Bayelsa State has taken a major step toward advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy drive with the signing of a tripartite agreement for the establishment of a solar panel manufacturing plant in the state.

According to a press release on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, the pact, signed on Tuesday at the 2025 Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, involves the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Bayelsa State Government, and J Marine Logistics Limited—a subsidiary of the Dubai-based Jampur Group, which earlier supplied the state’s 60MW gas turbines.

Governor Douye Diri signed the agreement on behalf of Bayelsa State, while Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chairman of Jampur Group, signed for the company. The ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the event, alongside the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu.

Under the deal, Jampur Group will finance and establish a 100MW renewable energy plant dedicated to the production of solar panels in Bayelsa. The company will provide the required technical expertise, funding, and global best practices for the operation of a high-efficiency solar module manufacturing facility.

Bayelsa was selected as the host location due to its strategic position, robust infrastructure, logistics advantages, and available skilled workforce. The state government will provide land and necessary permits, as well as tax incentives and infrastructural support, including access roads, water, power evacuation, and security.

Governor Diri described the agreement as a milestone in Bayelsa’s industrialisation and a boost to Nigeria’s clean energy transition. The project is expected to commence immediately.

The MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, has extolled Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for his unwavering commitment to technology adoption in Anambra State, a vision that has positioned the state as a shining example of digital governance in Nigeria.

This recognition follows Anambra’s outstanding performance at the Nigeria GOVTECH Gala & Awards 2025, where the state clinched two prestigious honours at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja.

The Anambra State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning emerged as Best State MDA in Technology-Driven Governance, while the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement received the Excellence in Digital Public Procurement Award. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, and the DG of BPP, Okechukwu Ezeobi, also received Trailblazer Awards for exemplary leadership.

Speaking on the win, CFA commended his colleagues for working closely with the Agency to deepen technology adoption, and reaffirmed the ICT Agency’s commitment to powering the digital infrastructure that supports efficient and transparent government operations in line with Governor Soludo’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” mantra.

“These awards underscore what is possible when agencies work together with a shared vision,” CFA said. “The ICT Agency is proud to support and enable the digital systems that make such milestones possible.”

He further pledged that the Agency would sustain the momentum by expanding digital integration across government processes, ensuring that Anambra remains at the forefront of e-governance innovation in Nigeria and beyond.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Life Camp Division, is set to resume proceedings tomorrow, October 15, in the ongoing civil case between Nigerian musicians Ogbogiri Okey Levi, popularly known as Kraziecent, and Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, known professionally as Odumodublvck.

The case, which is before Honourable Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi (Court 38), arises from allegations of assault, battery, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. The matter has attracted significant attention from both legal observers and the entertainment industry, given the public profiles of the parties involved.

At the initial hearing on June 26, 2025, the Claimant’s legal representative, Uchenna Ojembe, Esq. of Uche Ojembe & Associates Legal Consult (UOALC), informed the court that all attempts to serve the Defendant personally had failed. As a result, the court approved an application for substituted service via digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram and through the Defendant’s counsel. The service has since been completed in accordance with the court’s directive.

With the service now resolved, the court is expected to move forward with the substantive hearing of the case on October 15.

Speaking on behalf of the Claimant, Counsel Uchenna Ojembe said, “Our client remains confident in the Nigerian judicial system and stands firmly by his claim. We trust that justice will be served in accordance with the law.” He further emphasised the significance of the court’s endorsement of electronic service, calling it a step forward in embracing digital transformation in Nigeria’s legal framework.

The case addresses broader issues, including celebrity accountability, the intersection of technology and justice, and the legal system’s evolving approach to protecting individual rights in the digital era.

Case Summary:

* Title: Kraziecent v. Odumodublvck
* Court: FCT High Court, Court 38, Life Camp, Abuja
* Presiding Judge: Hon. Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi
* Next Hearing: Tuesday, October 15, 2025
* Claimant’s Counsel: Uchenna Ojembe, Esq., LL.M, ABR (Principal Counsel, Uche Ojembe & Associates Legal Consult)

The proceedings will continue to be closely monitored as the case moves into its next phase.

Enrolment order -1

Enrolment order -1Ogbogiri Okey Levi Writ (1) (1)_edited

Nigerian vehicle manufacturers, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) Limited, have disclosed plans to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) assembly plant in Bayelsa State.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, stated this on Monday when he visited Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Innoson CEO said the investment would boost the state’s transportation sector as well as provide training and create jobs.

According to a press release on Monday, October 13, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, he stated that the initiative will also promote a cleaner and greener environment and enhance the country’s capacity to meet its renewable energy target by 2030.

In his presentation, the company’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Kamsi Ejiofor, explained that the objective is to introduce modern CNG buses, ambulances and vehicles that would enhance mobility and public efficiency in the state.

According to him, the plant will generate 1000 jobs and thousands of direct opportunities in assembly, maintenance, logistics and local manufacturing as well as boosting Bayelsa’s economy by enhancing its industrial base.

Ejiofor said: “The usage of CNG vehicles will save cost from fuel and maintenance, improve health, cleaner air and lead to innovation in Bayelsa, making the state a clean energy and tech pioneer in Nigeria.”

Responding, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended Chief Chukwuma for the decision to site the CNG conversion plant in the state, noting that the investment would help grow Bayelsa’s industrial base.

While expressing his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the vehicle firm, Senator Diri described the initiative as a welcome development towards moving the state’s economy from consumption to production.

The governor, who said the investment was timely, noted that procurement of CNG vehicles was in the state government’s budget projection for 2026 and expressed delight over the economic impact of such investment, particularly in the area of job opportunities.

The state’s helmsman noted that his administration was putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support investments in Bayelsa and urged other investors to emulate Innoson to invest in the state.

“It is a welcome development for the CNG vehicles plant to be sited in Bayelsa. We are ready to partner with you.

“One area that l am interested in is the CNG aspect. The world is moving towards renewable energy because of environmental pollution.

“My administration was considering purchasing CNG buses to run our upland transport system. Your coming is timely because it is part of our projections for 2026.

“I assure you that we are putting in place the right environment to enable investments to thrive in terms of peace and security, infrastructure and our independent power supply, which will ensure uninterrupted electricity.”

Diri also announced an implementation committee to interface with the company.

The committee has Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei as chairman, while other members are the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Jones Ebieri, his Information and Finance counterparts, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai and Maxwell Ebibai respectively.

Others are the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Biriyai Dambo (SAN),
Preye Broderick (Transport), Mazi Johnson Onuma (General Duties), as well as the Special Adviser on Investment, Owanari Harry, and the Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Charity Kens Godwin

Fidelity Bank’s market leadership has been affirmed once again as the tier-one lender bagged double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025.

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with the awards for the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said, “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

“I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise and celebrate organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria. The award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months. Notable milestones include the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Additionally, the Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organised the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025. This event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance. We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry”, commented Amuchie.