All Posts in "Day: January 4, 2024"

Veteran Yoruba Actor, Olofa Ina Dies

Veteran yoruba actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, a.k.a. Baba Olofa Ina is dead.

He was said to have died on Thursday in his hometown of Ede.

Chief Adedeji Aderemi, popularly also known as Baba Olowe was until his death, the Sobaloju of Edeland.

He is a renowned name in the contemporary Yoruba theatre. He was born into the family of Late Chief AbdulSalam Aderemi and Late Madam Aisha Aderemi of Jagun- Olukosi compound, Ede in Osun State on 15th May, 1950 during the reign of Late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede Land.

He had his primary education at St. Peters Anglican Primary School between 1957 and 1962 and then proceeded to Baptist Secondary Modern School, Ode-Omu from 1963 to 1965. He later had his vocational training in carpentry and joinery at Olukorede Furniture Industry between 1965 and 1970.

Alongside his career in carpentry, Alagba Aderemi had a fair taste of both public and private services as he worked as a Grade II Officer with the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ibadan, Western State of Nigeria. from 1970 to 1977 and later worked as a Maintenance Officer with Daladson Hotel, Jericho Reservation, Idi-Isin, in Oyo State between 1977-1980 before he finally retired into full time Theatre Arts Practice in 1980.

Prior to 1980, he had earlier floated the Olofa Ina Theatre Group in 1972 with the likes of Erinfolamin, Dasofunjo, Gbolagade Akinpelu and Late Oyetunji of Esinnla compound, Ede. He received his theatre training under the Late Oyetunji.

The Olofa Ina Group recorded landmark achievements in the Theatre Industry by pioneering the staging of epical histories of the Yoruba Warlords of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Ibikunle, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesha, Aare Kurunmi of Ijaye, Kakanfo Afonja and a host of others.

These productions were recorded by Nigerian Television (NTV) Ibadan in the 70s and were narrated by late Dr. Babayemi then, of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan who later became the Oba Olufi of Gbongan, Osun State. Olofa Ina also recorded series of Television productions among which are Odetedo, Lakaaye, Kogun Maja, and Ade Oba.

Olofa Ina also displays his God-given talents in scriptwriting, script dialogue and directing in addition to his acting roles in Yoruba films and television series.

He featured prominently in production of Ija Omode by Korede Films, Idaamu Otunba by Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Ewe Orun by Korede films, Kabiyesi Olodumare by Ogogo films and Mayegun by Yinka Quadri to mention but a few.

He made his debut in film acting during the shooting of Ejo Ngboro by Tunbosun Odunsi Films, and later in Lisabi Agbongbo Akala by Akin Ogungbe, Ayonmon by Hubert Ogunde, Mosebolatan by Alawada Films Limited, Taxi Driver Part I and II and Ehin Oku by Ade Love Films Ltd as well as Agbaarin by Jimoh Ali Films Limited.

admin by — January 4, 2024 in Arts/Entertainment 0
NYSC Explains Why Undercover Journalist Could Enrol Twice

The National Youth Service Corps,has explained that an investigative reporter who registered twice for the scheme was able to do so by using alternate details.

The Director, Press and Public Relations,
Eddy Megwa,who disclosed this in a statement,said that the undercover reporter succeeded because he was “out for a particular purpose”.

The NYSC was working to ensure it didn’t happen again,he said.

“It is not that we don’t have checks and balances in place to detect possible breaches of the system. When the undercover reporter first put in his data, the system rejected him because he had served in the scheme before. He later changed his email address and his phone number which made the system to accept him. And he was initially posted to Osun State.

“He did that because he was out for a particular purpose. We are looking at the situation and will ensure that it does not happen again,” he said.

He also explained that the scheme’s integrated ICT system is “evolving” to be able to flag and detect multiple registrations, adding that the scheme conducted biometric and physical verification for foreign-trained graduates.

“In this instance, for the foreign-trained graduates, we don’t have a database that we use in assessing them. What we require is for them to give us their certificates, and then of course upload their details in our system.

“When we see the details they have uploaded on our sytem, we will now invite them for physical verification. And that is the point where we authenticate whether they actually graduated from that claimed institution or not,” he said.

Megwa also said the scheme was collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission to integrate the use of the National Identity Number in registration, noting that the scheme would also collaborate with the Nigerian Immigration Service to prevent inappropriate stamping of passports.

“Three years ago, we had also enlisted that to ensure that your NIN number is part of your registration process so that even if you come 20 times, the system is going to fish you out.

“We also have the intention of collaborating with the Nigerian Immigration Service to synergise, so that the process of beating the Nigerian government by way of having their passports stamped inappropriately, all these things will be a thing of the past,” he added.

An investigative reporter, Umar Audu, had revealed how he obtained a degree from a Cotonou-based university within six weeks.

He later proceeded to enrol for the mandatory one-year service with the NYSC.

In his report, Audu had detailed how the portal had flagged his initial attempt to register with his previous details, and how the registration went through after he used a different email and phone number.

“NYSC seemingly lacked a digital tool to flag attempts to participate in the scheme twice or more,” he said.

admin by — January 4, 2024 in News 0
FG, China To Build New Steel Plant In Nigeria

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has initiated discussions with Luan Steel Holding Group, a prominent Chinese company, to construct a new Steel Plant in Nigeria and begin the manufacturing of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

The development is part of the government’s commitment to industrialize Nigeria through the steel industry.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, along with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, visited Luan Steel Holding Group in Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China.

Prince Audu emphasized that the trip aligns with the goal of revitalizing the Steel Industry in Nigeria, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda.

The objective is to attract significant foreign direct investments, stimulate the nation’s economy, and generate numerous job opportunities.

The plan to produce military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant is seen as a timely response to Nigeria’s security challenges, aiming to contribute to the fight against insecurity and terrorism.

During discussions with Luan Steel Holding Group’s leadership, including Chairman Mr. Wang Jianbing and CEO Mr. Xiao Weizhan, the delegation explored the establishment of a new Steel Plant in Nigeria and the involvement of Luan Steel in the production of military equipment at Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

Prince Audu expressed optimism, stating, “With all the commitments on the ground, we are confident that before the end of President Tinubu’s administration, we will commence commercial Steel Production in some of the government-owned entities in Nigeria.”

admin by — January 4, 2024 in News 0
As Helmsman Leads From Front In Revamping Kaduna Electric

By Adewale Omowale

The task of reviving a patient in intensive care is by no means an easy one. It requires the the best brains at work who have the expertise and wherewithal to administer the best possible medical procedures. The same also applies in the world of business. To pull a company out of the doldrums – a near state of bankruptcy – into sound health is not a task for the faint at heart.

This arduous task is exactly what Yusuf Usman Yahaya boldly undertook a little over a year ago. While it may not be said that he has succeeded in wholly resuscitating Kaduna Electric back to sound health, the signs are indeed visible that positive steps and initiatives have been put in place for long term growth.

In the situation he found himself, the first critical step that needed to be taken was to halt the bleeding. Avenues where the company was suffering serious financial haemorrhage had to be stopped.

People & Organization

The Chief Executive saw the urgent need to also restructure operations to give a new direction of travel. The organisational restructuring helped to refocus the company into a commercially driven business with regional leadership and area office teams given more autonomy to drive the business.

Tied to this is the reorientation of staff to understand the critical role they play in the grand scheme of things. It goes without saying that without a dedicated and committed work force all attempts at transformation would not yield the desired outcome.

He has ensured that staff entitlements such as salaries, pension remittances and other allowances are paid in due time, a situation which has earned him accolades from the two in-house labour unions.

The staff performance appraisal system has been digitized and remodeled to give staff the confidence that they are being properly appraised by there respective line managers. He has also spent time in building new operational processes and rejigging and streamlining existing ones to enhance efficiency in service delivery company wide.

Additional operational vehicles and work tools such as computers, furniture, ladders, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) were purchased to support staff deliver on their tasks. Motorcycles have also been distributed especially to those staff in remote locations to help reach customers with ease.

A plan has been rolled out to begin the phased rehabilitation of offices and provision of internet services to boost staff productivity.

Engineering & Technical

The backbone of the success in improving power supply is without doubt, the effort that has gone into the rehabilitation of the large, expansive network. Having the longest spanning network in the country, the challenge of rehabilitation is enormous.

However, with a strategic plan that targets substations feeding key customer groups and communities, the task is being successfully managed one injection and distribution substation at a time.

Some of the completed projects within the past one year include: a complete replacement of 11KV seven board panels and control room rehabilitation at Dawaki Injection Substation.

Replacement of two 33KV Outdoor breakers at Abakpa and Unguwan Boro Injection Substations. Fencing of four Distribution Substations to Kaduna Electric standard (Branded inclusive, rehabilitation of Kofar Doka Injection Substation and Replacement of 33KV/11KV panels at Zaria.

Construction of three commercial feeders to improve power supply to commercial and industrial customers in Doka, Gusau and Sokoto.

Construction of a 33KV feeder dedicated to the Sultan of Sokoto palace at Marina in Sokoto. Installation of fourteen auto reclosers in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna. Construction of a 33KV feeder to Mothercat Injection Substation in Mando, Kaduna. Replacement of Burnt blue phase of the 2.5MVA 33/11KV power transformer in Gwandu, Kebbi state.

Repairs and replacement of over thirty failed Distribution transformers within Kaduna Electric’s franchise. Installation of over 10 33KV isolators for network flexibility

Commercial

With the dust that trailed the implementation of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, it became apparent that urgent steps needed to be taken to sanitize the exercises and restore customer confidence.

Under his leadership, NMMP Phase Zero was successfully concluded, and renewed commitment extracted from MAP vendors for a better managed scheme following robust engagements with them. Now, customers who have paid for MAP meters are assured of getting metered within the stipulated time frame.

Other laudable initiative successfully championed by the Kaduna Electric helmsman include: Maximum Demand 132KV/33KV meter recertification exercise. 11KV feeder meter recertification exercise. New meter installations for customers. Replacement of faulty meters for customers free of charge to boost collection. Improvement of earthing system of all interface meters.

Replacement of all interface meters with AMI compliant meters for easy reading and monitoring. Conversion of feeder meters – 132 KV, 33KV, 11KV – to reflect AMI and AMR possibilities.

MD customers meters were also changed from ring Current Transformers (CTs) operated meters to block Current Transformer (CTs) operated type for accurate energy accountability and minimizing losses. Changing non-MD meter type to Power Line Carrier (PLC) type for effective monitoring and accurate accountability and equitable distribution system.

Changing of problematic customers with panel meters to outdoor VT/CT arrangement with effective earthing system. Rayhan Rice Mill in Kebbi was connected on to a 2.5MVA transformer to guarantee stable power supply for their operations.

The Zamfara State Government House, Yariman Bakura hospital and Zamfara Textiles Limited for 24 hours supply after construction of a dedicated 11KV feeder to service their supply needs. A 2.5MVA transformer serving Baba Rice Limited has been connected to UNTL feeder to ensure supply stability and shore up revenue.

Improvement in power supply also saw African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, a subsidiary of Abuja Steel Company agreeing to come on to Kaduna Electric’s network where it has been enjoying steady power supply.

In response to customer complaints about sharp practices by some staff, the bold decision to stop sales representatives from directly handing cash was taken.

The result has seen customers take ownership of their payments through the many online payment channels available.

In addition to Buypower and Irecharge, more third-party vendors including Coral Pay, Ruaban POS, Pay4Power. All cash offices have also been provided card enabled POS devices to ease transactions for customers

Customer Service

Realising the significant role of the customer in the value chain, Yusuf has led from the front in directly engaging with customers across the franchise, with appearances on radio programmes to boot.

The aim has been to enlighten and educate customers on the need for prompt payments, supporting the fight against vandalism and energy theft and a better understanding of the power ecosystem in the country.

While his peers choose to leave this critical function to subordinates, Yusuf has chosen to lead by example.

The strategic engagements has also seen him interface with other key stakeholders such as state governments, religious and socio-cultural groups, security agencies and youth groups.

From the snapshot of initiatives highlighted, it is evident that in spite of the challenges of customer apathy to payments, pressure from the electricity market and poor revenue inflows, the Kaduna Electric’s chief executive is succeeding in repositioning the company onto a sustainable growth trajectory. If the momentum is sustained, surely the company will be soon outpace its peers.

Adewale is a public affairs commentator based in Sokoto.

admin by — January 4, 2024 in Opinion 0