

Greenbarge Reporters

January 27, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled mock voter’s accreditation across 436 polling units of Nigeria for Saturday, February 4.

Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who made this known today, January 27 at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja said that the Commission has taken delivery of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the election.

“We have also dutifully tested each machine in our offices nationwide to ensure its functionality.

He said that the Commission has taken delivery of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the election.

“We have also dutifully tested each machine in our offices nationwide to ensure its functionality.

Professor Yakubu said that for the mock voter’s accreditation, 12 polling units have been designated in each State of the Federation and four in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the equality of the country’s 109 Senatorial Districts for the exercise.

“A comprehensive list of the polling units, including their names and PU Code numbers, as well as their distribution by State, Senatorial District, Local Government and Registration Area (Ward) will be uploaded to the Commission’s website shortly.”

The chairman appealed to registered voters in the affected polling units to appear on the scheduled date with their PVCs for the mock exercise.

“Doing so will help to reassure the public of the robustness of our system and to strengthen our processes ahead of the General Election.

“Civil society organisations, the media and the general public are welcome to observe the process.

“At the end of the exercise, the 436 BVAS machines involved will be reconfigured before they are deployed for the General Election.

“We have a loaded agenda for this meeting. I therefore once again welcome you all to this meeting as we go into our working session.”

Professor Yakubu said that there is exactly four weeks to the opening of polls on Saturday 25th February 2023 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections to be followed two weeks later by the Governorship and State Assembly elections on Saturday 11th March 2023.

He said that movement of materials for the election to various locations nationwide is being concluded.

“Training of officials will commence shortly. Ongoing consultations with stakeholders will be intensified. Airlifting and delivery of sensitive materials to States of the Federation has gone far. “Accreditation of national and international observers and the media is being finalised. Critical service providers in the area of transportation have reassured us of their commitment to efficient logistics for the movement of materials and personnel to various locations while the security agencies have reaffirmed their readiness for the election.

“However, the Commission is aware that there are a few issues to be addressed. One of them is the ongoing collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

“The Commission is encouraged by the determination of registered voters nationwide to collect their PVCs and the actual level of collection so far.

“For instance, in Lagos State, which has the highest number of registered voters in the country, the Commission delivered 940,200 PVCs from the recent voter registration exercise (June 2021 to July 2022) for both new registrants and requests for transfer and replacement of cards. As of yesterday Thursday 26th January 2023, 839,720 PVCs have been collected representing 89.3% of the total figure.

“This meeting with RECs will consider reports from other States of the Federation and the Commission will not hesitate to consider additional measures to ensure that all citizens have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the General Election.

“We wish to assure Nigerians that the Commission will always be responsive to the needs of the electorate.

“The next step is to conduct field tests across the country involving actual voters. For this reason, and in readiness for nationwide deployment, the Commission is conducting a mock accreditation of voters similar to what was done ahead of the recent Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections.”

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