Headlines

Nigerian govt commissions electric vehicle charging station in Lagos

Published

4 years ago

July 13, 2021

The Federal Government has commissioned the first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at the University of Lagos.

The project is the initiative of the National Automotive Design and Development Agency, NADDC, under the Elective Vehicle Pilot Project.

The commissioning, which took place on Tuesday at the university’s faculty of engineering, was attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; NADDC Board Chairman, Senator Osita Izunaso; and NADDC Director-General, Jelani Aliyi.

Others were the University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatowin Ogundipe; Chief Executive Officer of the Stallion Group, Anant Badjatya and many other dignitaries.

Speaking while commission the project, the minister said the charging station is aimed at promoting applicable local solutions for Vehicle Electrification in the country.

According to him, the project will offer students first-hand experience with the latest innovations in mobility and renewable power technology.

“It is strategized to be an effective platform for focused Research and Development into even more applicable Vehicle Electrification solutions for Nigeria and Africa,” the minister added.

Mr Adebayo, therefore, described the program as another initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration designed to promote advanced technology transfer and the development of sophisticated human capital in the country.

He said: “For my ministry (the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment), programs such as these are the lifeblood of everything we are trying to achieve.

“It is, after all, a proven fact among advanced nations, that the key to successful industrialization is strategic human capital & capacity development in state of the art technologies.”

Speaking earlier, the NADDC Boss stressed that the agency is committed to promoting the adoption, development, manufacturing and usage of advanced technology in the country’s automotive sector.

Mr Aliyu recalled that on February 5, the minister had unveiled the first Nigerian assembled Electric Vehicle, the Hyundai Kona EV, adding that today he is commissioning the NADDC Solar Powered EV Charging Station.

According to him, these developments add Nigeria to the league of nations actively committed to the protection of the environment through zero emissions vehicles.

Speaking on the station, Mr Aliyu said: “This EV Charging Station to be commissioned today is 100% Solar Powered.

“The installation consist of 60 PV Monocrystalline Solar arrays (panels), which have a capacity of 86.4 kilowatts per hour, there are 3 online-offline 5KVA Hybrid inverters synchronized together to give 15 KVA/48 WATTS, and we have 36 units of Deep Cycle Gel batteries with an output of 48 volts/19 and 0

“The Power bank consists of 36 units of dry cell, deep cycle batteries of up to 95Kwh storage capacity.

“The system provides ordinary 13A and 15A sockets that can support all types normal chargers. The station also provides a 7.4kw CCS fast charger and can support up to 11kw types.”

The director-general added that the project would offer to the university an effective platform for advanced innovation in EVs and related Renewable Energy solutions.

Headlines

Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

Published

2 weeks ago

July 15, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.

On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl, former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.

Headlines

“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Published

2 weeks ago

July 15, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

Headlines

King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

Published

2 weeks ago

July 15, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”