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Schneider Electric Advocates Microgrids for Sustainable Energy Drive
By Adedapo Adesanya
As part of efforts to drive further adoption of energy alternatives, Schneider Electric, has shared sustainable approaches to providing resilient and clean energy in Nigeria and the world in general.
The digital energy multinational at a recent innovation summit held in Maryland, US, hosted top pioneer companies in the microgrid space to discuss the way forward in the industry.
Speaking at the event, Schneider Electric Group Chairman and CEO, Mr Jean-Pascal Tricoire, addressed how industry experts, through software and technologies, are making the digital, electric world a reality.
He also posed that organisations across the world can accelerate digital transformation by choosing the right technologies to achieve a wide range of sustainability goals, like microgrids.
Adding her input on Schneider’s aim for upscaling the energy world in Nigeria, Microgrids Expert, Schneider Electric, Ms Teina Teibowei, mentioned that carbon emissions from the power sector in the country reached around 11.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2020.
She stated that existing technologies could reduce these emissions by 70 per cent and engineer a healthier energy world for humans across the world.
In addition, she shared a core point for organisations wishing to adopt microgrids in Nigeria on the use of the Energy-as-a-service funding model for seamless project execution.
“The Energy-as-a-service model limits technical and operational risk while delivering on reliability and cost-effectiveness. Schneider Electric is strong with an extensive network of partners in West Africa to deliver on this solution.”
With the recent sustainability dilemma facing the world, rapid transformations in technology across all sectors, and the tripled advancement of cars, computers, phones, and daily technologies relied on, there is an ever-increasing demand for more energy than the 20th-century technology for technological power advancement.
Microgrids are self-contained electrical networks that draw from on-site energy sources and can operate independently of the grid. They offer straightforward solutions for elevating energy resilience and clean energy. Thus, they are a key 21st -century solution for powering 21st-century technologies.
According to, Mr Babajide Ogunlesi, Regional Product Application Engineer, Schneider Electric, the use of microgrids is participating in the resolution of the energy challenge in Nigeria by paving a sustainable path to electrification, as well as providing innovative energy solutions to drive cost-efficiency for homes and organisations.
He also mentioned a key point to note when building a microgrid, which is to start with a rightsized microgrid design to optimize cost efficiency as there is no one-size-fits-all microgrid.
“It is essential to right-size at the design phase of the microgrid for it to deliver measurable
energy-cost efficiency. Factors to consider are the specific load to power, the load requirements at any given time and the demand sources.
“Taking the time to design the solution properly avoids ending up with an under or over-sized microgrid. The goal is to tailor a solution that is just right for the user’s energy needs,” he added.
Schneider Electric has committed to providing energy and automated digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability in every home, industry, infrastructure, and data centre by combining energy technologies, real-time automation, software, and services.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The application filed by the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr Abba Kyari, to throw out the charges against him has been rejected by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The embattled cop had challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the drug-related charges levelled against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
But Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Wednesday, dismissed Mr Kyari’s plea, stating that the court has the exclusive right and jurisdiction to hear the case.
Recall that the NDLEA dragged the former head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force and others before the court.
The other four members of the IRT accused of being involved in drug-related offences arraigned before the court are ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirgba and Inspector John Nuhu.
They were accused of conspiring to deal in 17.55kg of cocaine without lawful authority. They were also alleged to have conspired to tamper with cocaine and unlawfully tamper with the 21.35kg of cocaine seized from two convicted drug dealers.
But Mr Kyari asked the court to dismiss the suit against him, arguing that the charges were premature as the NDLEA ought to have allowed the police to exhaust its internal machinery before taking an action.
According to him, authorities of the police had already ordered a probe into allegations against him, with an interim report released.
He argued that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has similar powers to investigate and discipline erring police officers in line with the Police Act & Regulations, the same way the National Judicial Council (NJC) disciplines judicial officers.
However, Justice Nwite was not moved by the arguments of the suspect, informing him that the powers of the PSC do not supersede the powers of the Federal High Court
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As Muslims across the globe and Nigeria prepare for the annual one-month Ramadan, a period for fasting and getting closer to Allah, Nigeria’s market leader in the food and beverage industry, Rite Foods, has called on all to adhere to the doctrines of Islam, which preach peaceful coexistence.
The annual Islamic ritual, which is in fulfilment of the fourth pillar of Islam, is expected to commence this week.
In a statement, the world-class and proudly-Nigerian company said it has made available its unrivalled brands for consumption and refreshing moments during the fasting period for Islamic believers and on extraordinary occasions.
The Managing Director of Rite Foods, Mr Seleem Adegunwa, stated that as a consumer-centric company poised towards the delivery of quality products for consumers’ satisfaction with award-winning brands comprising the 13 variants of Bigi carbonated soft drink (CSD) and premium water, Rite sausages, Fearless energy drink, and the premium Sosa fruit drink for Muslim faithful’s during the holy month of penitence and self-denial as enshrined in Islam.
He urged the believers to uphold virtues that foster unity, decency, tolerance, and love for one another, by what they propagate and are known for.
In the same vein, the company’s Assistant Brand Manager, Ms Boluwatife Adedugbe, avowed that Rite Foods would continue to cater to the needs of consumers with its leading brands that are produced with state-of-the-art infrastructure and in a first-rate factory in line with global best practices.
She affirmed that Rite Foods would continually identify with its consumers with initiatives that add value to lives and felicitate them during religious undertakings.
Against the backdrop of continually connecting with its consumers, the company’s Bigi brand unveiled its new slogan, Bigi For Every Moment, as the most delicious brand that suits all occasions.
The mantra highlights the idea that there is a perfect refreshing flavour to suit every moment for all demographics, whether for a celebration or a relaxing mood. It is suitable for all events.
Similarly, with its new mantra, Embrace The Thrill, the Fearless energy drink has demonstrated that it would continue to rejuvenate consumers to become braver and more adventurous, to activate their dreams to attain success with the positive energy it provides.
It motivates them to go beyond their limits and not be laid back by the many rejections they have received. The brand also encourages them to be daring and energetic, exhibit the willpower to excel, be enthusiastic in their endeavours, and be vigorous.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United States government has condemned the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during the governorship polls in Lagos and 27 states in Nigeria on Saturday, March 18.
The world power also said it would consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US diplomatic mission in Nigeria said it observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand.
It condemned “The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos,” which it said “was particularly concerning.”
“We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process.
“We call on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.
“The United States likewise will consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
“Following the February 25 national elections, the United States joined other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round.
“The March 18 elections appear to have had significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner,” the statement read.
The United States used the opportunity to call on those dissatisfied with the outcome of the exercise to go through established legal processes to reclaim their mandate.
“We further call for Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy,” the statement added.
Business Post reports that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the governorship election in Lagos, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivior, has promised to approach the court to challenge the exercise.
