The Lumine News

Author: News

  • FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

     

    The Federal government has assured that more local Engineers and experts will be considered in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba gave the assurances in Edo State on Thursday where he appeared as guest in the state’s Solar Engineers Exhibition exercise.

    The Minister said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects across all sector with the signing into law, Executive Order Five.

    He explained that the Order which became a law in 2018 is a testament to government’s efforts towards promoting development of local content in science and technology.

    According to him, “I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country.

    We came to Edo to commission a 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in Adebayo community, Ovia-South local government area. We worked with some local engineers for the installation of the project. Going forward, we’ll engage more of these local engineers as we continue to implement our policy on electrifying rural communities”.

    Also speaking, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki thanked the Minister for the project in Edo as well as turning up for the exhibition exercise.

    He said that “I think the time to take the renewable energy more seriously is now. With the hike in electricity tariffs, in terms of costing, I think the renewable energy offers better bargain for Nigerians.

    “Although there’s a lot of electricity projects in Edo, there are still many villages that we need to electrify. I went to all the wards during the campaigns and there are a lot of villages that are yet to have light. I promised them light because our government is a government of light, therefore, we’ll partner with the federal government and Rural Electrification Agency to ensure they get light”

    He maintained that “Foundation to that is human capacity. As we can see, we have the people, we have the knowledge. As a government, we will partner and continue to support them. We have a site along Sapele road that we will establish Renewable Energy Hub. We have secured the funds and will start work there in 60 days”.

    Obaseki added that “in the area of clusters, we have secured funds from the CBN and Micro Finance Banks but we will need technical assistance from the REA to support our local Engineers. For us, as a government, anything they want we will give them to ensure they succeed.

    “I want to thank you for coming and hope that the next time you come to Edo State, you’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad explained that the government is working with the private sector to ensure proper maintenance of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Ahmad said that “Government has adopted a model that involve working with the private sector to install and maintain the projects. It’s not like the government is installing and leaving the infrastructure like that, we’re giving grants to the private sector to maintain them. We have the Rural Electrification Fund, with Dr. Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare as Executive Director where we provide grants for developers”.

    Earlier, one of the solar Engineers, Chike Augustine appealed to government to reduce the barriers that delay the processes of getting clearance to invest in the sector.

  • BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

     

    The Governor of the Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that he will established a Renewable Energy centre to be named after the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR.

    Obaseki disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, Edo State capital during an exhibition exercise by Solar Energy Engineers in the state.

    He commended the Minister and the management of the Rural Electrification Agency for the 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant plant commissioned yesterday in the state.

    He said that “the foundation for the sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure is man power and I want to say we have the people, the knowledge and the will.

    We will partner the federal government and rural electrification agency to provide these young people with anything they need to succeed.

    I want to thank the Minister for coming and hope that the next time he will come, he’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    Earlier, the Minister assured that the federal government will continue to promote and engage local Engineers and experts in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects with the signing into law, the Executive Order Five.

    He explained that “the Order five signed into law in 2018 has made it mandatory for local contents to be involved majorly in the planning and execution of all government projects and that’s what we have been doing.

    I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country”.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad disclosed that the government was running a programme where Indigenous developers are given grant to invest in developing their talents.

  • FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

     

    The federal government on Friday under its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), inaugurated a 1.35MW Solar hybrid power plant at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State.

    Twenty (20) female students of the University, trained in renewable energy infrastructure under the implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA), Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme were issued graduation certificates.

    Commissioning the project, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege commended the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba and the leadership of REA for delivering what he described as a quality project.

    Omo-Agege called on the benefitting university to ensure appropriate maintenance of the property even as he said that renewable energy is a veritable solution to endemic power problems in Nigeria.

    In his words, “I want to thank my brother and friend, the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba for the leadership he showed in seeing to the successful completion of this project.

    “To the Managing Director of REA and his team, I thank you for delivering this quality project. Renewable energy is undoubtedly a veritable solution to endemic power problem in this country and I’m happy that Nigeria is gradually moving away from the conventional energy sources”.

    The Minister on his part said that the development highlights the federal government’s commitment and resolve to promoting the well-being of its people through the provision of safe, clean and reliable electricity.

    Agba said “the commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. The Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to living up to this charge and has shown an demonstrated this commitment with this power project being operationalized today”.

    He maintained that “as the Minister of State, Power, it is my duty and responsibility to supervise activities of the REA and promote the growth and development of renewable energy technology in Nigeria through the agency. It is a function I take pride in and one I hold dear to my heart.

    In the disposition of these responsibilities, I have had the pleasure and honour to work and engage with various stakeholders within and outside the power sector, towards advancing the goal of increasing participation in renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. This project is part of that story ; a validation and celebration of all the efforts and contributions it has taken to bring us to where we are”.

    The Minister added that “this solar hybrid power project will enable this institution to improve its security, standard of living of the students, managements, staff as well as provide improved quality of education in a more conducive environment”.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad charged the university management, students and staff to protect the property.

    He said that the project contains a world class “Workshop and Training Center. The 20 female STEM interns handed certificates today participated in the construction phase of the project”.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Deputy Senate President, minister and Management team of the REA for the project.

    While appealing to the federal government for more projects, he assured that as a University, centered on Science and Engineering, the project was in safe hands and would be properly utilized.

  • Mr. Peter Akpanke Congratulates Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom

    By Elijah Ugani

    One of the major supporters of Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom, Mr. Peter Akpanke code named (Peter the Rock) has congratulated the senator-elect, for his victory at the supreme court yesterday.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News, Mr. Akpanke noted that Jarigbe’s victory is a confirmation that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

    Mr. Akpanke described the tripartite victory at the (High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court) as unprecedented.

    The party stalwart noted that “Jarigbe’s emergence has opened a new chapter that envisage hope and libration for Northern Cross River in particular and the entire state at large.

    Referring to senator-elect, he noted that “I commend very sincerely your doggedness and resilience in the pursuit of what rightly belongs to you.

    “This is the beginning of the many good things that awaits you. You are a shining star and a leading example”

    Mr. Akpanke likened Jarigbe’s stolen mandate and the subsequent reclaiming of his victory to the mishap that befell Ziklag, when the Amalakites had raided Southern Judah, attacked Ziklag and looted everything. When David arrived, he sought the Lord’s permission to go after the Amalikites.

    In 1Sam 30:8 & 18. “David asked the Lord, Shall I go after those raiders? And will I catch them? And the Lord answered, pursue them, and recover everything” Verse 18 “David rescued everyone and everything Amalakites had taken”

    Mr. Akpanke averred that the success that is recorded throughout the sojourn can only be attributed to God’s benevolence and will. He commended the goodwill and prayers of all the supporters.

    He assured that the senator-elect will do his best to justify this mandate and the goodwill enjoyed from the people of northern cross river across party lines.

    The elated Mr. Akpanke used the opportunity to thank God who stood firmly by him and all those who believed and championed the emancipation of cross river northern senatorial district.

  • C/River Central students Extols Senator Sandy Onor

    By Admin

    The Senator representing Central Senatorial District of Cross River state, Sen. Sandy Onor and his Special Adviser on Student affairs, Mr. Emmanual Obeten has been extolled by students of the senatorial district for their giant strides and excellent performances for the growth of Cross River central.
    The students described the senator as a man who understands the plight of his people and proffers solutions to the myriads of challenges that beclouds them.

    The students gave the commendations in appreciation for the lawmaker’s continuous support to the welfare of students in Cross River Central, at the reception organized by the SA on Students Affairs to the senator, shortly after the matriculation ceremony of the newly admitted students of the Cross River State College of Health Technology, Calabar, today February, 25th 2021.

    Speaking to The Lumine News after the matriculation ceremony, the President of Central Senatorial Students Assembly of College of Health Technology, Calabar Chapter, Mr. Clement Bisong who spoke on behalf of the students appreciated Senator Onor for always identifying with the student anytime he is called upon.

    “I want to thank the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District for the gifts he presented to us, the students are very happy and we really appreciate him for being with us”, he expressed.

    He wished the newly matriculated students well and success throughout their stay in school. He encouraged them to make hard work their watchword as to excel in their academic pursuits.

    On his part, the President of Central Senatorial Students, UNICROSS chapter, Mr. Bitty Divine Amba was pleased with the Special Adviser to Senator Onor, for his kind gesture to the students, especially for organizing the reception as well as giving them opportunity to be at the matriculation ceremony. He averred that the students were happy to welcome the SA to the Senator.

    He added that it is a privilege to have a good man like senator Onor represent them at the national assembly. He used the opportunity to call on the senator not to relent in his good works, but continue to provide the needed representation to the central senatorial district, and prayed God to continue to be with the senator as he continue to discharge his duties to the best of his abilities.

    Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to Sen. Onor on Student Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Obeten charged the students to take their studies very serious and avoid engaging in any act capable of exposing them to danger as well as social vices like sexual misconduct, cultism and drug abuse.

    He urged them to maintain the tempo their senior colleagues have established by ensuring that Cross River Central students do exploits in their academic endeavours.

    Obeten maintained that “we deemed it fit to celebrate with the new students as a show of our love for them.

    “Senator Sandy Onor is a man of his words which has made many describe him as the original caterpillar. He has the interest of his constituents at heart and will continue to provide the needed platform for his people to realize their potentials.

    The SA assured them of his continuous support as far as they remain good ambassadors of Cross River Central.

    Highlights of the ceremony was distribution of exercise books and refreshments for the students and group photograph.

  • Breaking: Supreme Court Declares Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom, Winner of The PDP CR North Senatorial Bye-election Primaries..

    By Elijah Ugani

    The apex court in the land, the Supreme Court has declared Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom, Winner of the PDP CRnorth Senatorial bye-election primary.

    The judgment was delivered today, February 25th, 2021.

    This has put to permanent rest the controversy of who is the authentic senator representing Cross River Northern senatorial district.

    The FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal had declared Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom winner of the CR North primary election.

    Dissatisfied with the ruling of the court of Appeal and the trial court, Dr. Stephen Odey approached the Supreme claiming that he was the legitimate winner of the primaries.

    Delivering the judgment, four out the seven man panel, gave judgement in favour of Sen. Jarigbe Agom while three backed Dr. Stephen Odey.

    In telephone chat with The Lumine News, Prince K J Agba congratulated Sen. Jarigbe Agom for his dogged disposition to resit the attempt of foisting someone on the good people of northern senatorial district and described the ruling as victory for the people.

  • Obanliku LGC Chairman Inaugurates Sankwala Model Town Development Committee

    By John Akpo

    The Chairman of Obanliku Local Government, Evang. Mrs Margaret Inde today inaugurated the Advisory Committee for the Development of Sankwala Model Town.

    The Committee is Chaired by Bar. Pius Awah, and has the following as members;

    1. Chief Sunny Ayang Jp

    2. Chief Linus Afen

    3. Rev. Dan Ushie

    4. Hon. Chris Ukekem

    5. Mr. Ashiebi Godwin

    6. Mrs. Maria Obor

    7. Sur. Ukama Justine

    8. Dr. M.T Ikwen

    9. Mr Godwin Anake

    10. Mr. Martin Igbol

    Akpo John U.
    Chief Press Secretary
    18/02/2021

  • PDP Reconciliation And Steering Committee Committed To Rebuilding The Party Ahead Of 2023

    By Elijah Ugani

    The reconciliation and steering committee of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, headed by the former Senate President and two terms governor of Kwara state, senator Bukola Saraki is poised to rebrand the party ahead of 2023 general elections.

    Senator Bukola Saraki is seen lately spearheading the reconciliation of aggrieved party members as well as stakeholders within the party with the view to resolving all pending issues.

    He has visited the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, where the former president restated his commitment to the ideals and rebuilding the party.

    Dr. Bukola Saraki took to his verified Facebook page where averred that his committee met with former governors elected under the platform of the PDP.

    He said “This afternoon, members of the #PDPReconciliation & Strategy Committee and I, are at Legacy House in Abuja, meeting with a cross-section of former Governors elected under the platform of our great party, the PDP”.

  • Ogoja LGC Chairman Presents N8.342 Billion Proposed 2021 Budget

     

    The Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, had Monday 15th February, 2021 presented N8.342 Billion Proposed 2021 Budget Estimates to the Ogoja Legislative Council.

    Details of the breakdown is yet to be made available.

     

  • SARS Officer Sentenced To Death For Killing Boy And Stealing His N300k

     

    An Edo Criminal High Court of Justice has sentenced to death by hanging, a dismissed Police Constable, Joseph Omotosho, attached to the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squared, SARS, of Lagos State Police Command.

    Omotosho was found guilty alongside Corporals Adeleke Adedeji, Abena John, Oniyo Musa and Henry Shobowole who escaped during the Benin Jail breaks occasioned by the recent #EndSARS protest.

    Benson Obodeh, 26, was reportedly arrested at his home on May 21, 2015 and same day after his arrest, the news of his death filtered in, after he was suspected to have undergone a subjected torture that led to his death.

    Investigation had revealed that the police took the suspect’s ATM card; after forcefully obtained his pin number before his death and withdrew N330, 000 from his account within four days, leaving a balance of N1, 754.15.

    At the time, the former Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, had lied that the death of Benson occurred as a result of mob attack when he was arrested by neighbours in Benin.

    “It was a case of mob action and the police had to rescue him, on the way to the hospital, he died and the corpse has been deposited at the mortuary in Benin City. We are investigating the circumstances that led to his death as well as the result of the autopsy. What I can tell you now is that he was an armed robber,” DSP Nwosu explained.

    However, his family were able to trace his corpse to the Specialist Hospital, Benin, where it was discovered that one Corporal Oniya Musa deposited his remains with the name: “Agwu instead of Benson Obodeh.

    Autopsy later revealed that he was tortured and eventually died from injury sustained leading to heart and kidney failure. The Government of Edo State has since launched manhunt for the other fleeing policemen. 📸: NationalWire