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EU, Abia Govt Launch N4.8bn Solar Lifeline for Primary Healthcare

Published

6 months ago

May 20, 2025

Tricia Michaels

The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Abia State Government, has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP)—a N4.84 billion initiative designed to provide 24/7 solar power to over 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across 17 local government areas of the state.

The project, officially launched on Tuesday at the Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House, Umuahia, is aimed at transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring a stable electricity supply for essential services such as diagnostic equipment, vaccine storage, and medication preservation.

Speaking at the event, Governor Alex C. Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and boosting economic activities across the state.

“This initiative will not only transform the healthcare system in the state but also bring life and hope to our communities,” Emetu said.
“It is also expected to support economic growth in surrounding areas and improve the overall living conditions of our people.”

He extended appreciation to the EU for selecting Abia as one of the few states to benefit from this phase of the project.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Abia State, I express our gratitude to the EU leadership in Brussels for bringing this excellent initiative to our state. We also thank NTU International, the implementing partner, for their commitment to the project’s long-term success.”

Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager of NISHP, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, explained that the project is designed to enhance healthcare outcomes by leveraging solar energy to power PHCs.

“This EU-supported project is specifically targeted at improving healthcare service delivery in rural areas by providing reliable electricity to power diagnostic tools, preserve vaccines, and store essential medicines,” Ogiehor said.

He revealed that Abia State is contributing 30% counterpart funding to the project, showing strong local commitment.

Beyond healthcare, the project is also expected to benefit more than 50 small businesses operating in or around the health centres, helping to stimulate local economic development.

A 10-member Steering Committee, chaired by the Abia State Commissioner for Power, has been inaugurated to oversee the project’s implementation and ensure its timely delivery.

The NISHP is part of the broader EU commitment to renewable energy, health sector revitalization, and economic development in Nigeria.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

4 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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