General
Femi Gbajabiamila: Harnessing Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Potential
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plans designed to bolster and sustain nationwide electricity supplies.
Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila revealed that the Eko Electricity Distribution Company had commissioned a 2 x 20 MVA injection substation off Randle Avenue in Surulere, Lagos, furthering the government’s commitment to strengthening power supplies across its franchise area. Olufemi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, the Senator for Lagos Central Senatorial District, revealed that the government’s collaboration with Eko Electricity Distribution Company and other stakeholders had been pivotal in bringing the project to fruition.
The scheme has highlighted what can be achieved when private and public entities join forces with a shared purpose, as Femi Gbajabiamila pointed out. He explained that one of the two units for the 20 MVA injection substation was facilitated during his tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, restating the government’s commitment to improving electricity supplies in the community. Mr Gbajabiamila also commended Randle Mechanic Village’s automobile technicians for their cooperation and understanding in allowing the government to put the facility in a section of their workshop.
As Olufemi Gbajabiamila highlighted, President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring improved electricity supply across Nigeria, with his administration constantly interfacing with stakeholders in the power sector to address multifaceted challenges hampering the stable supply of electricity. To this end, President Tinubu has allocated more than 340 billion naira in the 2024 budget with the goal of improving infrastructure. President Bola Tinubu is also concerned about reports of energy theft, as well as the theft of power infrastructure.
Dr Dere Otubu serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Eko Electricity Distribution Company. Dr Otubu expressed his gratitude to the people of Surulere for their patience, steadfastness and tenacity. Reflecting that his company stood for improving the quality of lives of its customers by providing safe, sustainable and reliable electricity supplies, Dr Dere Otubu indicated that the new infrastructure would help Eko Electricity Distribution Company to meet its commitment to the people of Lagosian and Surulere. To that end, he reiterated the company’s commitment to distributing power reliably, safely and consistently, pointing out that the Agbara community was next in line to have their project commissioned.
Represented by Mr Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that residents across Lagos are able to enjoy reliable and constant electricity. Mr Sanwo-Olu cautioned the local community to guard the equipment, refraining from activities that may affect the state of power in Surulere.
In the realms of renewable energy, Nigeria shows huge potential, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) having recently announced several planned infrastructure projects paving the way for a nationwide transition to renewable energy. Opportunities for investment cover a range of different renewable energy specialties, including:
- Palm oil biodiesel
- Casava fuel ethanol
- Sugarcane fuel ethanol
- Solar and wind energy power production
- Emissions reduction
Recognising the vast potential posed by the country’s growing renewables industry, the Nigerian Government recently announced ambitious plans for the sector, including the goal of meeting almost half of the country’s power needs through renewable energy sources by 2030. With an ever-increasing demand for energy across the nation, President Tinubu recognises the significant opportunities posed by embracing renewables, not only in terms of easing the burden on the country’s existing power infrastructure but also in opening up a path for further economic development.
President Tinubu recently announced a new government policy to expand the Nigerian power sector’s value chain, potentially granting access to a market for carbon credits with a global value of circa $261 billion, providing far-reaching entrepreneurship and employment benefits for manufacturers, suppliers and installers, as well as benefiting a host of associated industries.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
