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Blackout: Corpses in Army mortuaries decomposing, Lagbaja laments

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RESORT TO PROPAGANDA BY OKUAMA COMMUNITY IN THE FACE OF GRUESOME MURDER OF TROOPS ON PEACE MISSION IS CALLOUS AND TOTALLY CONDEMNABLE

Blackout: Corpses in Army mortuaries decomposing, Lagbaja laments

 

 

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has appealed for the liquidation of the N42bn electricity debt of the Nigerian Army following the disconnection of various Army barracks and cantonments by power distribution companies.

 

Blackout: Corpses in Army mortuaries decomposing, Lagbaja laments

 

Lagbaja also revealed that the blackouts in barracks had led to the decomposition of corpses in Army mortuaries, a development that had warranted protests by owners of the corpses.

 

 

 

 

The Army chief made the appeal when he visited the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja, where the minister told him that the debt would be restructured and not written off.

 

 

 

Lagbaja, in a statement issued in Abuja by the media aide to the power minister, Bolaji Tunji, said the main reason for his visit was to discuss the consequences of the power outage in Army formations and the way forward.

 

 

 

 

He regretted that some barracks and cantonments had been in total blackout since January.

 

 

 

He was quoted as saying, “Debt owed is loaded on the meter, so no matter the amount of credit we put, the meters pick it automatically. Corpses in the Army mortuaries are decomposing and the owners of the corpses are protesting.”

 

 

 

According to the statement, “he (Lagbaja) further stated that the army couldn’t raise funds to pay the entire debt, as he solicited liquidation as was done in 2005 by the then President.”

He also described blackouts in army barracks and cantonments as security threats.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the Army chief assured the minister of the Army’s unflinching support towards developing intelligent strategies in curbing the menace of electricity infrastructure vandalism.

 

 

 

Responding, Adelabu assured the Nigerian Army of his readiness to dialogue with the power distribution companies to relieve the Nigerian Army of its electricity debt burden amounting to N42bn.

 

 

 

He reiterated the importance of liquidity and funding in the power sector, adding that the debt could not be written off.

Adelabu told his guest that he would intervene to restructure the debt payment if there was assurance of regular payments by the Nigerian Army.

He further revealed that the debts owed by power distribution and generating companies were not the only challenges bedevilling the power sector.

 

 

 

 

According to the minister, the vandalism of power infrastructure, which often leads to national grid collapse, theft, inefficiency in billing and collection process, poor metering gap, liquidity, shortage in gas supply, transmission stations being blown up with explosives in volatile areas, were all part of the issues being experienced in the power sector.

 

 

 

“The fundamental issues in the power sector value chain could be traced back to the last 50 years and a government that is barely eight months old cannot use a magic wand to proffer a solution. There is a saying that you won’t know what is happening in Rome until you get to Rome,” he stated.

 

 

 

 

The minister said power outages were not peculiar to army barracks but a national issue, adding that the Discos and Gencos were profit-oriented organisations.

 

 

 

 

“We can only plead with them to adopt a repayment plan monthly instead of embedding the whole debt in their meter,” Adelabu stated.

 

 

 

He charged the army to continue assisting the ministry in safeguarding power facilities across the country and pledged to seek collaboration for the army through any of the development partners for the installation of solar PVs and Battery Energy Storage Systems as alternative power supply sources in army barracks and cantonments.

 

 

 

 

A lot of government agencies and parastatals owe power distribution several billions of naira in electricity debts that have continued to drag on for years.

 

 

 

 

On February 20, 2024, The PUNCH reported that no fewer than 86 ministries, agencies, and departments of government were owing the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company to the tune of N47bn.

 

 

 

 

A public notice by the management of AEDC listed the Presidential Villa as owing the Disco the sum of N923.9m; National Security Adviser, N95.9m; Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory being supervised by Nyesom Wike, N7.57bn, while Adelabu’s Ministry of Power owed N78m.

 

 

 

 

In the notice, AEDC said it would be constrained to list the names of MDAs with “long outstanding unpaid bills for services rendered to them through the provision of electricity supply in that our previous attempts to make them honour their obligations have not been achieved the desired result.”

 

The power firm had threatened to disconnect the MDAs in 10 days should they fail to pay their debts.

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Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

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Ewekoro Local Government Strengthens Ties with Community and Celebrates Unity at Recent Events

Ewekoro, Ogun State – December 7, 2024

 

In a series of significant events underscoring the commitment to community welfare and development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ewekoro Division, led by Division Officer Mrs. Oyebade Folukemi, paid a congratulatory visit to the newly elected Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government Council, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa. This visit, which took place on December 2, 2024, marked a crucial step towards strengthening collaboration between the NSCDC and local government officials, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the Ewekoro community.

Mrs. Oyebade expressed her congratulations to Hon. Adesina, emphasizing the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting local governance and ensuring a secure environment for residents. The visit served as a platform to discuss strategies for improving safety measures in the area, illustrating the proactive approach of the NSCDC in fostering a safe community for all.

In another notable event, market women from Ewekoro Local Government paid a visit to Hon. Adesina to express their gratitude for his administration’s efforts in empowering local traders. Under his leadership, significant projects have been implemented, including the construction of modern market facilities, such as the 183 lock-up shops at Arigbajo Market. These developments have greatly enhanced the socio-economic activities of market women, contributing positively to their livelihoods and the overall well-being of the community.

Led by Alhaja Ejire, the head of market women, the delegation thanked Hon. Adesina for his unwavering support and commitment to their cause. The discussions during the visit focused on exploring further collaboration to address the challenges faced by market women, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to people-oriented projects that uplift the community.

The strong presence of local leaders during this visit, including Vice-chairman Alhaja Abisola Nuratu Aliyu and other key administration officials, highlighted the unified effort to promote the welfare of Ewekoro’s residents. The Chairman’s administration has earned recognition for its initiatives that significantly impact the lives of market women and the broader community.

Additionally, the recent Obada Day 2024 celebration, held on December 1 at Owiwi Primary School in Obada Ward 10, showcased the unity and love within the communities of Obada Town. Hon. Sikiru Adesina joined dignitaries such as HRM Oba Olufemi Solaja, the Olu of Obada Town, and HRH Oba Kasimawo Ogundare, the Olu of Opelifa, to celebrate this significant event. The celebration emphasized the importance of love, unity, and progress in Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.

In a related announcement, the Ewekoro Local Government has informed all revenue consultants that the 2025 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Sales of Form will commence on December 2 and close on December 13, 2024. Those interested in securing a position are encouraged to purchase the form during this period.

These recent engagements and celebrations reflect Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa’s commitment to fostering community spirit, enhancing local governance, and promoting economic growth in Ewekoro Local Government. As the administration continues to work hand-in-hand with various stakeholders, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the future development of the community.

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FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

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FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

 

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised an alert on the new XEC COVID-19 variant, urging heightened surveillance across Nigeria’s healthcare facilities.

The XEC variant, first identified in Australia, has now been detected in 29 countries and is showing a growth advantage over existing strains. Health experts are concerned about its potential impact on public health.

The warning was conveyed in a letter dated December 5, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

“I am directed to inform you of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has already spread to 29 countries globally. This variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health,” the letter read.

Call to Action

Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for immediate vigilance in hospitals nationwide.

“Alert systems should be activated immediately for a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms,” he said.

The ministry also stressed the importance of collaboration among health institutions to monitor the variant and share critical data.

“We urge you to work with relevant stakeholders to implement enhanced monitoring protocols and ensure timely information sharing with the Federal Ministry of Health for effective response strategies.”

Global Spread and Implications

First identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has since been reported in France, the United States, the UK, Denmark, and other countries. Over 600 cases have been recorded globally, with scientists noting that while the variant has mutations that may aid its spread, vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe cases.

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Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

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Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

A London-based Nigerian entrepreneur celebrates a landmark birthday with outstanding entrepreneurial acumen at fifty plus on Saturday, 7th December 2024

Bunmi Olu’s leadership style, marked by exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication to duty as founder of Dreamfo Widows and Widowers International NGO, has earned her a special place in the hearts of good Nigerians at home and abroad, and indeed the world at large

Your tireless pursuit of excellence in public service is a beacon of inspiration, and your remarkable legacy amongst women of virtue in the public sphere continues to inspire others to achieve greatness

As a trailblazing woman of substance, you continue to demonstrate remarkable courage in all your endeavors, while also committing to develop a responsible management system that ensures the efficient utilization of international resources at Dreamfo, a hub for thousands of widows and widowers

Your project vision has showcased considerable positive impact on womanhood and society as a whole, and it remains impressive. Your ability to make substantial contributions to the growth of future generations and create employment opportunities to some Dreamfo widows and widowers is indeed exceptional and second to none

Ma, your accomplishments as a distinguished woman in the battalion serve as a testament to your lasting influence on the community and its residents

Your exemplary work ethic and steadfast commitment to the well-being of the people have won their trust and appreciation, a reflection of your exceptional leadership

I’m delighted to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on this momentous birthday occasion

May this birthday celebration continue to motivate you to reach greater heights of achievement and service to humanity

Congratulations once more ma! May God continue to bless and guide you. Amen!

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos

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