Connect with us

News

Innovative Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station Unveiled At UNN

Published

on

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.

ALSO READ:  Rep. inaugurates 250 solar-powered street lights in Kaduna

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.

ALSO READ:  Edo: Surveyors Intensify Work On New Airport Project

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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Matawalle Meets Chinese Defence Firm To Bolster Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Capabilities

Published

on

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has engaged in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipment, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

The meeting, which took place in China, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s security apparatus to combat insurgency and other threats.

According to a statement signed by the minister’s Personal Assistant (Media), Ahmad Dan-Wudil, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the engagement focused on formalising a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s defence framework.

The MoU outlines a robust partnership, with the Chinese company committing to significant investments in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure.

According to the statement, Key components of the agreement include the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology, the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills of Nigerian personnel.

“This move is seen as a step towards building a self-reliant and globally competitive military-industrial base.

Dr. Matawalle emphasised that the partnership represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s defence modernisation agenda.

“This collaboration will not only strengthen our fight against terrorism but also position Nigeria as a regional leader in defence technology,” he stated.

The minister highlighted the government’s determination to leverage international partnerships to address the nation’s evolving security challenges.

ALSO READ:  Gbajabiamila Celebrates Nigerian Children

Under the terms of the agreement, new production lines will be established for various ammunition types, including 7.62x51mm ball cartridges, 7.62x51mm blank cartridges, 9x19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition.

Additionally, manufacturing workshops and facilities will be set up in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, to produce essential defence components such as brass casings and bullet jackets.

The partnership extends beyond production, encompassing the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and the provision of military engineering services.

These efforts are expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, enabling them to respond more effectively to security threats within the country and across the region.

The minister’s visit to China follows a series of engagements with international partners, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen bilateral defence ties.

In a recent meeting with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dr. Matawalle called for increased support in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts, underscoring the need for global cooperation to tackle insecurity.

The agreement with the Chinese firm has been hailed as a critical step towards achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security, economic development, and private-sector involvement.

The minister reiterated the government’s openness to foreign investment in critical sectors such as defence, steel, and energy to drive technological advancement and job creation.

Continue Reading

News

Gamblers Predict New Pope as Betting Sites Place Odds on Top Candidates

Published

on

Gamblers are staking millions of dollars to predict who will emerge as new pope as betting sites place odds on the candidates as the Catholic Church cardinals sweat to pick a new pontiff.

Polymarket, an American cryptocurrency-based betting site, has placed odds on candidates who will emerge.

Similarly, Kalshi, another American betting site, is coordinating predictions on who emerges as the new Catholic pope.

On Polymarket, over $21 million worth of bets have been staked in the conclave election, in which Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered the leading candidates.

Mr Parolin leads with 27 per cent odds, while Mr Tagle comes second with 23 per cent odds. Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Peter Erdo came third, fourth and fifth with 11, 10 and 7 per cent odds, respectively.

On Kalshi, where over $8milliom has been staked, Mr Parolin leads with 29 per cent odds, followed by Mr Tagle’s 22 per cent odds and Mr Pizzaballa’s 10 per cent odds.

This comes as 133 cardinals from across the globe commenced a conclave to decide who would emerge as the new pope on Thursday.

Though conclave elections have been highly unpredictable for years, gamblers throw in thousands of dollars for a possible kill should their candidate emerge.

In 2013, contrary to projections on the possible emergence of Cardinal Angelo Scola, who was then regarded as the favourite, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged as Pope Francis.

On Wednesday, thick black smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney at the end of the first meeting of the cardinals, signalling that no pope has been elected.

ALSO READ:  The Member-Elect, Jema'a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Daniel Amos Has Tasked The Muslim Ummah To Use The Lessons Learnt during The Holy Month Of Ramadan In Praying For The Unity Of The Country

The election of the 267th pope, which commenced on Wednesday. A new pope will poll a two-thirds majority to emerge during the election process.

Then, white smoke will be released from the Sistine Chapel chimney.

Continue Reading

News

ECOWAS Free Movement: Tinubu Initiates Dismantling of Checkpoints

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at eliminating numerous checkpoints that impede free movement.

Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, revealed this initiative during a visit to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Seme on Wednesday.

“We are commencing with the Seme-Badagry Corridor. A committee has been established under the auspices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon begin addressing this matter.

“We have taken note of all the concerns raised, and I assure you that the Nigerian government will tackle the other issues mentioned subsequently.”

Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the excessive checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor, which adversely affect the seamless movement of individuals and goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.

Ambassador Nuhu emphasized, “This is the most trafficked border in West Africa regarding the flow of goods, people, and services. If free movement is to be effectively implemented in West Africa, it will be evident at this border.”

Motorists attending the meeting expressed their frustrations about the numerous checkpoints and the extortion practices by security personnel along the route.

In response, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that any fees paid by motorists should be accompanied by official receipts.

He expressed concern that the proliferation of checkpoints and the extortion of citizens within member states undermine ECOWAS’s goal of fostering a more integrated region.

“While we must inspect passengers and road users, we should move beyond arbitrary charges that lack receipts. If payments are necessary, they should be properly documented.

ALSO READ:  Gbajabiamila Celebrates Nigerian Children

“It is one thing to request that someone open their bags for inspection, but it is entirely different to demand payment that is not receipted.”

Continue Reading