Environment
REA boss, recounts reason for deployment of more Mini-grid solar power

The managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo, has explained that the recent deployment of Mini-grid Solar power installation across the country, in areas or communities with potential for productive use particularly around agricultural activities is to boost agricultural production and alleviate the burden posed by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Salihijo disclosed this in Gurin, Fufore local government area on Friday, during the inspection of 100Kw Solar Mini-grid power plant built by the agency through a private developer Cloud energy photoelectric limited.
The project, in Gurin, a big agricultural community, in terms, of Rice processing, is, one out of 6 other similar solar powered installation systems provided by REA under its Mass Electrification for Poverty Reduction Programme, to support productive enterprise around agricultural clusters.
According to the REA boss, the idea behind the installation of the Mini-grid to Gurin, is to provide power for processing so that the Rice Miller’s dependency on petrol is reduced.
He further noted similar project in the North East geopolitical zone has seen five other communities also equipped with 100Kw Solar Mini-grid system.
He said, ” Gurin is a hub for Rice milling. The idea is to provide power for the Rice processors so that their dependency on Petrol is reduced. In other zones, we have targeted areas where there’s community farming, especially around fishing as well as in border areas where there are lot of economic activities. The system is designed to prioritize productive users, including agro-processing businesses, homes and public spaces. But the key is to ensure that this project goes to communities that have existing economic activities so that they are able to afford and use the power. The purpose is to boost agricultural productivity of the country.”
Barka Sajou, Executive Director Technical Services, REA, was among staff who accompanied the REA boss, on inspection tour of 100Kw Solar Mini-grid system and other projects which are at various stages of completion in Adamawa.
Barka said there were a total of 40 isolated power distibution systems, alone in Adamawa, targeted at rural communities, where the predominant activity is agriculture.
Adding that, the focus of the project is to incentivize the agricultural process and boost food production.
Sani Gurin, Chairman of the Rice Millers, in the area, said the power installation has addressed power challenge experienced by the Rice millers. While appreciating REA’s intervention, he however requested the expansion of solar Mini-grid to 300Kw capacity system to help accommodate more millers who had her to be connected to the grid.
Environment
NiMet Forecasts 3-Day Dust Haze Across Nigeria Starting Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a dust haze across the country from Wednesday to Friday this week. The agency’s weather outlook, released on Tuesday in Abuja, indicates moderate dust haze with visibility ranging from 2 km to 5 km in the northern region on Wednesday.
NiMet further warned that localised visibility of 1 km or less is expected throughout the forecast period. The North Central and inland areas of the South are also anticipated to experience moderate dust haze, with visibility ranging between 2 km and 5 km, alongside areas of reduced visibility.
In addition, the agency forecasted early morning fog or mist over the coastal regions, transitioning to moderate dust haze with visibility of 2 km to 5 km during the afternoon.
On Thursday, the northern region is expected to continue experiencing moderate dust haze, with similar visibility conditions. The North Central and inland Southern areas will also see moderate dust haze, while a hazy atmosphere will persist over the coastal regions.
By Friday, dust haze is expected to cover the northern region throughout the day, with the same moderate haze conditions continuing in the North Central and inland South. Coastal parts will remain hazy.
NiMet has urged the public to take necessary precautions, especially individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, due to the suspension of dust particles in the air. Airline operators have been advised to consult airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for better flight planning.
Environment
Cubana Chief Priest Breaks Silence After Viral Photos of Kenyan Lady’s Son

Popular businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has responded after a Kenyan woman who accused him of fathering her child shared new photos of the boy. The story resurfaced recently when the images went viral, reigniting the paternity rumors.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Cubana Chief Priest took to Instagram, seemingly unbothered, joining in on a popular meme from The Lord’s Chosen Church. In his post, he humorously wrote, “Eye👀 Don Dey Pain I’m A Chosen 😂,” without addressing the paternity claims directly.
Fans in the comment section, however, continued to focus on the issue, with many drawing attention to the resemblance between him and the child:
– **@cintirich21**: “Eye no fit pain chosen pls wear apron😂🤣”
– **@iam_degold**: “Gene too strong 30BG gang dey outside 😂😂😂😂”
– **@okekecynthia_**: “We see your Pikin o😂… Him sef na Chosen😂”
– **@bochins_gadgets**: “I am a chosen… Strong DNA na water 😂😂😂”
– **@irenic10**: “U no fit delete Original Copy 👏👏”
– **@barbby_b**: “Account balance don red😭😂 I am a Chosen, once I wear my green Apron, money comes🙌🏼”
– **@realhabunzee_**: “CP i heard say Tokunbo Wahab don lock your new restaurant o 😟”
– **@_maama___**: “Somebody said resemblance na water 😂😂”
Despite the online chatter, Cubana Chief Priest has yet to directly address or deny the allegations regarding the paternity of the child.
Environment
Renewed Optimism: Oduduwa Forum Highlights Progress in Nigeria’s Water Resources Under Tinubu

The Oduduwa Youth Progressive Forum (OYPF) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s water resources agencies which has brought renewed hope to the sector.
In a statement signed by its convener, Aare Gbenga Mimiko, the forum also commended the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, for his efforts in developing and implementing policies that have made clean and safe water accessible to Nigerians.
Mimiko acknowledged the Minister’s drive to revamp ongoing water projects nationwide to provide clean and accessible water for all Nigerians.
He said the current inspection tour of water dams will not only scale up irrigation farming but also lead to food security.
The forum noted that the Minister’s policies have ensured sustainable water management and development, promoted public-private partnerships, and increased investment in the sector.
Mimiko said the agencies under the Ministry have undergone significant reforms, including restructuring and reorganization to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
He added that the Minister has enhanced the 12 river basins to support agricultural production and socio-economic development in the region.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s water resources agencies,” the statement said.
“His leadership has brought renewed hope to the sector, and we applaud his efforts in ensuring that these agencies are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
“The Federal Government has pledged to revamp ongoing water projects nationwide as part of its renewed commitment to provide clean and accessible water for all Nigerians.
“The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, is currently undergoing an inspection tour of water projects nationwide. This tour is crucial in scaling up irrigation farming to achieve food security, which is a critical aspect of the government’s agenda.
“By inspecting these projects, the Minister is identifying areas of improvement, ensuring effective utilization of resources, and promoting sustainable water management practices.
“The inspection tour will also enable the Minister to engage with stakeholders, including local communities, farmers, and investors, to understand their needs and concerns. This will help to build trust and foster collaboration, which is essential for the successful implementation of water projects.
“We hail the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for its tireless efforts in revitalizing the ministry. Under Prof. Utsev’s leadership, the ministry has developed and implemented policies that have made clean and safe water accessible to Nigerians at all times.
“The policies deployed so far have been instrumental in ensuring sustainable water management and development, promoting public-private partnerships, and increasing investment in the sector.
“We applaud Utsev’s leadership qualities, which have inspired a sense of purpose and direction in the ministry. His ability to bring stakeholders together and build consensus has been remarkable, and we commend him for his selfless service to the nation.
“The agencies under the Ministry of Water Resources have undergone significant reforms, including restructuring and reorganization to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Minister has enhanced the 12 river basins to support agricultural production and socio-economic development in the region. ”
The Oduduwa Youth Progressive Forum called for further support for the ministry and its agencies, urging the Minister to continue pushing for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s water challenges.
Mimiko stated: “We call for further support for the ministry and its agencies to ensure that they continue to deliver on their mandate. We urge the Minister not to relent in his efforts to revitalize the sector and to continue to push for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s water challenges.”
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