All Posts in "Day: October 26, 2024"

LG Poll:NNPP Clears Council Seats In Kano

         Mohammed Shosanya
The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP in Kano State on Saturday won all the 44 Local Government chairmanship seats and 484 councillorship seats in Council election.
The Chairman, Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof. Sani Lawal Malumfashi,who stated this while announcing the results the commission’s headquarters,said six political parties participated, namely AA, AAC, Accord, ADC, APM and NNPP in the election out of which NNPP won all the chairmanship and Councillorships.
He said the election recorded large turnout of electorates, however described the election as largely peaceful in all ramification.
Prof. Malumfashi commended all those who played critical role in the conduct of the exercise while thanking the parents and children for not allowing their children and themselves respectively to be used for disrupting the exercise.
He added: “Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) had exercised and observed its Constitutional mandates of planning, organizing, coordinating, observing and conducting Local Government Election in Kano State of Nigeria.
“The exercise had been largely peaceful and successful in all ramifications. The Commission therefore deeply appreciates the roles played by the critical stakeholders, notably security agencies,media organizations,leaders of political parties, civil society organizations,religious leaders,   ommunity leaders,youth and women organizations, towards the actualization of grass root democracy in the state.
“The peaceful conduct of the exercise is a doubtless manifestation of public acceptability of the exercise in terms of credibility, fairness and decency.
“NNPP won all 44 Local Government Chairmanship and 484 Councillorship Positions contested,” the KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Malumfashi however stated.

 

Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Politics 0
Eguavoen Names Squad For CHAN Qualifiers Against Ghana

Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has unveiled a 35-man squad for Nigeria’s home-based team ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying clash against Ghana.
The squad features names like Ismail Sadiq of Remo Stars, Zikifilu Rabiu from Kano Pillars, and Kazeem Ogunleye of Enugu Rangers.
The selection is drawn from 17 teams across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with Remo Stars leading the pack by contributing five players.
Other clubs with multiple call-ups include Rivers United, Nasarawa United, Enugu Rangers, and El-Kanemi Warriors, each providing three players.
Nasarawa United’s top striker, Anas Yusuf, who has scored eight goals this NPFL season, also made the list.
The first leg of the qualifying series is set for December 20–22, with the squad selection following Article 15 of CHAN’s participation rules, which restricts eligibility to players with permanent contracts at clubs affiliated with their national association.
This might explain the absence of experienced forward Ahmed Musa, whose registration with Kano Pillars appears to be temporary.
The second leg will take place a week after the first, with the overall winner securing a spot at the 8th CHAN finals, scheduled from February 1–28 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The tournament is exclusive to players who feature in their domestic leagues.
    Full List of Invited Players:
– Goalkeepers:* Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United), Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC), Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United).
– Defenders:* Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United), Stephen Mayo (Rivers United), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers), Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars), Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United), Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors), Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United), Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United), Junior Nduka (Remo Stars), Victor Collins (Nasarawa United), Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors).
– Midfielders:Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors), Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars), Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors), Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers), Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC), Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United), Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars), Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars), Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers), Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars), Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars), Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance), Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City).
– Forwards:Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars), Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United), Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United), Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance).
Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Sports 0
Construction Of Nuclear Power Station Will Stop Blackout In North-Bakori

        Mohammed Shosanya
Former Managing Director of Jos Distribution Company,Engr Hashim Ibrahim Bakori,has emphasized the need to engage the Russians for the commencement of a nuclear power station in the northern part of Nigeria,with a view to saving it from the current blackout.
Bakori’s suggestion was sequel to the present blackout in the region following the recent collapse of the national grid and vandalization of power equipment
The lingering darkness in the north is alreading taking heavy toll on the economic activities in the region.
The former Jos DisCo boss,who posited that the north has no business with energy poverty, also suggested the nedc to engage the Chinese for the commencement of a coal-fired power station
He further reasoned that there should be converted efforts in the North to engage the western European nations for the commencement of Mambila, Makurdi or Lokoja confluence HPS .
According to him,the various river basin dams lying waste in the region can be utilized for  HPS and agriculture just as India did.
He added:”We have sunshine everywhere.Immediately start with 50MW PV farms in each of the affected 13 states …50 x 13 gives 650MW
“Again look for international support and funding from investors and development partners to install a 40MW type of LPG gas virtual line feed  generators to replicate what NNPC did in Maiduguri during the PMB administration.This gives 40x 13,another 650MW”
On funding for the initiatives,which he said can be delivered in two years,Bakori hinted that the region’s wealthiest individuals, politicians, technocrats, diaspora professionals  can be individually contacted for necessary assistance.
He also said,banks consortium can be persuaded to finance some locations for the initiatives.
He implored state governments and local government councils to redouble their efforts in producing electricity,rather than spending heavily on white elephant projects like roads and  flyovers.
He added that  donor countries ,agencies and individuals can also help finance the laudable initiative.
Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Power 0
Probe PH Helicopter Crash,NLC Tells FG

        Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC has asked the Federal Government to probe the EastWind Aviation helicopter crash which occurred in Port Harcourt on Thursday

All the eight passengers on the flight have been confirmed dead by the police.

In a statement on Saturday,President of the labour union,Comrade Joe Ajaero, maintained that only through a comprehensive inquiry can Nigerians uncover the lessons necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that Nigerian workers are better protected.

He also  emphasized the need for relevant agencies in aviation and oil and gas to enact rigorous frameworks that prioritize workers’ safety and prevent further tragedies.

He added:”While this tragic loss was labeled an “accident,” it underscores the critical need for reliable flight equipment, effective communication, and robust search-and-rescue capabilities”.

Lamenting the loss to the Nigerian workforce,Ajearo maintained that it underlines the perilous conditions our workers often face.

 It speaks to the urgent and absolute necessity of prioritizing workers’ health and safety—ensuring that Nigerian workers, in any sector, do not risk their lives each day to contribute to national progress,he said,adding that  no worker should face death or injury as a consequence of simply doing their job.

He said:”We implore the Government and all authorities tasked with Occupational Safety and Health to redouble their efforts to guarantee that workplaces—and all avenues to and from work—are made as safe as possible.

“This tragedy also heightens our concerns about the lax enforcement of safety standards, especially in high-risk sectors such as the offshore oil and gas industry, where the stakes are exceptionally high. Only with stringent compliance measures, comprehensive safeguards, and a commitment from employers and regulators alike can we truly protect the lives of those who operate in such complex and dangerous environments”

He condoled the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), who have lost valued members in the accident.

He reaffirmed NLC’s  commitment to advocating for enhanced workplace safety and health across all sectors.

Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in News 0
Maltreatment:CAF Gives Nigeria’s Super Eagles Victory,Fines Libya $USD 50,000

 

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF),Saturday awarded three points, and three goals to Nigeria for the missed Libya game in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

 

 

 

 

The Super Eagles and Libya were earlier scheduled to clash at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benina, Benghazi on October 15, in matchday four of the AFCON qualification series.

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian national team’s flight landed at Al Abaq airport,however the players and coaches were held for over 20 hours without food and drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), later announced the Super Eagles’ withdrawal from the qualifying match and compelled them to return home.

 

 

 

 

The President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, had said a thorough probe was ongoing sequel to the recent controversy surrounding Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

 

 

 

 

According to him,the continental body would not tolerate any lack of sportsmanship and unfair treatment in African football.

 

 

 

 

A statement  released on Saturday and signed by CAF’s Chairperson of CAF Disciplinary Board, Ousmane Kane said the decision to award Nigeria the points was taken after findings by the disciplinary committee it set up to investigate the matter, found Libya guilty of the inhumane treatment meted out to the Nigerian senior football team.

 

 

 

The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football also fined the Libyan Football Federation for the Super Eagles’ predicament. 

 

 

 

 

The 5-man disciplinary committee comprises Mr. Ousmane Kane (Senegal) Chairperson, Ms. Njeri Onyango (Kenya) Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Felix Golbassia (Tchad) member, Mr. Patrick Shale (Lesotho) Member, and Mr. Norman Arendse (South Africa) member.

 

 

 

According to the body,“The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African, Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, and that the match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).”

 

 

The body also ordered the Libya Football Federation to pay a fine of USD 50,000 within 60 days of notification of the current decision.

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Sports 0
Minimum Wage:Soludo Approves N70,000 For Anambra Civil Servants

           Mohammed Shosanya
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State,Friday approved a new minimum wage of N70, 000 for workers in Anambra State.
He disclosed this when he met with labour leaders at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia where he also approved immediate payment of the new wage.
According to him,the least paid worker in Anambra State is to go home with nothing less than N70,000 or more as could be between N78,000 to N84,000, depending on the outcome of the tabulation by the government team.
He also announced a monthly cash award of N10,000 to all oensioners in the state, until a time when salary of pensioners is reviewed.
Soludo also assured that his government is committed for a better secured Anambra, and announced that the state would soon take delivery of hundreds of security vehicles for the vigilant groups and other security agencies and that other security measures are being negotiated.
He urged workers to think positively about Contributory Pension Scheme to save themselves of pension agonies, adding that the earlier the state workers return to the scheme, the better for them.
The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress,(NLC),Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, commended  Soludo for making the negotiations easier by the approvals and thanked him for being workers’ friendly
He disclosed that the Governor has donated a land for the construction of the NLC state Secretariat to be known as ‘Workers House’ the request of which was impossible since 1991 when Anambra State was created.
Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in News 0
REA,Partners Sign Pact On Improved  Access To Clean Energy

          Mohammed Shosanya
 The Rural Electrification Agency (REA),has signed a multi-stakeholder Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with strategic partners to enhance collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for unserved, underserved, and peri-urban communities in Nigeria.
The agency’s new line of partnerships include four government agencies: Nigeria Immigration Service; Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF); National Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
 As part of the new commitments,the REA signed MoU’s with 19 Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs,who have committed to optimizing their resources to delivering innovative, sustainable, utility-scale renewable energy capacity in line with the objectives of the REA,a statement said on Saturday.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja,the MD/CEO of the REA,Abba Abubakar Aliyu,said the development marks a significant step towards driving innovation and expanding renewable energy solutions in key institutions in Nigeria.
According to him,with an active history on sector coordination and energy access project implementation in Nigeria, the REA continues to facilitate productive partnerships with other government agencies, development finance institutions as well as the private sector, geared towards revolutionizing the energy access landscape.
He said the agency’s new growth path as well as its new line-up of futuristic partnerships are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency,President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, as captured in the nation’s current blueprint for the energy sector; the 2023 Electricity Act, with each organization bringing its unique expertise, resources, and technical assistance to ensure the success of the initiative.
He emphasized the Federal Government’s new approach to addressing the nation’s electricity challenges, in line with the 2023 Electricity Act.
He added:”The need for strategic coordination between the multiple players across the electricity value chain and a coordinated approach in the delivery of energy access projects”. He added that “the REA has been tasked with the implementation of the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), which will serve as a pathway for data-driven, sector-specific, integrated electrification plan, hence the need for strategic partnerships with key players across sectors”.
Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap,expressed her delight about the timeliness of the partnership with the REA.
 She explained that state-of-the-art technologies, including a top-tier data center, being utilized by the NIS under this administration can only be sustainably powered through clean energy.
She explained that “it is an honour to activate the partnership with the REA as such a partnership now enables the NIS to scale its interventions on border management, border governance and migration management”.
Sharing her thoughts on rural electrification as it aligns with the mandate of the NIS, the CG explained that sustainable energy infrastructure strengthens engagement with border communities situated in rural areas and solar streetlight technologies provides safety across the communities.
She said,this will be a game-changer for the NIS.
Commending the REA’s delivery of its mandate,the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mohammed Shaidu,emphasized the centrality of energy in technology use.
He added that the NPTF’s partnership with the REA “will have a profound effect on the welfare and the operational readiness of the Nigeria Police as the utilization of renewable energy will not only reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources but will also provide sustainable and reliable power to the police personnel and enhance their capacity to serve and protect “.
He reassured that the MoU between the REA and NPTF will serve as “a framework for the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects that will electrify key police facilities, as such projects align with the broader goal of promoting sustainability, energy security and enhanced mobility for the police force”.
As the agency counts down to the flag off of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), a $750m electrification programme under the REA,the Head of the Nigeria Electrification programme (NEP), Olufemi Akinyelure, while speaking on the REA’s central role in the evolution of private sector players in the energy sector from contractors, to developers to Renewable energy Service Companies (RESCOs), explained that “the RESCO is a central pillar of REA’s off-grid electrification efforts, ensuring that unserved, underserved and rural communities benefit from sustainable, affordable, and scalable renewable energy solutions”.
Olufemi explained that while the DARES is designed to be an impactful and transformative programme, beyond the grants and budgetary allocations through the REA, “the private sector needs to be able to catalyze funding, private financing and private investment”.
He assured stakeholders of the REA’s readiness to facilitate and implement utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure nationwide.
Engr. Doris Udoh, the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) explained that the REA’s scale-up strategy is targeted at alleviating energy poverty both in rural, unserved areas and across key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
 She emphasized the agency’s focus on the optimization of renewable energy sources to close the energy gap at a quicker pace.
She added that the REA continues to keep up with technological advancements in the renewable energy sector as the agency has sustained its strategic approach to sector coordination, investment and project implementation.
In line with the REA’s ag-energy strategy, targeted at improving energy access for agricultural productivity, the Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Muhammed Abu explained that the Fund’s partnership with the REA will ensure energy sufficiency to utilize tools such as “solar-powered irrigation systems that allows all-year-round farming, solar-powered planters, threshers and dryers”.
He added that “renewable energy has the potential to significantly drive production in terms of quantity and quality of produce as post-harvest losses can be avoided”.
Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Power 0
NSF Laments Blackout,Vandalism In North

        Mohammed Shosanya
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF),has lamented the recent collapse of the national grid, frequent power outages in the North and the attendant drop in socio-economic activities in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.
The group also expressed disgust over vandalism of national electricity infrastructure in the area, saying it has brought hardship,compromised healthcare delivery, and imposed expensive fuel costs on the people.
The Chairman of the Forum, and Senator representing Katsina Central (APC), Abdul Aziz Yar’adua,conveyed the group’s reservation in a statement on Friday.
He added that:“Small businesses are struggling to operate, hospitals are facing increased running costs, and livelihoods are being severely impacted.”
He implored the Federal Government to urgently restore power in the affected areas,stressing that focus should be on the repairs of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines to restore reliable power supply.
He said:“ Government should mplement measures to prevent future vandalism and protect power infrastructure.Back KEDCO’s initiatives for renewable energy and mini grid solutions to provide sustainable power options.”
He acknowledged the progress made in power distribution under the current administration and efforts being  to improve the sector.
He emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the sufferings caused by the situation, as well as to revitalize economic activities in the areas.

 

Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Power 0
Reps Uncover N32bn Revenue Leakages In NUPRC

          Mohammed Shosanya
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Nigerian House of Representatives,has announced  revenue leakages totaling N32.15 billion within the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Its chairman,Bamidele Salam, highlighted significant irregularities in the revenue generated for the federal government between 2015 and 2022, as documented in NUPRC’s submitted report.
At a recent session of the committee,he alleged that N909 million had been transferred directly into private accounts within Deposit Money Banks, bypassing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) protocols, a violation of government financial policy aimed at curbing fraud and mismanagement.
The committee further uncovered discrepancies amounting to N15.47 billion in transactions listed in Remita,the federal government’s payment gateway, which were missing from NUPRC’s data.
Besides,N6.33 billion recorded by NUPRC did not appear in Remita, raising questions about the integrity of financial records,the committee said,adding that
inconsistencies were noted in transaction values, with N388 million reported lower in NUPRC’s records and N909 million reported higher in Remita’s records, adding to concerns about data accuracy and transparency.
The committee has summoned NUPRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and other key officials to appear before them on Monday to clear air on the infractions.
Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
We’ve Not Closed Shop-EEDC

         Mohammed Shosanya
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC),has cleared air on the misinformation that it has ceased to exist on account of the licensing of its subsidiary company, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).
 Mainpower took over the electricity distribution operations in Enugu State after it was presented with an interim operating licence to distribute electricity in Enugu State,by EERC.
 Mr Emeka Ezeh,the Head of Communications, EEDC, said the company still exists.
He explained thatl it was necessary to allay the fears and concerns expressed by its esteemed customers, vendors, service providers, and other stakeholders.
He added:“The EEDC remains a holding company to Mainpower. It is still carrying out electricity distribution operations in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo States.
“So,we are using this opportunity to appeal to electricity customers in Enugu State, served by Mainpower (a subsidiary company of EEDC), to remain calm as the company remains committed to continuing with the operations of electricity service delivery in Enugu State in an efficient and accountable manner.”
He further clarified that with the approval of the Electricity Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu,states are now able to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their geographical areas.
He added:“So,the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) no longer has the regulatory and oversight rights, but now the state-owned regulatory commission, Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC)”
Online Editor by — October 26, 2024 in Power 0