Headlines

LG Electronics excites UNIBEN community with solar – powered borehole

Funso OLOJO

The students community at the University of Benin, Benin City, has showered praises and displayed undisguised appreciation to the LG Electronics for ending a decade – long water crisis with the sinking of a solar- powered borehole

The official commissioning of the project took place on Thursday, 23rd Jan. 2025, with university officials, LG representatives, student leaders, and hostel residents in attendance.

The borehole, powered entirely by solar energy, is expected to provide clean and uninterrupted water to thousands of students and staff, reducing the university’s reliance on the national grid and cutting down utility costs.

Speaking at the event, Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Mr. Paul Mba, emphasized the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“At LG Electronics, we believe in using technology to improve lives. This solar-powered borehole is not just about providing water; it’s about creating a sustainable future where renewable energy plays a key role in meeting basic needs. We are proud to support UNIBEN in this initiative,” he said.

“This is the first university we are donating a solar-powered borehole to in Nigeria, and I hope it will be maintained so that incoming students will enjoy the facility.

“This initiative is aimed to provide sustainable water access for the entire campus community, fostering a healthier and more productive environment.

“By ensuring proper maintenance, we can set a precedent for future projects that prioritize sustainability and support the growth of educational institutions across the region.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significance in addressing the campus’s water supply challenges.

The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Chairman, Security Committee, UNIBEN, Prof. Fred Ekhaise, said, “This project is a game-changer for our university community.

“Access to clean water is essential for both academic and residential life, and having a solar-powered solution ensures reliability while promoting environmental responsibility.

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We deeply appreciate LG Electronics for this generous contribution,” he stated.

“Like Oliver Twist wanting more, I urge LG to extend its support to other hostels by providing solar-powered boreholes to address the pressing water challenges faced by students.

“Reliable access to clean water is essential for their health, hygiene, and overall well-being, yet many hostels struggle with inconsistent supply.

“By investing in solar-powered boreholes, LG can offer a sustainable solution that ensures uninterrupted access to safe water while also promoting environmental responsibility.

“This initiative will not only improve students’ living conditions but also enhance their academic experience by eliminating one of the many challenges they face daily.

Students also welcomed the initiative, praising the positive impact it will have on daily life.

The Student Union Government President, Agboola Israel Timilehin noted that water shortages had been a persistent challenge on campus.

“We often struggle with water supply, especially during peak hours. This borehole will make a huge difference, and the fact that it runs on solar energy means we won’t have to worry about power outages affecting water availability,” the SUG President remarked.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, thanked the management of LG Electronics for this great gesture and appealed to the students to appreciate the opportunities provided to them.

He encouraged everyone to take full advantage of the resources available, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving their academic and personal goals.

Prof. Ighodaro concluded by asking LG Electronics to continue their support in the future, as such partnership significantly enhances the learning environment.

LG Electronics has a long-standing tradition of supporting communities through various sustainability-driven projects.

This latest initiative reinforces its position as a responsible corporate citizen committed to advancing both technological innovation and environmental conservation.

With this donation, the University of Benin joins the growing list of institutions leveraging renewable energy to meet essential needs, setting a precedent for future green projects in Nigeria’s education sector.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.