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EU to Invest in Renewable Energy in Nigeria

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The European Union (EU) is set to invest in entrepreneurial ideas that will boost renewable energy in Nigeria.

Amb. Ketil Karlsen, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), made this known in Lagos during the ‘Green Event’ organised by the union.

Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat

Karlsen said the EU would continue to support all efforts toward ensuring that Nigeria meet its target of 30 per cent energy mix by 2030.

The envoy said that the union was enabling communities in Nigeria harness the power of the sun to generate renewable energy.

The EU has set aside 165 million euros (N67.8 billion) for intervention in Nigeria’s energy sector to improve energy access to over 90 million Nigerians and business owners without access to energy.

He said that there was the need to put a spotlight on renewable energy and the need for renewable energies in Nigeria, for a sustainable future.

According to him, already in Nigeria, there is a population of 200 million people, of which at least 80 million people do not have access to clean, affordable and stable energy.

“So already, there is so much to do to have access to energy to provide electricity to hospitals, health facilities, schools and for businesses.

“This is because by the end of the day, without having affordable energy supply, the businesses will not be competitive. They will not be able to compete with other countries.

“We look for investment projects, opportunities to invest in young dynamic entrepreneurs that have the great ideas to boost use of renewable energy.

“So it is about finding the right formula that will allow that development to take place; that will allow that job creation to take place,” Karlsen said.

The ambassador said that ensuring the use of renewable energy should be done in a manner not to undermine the environment.

“It should be done in a manner where we do not add to the already existing climate change in Nigeria and elsewhere.

“So this is the resounding message that we are giving today. Take this matter seriously; listen to the young population; and for everybody to participate in this.

“It is not only for politicians, to show the way.

“It is also for the general population, for each individual, for the families, for the communities and for the businesses to contribute to seeing the provision of clean, affordable, stable energy for Nigerians,” he said.

Karlsen said that the EU would help in developing best practices for renewable energy in the country.

He said that Nigeria had set a quite ambitious target 30 per cent energy mix in 2030, which all must work together to achieve.

According to him, the European Union has also decided that nothing under 32 per cent renewable energy in 2030 is acceptable.

“We are already well on our way. We aim for 20 per cent in 2020 and then we will gradually increase.

“This train has left the station already and those that want to join it; those that want to make business out of the energy sector; they need to keep their eyes open for this,” the envoy said.

According to him, fortunately, we see a lot of creativity, a lot of dynamism here in Nigeria in general and Lagos in particular.

“That is why we wanted to come here today, share notes with all of those vibrant industries and creative people; young people in particular; as this is a matter that we need to continue to take seriously.

“We need to put it on the agenda but we should not just leave it for politicians to solve all the problems for us. We should also contribute,” Karlsen said.


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JAMB Accuses Student of Securing Admission through Identity Fraud

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Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has accused a 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate of manipulating his identity and engaging in online blackmail.

JAMB Accuses Student of Securing Admission through Identity Fraud

Fabian Benjamin, head of public affairs, JAMB, issued a statement on the matter on Thursday.

He said one Chinedu Okeke, currently a 400-level Medicine and Surgery student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), gained admission in 2021 while claiming to be from Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos state.

JAMB said Okeke’s national identification number (NIN) records from 2021 confirm his Lagos origin.

The board stated it does not alter candidate information provided through NIN.

The board, however, said the 400-level student, who is facing potential challenges for incorrect credentials, is now claiming that it retrieved the wrong details for him from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in 2021.

“[This] is unequivocally false, aimed at fabricating a defence for his case,” Benjamin said.

“The evidence suggests that Chinedu altered his records as filled in 2021 before registering for the 2025 UTME, a fact confirmed by even his advocates.”

The board questioned why a 400-level medical student would seek to study mechanical engineering in 2025, especially with “inconsistencies in his claims.”

JAMB alleged that Okeke “took advantage” of Lagos state’s quota in 2021, thereby obstructing the admission opportunities for other deserving candidates from the state.

It added that he then “attempted to manipulate his details with the NIMC” to unjustly claim representation from Anambra state in 2025.

The board criticised “online advocates” for “actively reaching out to Chinedu’s parents to extract emotional narratives rather than factual clarifications, neglecting to seek information directly from the university.”

JAMB affirmed its commitment to maintaining accurate records and preventing candidates from exploiting loopholes.

It warned that if UNN confirms any inconsistencies, it would notify the Medical and Dental Council to consider delisting Okeke.

“When a nation trivialises illegalities, it breeds a future fraught with potential criminality,” Benjamin’s statement concluded.


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Check Point Report Finds Africa as Top Target for Cyber-attacks

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Africa has become the most targeted region globally for cyber-attacks in the first quarter of 2025, according to new research from Check Point Software Technologies. The company’s Q1 2025 Global Cyber Attack Report reveals a steep rise in malicious activity as the continent continues to accelerate its Digital transformation.

Ethiopia emerged as the most targeted country in Africa during the reporting period. FakeUpdates ranked as the most common malware, while 80% of malicious files across the continent were delivered via e-mail. In contrast, 62% of threats in SA were distributed via the web.

On average, organisations in Africa faced 3 325 cyber-attacks per week – a staggering 72% above the global average of 1 938 attacks per organisation.

Check Point Software unpacked the findings at a media roundtable in Johannesburg. Eli Smadja, global research group manager at Check Point, provided a detailed overview of Africa’s evolving cyber threat landscape, which he said is increasingly defined by AI-powered threats, ransomware, infostealers, edge device vulnerabilities and cloud-based risks.

Among the most concerning developments was the discovery of a previously undocumented multi-stage backdoor, dubbed Stealth Soldier, currently being deployed in cyber operations targeting North African government entities. The malware forms part of a broader command-and-control infrastructure used in spear-phishing campaigns.

Smadja noted a growing trend in malware designed to bypass AI detection systems.

“These aren’t aimed at advanced large language models (LLMs), but rather at lower-level ones,” he said. “It’s about LLM evasion – fooling the AI and manipulating prompts.”

Despite the increasing use of AI in cyber security, Smadja cautioned against over-reliance on AI-driven defence systems. “AI still requires human prompting.”

Check Point is advocating for a zero trust model and a holistic, automated and consolidated approach to cyber security. This includes centralised threat visibility and simplified controls to protect against ransomware, phishing, data theft and vulnerabilities at the edge.

“Just having something at the perimeter isn’t enough,” Smadja said. “Cyber-attacks are not just targeting PCs or servers anymore. For instance, we’ve seen state-sponsored attacks aimed at fuel pumps to disrupt national supply chains.”

He highlighted the importance of understanding external risk – threats originating outside the organisation – especially as AI-driven ransomware and attacks on third-party service providers continue to rise.

“Printers, for example, are a major attack vector,” he added. “They’re often network-connected, and threat actors can exploit them to gain broader access.”

Credentials, Smadja noted, are also a lucrative commodity on the dark web, often selling for around $500.

 


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FG Appeals to U.S. Over Single-Entry Visa Rule for Nigerian Travelers

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Federal Government has urged the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.

In a statement released today by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal government expressed concern over the U.S. decision amidst partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities by both countries.

“The attention of the government has been drawn to the recent decision by the U.S. to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories, to three months with a single entry.

Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

Nigeria notes this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

Nigeria respectfully urges the U.S. to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities, while acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies,” the government said.

The government said diplomatic engagements are ongoing and that the ministry would remain committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had on Tuesday, July 8, announced the new policy. The embassy however mentioned that all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.


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