Connect with us

News

EEDC decries vandalisation of electricity installations in Abakaliki

Published

on

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has expressed concern over the recent vandalisation of electricity installations within its operational area in Abakaliki.

In a statement issued by Mr Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, on Sunday, the loss of power supply in areas of Abakaliki was due to the vandalisation of the Udemezue 11KV Feeder in the early hours of the day.

Ezeh said affected areas include Oroko-onuoha, Udensi, Kpirikpiri, Ogbaga Road, New Layout, Udemezue, Low Cost Housing Estate, and Hilltop Road, amongst others.

According to him, notable establishments such as Amikaba, Siren Hotel, Man City Hotel, Muchels Hotel, De Pablo Hotel, and Unity FM radio station have also been impacted.

“We wish to inform our esteemed customers in Abakaliki metropolis that the current loss of power supply being experienced is due to the vandalisation of Udemezue 11KV Feeder in the early hours of today, Jan, 5,” he said.

Ezeh explained that the vandalisation was discovered by EEDC officials on patrol following an abnormal outage on the feeder at 02:40 a.m.

He added that the vandals made off with approximately 16 metres of underground 150mm2 x 3core armoured underground cable from the source of the feeder.

As a result of this incident, over 70 public and private transformers serving numerous customers under the feeder are currently without supply.

“We sincerely regret this unprecedented development and hereby appeal to our customers for their patience and understanding as we are already working to replace the stolen/damaged items,” he said.

He assured that power supply would be restored as soon as repairs and replacements were completed.

ALSO READ:  NAFDAC shuts down bakery for using unfortified sugar, others in Sokoto

Ezeh reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering improved services to its customers.

“EEDC remains committed to delivering improved services to her esteemed customers. The company is working diligently to resolve the issue and restore power supply to the affected areas as soon as possible,” he said. (NAN)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – Ogundokun

Published

on

A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

“Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

“What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

“I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

ALSO READ:  Former APC National Woman Leader, Baiwa Congratulates President Tinubu on Supreme Court judgment

“He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

“Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

“The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Politics

Female Politicians Saw Me As Threat, Not A Partner – Okutete

Published

on

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Dr Stella Okotete, has said that female politicians in Nigeria often viewed her as a threat rather than a partner.

Speaking as a keynote speaker at the Junior Chambers International Business meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerating Action Towards Gender Inclusivity”, Okotete reflected on the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.

A former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okotete said, “With due respect, the female politicians didn’t want me around them. They saw me as a young woman who was a threat, not as a partner. My ideas were seen as too bold and too daring, and as a result, I was never given opportunities when nominations were being made.”

She explained that when she was appointed APC’s National Women Leader at the age of 36, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap for young women in politics, enabling them to aspire for greatness, showcase their worth, and gain visibility in governance and the public space.

“I initiated the Progressive Young Women’s Forum, which today boasts of having a former minister. Jamila was our president,” she said.

Okotete recounted how her experience in politics led her to create a support system for young women.

“I founded the Young Progressive Forum because, as a young politician, I noticed that, with due respect, female politicians didn’t want me around them. When I was made the National Women Leader, I had to create this platform so that other women would not face the discrimination I faced—from women, not men.”

ALSO READ:  Rain: FEMA advises people residing along waterways to relocate Warning

She became emotional while addressing the audience, saying, “I’m saying this with a heavy heart because I never saw any woman as a threat, and I still don’t today. That is why, when I said there are no two Stellas in Nigeria, I meant it.

“We must stop the ‘table talks’ and tea parties and start taking real action. If we truly want to see more women in government, business, and the economy, we must support each other.”

Okotete warned that women risk being sidelined by men if they do not create spaces for one another to thrive.

“The men will continue to push us aside if we give them the opportunity. While we often blame men, we, as women, must also make it a priority to support each other. Whenever we have the chance, we must ensure other women are given visibility and opportunities.

“History has shown that when women try to block or dim the light of other women, they don’t go far. They are quickly forgotten, and history does not remember them.”

She urged women to take responsibility for fostering inclusivity, saying, “We are here today, not just as members of JCI, but as individuals chosen by fate to be among the few who will shape Nigeria’s future. We must break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and push for policies that drive development and growth in our nation.”

‘Men must be allies in the fight for gender equality’

Okotete stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.

ALSO READ:  Landmark Win For Nigeria: P&ID Case Decision Applauded By President Tinubu

“We must challenge social and cultural norms together. We must also strengthen legal protections and policies, ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights, including those against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.

“We must hold institutions accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies. That is why I always try to strike a balance between getting men to work with us and encouraging women to take action for themselves.”

She called on women to foster a culture of mutual support, saying, “We must lead the crusade for gender equality and inclusivity by loving and supporting one another. We must see other women in our workplaces not as competitors, but as sisters and partners.

“When we join forces, we can achieve great things.”

She highlighted the progress made by young women in politics, noting that there are now female commissioners in 20 states, as well as young female legislators in state assemblies and councillors in several APC-governed states.

“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she concluded.

Continue Reading

News

Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

Published

on

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.

Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.

In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.

Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

ALSO READ:  Just-In: CNG-Powered Vehicle Explodes In Benin, Scores Injured
Continue Reading