News
Innovative Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station Unveiled At UNN
By Tambaya Julius
A groundbreaking event recently took place at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as the Federal Government proudly inaugurated a cutting-edge solar-powered electric vehicle charging station.
This development marks a significant stride in the journey towards technological excellence within the automotive sector.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to advancing technology in the automotive industry.
He underlined the importance of this initiative in combatting the environmental challenges posed by conventional fossil fuel vehicles, which have been major contributors to pollution and global warming.
Aliyu pointed out that the pressing issues of global warming and climate change necessitate a paradigm shift in the automotive landscape.
He highlighted how numerous countries across the world are transitioning from traditional fossil fuel vehicles to electric alternatives due to their adverse effects on the environment and human health.
He revealed that NADDC, operating under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has received government sponsorship to establish solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations nationwide.
The ultimate goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions and mitigate health concerns stemming from pollution.
The inauguration event celebrated not only the launch of the solar charging station but also the selection of three prominent Nigerian universities for the pioneering project.
Besides UNN, the Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto and the University of Lagos were also chosen for this groundbreaking initiative, both having been inaugurated in 2021.
This concerted effort between academia and the automotive council is set to stimulate extensive research and development in pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions.
Mr. Olarawaju Omusanya, the Director of Infrastructures at NADDC, emphasized the importance of universities seizing this opportunity to drive innovation and technological advancement.
He highlighted the pivotal role that these academic institutions play in advancing technology transfer and cultivating domestic expertise.
One of the remarkable features of this solar-powered charging station is its capability to empower staff and students with firsthand experience in renewable energy technology.
Vehicles fully charged at this station can travel an impressive 480 kilometers before needing to recharge.
This aligns with the ongoing global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation, transitioning from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric alternatives.
The successful completion and inauguration of this monumental project were the result of remarkable collaboration between NADDC and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Prof.
Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, expressed heartfelt appreciation for NADDC’s choice to include UNN as one of the pioneering universities in this transformative project.
He reiterated the university’s dedication to maintaining its status as a premier institution in Nigeria.
Prof. Igwe urged the faculty of engineering at UNN to seize the opportunity presented by the solar-powered charging station.
He encouraged them to lead the way by converting a significant number of university vehicles into electric ones, thereby reducing reliance on conventional fuels and cutting costs.
Prof. Ozomena Ani, the UNN Coordinator of the project, acknowledged the crucial role played by the university’s leadership in greenlighting and supporting the project.
He assured that his team of researchers and engineers would diligently oversee the project’s maintenance, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.
Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UNN, echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, expressing the faculty’s enthusiasm for being the chosen site for the NADDC solar-powered electric station.
He affirmed the faculty’s unwavering commitment to providing the necessary human capital to support this innovative initiative, ensuring that both the university community and surrounding residents reap its wide-ranging benefits.
The inauguration of the solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stands as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and environmental preservation.
This landmark project not only embraces cutting-edge technology but also demonstrates the synergy between academia, government agencies, and industry in driving progress.
As the automotive landscape evolves towards greener horizons, this initiative serves as a shining example of Nigeria’s dedication to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision that recognised Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP). In a decisive ruling, a five-member panel declared that the Court of Appeal lacked the legal authority to determine the party’s leadership matters.
In a unanimous verdict, the highest court in the land stated that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction over the matter. The panel observed that since the case revolved around the internal leadership structure of the Labour Party, it fell outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
The ruling reinforced the long-standing principle that leadership disputes within political parties should be resolved internally, rather than through judicial intervention.
The Supreme Court stressed that leadership struggles within political parties are purely internal matters. According to legal principles, courts should not interfere in such issues, as they fall under the party’s constitution and governance framework. By upholding this legal doctrine, the apex court reaffirmed that political parties must settle their leadership crises independently.
The Supreme Court upheld the appeal lodged by Senator Nenadi Usman and a fellow appellant, ruling that their claims were valid. Their appeal challenged the earlier judgment, arguing that it was flawed due to jurisdictional overreach. After thorough legal scrutiny, the Supreme Court found merit in their argument and ruled in their favour.
The legal battle also involved a cross-appeal filed by supporters of Julius Abure, who sought to challenge the decision against their leader. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this cross-appeal, declaring it unsubstantiated and lacking merit. The ruling effectively ended the legal contest over the Labour Party’s chairmanship, cementing the judiciary’s stance on non-interference in party leadership disputes.
Bitcoin experienced sharp fluctuations following President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, initially surging to $88,000 before dropping to $82,000.
By April 3, it stabilized around $83,000, with the broader crypto market down over 4%. Major altcoins like Ethereum and Solana also declined over 6%, hitting multi-month lows.
Analysts see the tariff news as reducing market uncertainty, potentially attracting institutional investors.
Despite higher-than-expected rates, experts believe the clarity could help Bitcoin regain momentum toward $90,000. Bitcoin ETFs, led by BlackRock, recorded $218 million in inflows on April 2, reversing prior outflows.
Kraken’s Thomas Perfumo challenged the idea that institutional interest stabilizes crypto, emphasizing that volatility signals demand for a scarce asset.
Some analysts viewed the sell-off as an overreaction to trade policy concerns, highlighting Bitcoin’s resilience as a store of value.
With ETFs showing strong demand, Bitcoin’s price may stabilize and rise, though market participants remain cautious, monitoring trade policies and economic conditions.
Violent clashes between pastoralist groups and settled farming communities have long been a challenge in South Sudan.
However, the recent outbreak of violence in the northern Ruweng Administrative Area has further heightened concerns over the nation’s fragile peace. At least 30 people lost their lives after an armed youth group launched a brutal attack on a northern South Sudanese town, according to local officials.
The incident, linked to an escalating cattle raid, saw the town briefly fall under the control of the attackers before security forces regained control.
The violence began when a group of armed youth stole lambs earlier in the week. Security forces quickly intervened, forcing the raiders to retreat. However, instead of dispersing, the group reorganised and launched a more aggressive attack on Abiemnom the following day.
Local Minister of Information, Simon Chol Mialith, confirmed that despite resistance from local youth and security personnel, the town was overrun by the Mayom armed youth. The attack led to significant casualties and destruction before security forces were able to reclaim the town.
On Wednesday, the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) successfully pushed the attackers out, restoring a semblance of calm. However, the scale of the destruction was already severe, with over 40 individuals injured in addition to the fatalities.
Although reports suggest that some of the deceased were members of the armed groups, official confirmation remains pending.
The attack comes at a time of growing instability in South Sudan, with tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar intensifying. This political rivalry threatens to unravel the delicate 2018 peace agreement that ended the nation’s five-year civil war.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with continuous unrest. Despite its vast oil resources, the country remains impoverished, with conflicts like these exacerbating economic and social difficulties.