Nigeria News (Standard)
Aso Rock Moves to Solar Power After ₦47bn National Grid Bill, Presidency Confirms
State House says switch aims to cut costs as new solar mini-grid project receives ₦17bn in federal funding
State House says switch aims to cut costs as new solar mini-grid project receives ₦17bn in federal funding
The Presidency has announced that Aso Rock Villa in Abuja will disconnect from the national electricity grid following an annual power bill of about ₦47 billion, opting instead for a dedicated solar energy system. State House Permanent Secretary Temitope Fashedemi disclosed this development during a session with lawmakers, noting that the transition comes after the completion of a major solar mini-grid project at the seat of government.
Fashedemi explained that the solar installation was finished towards the end of 2025 and has been under technical evaluation ahead of full deployment. He stated, “The solar installation at the Villa was completed toward the end of 2025 and has remained under technical evaluation. We are hopeful that by March we will be able to effect a full cutover.”
The move follows years of mounting electricity bills at Aso Rock and is intended to reduce the government’s operational costs amid ongoing economic challenges. According to budget documents, ₦10 billion was earmarked for the project in 2025 under the programme titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid”, while an additional ₦7 billion was approved in the 2026 budget. This brings total federal funding for the initiative to around ₦17 billion.
Officials said shifting to renewable energy is expected to offer significant long-term savings for government and reduce dependence on Nigeria’s frequently unstable national grid. The State House stated that once technical checks are concluded, Aso Rock will operate fully on solar power, making it one of the first major federal facilities to do so.
Opposition parties were yet to comment on the development as at press time. However, energy sector observers say if successful, Aso Rock’s transition could encourage similar projects at other government institutions nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Enugu Rangers Extends Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Contract to 2027 Amid Speculation
Management moves to secure technical stability as club targets further NPFL and continental success
Management moves to secure technical stability as club targets further NPFL and continental success
Enugu Rangers International Football Club has officially extended the contract of its head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, until 2027, ending weeks of speculation regarding his future with the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions. The announcement was made on Saturday in Enugu by the club’s management.
The contract renewal comes after a period of uncertainty, with reports circulating about possible changes in the technical crew following Rangers’ recent league triumph. The club’s board said the decision to retain Ilechukwu was based on his impressive performance, having guided Rangers to their eighth NPFL title in the just-concluded season.
Rangers’ management stated that securing Ilechukwu’s services for three more years is part of efforts to maintain continuity and build on recent successes, especially as the team prepares for participation in next season’s CAF Champions League. The club emphasised that stability in leadership is crucial for achieving its long-term objectives both locally and on the continent.
“Coach Ilechukwu has demonstrated capacity and commitment to our vision,” a senior board member said after the deal was finalised. “We believe this extension will enable him consolidate on our achievements and prepare adequately for continental football.” There was no immediate reaction from supporters’ groups, but some fans have welcomed the move on social media platforms.
With this renewed contract, Rangers will now focus on strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming NPFL season and continental fixtures. The management also hinted at plans to support Ilechukwu with additional resources and technical staff as preparations intensify.
Nigeria News (Standard)
MSF Investigation Uncovers Exploitation of Women, Girls in Chad Refugee Camps
Aid group reports widespread sexual violence and abuse in camps near Nigeria’s border, urges urgent international response
Aid group reports widespread sexual violence and abuse in camps near Nigeria’s border, urges urgent international response
A recent investigation by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has revealed alarming levels of exploitation and sexual abuse targeting women and girls living in refugee camps in Chad, close to Nigeria’s North-East border. The findings were released on Saturday, highlighting the urgent need for protection measures as humanitarian agencies continue to respond to the ongoing crisis in the region.
According to MSF, the situation in these camps has deteriorated significantly due to overcrowding, lack of security, and insufficient resources. The report documents multiple cases where women and adolescent girls were subjected to sexual violence, including rape and forced transactional sex, as they attempted to access basic needs such as food and water. Many victims reportedly suffered both physical injuries and severe psychological trauma.
The camps house thousands of people who have fled violence and instability from neighbouring countries, including Nigeria’s Borno State, where Boko Haram attacks have displaced millions over the past decade. Humanitarian workers say that the majority of refugees are women and children who remain especially vulnerable due to breakdowns in social structures and limited law enforcement presence within the settlements.
MSF called on local authorities, international donors, and United Nations agencies to scale up interventions focused on security, mental health support, and provision of essential services. “It is crucial that all stakeholders act now to prevent further exploitation,” the organisation stated in its findings. There was no immediate response from Chadian officials or Nigerian authorities regarding the report as at press time.
Aid groups warn that without increased funding and coordinated action from governments across the Lake Chad Basin—including Nigeria—risks faced by displaced women and girls will persist. MSF said it plans to expand medical outreach programmes while continuing advocacy for stronger protection mechanisms in all affected areas.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter Warns Against Exclusion of African Referee from 2026 World Cup in USA
Blatter urges FIFA to defend football’s universality after Somali referee denied entry by US authorities despite valid credentials
Blatter urges FIFA to defend football’s universality after Somali referee denied entry by US authorities despite valid credentials
Former President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Sepp Blatter, has cautioned the world football governing body not to undermine the universality of the sport following the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Blatter issued this warning on Saturday through a post on his official X account, insisting that all qualified officials must be granted safe and unrestricted entry by host countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The incident occurred when Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s top referee for 2025 and is the first Somali ever selected for a World Cup, was refused entry at Miami Airport despite holding valid travel documents and official FIFA credentials. US authorities cited unspecified vetting and security concerns as grounds for denying him access, resulting in his removal from officiating duties at the tournament.
Blatter described Artan’s experience as a violation of football’s principle of universality and called on FIFA to ensure that no qualified official is barred based on nationality or other non-sporting criteria. He stated that such incidents threaten to erode the inclusive spirit that has defined international football for decades. “Football belongs to everyone, and its governing bodies must protect its openness,” Blatter wrote in his statement.
There has been no official reaction yet from FIFA or US immigration authorities regarding Artan’s removal. However, stakeholders across Africa have expressed concern over what they described as a setback for African representation at global sporting events. The development comes as Nigeria and other African nations prepare their teams and officials for participation in major international tournaments.
Observers say FIFA may face growing pressure to clarify protocols with host governments ahead of future competitions to prevent similar occurrences. The matter is expected to feature prominently in discussions among football administrators worldwide as preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/football/fifa-must-never-compromise-footballs-universality-sepp-blatter/
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