Nation

FG Inaugurates Solar-Powered Electricity Project At UDUS

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2022

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, has inaugurated a 2mw solar-powered electricity project at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) to enhance energy supply and youths training in the institution.
Dingyadi inaugurated the project, Monday, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said it was part of a project conceptualised to power federal universities and university teaching hospitals across the country.
He said the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) executed the project.
“UDUS is not the only benefitting university in the first phase of the Federal Government’s “Energizing Education Programme (EEP).
“This marks another historical moment to the delight of the Rural Electrification Agency as well as students and staff members of this great institution.
“We all know that electricity is central to everything we do as a society. It enables our economies and communities to thrive.’’ he said.
He also underscored the importance of tackling climate change through the use of responsive, renewable power project for the supply of clean, safe and affordable electricity.
“The project is in fulfilment of our strategic drive to use modern technology to address the issue of climate change and reduce carbon emission by 20 per cent,’’ he stressed.
He reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to efficient supply of electricity through different initiatives to facilitate robust business growth and improve the wellbeing of Nigerians.
In his remarks, Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, said UDUS is the eighth university to be energised under the Phase One of the EEP.
He said the UDUS project would provide 8.65km of solar-powered streetlights and a functional workshop and training centre.
He added that the training centre would take off with training of 20 female interns.
“This project is designed to sufficiently serve students and staff members of this institution with clean, safe and reliable energy.
“The Federal Ministry of Power has focused on nurturing this emerging off-grid sector with the right policy initiatives.
“EEP is one of many policy interventions of the Federal Government through the ministry, aimed at closing the energy access gap in learning institutions,’’ Aliyu said.
Also speaking at the occasion, Managing Director of REA, Mr Ahmad Salihijo, said the Phase Two of the EEP project had kicked off with funding from the World Bank under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
“As an implementing agency of the Federal Government, the REA is committed to ensuring the best and most sustainable delivery of these projects,’’ he said.
Salihijo expressed appreciation of the support of the Sokoto State Government and that of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
UDUS’ Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, also commended the Federal Government for numerous interventions in the institution. He said the 2mw solar photovoltaic hybrid power Plant would surely enhance scholarly works and the wellbeing of users.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.