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  • N180bn debt: EEDC to disconnect Government Houses, CBN, army, others

    N180bn debt: EEDC to disconnect Government Houses, CBN, army, others

    Electricity
    By Stanley Nwanosike
    Enugu, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has threatened to begin to disconnect Government Houses, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offices, Nigerian Army and others in the South-East allegedly owing the company.

    The company issued the threat in a statement signed by it’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, and made avaible on to newsmen in Enugu on Friday.

    Eze stated that the listed organisations were indebted to the company to the tune of over N180 billion for energy consumed.

    He argued that the planned disconnection was part of the company’s strategies to recover its money.

    He listed the affected defaulters to include the Enugu State Government, Ebonyi Government, Anambra Government, Abia Government, Imo Government; Innoson Technical and Industries; University of Nigeria (Enugu and Nsukka Campuses) and Nigerian Bottling Company.

    Others are the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Air-Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Railway Corporation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; UNTH Ituku-Ozalla; Ebonyi State University; Coal Corporation Quarters and Federal Secretariat and Establishments.

    “We are also disconnecting GMO Rubber Division; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Ebonyi State Government’s Ecumenical Centre One; Nigeria Prisons Training School; CBN offices; M/S Concorde Hotel, Owerri and Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

    Also included are Enugu High Court; Reliable Steel and Plastic Industries Ltd; Jilnas Industries; BENGAS Nigeria Ltd; CIFO Petroleum Ltd; STANEL Filling Station, Highlift Pumping Station; FINOC Industries Ltd; Aluminium Extrusion Industries Ltd. and VIN VAL Ltd.

    The rest are Local Government offices; St. Davids Porter Nigeria Ltd; Gees Denver Company Limited; the Federal Ministry of Works, Hospitals Management Board and DONLINK Plastic Industries, among many others,” he said.

    The EEDC spokesman warned that effective from June 10, 2024, the company would commence massive disconnection of supply to the customers and others with outstanding bills.

    “This exercise has become necessary, considering the huge (over N180 billion) unpaid electricity bills and accrued arrears,” he added.

    According to him, the situation has consistently put the company in a precarious revenue deficit position, making it difficult to meet its power purchase obligations.

    “For EEDC to continue to provide services to its esteemed customers, it is pertinent that electricity bills, which are for energy already consumed, are paid in full.

    “If this is not done, it will be difficult for the company to suatain its operations to serve customers and enhance the quality of service,” Eze said.

    He, therefore, appealed to the affected customers to endeavour to clear their arrears on or before June 10, to avoid being disconnected.

    He noted that the notice of disconnection applied to all the categories of customers (Maximum Demand and Non-Maximum Demand) that were indebted to EEDC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KSN/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • 2 docked for allegedly stealing employer’s money

    2 docked for allegedly stealing employer’s money

    Theft

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Two men,  Ibrahim Uthman, 24 and  Hamid Adeleke, 26, were on Friday arraigned in an Ona-Ara Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly stealing their employer’s money.

    The duo, whose addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy and theft, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor, Insp Folarunmi Adeshina told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence sometimes in February, at Ayetoro area, Ibadan.

    Adeshina alleged that Uthman stole the sum of N4, 481, 725, belonging to their employer, Mr Musa Afonja.

    He alleged that Adeleke also stole the sum of N1, 062, 050, belonging to Afonja without his consent.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The Magistrate, Mr Ayorinde Ayo-Alagbe granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2 million each and two sureties each in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until July 3, for hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CC/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

  • Firm, NGO partner to promote positive behaviour, moral values among children

    Behaviour
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Vento International Trading Limited, an international furniture organisation, has partnered with an NGO, Advocacy for Positive Behavioural Patterns Initiative (APBPI), to promote positive behaviour and moral values among Nigerian children.
    The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator for Vento, Mrs Muberra Yigit, stated this during a courtesy visit to her office by APBPI officials, on Friday in Abuja.
    Yigit said that her organisation was passionate about education of young children, hence the need for partnering with APBPI to promote positive behaviour in the society, particularly among children.
    According to her, promoting positive behaviour among children will assist in moulding their lives, thus making them to become responsible citizens.
    She said that her company would continue to support the APBPI school programme, focusing on truancy and substance abuse.
    The Director of Campaign Team for APBPI, Mr Bamidele Mann, said that the partnership would further boost the NGO’s activities and make it to get the desired positive behaviour from Nigerian children.
    He noted that Vento’s past support had enabled APBPI to reach more children, aligning them with the right attitudes and behaviours essential for building better character.
    “We are thrilled to partner with Vento international trading limited, sharing a common goal of shaping Nigeria’s future by investing in its children,” Mann said.
    The Director, Advisory Model for APBPI, Mr Sam Obashun, thanked the firm for what it had been doing in the past, especially in the area of building a new Nigeria through children’s behaviour.
    Obashun expressed the firm’s commitment to carrying out its corporate social responsibility that would make a significant difference in the lives of the children.
    “Together, we are making positive impacts, fostering a culture of responsibility, respect and empathy among our young citizens.
    “Vento international trading limited’s commitment to CSR has made a significant difference in the lives of numerous children, promoting a brighter future for Nigeria.
    “We commend its dedication to giving back to the community and we look forward to continued collaboration,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AG/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • BBNaija Uriel says Marriage is not for everyone

    Reality Star/Chef Uriel Oputa

     

    Marriage

    By Priscilla Osaje

    Abuja, June 7,2024(NAN) Big Brother Naija Reality TV star and chef, Uriel Oputa, popularly known as Uriel says critics questioning her single status should back-off  as marriage is not for everyone.

    Uriel who is also an entrepreneur and chef,  took to her Instagram @urielmusicstar to address the issue said, marriage is not an achievement, the reason why she does not feel any pressure from the family or the public.

    According to her, she does not need validation from social media to prove that she is married or not.

    She added that posting her partner or relationship status on social media was a prohibition for her.

    “Marriage isn’t for everyone. If you think marriage is an achievement, that’s on you. How do you know I’m not married? Do you think everyone needs validation from social media?”, Uriel wrote.

    She went ahead to reiterate that she would never post about her partner or relationship status on social media.

    “I would never post my marriage or my partner’s full face here. Age-shaming and marriage-shaming is so 2018. Let’s maintain this energy and save the lives of young men and women”.

    On the topic of trolls who bully people on social media, Uriel reassured them that she is bully-proof.

    “Bullying doesn’t work with me. I went to an all-white school and I was the blackest kid that ever liveth”.

    Meanwhile, the social media influencer has earlier expressed her taught and feelings on the topic of trolls, as well as those that were good in bullying others on social media, reassuring them that she happens to be a bully-proof.

    She became famous after appearing in Big Brother Naija season 2 in 2017, and ever since then, she has built a successful career in various fields.(NAN)(WWW.nannews.ng)

    PO/EAL

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Shutting national grid extreme – Lawyer

    Strike: Shutting national grid extreme but not illegal  -Lawyer

     

    Grid

    By Adenike Ayodele

    Ikeja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Lagos-based lawyer,  Mr Ige Asemudara, has said  that the organised labour  took   to the extreme,  its strike  on Monday and Tuesday by shutting  the national grid.

    The lawyer said that the action exposed Nigeria  to insecurity.

    Asemudara, the Founder of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

     

    He said that closing  the national grid was not reasonable.

    “No matter what you do during strike, you do  not expose  the country to insecurity or toy with the safety of a nation.

    “”If you shut down the national grid, you have exposed  the country  to insecurity and also toyed with the fragile safety of Nigerians.

    “All of the security systems in the country  are run by the electrical system; so, when  you shut down, you have breached the security of the nation,” he said.

     

    He, however,  said that the action should not be regarded as unlawful or treasonable since electrical workers had the right to go on strike.

    “I saw a fellow who was quoting  Miscellaneous Offences Act stating that anyone  who  tampers with  electrical cables will be jailed for life.

     “That  law,  with greatest  respect, is not effective during  strike, but  even if it does, it is a law passed under the military regime of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in 1984-1985.”

    He further said that the law ought to have been amended.

    He said: ” I do not know why that legislation has not been amended since the military regime because it has some or the most unreasonable provisions in human history.

    “I will say that strike is lawful but there are some activities which are unlawful that  workers should not engage in.

    “If you are a worker in a unified environment, you have right to go on strike and if you are going to strike, what you do is shut down your working facilities.

    “For instance, you work with the Federal  Radio Corporation of Nigeria and you want to go on strike, the radio station will  not transmit during  that  period.”

    The lawyer said same thing applied to the companies that constituted  the national grid as they  would naturally shut down their services.

    Asemudara, however, said said shutting the national grid was an extreme and unreasonable action to be taken during strike ‘because the first responsibility of Nigerians  whether citizens or governments is security of lives and property’ in the nation.

    The lawyer further said that power generation, distribution and transmission companies in  Nigeria, which made up  the national grid, had the right to go on strike because strike was recognised under labour laws as legitimate. (NAN)

    www.nannews.ng

    OAR/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • Zoë Modiga becomes Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for June

    Zoë Modiga

    Zoë Modiga, South African Singer and Songwriter

     

    Artiste
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Online streaming platform, Spotify, has named renowned South African singer and songwriter, Zoë Modiga, as its EQUAL Africa artiste for June.
    Jodie Tabisher, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for South Africa, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Friday.
    Tabisher said Modiga is  a jazz and soul artiste known for her dynamic voice, innovative compositions and deep connection to her cultural roots.
    She said the artiste recently released her newest album in April titled “Nomthandazo”, following the acclaimed success of her previous works, “Harmonic Soul”, “Yellow: The Novel” and “Inganekwane”.
    According to her, Spotify’s EQUAL programme supports female artistes, giving them a global platform through playlists, content and the EQUAL hub, with it having generated over 31 billion editorial streams across one billion listening hours.
    She said the EQUAL programme had added more than 6,900 female artistes to its playlist and supported over 1,000 ambassadors in their home countries including South Africa.
    “Zoë Modiga’s previous works have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple South African Music Awards (SAMAs), nominations and a growing international fanbase.
    “Her ability to infuse her music with cultural richness and emotional depth has cemented her as a leading voice in contemporary African music.
    “The intricate arrangements and soulful melodies are a testament to Zoe’s dedication to creating music that resonates deeply with her audience, and we are excited to spotlight her as our EQUAL Ambassador for this month,” she said.
    Tabisher described Modiga’s music as soulful, spirited, cultured, and inspired modern African music that celebrates the human experience and mirrors internal and societal thoughts.
    Speaking on what her fans might not know about her, Tabisher said, “I have grown a hard shell out of neccessity and survival but I’m a deeply sensitive and empathetic person.”
    On the reason for pursuing music, she said, “Growing up in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, I was raised by my grandparents and community.
    “We ate, danced, cried, listened to music together and everything in between. Seeing how music was the soundtrack to our lives, I remember always wanting to one day impact people the same way those records did.
    “I continue to pursue, explore and express this way because it feels like purpose work. It fills my cup to make songs that live with people in all the seasons they live through.
    “I grew up listening to a vast selection of African artistes growing up.
    ”They include Jabu Khanyile, Letta Mbulu, Khadja Nin, Judith Sephuma, Salif Keita, Zamajobe, Caiphus Semenya, Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa, Thandiswa Mazwai, Oliver Mtukunzi, KB, Mdu, TKZee, Boom Shaka, Mzambiya, Lira, Trompies, Soul Brothers and more.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Man arraigned for allegedly slapping woman

    Assault
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A 47-year-old man, Olawumi Odelanu, was on Friday arraigned before a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan, for allegedly slapping a woman during a minor argument.
    Odelanu, whose address was not provided, was charged with assault.
    He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
    The Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on June 5, at Foodco Shopping Complex Dugbe, Ibadan.
    Amusan alleged that the defendant slapped one Mrs Deborah Ogunjimi on the right side of her cheek during a minor argument.
    He said the offence contravened Section 351 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
    The Court President, Mrs Moji Aworemi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with one reliable surety in like sum.
    Aworemu, thereafter, adjourned the case until June 27 for hearing. (NAN)
    CC/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • NASRDA advocates astronomy studies for blind, visually impaired

     

    Astronomy

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has urged blind and visually impaired students to embrace the study of astronomy.

    Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), an activity Centre of NASRDA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    CBSSA is domiciled in the premises of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State.

    Okere said that the education of disabled students, especially the blind, would ensure the government was working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.

    The director said that astronomy for the blind targeted the attainment of SDG-4 which was on inclusive and quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities.

    “Astronomy and space science education are not limited to gender, race, or disability, but for all.

    “We feel there is need to expose this vision impaired people to these careers.

    “There is space media, space law, space tourism; especially now that we can achieve a lot using AI.’’

    He recalled that the drive to draft blind and visually impaired students into studying astronomy prompted them to host a two-day hands-on workshop titled Astro-Tac on May 17 and 18.

    Okere explained Astro-Tac as the study of astronomy that involved feeling.

    “This is a project that captures education for all; giving everybody opportunity to learn.

    “Under SDGs, there is inclusive education and this project captures that aspect, access to education because you can’t deny these people access to certain level of education.”

    The director added that they got inspired by Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced, an Astronomer from Postorico, known for using sonification to turn large data sets into audible sound.

    She said that in her quest to know about astronomy, she was able to collaborate with people and write a programme that could translate radiations from the stars into sound.

    “This means that anybody in any field of study can do astronomy, and that is why we now have astro biology, astro chemistry, astro tourism, all incorporated.

    “We are looking at spreading to other parts of the country where we have the visually impaired educated on careers in astronomy irrespective of your status,” Okere said.

    He said that they were working on spreading the programme to other parts of the country, adding the it was the maiden edition.

    He said they had no fewer than 120 undergraduate and postgraduate students drawn from different departments and Department of Students With Special Needs of UNN that participated in the programme.

    The workshop lectures centred on pale blue dot, astronomy education for mental health and wellbeing, women in space science.

    The tactile learning was on telescope types, the moon, the sun, galaxies, black holes, and the solar system planets, which included making solar system bracelets, among others.

    The workshop was sponsored by the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU-OAD). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NIU/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • Police arrest 3 robbery suspects in Delta

    Police arrest 3 robbery suspects in Delta

    Suspects

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has attested three notorious robbery suspects in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe made this known while addressing newsmen on the arrest on Friday in Warri.

    He said that suspected hoodlums were apprehended on Wednesday by the command’s special squad deployed to Ughelli.

    Edafe said that the police squad led by ASP Julius Robinson acted on credible intelligence, and stormed the suspects hideouts in Sapele Town to effect the arrest.

    “On June 5,  the command’s special squad, while acting on credible intelligence, successfully arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered  weapons in Sapele Town,” he said.

    Edafe said that exhibits recovered from them included one beretta pistol, one locally made cut-to-size gun, three cutlasses, cell phones and  ATM cards belonging to their victims.

    The police spokesman said that some of the victims had identified the suspects and the valuables stolen from them.

    Edafe said that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to having been involved in six armed robbery operations in Sapele.

    He added that the suspects were currently in police custody while investigation in the matter was ongoing.

    Edafe said that the special squad was deployed by the Commissioner of Police of the command, Mr Abaniwonda Olufemi to checkmate kidnapping and armed robbery activities in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele and environs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/EBI/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Joseph Edeh

  • NGO advocates trade unions for domestic workers

    NGO advocates trade unions for domestic workers

    Union
    By Perpetua Onuegbu
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) CEE-HOPE, a Non-governmental Organisation, has advocated that domestic workers should join mainstream trade unions to enhance their bargaining power and dignity of labour.

    The Executive Director and Founder of CEE-HOPE Nigeria, Betty Abah, made this call at a One-day Seminar on the Rights of Domestic Workers/their Labour Rights on Friday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign focuses on upholding domestic workers` human and labour rights.

    This is in line with the provisions of the International Labour Organisation Convention 189 of 2011 which deals with the rights of domestic workers.

    Abah said the working condition of domestic workers in Nigeria was pathetic, adding that many of them lost their lives while other were maimed for life in the discharge of their duties

    “So we are spotlighting the issue and much more than spotlighting it, working at the unionisation of domestic workers in Nigeria.

    “This is not new in countries like Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, UAE and especially India.

    “They have vibrant domestic workers unions and once domestic workers know their rights they cannot be subjected to working round the clock.

    “In Nigeria most domestic workers work round the clock. There is hardly any resting time for them and they are paid merger wages,’’, she said.

    Abah, therefore, urged organised labour to be part of the campaign for domestic workers to be part of the mainstream movement and for government to give them backing.

    Mr Claus Konig, Regional Director for Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in West Africa, a German organisation working with trade unions and civil societies, said every worker had the right to belong to a trade union.

    “A large number of working people in Nigeria are domestic workers most of them women with very tough daily jobs in homes that they are working and very often their rights are not respected.

    “There is violence against them and that is why it is important to unionise them so that their rights can be defended.

    “We know, from studies and reports, that violence against domestic workers is quite prevalent in many societies. It starts with disrespect and progresses to violence,” Konig said.

    He called on government to make laws that ensures that domestic workers have a minimum wage.

    “Already there are laws against violence, because you are not allowed to kill people.

    “Violence against domestic workers when reported should be followed up by the police force and relevant authorities and ensure that these cases brought to court,” Konig said.

    Mrs Hawa Mustapha, a staff of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), commended the NGO for initiating the seminar and pledged organised labour’s support.

    Mustapha also urged domestic workers to  change their public perception about themselves and place a value on their dignity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PUO/KUA
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    Edited by Uche Anunne