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  • Support fight against graft, EFCC chief charges youths

    Support fight against graft, EFCC chief charges youths

    Corruption

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday in Abuja urged the nation’s youths to support anti-corruption drives of the Federal Government.

    He said this at the 2024 Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) National Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said youths were critical stakeholders in the fight against graft in the nation.

    Olukoyede was represented by the Head of Publicity and Enlightenment, EFCC, Ms Aisha Mohammed, expressed optimism about the potential of youths to drive significant change in the society.

    “As we stand here, corruption continues to undermine our society, economy and democracy. But amidst this challenge, I see hope.

    “I see a generation of young people who are determined, passionate, and committed to creating a better future,” he said.

    Olukoyede said there had been deliberate use of public resources for private gains which, according to him has led to stunted national progress.

    The EFCC Boss proposed a comprehensive strategy to empower youth to become more involved in the fight against sleaze.

    This according to him this should include educating and raising awareness among young people about the forms and impact of corruption, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in anti-corruption efforts.

    “Youth-led initiatives and organisations will receive support, promoting active community engagement and participation in local governance,” he said.

    According to him, establishing safe and confidential channels for reporting corruption is crucial, along with providing internships and job opportunities in anti-corruption organisations and government agencies.

    He affirmed that youth-led campaigns and awareness programmes would target corruption, while policy involvement would also encourage youth to participate in policy-making and advocacy.

    He then called for collective efforts to build a corruption-free Nigeria, emphasising the importance of harness youths energy, creativity and idealism for this cause.

    “By supporting and enabling youth, we can create a corruption-free world,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as its` theme: Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in our Nation.

    It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, and young leaders to brainstorm on the fight against fraud. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/KUA
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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Govts need to reach more at grassroots, philanthropist says

    1. Grassroots

     

    By Olawale Alabi

     

    Ibadan, June 6, 2024 (NAN) A UK-based businessman, Olatunji Awodiran, on Thursday in Ibadan urged governments in the country to reach out more to those at the grassroots to enhance agriculture in particular.

     

    Awodiran, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Leovest Reassuring Hands Foundation, said governments needed to reach out to the right people to eradicate poverty and enhance positive development.

     

    “Governments at all levels in the country have to reach out to those at the grassroots in order to get things done appropriately.

     

    “We need to get to the right people, especially in the area of agriculture where we have so many indigents, the rural women and other poor people.

     

    “They are those who are really involved in agriculture, not the big-time mechanised farmers,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

     

    Awodiran said governments should do this through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) because they are closer to the people than government officials or politicians.

     

    “In the UK, government at all the levels supports the local farmers in the communities more than the big farmers. This way, you get to uplift them and eradicate poverty,” he said.

     

    Awodiran, whose foundation had since August been providing support in the form of food items, cash and educational materials to indigents and the aged, said he was ready to do more.

     

    “It is something I am inspired to do, not as a result of political interest or affiliation or future gains, but to help cushion the effect of the hardship people are facing.

     

    “People are really facing a lot of hardship, and we should help to bring about a change in their situation,” he stated.

     

    Awodiran said his foundation planned to give out some food items ahead of the upcoming Eid-el Kabir festivities.

     

    “Our programme is usually on the last Tuesday of the month, but it will come up earlier this month as a result of the Ileya festivities, by June 14,” he said.

     

    NAN reports that the foundation, which started with 150 beneficiaries in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun, now has over 800 registered beneficiaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    OLAL/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

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  • FG committed to implementing multidimensional poverty index report- minister 

      

    Poverty 

    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it remains committed to supporting implementation  of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2022.

     Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, said this at a Stakeholders Technical Dialogue on the “Operationalisation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index as a Policy Tool in Nigeria” in Abuja on Thursday. 

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2022 MPI report revealed that 63 per cent, that is  133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor out of an estimated population of 211 million.

    Bagudu said the Federal Government would support the MPI implementation through the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) and the implementation of the eight -Priority Areas of the present administration. 

    The minister, represented by Mrs Adeshola Oloyede, the Director overseeing office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  said the MPI provided a nuanced understanding of poverty’s complexity. 

    “By measuring factors such as access to clean water, electricity, schooling, and healthcare, we can identify specific areas where interventions are needed, ensuring that no one is left behind. 

    “Remarkably, the MPI is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda, ‘leave no one behind’, as it shows the interlinkages of deprivations experienced by poor people. 

    The minister said the operationalisation of the MPI in Nigeria was  a clarion call to action. 

    “It is a call to embrace a holistic approach to poverty reduction, one that recognises the interlinked deprivations affecting millions of Nigerians.

    “By leveraging the MPI, we can craft informed, targeted, and effective policies that address the root causes of poverty and promote sustainable development.

    “Let us commit to this transformative journey with determination and unity.

    “Together, we can create a Nigeria where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, where no one is left behind, and where the dream of prosperity and well-being becomes a reality for all.”

    Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said for the statistical System, operationalising the MPI was a welcome development and was well overdue.

    Adeniran said there was a need to align the data from the MPI survey with interventions to tackle the issue of poverty in Nigeria in a sustainable way.  

    “This means going beyond making the necessary data and evidence available to designing targeted  programmes and policies to address the issues identified within the data. 

    “Only when these two things align (the data and the interventions) will we begin to see meaningful and sustainable changes in the lives of the citizens confronted with poverty.

    “Therefore, we need to build on the success of the 2022 MPI survey by ensuring that the data is used for the benefit of the citizens.“

    He said there was a need to invest in continuous training and technical capacity building of personnel to be able to produce data timely and in a sustainable manner. 

    Adeniran said this would enable the government to have the appropriate tools to effectively monitor and track the impact of the interventions, and where necessary design new interventions to address any lapses. 

    “While this means more resources from the government side, it also necessitates more donor support and assistance, both financially and technically.” 

    Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire,  the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),  said her office was working closely with both state and non-state actors.

    Orelope- Adefulire, represented by Dr Bala Inusa, said it would guarantee an inclusive, participatory and collaborative implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria,  

    “Such strategic partnerships demonstrate our collective commitment to the transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development  that is to Leave-no-one- behind.

    “It is my hope that this dialogue will strengthen our commitment to work closely together as policymakers and development practitioners in support of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in Nigeria.“

    Ms Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative, UNDP,  said multidimensional poverty in Nigeria was complex and multifaceted and would require several approaches.  

    According to her, poverty in Nigeria goes beyond money but it is  about millions of people struggling with things we often take for granted. 

    Attafuah , represented by Dr Jose Levy, the Deputy Resident Representative, said stakeholders must  focus on -energy poverty in Nigeria.  

    “The right investment in energy can turn out to be a game changer in a bid to brighten the future for millions of people and remove them from energy poverty. 

    “By focusing on targeted investment in clean energy , education, healthcare and social protection we can foster inclusive growth and create a more equitable society.”

    She pledged UNDP’s continued support to Nigeria’s development journey. 

    Beatrice Eyong, the  UN Women Country Representative, emphasised  the importance of incorporating a solid gender dimension into the MPI programming framework.

    “By integrating gender-specific indicators and analysis, we can ensure that the MPI report highlights the disparities and drives targeted interventions that uplift and empower women and girls.”

    Eyong, represented by Zapania Aura,   said the inclusivity of the MPI report was paramount, adding that it was essential to consider the voices and experiences of marginalised groups. 

    “By making the MPI more inclusive, the Nigerian Government  commits to  developing comprehensive strategies that are integrated and aligned with the National Development Plan and leave no one behind, thereby, advancing an equitable and just society.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Afenifere hails Tinubu for naming FCT highway after Soyinka

    Prof. Wole Soyinka

     

    Soyinka
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere has commended President Bola Tinubu for naming the Arterial Road N20 in the Federal Capital Territory after Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Soyinka, a renowned Playwright and Political Activist, is the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

    Afenifere commended the President for the gesture in a statement on Thursday in Lagos signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi.

    The group urged Tinubu to inject Soyinka’s humanism philosophy into his governance.

    Describing the honour bestowed on Soyinka as well-deserved, Ajayi said that Afenifere concurred with the President that the literary icon had brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim.

    “The honour bestowed on the Nobel Laureate is timely, coming as we prepare to celebrate the 31st anniversary of June 12 struggle in which Professor Soyinka played very active roles.

    “Not only that, the recognition is also a befitting prelude to the celebration of the Professor’s 90th birthday which is coming up next week,” he said.

    Ajayi also applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for recommending the naming of the said road after Soyinka to President Tinubu.

    He added that the actions of the minister and his lieutenants were enhancing the aesthetics and infrastructure of Abuja.

    Afenifere spokesman said that the playwright was globally acknowledged for creatively and humanistically fashioning the drama of existence through poetic, theatric and prosaic presentations.

    According to him, these qualities are underscored by the ceremony in which Soyinka was given the prestigious Nobel award in Stockholm, Sweden in 1986.

    Ajayi said that national honours for a man who had long become a global citizen were long overdue.

    “It is better late than never, though,” Ajayi added.

    He also submitted that it was better that the man was recognised nationally and internationally while still alive “given the immense contributions he has made locally, nationally and internationally to the efforts at ennobling humanity.”

    “Professor Soyinka is one of those who made the world to acknowledge that Africans too are not only endowed but also have a lot to contribute to the ennoblement of humanity.”

    Praising Soyinka for never despising his culture, Ajayi recalled him saying that “One’s own self-worth is tied to the community to which one belongs, which is intimately connected to humanity in general.”

    The Afenifere spokesman called Nigerian leaders to emulate Soyinka and ensure that they act in a manner that relieved the pains of the people and enhanced their self-worth.

    “Soyinka is always challenging those in authority to use their positions to better the lot of the people and to allow free exchanges of ideas.

    “But he is also always quick to challenge individual citizens to always live and act responsibly,” he said.

    Ajayi urged those in and out of public offices to be more responsible and humane in their conducts.

    He said that Afenifere was congratulating the literary and academic icon in advance on his 90th birthday coming up on July 13.

    “We also pray that the Almighty God will bless him with many more decades of good living in robust health and all that would be gladdening to one’s heart, especially at such an advanced age that the intellectual giant has attained,” he said.

    NAN reports that Tinubu, on Tuesday while commissioning the said road which runs from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) in Abuja, announced that the 5.4 kilometers road would now be called ‘Wole Soyinka Way’.

    This is in honour of Soyinka, who was also the pioneering Chairman of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

    Tinubu, in naming the road after Soyinka, highlighted his contributions to literature and his role in elevating Nigeria’s global cultural standing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Footwear company to build 15,000 daily capacity factory in Abia

    Footwear company to build 15,000 daily capacity factory in Abia

    Footwear
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi (Abia) June 6,2024 (NAN) A footwear manufacturing outfit, the Comfort Stevens Industries, says it is ready to establish a 15,000 per day capacity footwear company in Abia.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr John Nwankwo, said this on Wednesday in a meeting with Gov. Alex Otti of Abia in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

    He said that the factory had the potentials to boost local footwear production, tackle unemployment and eradicate poverty.

    According to him, the factory, situated in Owerrinta area of the state, would be executed in collaboration with partners from the U.S., Brazil and China to enhance the Made-In-Aba brand.

    He  said that his company’s objective focused on producing footwear and footwear components that Nigerians import from overseas’ market every year.

    “Our vision is to own and run the best indigenous footwear company in Africa.

    “We want to manufacture high quality, durable and affordable footwear through automation to meet the needs of our valuable customers.

    “We will strengthen the naira as we produce locally and bring in foreign exchange through export.

    “We are here to discourage the xenocentric behaviour of Africans through the production of high quality footwears and footwear components,” Nwankwo said.

    He commended the governor for his visionary and impactful leadership style which, he said, had produced remarkable progress in the socioeconomic growth of the state.

    He further expressed the willingness of his company to work in alignment with the industrialisation agenda of the State Government to strengthen the footwear manufacturing industry in the state.

    He also said that the outfit had interest in partnering with the Federal Government to become its supplier of boots for military and paramilitary agencies in the country.

    Nwankwo said that serious plans were underway to ensure that the factory would be completely set up by the end of the year.

    In a speech, one of the foreign partners on the project, Mr Levi Sotomaior, said that a partnership between the government and the company was essential for the execution of the project and establishment of an academy for artisans.

    Sotomaior further said that it would facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, support local manufacturing and production of goods and boost large scale export of finished leather products.

    Another foreign partner on the project, Mr Hon Chik, opined that the project would open up the state to the global footwear industry, which holds a lot of promise for Abia.

    Chik expressed the confidence that the project would be a huge success.

    Responding, Otti gave assurance that the government would partner with the company to establish an academy for artisans and boost footwear production in the state.

    “We are also very encouraged to learn that part of your plans is to also train and upscale our several shoemakers.

    “The major problem a lot of them have is finishing, alot of them are impatient and don’t have the right tools and skills.

    “So, it would be interesting you hang Comfort Steve double as not just products but also training school for our young ones because there are a lot of them.

    “Go to shoe plaza and see what the young men and women are doing there with bare hands you’ll understand that if you introduce them to technology, they will give much more,” he said.

    The governor also said that the government had remained committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and boost job creation.

    He said that the government would ensure that the shoe factory would have access to steady power supply.

    He said: “Interestingly, we have awarded the contract to reconstruct the road from Imo River to Umuikaa Junction and then going beyond Umuikaa to Umuene Junction to a dual carriageway to the same contractor for seamless transportation.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Zamfara seeks increased TETFund interventions to salvage education 

    Intervention
    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to increase its level of intervention to the state-owned tertiary institutions.
    Lawal who made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr Sonny Echono, added the intervention would boost infrastructure development of the schools.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  TETFUND, is a scheme established in 2011 by the Federal Government to disburse, manage, and monitor education tax to government-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
    The governor said that the appeal followed his declaration of state-of-emergency in the education sector in Zamfara, and the lack of financial muscle to address the needed reform in the sector.
    He said the sought support from TETFund was to urgently complete some of the abandoned projects, especially at the state-owned University, to expand access to university education for students in the state.
    “I came to say thank you to TETFUND, but at the same time to ask for more interventions, considering the financial situation of the state.
    “Remember, sometimes in November, last year, we declared emergency in the education sector.
    “That is why I’m here to continue to follow up on wherever we can get help, so that things will be better in Zamfara,” he said.
    Speaking on the security situation in the state, Lawal said security had become a major challenge.
    He, however,  assured of the state government’s readiness to combat it.
    Responding, Echono assured that TETFund would continue with equitable distribution of funds to institutions nationwide as part of its statutory mandates.
    He noted that much was going into Zamfara in spite of the security challenges in the state.
    Echono assured that the fund would continue to ensure that every part of the country and every student across the country have access to quality education.
    “The Governor came on appreciation visit, because we are doing a lot, despite the security challenges in Zamfara..
    “He came with very specific request, especially as it relates to state institutions. Zamfara like any other states is one of the beneficiaries of our High-Impact projects.
    “And he was canvassing for us to complete some already ongoing projects, because they are having funding challenges,” Echono said.
    The TetFund boss explained that some specifics had to be worked out before the Fund could do anything about the identified  abandoned projects in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FAK/KOO/ROT
    ============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • FRSC chief pledges efficient, prompt service delivery

    FRSC chief pledges efficient, prompt service delivery

    Commitment

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has pledged its commitment to improved and prompt service delivery by the corps nationwide.

    Mohammed said this when he paid a working visit to some strategic facilities of the Corps on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the visit was another step towards entrenching ease of doing business, quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal visits Drivers License Capture Centres, Road Signage and Number Plates production plants as well as the Print Farm.

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed while inspecting some of the strategic facilities

     

    The FRSC boss said that the visit was to also ascertain the challenges confronting the operations of the production plants and capture centres.

    He assured the motoring community of his administration’s commitment towards enhanced of service delivery on all FRSC products and services.

    He revealed that the visit was fruitful as obvious challenges were identified, noting that they challenges would be surmounted in the nearest future.

    “I want to assure the motoring public that we will address these challenges soon.

    “For more efficient result, technical partners of the Corps will be involved to find lasting solutions to all the problems”, he said

    Mohammed commended the corps for promoting better road culture, saving lives. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Fashola harps on infrastructure to foster growth in Nigeria

    The Former Minister  for Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) with other dignitaries while  receiving award  from  from the Egbe Amofin Oodua Conference (Yoruba Forum of Nigerian Bar Association) in Lagos on Thursday.

    Infrastructure

    By Adenike Ayodele

    Ikeja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Former Minister for Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called on government to develop an infrastructure that would make art, tourism and talent thrive as  drivers of growth.

    Fashola, made this submission while delivering a keynote address at the Egbe Amofin Oodua Conference (Yoruba Forum of Nigerian Bar Association) in Ikeja on Thursday.

    The former Lagos State governor said that what Nigeria needed to achieve the desired change was inclusive and expansive growth.

    He encouraged members of Egbe Amofin Odua to promote dispute resolution mechanisms among their clients.

    The learned silk also urged the Yoruba lawyers to rethink their roles as lawyers and act as agents of development in the interest of national growth by ensuring that investors had confidence in the judiciary.

    Fashola reiterated that the prospect for development growth required enabling law reforms to ease doing business.

    The senior advocate further related the rate of enforcement of arbitral awards and the number of challenges to them as he emphasised that these were very serious soft infrastructure drivers or inhibitors of growth and development.

    According to him: “In cases where injunctions have been granted ex-parte or on notice and the party who got them turned out not to be entitled, what has been the consequence?

    “How many lawyers, judges have been involved in trial to enforce the indemnity given for a wrongly granted injunction and what was the outcome?

    “The prospects for economic growth depend on our collective professionalism to help overcome challenges that stand in the way.

    “As an Egbe of legal practitioners, a lot exists that we can do including but not limited to enabling law reform, reforming training curriculum of how to incorporate new areas of economic output such as sports, entertainment and tourism.”

    Fashola also urged the promotion of an efficient dispute resolution process that helped ease of doing business and the removal of legal hurdles to ease  construction and delivery of hard infrastructure.

    “These are my thoughts on the prospects and challenges for economic growth because the possibilities are enormous but we must act deliberately and in collaboration to realise them,” he said.

    Dr Kemi Peinhero (SAN) said, in his welcome address, that an efficient judicial system provided the framework for stability and economic development.

    Peinhero said justice was the great interest of man on earth and the ligament which held civilised society together.

    According to him: “Without it, there is neither security of life nor liberty.

    “It is crystal clear that a working and functional judicial system plays a major role in the society in maintaining not just law and order but boosting the economy.

    ‘The government must as a matter of great importance take active steps towards reforming the judiciary to ensure the expeditious and fair administration of justice.

    “No serious nation prioritises matters relating to the elections over the economy. An efficient judicial system provides the framework for stability and economic development.”

    Senator Ajibola Bashir, another member of the Egbe Amofin, in his goodwill message, also called on government to take into cognisance and have a thorough thought that development was not for elites to gather wealth for themselves but for even distribution of wealth among the lower, middle and lower class.

    Mr Adebayo Haroun, who represented the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), in his goodwill message, said that administration of justice must be improved in all sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAR/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Abuja Chamber commends Wike on infrastructure initiatives in FCT

     

    Infrastructure

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has commended the infrastructure initiatives and dedication of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in one year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    The ACCI President, Mr Emeka Obegolu, in a statement described the infrastructure development strides by the minister in the city centre as remarkable.

    “The ACCI, representing the voice of the business community and the Organised Private Sector within the FCT, appreciates this move.

    “We also want to take the opportunity to draw attention to the urgent need for development in the Idu Industrial District.”

    According to Obegolu, the Idu district is recognised as a significant business hub in the FCT and the cornerstone of the region’s industrialisation vision.

    The ACCI president akso emphasised the crucial role it played in fostering manufacturing, technology, employment, commerce, industry, and sustainable growth within the FCT.

    He called for an urgent government attention and intervention to provide essential infrastructure amenities such as good roads, water, public transport, and electricity in the Idu Industrial District.

    According to Obegolu, these improvements are vital to facilitating seamless commercial operations for businesses in the area.

    “We anticipate a significant transformation of the Idu Industrial Park that aligns with the overarching vision for the FCT, promoting economic growth and prosperity for the city.

    ” We assure the minister of ACCI’s support and look forward to a continued collaboration in driving sustainable development and economic prosperity within the city centre,” Obegolu said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/EEE

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    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

     

     

  • EKEDC reiterates commitment to improved metering services

     

    Power

    By Yunus Yusuf

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) says it is committed to providing massive metering services to its customers, following the deregulation of electricity meter prices under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.

    The Acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, gave the assurance during the company’s Customers Engagement Forum under the Mushin Business Unit on Thursday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mushin Business Unit comprises of Papa Ajao, Mushin, Idi Araba, Ilasamaja, Lawanson, Ijesha, Itire and Ishaga.

    Momoh, who was represented by Mr Samuel Edoho, the General Manager of Commercial (Revenue Cycle) at EKEDC, highlighted that the initiative of the prepaid meter scheme aimed at streamlining the procurement and distribution process, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability.

    Momoh stressed the importance of new and existing MAP vendors in maintaining a substantial inventory of prepaid meters, subject to physical verification by EKEDC, before accepting payments from customers.

    According to Momoh, EKEDC’s priority is ensuring accelerated installation of prepaid meters for customers, who have made payments but are yet to be metered.

    She elaborated on the deregulation of smart meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the MAP scheme which took effective May 1.

    This, Momoh noted, would enable customers to procure meters from vendors of their choice at competitive market prices determined through transparent bidding frameworks.

    The EKEDC’s boss appreciated the customers and assured them that the company would continue to make sure that communities under its purview enjoys power supply as much as possible.

    “The essence of this gathering is to get feedback from you that will enable us continuously improve services we render to you as our valid customers.

    “As a mean to ensure that we constantly improve our services, we have carried out major rehabilitation of structures within Mushin environment to make sure that you have constant power supply,” she said.

    The company addressed issues bordering on prepaid meters, faulty transformers, bad feeders, pole replacement, among others.

    She promised to address some of the issues identified on the spot within the shortest period of time.

    The EKEDC’s boss assured that prepaid meters would be made available to those that had paid and were awaiting meters.

    “Metering is the solution to dispute, in as much as there is no meter, we will continue to have dispute, but when there is meter, there will be an end to dispute.

    “It is not your responsibility to repair any equipment when there is a break down, your responsibility is to meet up with your obligation of paying your bills.

    “If bills are not paid, there will be consequences and this will lead us not being able to meet up with our side of providing light effectively,” she said.

    Mr Kadiri Rasheed, a community leader, emphasised the necessity for the company to enhance the provision of electricity.

    He also called upon EKEDC to expedite the process of installing prepaid meters.

    Also, Mr Micheal Fawole, a resident of Iyanuolapo Command Development Council, urged the DisCo to effectively tackle the challenges relating to underground cables.

    According to him, this will prevent disruptions in power supply to the region, particularly during the rainy season.

    Fawole proposed that cables in flood-prone areas be repositioned overhead as a permanent solution to the recurring issue.

    Another customer, Mrs Bola Ijaiya, from Lawanson, expressed concerns regarding the Ishaga feeder.

    She urged the company to take necessary actions to enhance their feeder, thereby ensuring a more reliable supply of electricity to the community.

    Mr Oluwaseun Ogunsola, the Manager of Cityway Shopping Complex in Yaba, highlighted the issue of estimated billing.

     

    He urged the company to address this matter promptly and find a sustainable solution to billing discrepancies to prevent the disruption of operations for many businesses.

    Ogunsola shared his dismay over a sudden increase in their bill from N400,000 to N1,849,000 last month.

    Such a rise in billing, he described as unsustainable for businesses, and urged EKEDC to investigate and rectify the issue to prevent potential shutdowns and job losses.

     

    The Chairman of Mushin CDC, Mr Femi Okunyemi, called on the Management of EKEDC to prioritise the resolution of customers’ complaints.

    He emphasised the importance of fostering a positive relationship with customers by promptly addressing their concerns.

    While acknowledging the efforts made by the company in providing electricity to the communities under its jurisdiction, Okunyemi underscored the need for continuous improvement.

    According to him, there is room for enhancement and encouraged EKEDC to strive for better service delivery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OUU/YO/KOLE/AWA
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    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olawunmi Ashafa