Category: General News

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigeria International Lighting Expo (NILE) 2025 will showcase low-carbon technology in Lagos from Sept. 17 to Sept. 19.

The Expo is organised by Zhongsheng International Business (Zhongshan) Co. Ltd.

At a news conference on Saturday, Ms Lisa Lin, General Manager of Zhongshan Company Ltd., said the event would hold at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.

She said the Expo would explore the theme ‘Zero-Carbon Lighting: Supporting Nigeria’s Energy Transition Goals’, which aligns with the nation’s energy transformation agenda.

Lin noted that the exhibition would provide a platform to showcase low-carbon and smart lighting technologies, while boosting Nigeria’s lighting industry and enhancing global influence.

She disclosed that the exhibition would attract nearly 100 top exhibitors, including C-TORCH, AKT, VELLMAX, OKELI, BLUE CARBON, SHINNINGSTAR and VANGE SOLAR.

According to her, the Expo will cover 3,000 square metres and host over 5,000 professional visitors and buyers from Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

“The Expo will feature commercial, decorative and outdoor landscape lighting, alongside products for industrial use, stage entertainment, transport, medical applications and vehicle lighting.

“It will also showcase solar-powered lighting, LED innovations, intelligent display systems, advanced manufacturing materials and precision testing equipment,” she added.

Lin stressed that the Expo would drive regional industrial collaboration and position Nigeria as a gateway to the African market.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Akintubosun, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Energy, reaffirmed government’s commitment to energy transition.

He said this had been demonstrated through solar street lights, energy-efficient public lighting and integration of smart technology.

Akintubosun urged collaboration with international manufacturers and technology providers to foster innovation and create opportunities for Nigeria’s energy sector.

On his part, Mr Xu Fan, Director of Commercial and Trade Affairs at the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, said the Expo would enhance Nigeria-China trade relations.

He noted that demand for high-quality, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting products in Nigeria was growing as consumers increasingly embraced smart and sustainable solutions.

Xu added that China was ready to strengthen partnerships with Nigeria through zero-tariff treatment and deepen bilateral ties under the China-Nigeria strategic partnership framework.

“China is willing to sign an economic partnership agreement with Nigeria, implementing zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines.

“Through concrete actions, we aim to deepen the China-Nigeria strategic partnership and build a high-level community with a shared future,” Xu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Enugu Govt. begins payment of agric insurance premium for farmers

The Enugu State Government has begun the payment of insurance premium for farmers in the state to cushion the effects of pest, crop diseases and climate change on farmlands.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industralisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, disclosed this on Friday in Enugu.

Ubru said this at the sidelines of the one-day South East Zonal Consultative Forum for the Review of National Gender Policy in Agriculture for Nigeria and it’s Strategic Plan of Action (2025 – 2030).

The commissioner, who did not disclose the amount involved and number of benefiting farmers, said that “with the unpredictability of nature and climatic condition, insurance is very important.”

“The vulnerability of the climate has affected agriculture a lot. The payment of insurance premium is to use it to protect the farmers,” he said.

Ubru also said that state government had set up seed laboratory in the Ministry of Agriculture for better yield and bumper agricultural production.

According to him, a seed gallery has been set up in the ministry for easy access to quality and affordable seeds and seedlings suitable for the state soil types.

“The seed laboratory is meant to test the seeds and their fertility in the soil as well as determine their condition before planting,” he said.

Ubru said that all forms of crops are grown in Enugu State today, adding “that there is ongoing Gov. Peter Mbah’s Cocoa Initiative, with 30,000 seedlings of cocoa available in the state.”

He said, “The target is to have over 3,000 hectares of cocoa farms in the state for a start.”

The commissioner said that the governor is currently developing 260 farm estates in the 260 political wards in the state.

He said that 200 hectares of land will be used for farming in each ward and each farmer will be given one hectare of land for farming and extension services would be provided for farmers as well.

“The governor will announce date for the commissioning of the farm estates soon,” he said.

Ubru said that governor had determined to improve agricultural in all its ramifications, adding: “His Excellence, Gov. Peter Mbah, has planned growth of the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through agriculture and agro-industralisation.

Plank Sellers Association Encourages Nigerians to Participate in the ongoing Voter Registration.

 

By Adewale Owoade.

 

The Plank Sellers Association of Nigeria has called on eligible citizens to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

 

The association made this call during its annual general meeting in Oyo town, Oyo State.

 

The association also praised President Bola Tinubu’s performance in his first two years, highlighted key achievements

The National President of the association, and also the chairman of the Lagos State Plank and Building Materials Market Association, Alhaji Lateef Adelodun, emphasised that collecting PVCs will empower citizens to access democratic benefits, demand their rights, and gain societal recognition.

 

Other stakeholders in attendance echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and participation in the electoral process.

By Taiye Olayemi and Olamide Akintunde

Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has urged senior and retired engineers to mentor younger professionals to sustain excellence and inspire resilience in engineering.

Its Chairman, Dr Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, made the appeal on Wednesday at the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, Awards and Election, held at the APWEN Lagos Resource and Innovation Hub, University of Lagos.

“Mentorship is at the heart of our progress.

“We encourage our senior and retired members to stay actively engaged with younger professionals because their wealth of experience is invaluable to building confidence and resilience in the next generation,” Owolabi said.

She noted that APWEN Lagos had impacted hundreds of young female engineers through its mentorship and capacity-building programmes, including the SheEngineers Consultancy Apprenticeship Programme (SECAP).

According to her, SECAP has empowered 200 young female engineers and reached more than 1,500 girls through STEM education.

Owolabi highlighted that the newly inaugurated APWEN Lagos Innovation and Resource Hub at UNILAG was one of the chapter’s achievements, serving as a platform for collaboration, mentoring, and knowledge sharing between senior and younger engineers.

“As part of bridging the classroom and real-world experience, we organised site visits to Schneider Electric, Greenpeg Engineering, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, and other leading organisations. We guided career paths, created apprenticeship opportunities, and expanded our student chapters across UNILAG, YABATECH, and LASU,” she said.

The outgoing chairman also listed other milestones, including training members in AutoCAD and digital manufacturing, cybersecurity workshops, and the SHEnovation Hackathon, which attracted over 100 submissions.

She added that the chapter’s membership base had grown by more than 120 new members, with stronger student-to-professional transitions to ensure sustainability.

Owolabi, who handed over to new executives at the AGM, expressed confidence that the chapter’s initiatives would continue to expand opportunities for young female engineers while promoting innovation and leadership in the industry.

By Taiye Olayemi

Whitecrust Finance Company says it provided loans to no fewer than 16,000 civil servants, small businesses, and individuals across the country within the last two years.

Mr Kingsley Eremionkhale, Managing Director, company, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

Eremionkhale, described the development as a major milestone in the company’s mission to empower Nigerians.

He said the milestone reflected the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and its resolve to support underserved groups such as civil servants, women, youths, and the elderly.

He said, “We have seen first-hand the incredible resilience of our people, especially civil servants, who are the economy’s backbone; the entrepreneurial drive of our women and youths, and the wisdom of our elderly who continue to contribute to our society.

“Our mission is to meet these groups where they are, understand their unique challenges, and provide simple, flexible financial products that are tailored for them.

“This milestone of empowering 16,000 individuals in two years is more than a number; it is a testament to our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable economy.

“We are proud to be a partner in their journey to success and will continue to work tirelessly to extend our reach across Nigeria and Africa at large.”

Eremionkhale noted that obtaining a licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had further strengthened the company’s operations.

According to him, some of the firm’s financial products included Term Investment, Hiyield Investment Coupon, Fixed Term Investment, Senior Citizen Investment, and Target Investments such as Relief, Early Starters, and Vacay.

Whitecrust Finance is a subsidiary of Whitecrust Investment Ltd., which provides loans, business advisory, and investment solutions aimed at empowering individuals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, on Friday organised a free STEM holiday camp for girls in Makoko community.

The initiative, held in honour of Dr Felicia Agubata, a past president of the association, aimed to inspire girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Speaking at the event, APWEN Lagos Chairman, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, said the camp was designed to nurture curiosity and encourage early engagement with STEM subjects among young girls.

She explained that the camp also marked World Humanitarian Day, serving as a platform for APWEN to give back by empowering future female innovators and problem solvers.

“The focus is on girls aged six to twelve, a crucial stage where curiosity is high and proper guidance can ignite a lifelong passion,” Owolabi said.

Through fun experiments, STEM games, drawing and quiz competitions, the holiday camp sought to build enthusiasm and endear the participants to science and engineering.

Owolabi stressed that science and technology were vital tools for nation-building and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ensuring no girl was excluded from STEM education.

She urged government, the private sector, community leaders and families to collaborate in supporting girl-child education and empowerment, stressing the need for collective responsibility.

Owolabi also commended APWEN partners, volunteers and the STEM Committee for their efforts, encouraging the girls to remain bold, curious and confident in pursuing their dreams.

In her remarks, Dr Agubata encouraged the girls to stay determined in their studies, noting that her rural upbringing in Anambra never hindered her growth.

She said that rural life should not be seen as a barrier and emphasised that faith in God and commitment to learning could unlock success.

According to her, education enabled her to travel the world and achieve financial independence, proving that discipline and perseverance remain vital tools for advancement.

Agubata urged the girls to cultivate obedience, honesty, respect and strong character, while prioritising education as the gateway to exceeding their expectations and achieving greatness.

She further described STEM as a driver of economic growth and advised the participants not to allow environmental circumstances to limit their ambitions.

In a remarkable gesture, Agubata awarded a scholarship to Miss Adijat Ajeigbe, an out-of-school girl, covering her education from primary to university level.

Ajeigbe, recently bereaved and with a deaf and dumb mother, said the scholarship rekindled her hope and renewed her determination to pursue her dreams.

Mrs Gbemisola Lanre-Shobona guided the children through basic engineering concepts, demonstrating a volcano eruption experiment using vinegar and baking soda, alongside lessons in electronics and magnetism.

The event also featured career talks, STEM games, fun experiments, drawing contests, scholarships for disadvantaged girls, and other activities designed to spark interest in engineering.

Commending the initiative, Chief Akeem Adeshina, Baale of Makoko, praised APWEN for bringing the camp to the community and pledged support in guiding children towards engineering.

He described the Makoko people as transparent and peaceful, while welcoming continued collaboration with APWEN for the empowerment of the community’s younger generation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has called on the Federal Government to improve the funding of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).

According to the Etsu Nupe, this is in view of the significant role the commission is playing in the development of the states under its mandate.

The first class traditional ruler made the appeal when the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, visited him in his Wadata palace in Bida.

The Etsu Nupe explained it was extremely important for government at all levels and wealthy individuals to assist adequately in funding the N-HYPPADEC, because of its significant role of addressing emergency cases of riverine communities.

“N-HYPPADEC is playing key roles in the provision of education and other infrastructure to the states under its coverage.

“By ensuring its adequate funding the activities of the commission will greatly complement the efforts of the federal government in bolstering the welfare of flood victims and Nigerians,” he noted.

The Etsu Nupe expressed his readiness to support any initiative targeted at improving the living standard of his people, saying: “This is because improving and enhancing the livelihood of our people remain my cardinal principle”.

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar explained that the reappointment of Sadiq Yelwa for another four years in office was a testament to the appreciation of his leadership not only by people of Niger and other member states, but that of federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Whole congratulating Sadiq-Yelwa, the Etsu Nupe assured that his doors remained opened to support N-HYPPADEC to succeed in addition to mobilising his people to own government projects executed in their areas.

On the visit by the managing director of N-HYPPADEC, Etsu Nupe lauded efforts to end the perennial water scarcity affecting residents of Bida and environs in collaboration with the Niger State state Government.

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa commended the Etsu Nupe and and other well meaning Nigerians for their unwavering support to N-HYPPADEC and called for more to succeed.

He announced plans to think creatively in his second tenure to evolve additional sources of funding to enable them execute more impactful projects within the commission’s catchment area.

In a compelling address that resonated deeply with his congregation, Rev’d Samuel Adeleke, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Okoro, Oke-Itunu, delivered a transformative sermon on the essence of true discipleship. Titled “Being the Disciples that Jesus Desires,” the sermon drew upon key biblical texts from Matthew 28:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 13:5, as Rev’d Adeleke by illuminated four distinct types of discipleship as described in Scripture.

In an era where the meaning of discipleship often gets muddled, Rev’d Adeleke dissected these archetypes—highlighting both their dangers and the necessity of aligning oneself more closely with Christ. He levied a critical examination of the first group: disciples working apart from God. These individuals, distracted by worldly desires, seek to define their faith through a lens of convenience, often leading to misalignment with God’s plans. Quoting Romans 1:28, he emphasized that true discipleship cannot coexist with deviance from God’s principles.

Turning to disciples who walk away from God, Rev’d Adeleke recounted the biblical narrative from John 6, illustrating how some choose the comfort of selective listening over the hard truths of the Gospel. “These are those who resonate with the rhythm of the Church but shy away from its profound teachings,” he noted, urging his congregation to embrace the totality of Christ’s message, even when it demands personal sacrifice.

The sermon further delved into the perils of those who follow Jesus from afar, a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine faith and commitment. “This distance,” he cautioned—supported by Mark 14:53—”makes them susceptible to backsliding and spiritual confusion. Their prayers grow sporadic, while their dedication wanes.”

Rev’d Adeleke then joyfully celebrated the fourth and final category: “disciples that follow Jesus at all cost.” In a rallying crescendo, he emphasized the need to fully acknowledge Christ as the “word of life,” as seen in John 6:68. “It is through this complete surrender that we find our true joy and peace!” he declared, urging everyone to establish a relationship with Christ that transcends the challenges of life.

As Rev’d Adeleke concluded his sermon, he offered a heartfelt call to self-reflection, encouraging all present to examine their own walk with God. “It is imperative for us to check our lifestyle and choose to be the proper disciple,” he urged, his voice echoing through the church, resonating in the hearts of many.

The response from the congregation was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees noting the relevance of his message in today’s society, where distractions and temptations abound. Rev’d Adeleke’s sermon not only kindled a renewed desire for deeper discipleship within the church but also sparked discussions that extended beyond its walls, resonating with anyone yearning for authentic faith.

In times when authentic discipleship feels elusive, Rev’d S.A. Adeleke’s insightful guidance serves as a beacon of hope—reminding all that the path to true discipleship is a journey well worth taking.