All Posts in "Month: May 2024"

Senate Confirms Agama SEC DG

Mohammed Shosanya

The Senate Committee on Capital Market has confirmed Dr. Emomotimi Agama as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Committee chaired by Senator Osita Izunaso, also approved the nomination of Frana Chukwuogor as Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement),Mr Bola Ajomale as Executive Commissioner (Operations) and Mrs. Samiya Usman as Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services).

President Bola Tinubu had on April 19 this year appointed Agama as the DG of SEC to take over from Lamido Yuguda.

His appointment as SEC DG has been hailed by capital market stakeholders who described him as a technocrat that would boost the birthing of the Tinubu administration’s $1tn economy.

Speaking after his confirmation, Agama, a technocrat and insider of the commission said he will accelerate the development of the capital market in a manner that would boost wealth creation, attract investments and create jobs for Nigerians.

According to him,his team was appointed by President Tinubu to change the narrative of the capital market and reposition it to the path that would boost economic growth.

He said: “We are bringing on board innovation, development. We are going to change the narrative of the Nigerian capital market. We are going to turn it around. That is the essence of our appointed by Mr. President. With this team, we assure Nigerians that we’re going to do the best that the President has the desire to do.

“So, we should all wait to see what is going to happen. Our desire is to move this market forward. And to help in achieving the President’s $1tn economy in the shortest possible time.

“Yes, the President is going to be a year in office in a few days. That is remarkable because as an anniversary giver, the President has given us to Nigerians to do the best to change the market.”

He described the capital market as the barometer of the economy, noting that the Commission would implement innovative polices and programmes that will create world-class companies in such a way that will ensure redistribution of wealth.

He said:”You must understand that the capital market is actually the barometer of any economy. And without a strong capital market, then, of course, the economy will not do very well. The intention of this management is to make sure that we mainstream the capital market in the Nigerian economy.

“And in doing that, we’re going to be able to provide employment, change the narrative, and create companies that are going to be top world-class companies in such a way that there will be what we call redistribution of wealth.

“The President has an intention to change the lives of Nigerians. And the capital market is one of the vehicles that the President intends to use to achieve that. That is why the President has set up a team like this to be able to do that.”

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Regulators 0
Vandals Destroy Danbua 132kV Transmission Line,Steal 16 Spans Of Conductors-TCN

Mohammed Shosanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN),says its engineers are working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three towers along the Biu – Danbua 132kV transmission line were also vandalized with 16 spans of conductors stolen.

It decries the increasing spate of vandalism of electricity assets in the North East region.

Ndidi Mbah,the General Manager, Public Affairs, who conveyed this in a statement, said that these vandalism incidents collapse three towers along Biu-Dambua 132kV and remove tower members on one tower along Makurdi-Jos 330kV transmission line.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 7am, on 27th May, 2024, morning while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energizing of the line the same day.

“TCN hereby states that tower number T290, one of the four new towers erected by TCN contractors along the Jos – Gombe 330kV transmission line collapsed during the cable stringing process.

“The incident occurred at about 7am, this morning, 27th May, 2024, while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energizing of the line today.

“Despite of the security challenges in the area, TCN contractors and some of our engineering staff worked tirelessly to fast-track the project, doing all that was humanly possible to meet the time-line. Daily, the contractor, TCN engineers accompanied by security operatives consistently left the site by 10pm in the night and resumed work at 6am every day.

“Constructing towers and stringing power cables at such heights is highly technical, although TCN contractors and staff have successfully completed similar projects in other parts of the country. The collapse of the fourth tower is a significant setback, given the extensive efforts to ensure that today’s power restoration timeline was met.

“Our contractor is currently dismantling the collapsed tower members, to enable its reconstruction and final restringing of the cable.

“It is unfortunate to note that while TCN is working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three (3) towers along the Biu – Danbua 132kV transmission line were also vandalized with 16 spans of conductors stolen. The towers, which have all collapsed include towers T1690, T1691 and T1692. TCN has mobilized a contractor to commence their reconstruction. This discovery was made by TCN patrol team, last Friday.

“Additionally, this morning, the TCN lines patrol team discovered that tower T540 along the Makurdi – Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line has been vandalised. Sections of the tower have been removed, although the tower remains standing. TCN has contracted emergency repairs, to prevent its collapse.

“We reiterate our commitment to restoring normal bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North East and other areas affected by vandalism. There is however an urgent need for everyone to join hand with TCN in protecting our collective assets by being vigilant and reporting any suspected acts of tower and line vandalism promptly” the statement read.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Power 0
FG Suspends Nigeria Air,Restarts Concession Of Airports

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has reiterated that Nigeria Air remains suspended indefinitely.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,Festus Keyamo,who disclosed this on Monday at the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral briefings to mark the first anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu’s Administration,also hinted that the current would restart concessioning of airports in Nigeria.

He gave insights into the controversies surrounding the Nigeria Air, which was officially inaugurated in May 2023, by the then Nigerian Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika,saying there was never any Nigeria Air, but Ethiopian Airline painted in Nigerian colours and flying Nigerian flag.

He said:“It was never Air Nigeria, it was Ethiopian trying to flag our flag. It was not Air Nigeria. That is the truth. It was not Nigeria. It only printed Air Nigeria. It was an Ethiopian airline trying to fly our flag. If it is so, why not allow our local people to fly our flag. Why bring a foreigner to fly our flag?

“So nobody should deceive you that Air Nigeria, Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigeria or must be for the full benefit of Nigerians, not that 60 per cent of the profit is given to another country. How does that benefit us? It remains suspended. It remains so”

He hinted that the ministry had successfully secured President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s approval to restart all-over the concession of the nation’s major airports to make it more transparent.

This, he said is necessary because bureaucracy cannot not run public infrastructure.

“Until we do full concession of these airports and they are run professionally like private businesses, we are going to have these problems. That is the truth. So that is what we are doing. And the whole process, the President said we will go for the best in the world, in terms of airport management. And we will make it transparent process that all Nigerians , our compatriots, the National Assembly would not complain like they complained about the last process.

” The unions we will carry them along because the unions are very important in that process to ensure ensure and assure them that their interests are protected. And Nigerians will see us as transparent. So that is one of our way forward on that”.

He also disclosed that there are concerted efforts between the ministry, National Security Adviser (NSA) and the ministry of interior to rid the airports of touts and undesirable elements, stressing that the three agencies will soon issue a joint memo on that.

According to him,efforts are being made to seek backup from relevant security agencies that carry arm to effectively combat touts some of whom also carry arm, adding that the collaborative of efforts would reduce the human contacts at the airports across the country.

He stated that going forward, the Federal Government will undertake the fresh design of the aerotropolis, adding that the ministry had already advertised for the consultants.

“We are calling for the best design consultants. It is in the budget, the money is in the budget, we put it there. The National Assembly agreed with us, the President agreed with us that we need to develop a new master plan for all the airports. So we have a clear roadmap on that. We are starting with the design of the aerotropolis, we are advertising for that, we are calling for entries and we are going to choose the best to do that. So that is our clear part on that”,he added.

He said that is also currently focusing on ensuring that Nigeria is removed from the black book of the international leasing companies to allow local operators get access to leased aircrafts on good conditions the same way Ethiopia, Egypt, and others get.

“It is the key, empower them, make sure they get access to good aircraft the same way Emirates, British Airways get, all of these people, it is not magic, they don’t own those aircrafts, let us not be talking about poor economy, Bank cannot finance, no bank finances aircraft like that all over the world. It is not possible. It is the manufacturers or the leasing companies that do that.

” They give you, you run them. Most of these aircrafts you see owned by aircraft companies they have gone to up to 50 countries. They will operate for one year if cannot pay, they will take it, they will repaint it , they Ethiopia, if they cannot pay, they will repaint it and give it to Qatar, that is what happens. So our people should have access, why are not having access, we are on black book of the international leasing companies.

“Simple.They put Nigeria on the black book, they tell everybody don’t give them aircraft on dry lease, the only thing you get is wet lease, wet lease is ACMI or dark lease, what will happen, don’t put the aircraft in their total control. Wet lease is that the person giving you will be partly in control of that aircraft, that is why you some white men flying your local aircraft.

“And it is three times more expensive than dry lease because you pay in dollars , pay the Pilot, pay the crew, pay everything. And when you park the aircraft on the tarmac you must have a full tank. Full tank because in case they want to fly out they won’t look for JetA1, any day you are parking you must fill the tank. That is the agreement.

“According to relevant stakeholders, including Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Judge of Supreme Court,and others have agreed on amendment of Nigeria’s practice directions to say ‘no court order to give injunctions to keep aircraft in the country”.

He said the draft of the amendment of the practice directions is ongoing, stressing that it will give investors confidence, adding that the ministry is on the verge of concluding an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing, and are in talks with France, Airbus and others.

Keyamo also said efforts are underway to attracting , Maintenance, repair and overhaul. Otherwise known called MROs.

“We are focused on attracting international investors to come and establish MRO in Nigeria” he said.

He said there is no MRO for the wide body aircrafts in the whole of West Africa, but Ibom Air is doing the first massive MRO in Nigeria which is 90% ready, adding that he promised the company full government certification as Airbus is already equipping the facility.

According to him, the MRO will allow operators to do their A, B, and C checks in the country, while working on transiting to eco-friendly airports.

He said that the achievements recorded within the nine months under review are divided into three parts including the completions of projects on ground, implemented policies within the period that have yielded results, the third is designing a clear direction for the ministry.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Aviation 0
House Committee Advocates Alternate Funding For Deep Blue Project

Mohammed Shosanya

Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, has called for seeking alternate sources of funding for the Federal Government Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project, also known as the Deep Blue Project, which is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and currently funded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, noted that the Agency is committed to the sustainability of the project.

According to a statement by Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations, shortly after witnessing the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) Operational Maritime Capability Demonstration in Lagos alongside the NIMASA Director General and the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Honorable Uduak Odudoh acknowledged that the Deep Blue Project has played a significant role in maintaining peace in Nigerian waters in recent years.

He added that the achievements of the NIMASA-Nigerian Navy partnership have elevated the country to a high international standing in maritime security. He noted that to sustain the project, it is time to seek additional sources of funding.

He said:“At the IMO Conference last year, Nigeria was greatly commended for the fact that there has not been any pirate attack on our waters in two years. That feat was achieved through the efforts of the Deep Blue Project. When I looked at the budget, I saw provisions for Deep Blue Project management and sustainability. I want to commend NIMASA for this. However, it is pitiful that only NIMASA is funding this project. If a project like this is taken seriously, the issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta would be reduced to zero.”

“We have no option than to look at the budget, if they require more funds, we would approve it for the benefit of suppression of security challenges in Nigeria. If maritime security is guaranteed, the revenue of NIMASA would increase, and by extension, that of NPA and others, this means more money for Nigeria”.

Speaking,the NIMASA DG Dr Dayo Mobereola restated the Agency’s commitment to the sustainability of the Project while addressing the men and officers of the Maritime Security Unit.

“This project has earned Nigeria International recognition by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and we have been taken off from the Piracy list. The aim is to continue to sustain it and we will continue to encourage the personnel of the Deep Blue Project. Keep it up, and we on our own side would continue to support you as much as humanly possible.

“Please don’t reduce your efforts as we count on you to make the maritime space more secure, the President of Nigeria is counting on you, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is also in support of this project” he said.

The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh unveiled the aircrew accommodation renovated by the Deep Blue Project, while the NIMASA DG, Dr Dayo Mobereola, commissioned the interceptors’ marine workshop.

The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, and Executive Directors of NIMASA, among others, witnessed the demonstrations, which included various tactics such as boat formations, vessel boarding and overtaking with interceptor boats, rappelling and fast rope descents from helicopters, as well as hoist rescues.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Business 0
Ekiti Govt Registers Ile Iyi Electric Power Coy

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ekiti State Government,has incorporated Ile Iyi Electric Power Company Nig. Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission to handle services relating to electricity and energy engineering in the state.

The state Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Bolaji Aluko,who disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during an audience participation programme on radio, ‘Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today’,explained that the new company would operate as an independent private body without bureaucratic challenges.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had ceded its regulatory oversight of the electricity market in the state to the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EERB).

Speaking further,Mr Aluko stated the objectives of the company to include rendering services for the provision of electricity to the public and private sector, as well as rendering such services commercially to individuals and governments of other states in Nigeria.

He added:“It would also render services relating to electricity and energy engineering, including consultancy and design of electricity infrastructure from renewable or non-renewable energy sources, and to develop and deploy technical support services in the electricity sector as a commercial service”.

According to him,the company was expected to collaborate with other corporate organisations in engineering businesses involving generation, transmission and local distribution of electricity as well as power metering technology production and sales within Ekiti State.

He noted that the new company would also render strategic support services on best standard practices and process optimisation to corporate organisations and state government institutions in the area of electricity.

He added that when required, it is also authorised to appoint licensed entities to procure and aggregate feedstock for utilisation under the power schemes of Ekiti State and purchase electricity including materials and equipment in bulk from independent power service providers and external sources such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) or sell to consumers across the state.

The commissioner,who reiteratex the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to the provision of stable electricity, disclosed the achievements of the administration in the power sector including the establishment of the 5-megawatt Independent Power Project,currently providing uninterrupted power supply to government offices and some other key government installations in the state capital as well as the rehabilitated and connection of Erijiyan, Ikogosi and Ikogosi Resorts back to the National Grid to enhance the state’s tourism corridor.

He assured that finding solutions to challenges with stable electricity supply would also address most of the problems associated with the distribution of potable water in the state.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Power 0
Rivers: NDDC Distributes Free Drugs,Mosquito-Treated Nets To Mark World Malaria Day

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, on Saturday conducted free Malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Ogu Community, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State of scores of residents including pregnant women and senior citizens.

The development was in commemoration of the annual World Malaria Day, observed globally on May 25,

The NDDC also distributed several Mosquito-treated nets, food, beverages, water and also Malaria drugs to residents who tested positive for the parasites, after sensitising the people.

Speaking after the sensitisation and items distribution, which took place at the Ogu community town hall, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the intervention was timely following the peoples clamour for help.

Ogbuku,who was represented by Dr. Asela Agala, commission’s Assistant Director, Education/Health/Social Services, noted that the programme was part of its efforts to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from Malaria infection.

Ogbuku said: “We came here to sensitise the people about the dangers of Malaria, how to manage and ways to prevent it. Malaria kills many of our children between zero to five years and pregnant women.

“This sensitisation should have been done in Port Harcourt, but we felt people in the rural communities need it more. Our target is the communities, you know that in the cities, our doors and windows are netted, but in the rural area they don’t know about that.

“Pregnant women in the cities go for antenatal, but in the communities, because of inaccessibility to health care, we decided to go to tje people.”

Earlier,an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist with the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and doubles as a lecturer at the Rivers State University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. George Ella, while sensitising the people on the dangers of Malaria and ways to prevent it, emphasised the importance of seeking proper medical care after being infected by Malaria.

Dr. Ella,stressed that pregnant women and infants are more susceptible to Malaria parasite infection, following their fragile immune system, hence the crucial need for the people to keep their environment clean and ensure that their drainages flowing, adding that doing so would eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“First and foremost for Malaria prevention, pregnant woman must sleep under insecticide treated net and secondly, they must must take preventive therapy, there’s what we call intermittent preventive therapy for malaria which is done with the use of Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine, a drug that is commonly known as Fansidar given to pregnant women of about four months every four weeks until they deliver.

“So women should take advantage of that, but for those who actually come down with malaria must receive treatment in a hospital, because sometimes malaria can cause miscarriage or death of the baby inside the womb because the immunity of the pregnant woman is lower and so they are highly vulnerable to malaria attacks.

“Those that are not pregnant need to also prevent malaria by sleeping inside a mosquito treated net, then of course environmental sanitation is very important, you must keep the drainages flowing, so people must avoid throwing their dirts and rubbish inside the drainages, our environment must be kept clean because dirty environment makes room for mosquitoes breeding grounds which would in turn bite people in their homes and transmit malaria germs,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries identified as Mrs. Rose Sokari, thanked the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC, for bringing the medical intervention to their community.

She prayed God to bless and grant the organisers more wisdom to fulfill their assignments in the NDDC.

She added:“I am very very happy and grateful for this programme today that NDDC has remembered Ogu through Boma Iyaye. We thank God for that.

“Those that sponsored the programme, may God bless them and give them more knowledge and wisdom, let God fill their pockets and may such programmes always come to us.”

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Health 0
UBA’s Customers’ Deposits Hit N17.36tr In 2023

Mohammed Shosanya

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc,says it grew its total deposits in 2023 by 93% to N17.36 trillion from N8.99 trillion in the corresponding period of 2022.

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM),the bank also said its loan book expanded by 61% to N50.55 trillion from N3.44 trillion.

The bank maintained a well- structured and diversified balance sheet, with total Assets and shareholders’ funds closing at N20.65 trillion and N2.03 trillion respectively.

“Behind each of these figures, is the everyday work of our dedicated staff, providing tangible solutions to real-world needs, diversifying value to customers, businesses, and governments.

“UBA supports consumer across Africa and globally, seeking secure and convenient payment methods, businesses requiring modern payment acceptance solutions, and issuers and acquirers in need of innovative offerings for their customers.

“Furthermore, we facilitate governments in promptly distributing payments to individuals during crucial times of need”,its chairman,Tony Elumelu disclosed at the meeting where he also said the bank deliverered a strong financial year with the generation of gross revenue of N2.08 trillion and recording an impressive profit after tax of N607.69 billion for the year ended on 31 December 2023.

He announced that shareholders will receive a final dividend of N78.7 billion for FY 2023, representing N2.30 per ordinary share held.

In the company’s notice to the NGX, it was specified that the final dividends will be disbursed to shareholders whose names are recorded in the Register of Members as of the close of business on Friday, May 10, 2024.

According to Elumelu, the Board believes in the power of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive economic prosperity across the African continent, hence it is taking concrete steps to fuel their growth.

He said: “In a historic partnership with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, UBA pledged up to USS6 billion in financing over the next three years to empower eligible SMEs across Africa. This game-changing investment targets four key sectors crucial for reducing import dependence and fostering intra-African trade: Agro-processing, Automotive, pharmaceuticals and Transport/Logistics.

“Our commitment goes beyond just providing financial support. We understand the need to de-risk these sectors and equip SMEs with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive. In addition, technology will play a crucial role in providing customers access to propositions created to deliver on our strategy”.

He further assured that UBA stands poised to continue its leadership trajectory, building on a rich 75-year legacy of serving its customers and catalyzing Africa’s growth.

“This legacy is woven from decades of insightful market understanding and a steadfast commitment to the communities we serve. It has equipped us with the key human, technological, and operational capabilities that form our firm foundation.

“These capabilities, coupled with our strong brand and meticulously crafted propositions, position us not just to compet but to thrive in the ever-evolving financial landscape. As 202 unfolds, UBA remains resolute in its unwavering commitment to innovation, clarity of purpose, operational rigour, and, mos importantly, shared value creation. We are confident that b staying true to these core principles, UBA will continue to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders and play a pivot, role in shaping a brighter future for Africa”.

Shareholders of the bank, expressed gratitude to the leadership for driving the bank to profitability during the period under review.

Dr. Farouk Umar, a shareholder, said: “I am really very happy with the leadership of the bank. Tony Elumelu has done very wonderful and I am very confident that the bank will be able to recapitalize. You can see that UBA made the highest profit among all the banks, and the tax paid to government is over N150 billion so the bank is contributing to the development of the economy”

Another shareholder, Olatunde Balogun,said the UBA is the best investment he has ever made in his life, recalling how he invest when his salary was nothing to write home about, but got bonus from the bank same year making his shares to climb to 300 from 100 ordinary shares.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Banking&Finance 0
FG Sues Governors Over Abuse Of LGAs

Mohammed Shosanya

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has instituted a suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria against Governors of the 36 States of the Federation over misconduct and maladministration of Local Government Areas.

The Governors were sued through their respective State Attorneys General.

The suit is predictated on 27 grounds among which are that the Nigeria Federation is a creation of the 1999 Constitution with President as Head of the Federal Executive arm of the Federation and has sworn to uphold and give effects to the provisions of the Constitution.

Fagbemi is asking the apex court to invoke sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that the State Governors and State Houses of Assembly are under obligation to ensure democratically system at the third tier of government in Nigeria and to also invoke the same sections to hold that the governors cannot lawfully dissolve democratically elected local government coincils.

The originating summon was accompanied by a 13-paragragh affidavit deposed to by one Kelechi Ohaeri, from the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The deponent averred that the AGF drew out the suit against the Governors under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on behalf of the Federal Government.

Oraeri stated that local government system recognized by the Constitution is a democratically elected local government councils and that the amount due to local government councils from the federation account is to be paid to local government system recognized by the Constitution.

The deponent said the AGF has the locus standi to file the case because the issue of autonomy for local governments in Nigeria is of national importance to Nigerians.

Specifically,the AGF is seeking full autonomy for Local Governments Areas as third tiers of government in the country.

By the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the Federal Government wants an order of the Supreme Court restraining Governors from constituting Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratically system.

The AGF is also praying the apex court to prohibit State Governors from “unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful” dissolution of democratically elected local government chairmen for local government administration.

In the originating summons personally signed by the AGF, the FG wants the Supreme Court to grant an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in accordance with the provisions of the constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

Besides,the AGF asked the court for an injunctive order restraining the 36 States Governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the federation account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

The AGF also prayed for invocation of sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that dissolution of democratically elected Local Government Councils by the Governors or anyone using the State powers derivable from laws enacted by the State Houses of Assembly or any executive order is unlawful, unconstitutional,null and void.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in News 0
Soldiers,Amotekun Comb Ondo Forest For Kidnap Victims

Mohammed Shosanya

Soldiers from Ekiti State and men of Amotekun Corps of Ondo State are on the trail of some gunmen who attacked and abducted some travellers along Irun-Akoko/Imesi-Ekiti Road.

The victims were said to have been waylaid and attacked by the criminals while in transit in an 18-Passenger bus on Saturday evening and forced them into the forest.

According to the Corps Commander Ondo State Security Network,otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the abductors of the passengers only succeeded in kidnapping some of them.

He disclosed that some of the passengers escaped from the scene on their own,while a joint team of soldiers from Ekiti State and men of Amotekun Corps from Ondo State rescued some of them in the all night search.

He told journalists that: “My men and solders from Ekiti are combing the forest, but the hoodlums did not kidnap the 18 passengers in the bus.

“Some of the passengers escaped themselves, while our men with soldiers recovered some of the victims in the night. Our men have combed the forest as we speak.”

There were reports that four among the 18 passengers in the attacked bus were abducted by the gunmen.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in News 0
FG Will Complete Egbema Power Plant Soon,Says Adelabu

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has assured of accelerated completion of Egbema Power Plant in Imo State.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu,who gave the assurance
at the weekend during an inspection visit to the power plant,also commended the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma for his dedication to collaborating with NDPHC in order to complete the critical power infrastructure projects.

Accompanied by the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chief Chiedu Ugbo, the Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the 2023 Electricity Act, which allows states to participate in the electricity sector.

Adelabu also praised Governor Uzodinma for his commitment to working with NDPHC to expedite completion of the Egbema power plant and associated transmission projects, which will improve electricity supply not only in Imo State but also nationwide.

Speaking,Governor Uzodinma pledged to collaborate with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to ensure the completion of the plant in order to improve electricity supply in the state.

The partnership will ensure the completion of the 378.3 MW Egbema Power Plant, along with the 330/33kV switchyard, the Omoku-Egbema-Owerri-Alaoji 330kV DC transmission lines projects and the Owerri transmission substation expansion project. The projects are at various stages with the power plant at 70 per cent completion stage.

The collaboration between the Imo State Government and NDPHC aims to enhance electricity supply and energize homes and businesses in Imo State through the completion of the Egbema Power Plant and associated transmission infrastructure.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Power 0