The Lumine News

Category: National News

  • Just In: Former Cross River State APC Chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Dumps APC, Returns To PDP

    Just In: Former Cross River State APC Chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Dumps APC, Returns To PDP

     

    I HAVE HEARD YOU.
    I HAVE LISTENED TO MY HEART.
    I HAVE ANSWERED

    ‘’Every generation must out of relative obscurity discover its mission, To fulfill or Betray ‘’- Frantz Fanon

    In obedience to the will of our people and in total submission to my inner heart, guided by the direction of Almighty God, I have reflected and reexamined my mission on earth – a clear mission to fulfill destiny.

    From the cradle , particularly , my days of INFANT ACTIVISM, through my days of YOUTH ACTIVISM coupled with STUDENT ACTIVISM into JUDICIAL ACTIVISM and to my present day POLITICAL ACTIVISM which is rooted in POLITICAL EVANGELISM , I have seen the hands of God in everything I do because my trust has always been in God and God alone.

    My incursion into politics in 1991 in SDP during the 3rd Republic and in 1996 in UNCP in the aborted 4th Republic and in PDP in 1999 in the 4th Republic with a short detour to NDP in 2023, ANPP in 2011 , before my return to PDP in 2012 and later APC in 2021 , points to the incontrovertible fact that political parties are indispensable vehicles to drive the democratic process since the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for Independent candidates

    What has however remained fundamentally constant in my political life is the grace of God upon me which is loaded in the superabundant gifts of Hardwork, Humility, Honesty, Courage, Capacity, Competence , Confidence, Contentment, Gratitude and Intrepidity.

    Armed with the above qualities, I have always viewed my political mission as nothing more than Service to God and humanity.

    The great Philosopher, Socrates once said, ‘’An unexamined life is not worth living’’. I have therefore had to reflect on my last 10 years in public service , first as Director General of Due Process and Price Intelligence Bureau, Cross River State and later as Cross River State Chairman of APC . In both offices, reputedly, I left indelible marks in Governance and the party administration which has been highly acknowledged even by our worst critics.

    I have also reflected on the goodwill I enjoyed from our people across party lines and the unprovoked ill treatment meted to me and several leaders / followers by a system we worked so hard to install.

    But in all of these, our gratitude to God in Heaven , our political godfathers , godsons and all whose prayers, supports and kind wishes saw us through will never be forgotten.

    It is on record that , we decided to let go the unwarranted and unprovoked treatment meted to us and even when i have maintained a stoic and dignified silence, our silence was interpreted as cowardice.

    Even when we overlooked the illegal suspension and expulsion by my colleagues at the State Executive Committee of APC and the desperate dissolution of my leadership at the APC NEC on the 19th of December 2025 , which was just a decoy to remove me from office in flagrant disobedience of a subsisting Order of Court in my favour ; and despite keeping away from every APC activities and the attendant humiliation meted to me and my supporters from the ward to the state level ; even when I have since returned to my private legal practice in Abuja and quietly facing my farm work / other private businesses and having more time with my family, I cannot understand while a system I worked so hard in conjunction with other leaders to install have chosen the wicked path to perpetually silent my voice, completely make me irrelevant and have vowed to retire me from politics even at this young age of 50 when I still have a lot to offer my people, state and Nation.

    The intimidation and attack against me and my people and other persons who are non aligned with the system, has given me serious concerns and cause to worry about our collective future under this present democratic experience in our dear State.

    In the face of the unfolding quandary, I have looked up to God for direction, I have listened to the cries of my sincere supporters , whose loyalty especially in the last six (6) months of my political travails have been unwavering .

    I have had an appraisal over the invitation from the leadership of 3 different opposition political parties requesting us to commune and strengthen opposition political parties in Cross River State with a view to providing alternative platforms or a unified platform that can assist in holding the system to conform to the tenets of democracy and good governance.

    I have also listened to my inner heart and I have no option but to agree with the words of William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar where he stated , ‘’There is a tide in the affairs of men , which taken at the flood , leads on to fortune. Omitted , all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries; On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves ; or lose our ventures ‘’.

    The bible in book of Psalms 37 : 23 says ‘’ ‘’The steps of the righteous are ordered by God’’

    In John 10 : 13 , ‘’Greater Love a man has not than to lay down his life for his friend ; ‘’ his people and his state (emphasis mine).

    While I can no longer maintain my dignified silence in the face of the continuous subjugation and infractions on our Freedom of Expression , Association and Private life , exacerbated by intimidation, oppression and repression of people who hold contrary views against the system; while it is also politically incorrect for me to maintain such silence in the face of public outcry over wanton gluttonous political chicanery and the jiggery pokkery , I decided to withdraw my membership of APC and requested for the delisting of my name from its hard copy and digital register on the 7th May 2026.

    Although my refusal to utter a word or complained in the last 3 years of this system may not be understood by many but it is borne out of tolerance, maturity and loyalty to the system which was flagrantly abused by them but as we commence our new round Political Evangelism to rebuild our new party and the many souls, we hope to win , majority of our people will see how handsomely justifiable this decision is.

    While not everyone is bound to agree with this decision because we majorly play establishments politics in Cross River State.

    Early in life , I was trained to know that extraordinary issues must be treated extraordinarily. I humbly call on our faithful supporters to please align with our vision, join us in this mission, pray for us to succeed in this journey because we have chosen Peace of mind above Pains, Pride over shame, Joy over Agony and Progress over Retrogression for ourselves and the people of our dear communities and Cross River State in general.

    For strategic political reasons, this decision was taken within a very limited consultative compass . I sincerely apologize to all my sincere leaders and followers whom we couldn’t reach before arriving at this decision.

    As a believer, I know that this mission is for our good and the good of our people and at the appropriate time , majority of our people will align to promote a genuine consensus for the liberation of our people from the shackles and manacles of this pestilential and diabolical political practice .

    The real Progressives across political party lines are coming together to redirect the present misdirection in the state .

    The leadership crisis in PDP at the National level has since been resolved by the Supreme Court, the task ahead is to rebuild the party at the state level in all the 3281 poling units , 196 political wards and 18 LGA in Cross River State.

    I have humbly agreed to be one of the beast of burden and prolocutor towards the effectuation of this noble task.

    It is for tasks like this that I was born.

    From dust I came, To dust I shall return.

    From PDP I came , To PDP I have returned .

    May God bless you all.

    Pol. Evg. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq, JP.
    Immediate past APC Chairman CRS.

  • Ibil Nation Unveils Ntol-Atol, Ntol Felix Ugbashe Ijanyi Ibu, Launches Palace

    Ibil Nation Unveils Ntol-Atol, Ntol Felix Ugbashe Ijanyi Ibu, Launches Palace

    By Elijah Ugani 

    It was a celebration galore as the Eniiri people of Ibil Kingdom, unveiled the Ntol-Atol of Ibil, His Royal Highness, Ntol Felix Ugbashe Ijanyi Ibu.

    The event which brought together dignitaries from all works of life held today, May 9th 2026 at St Michael’s Primary School, Ibil – Ogoja, also had a launching of a magnificent 50 Million Ntol palace.

    In a welcome address on behalf of the Ibil nation, Chief Austin Edibe, noted that the Chieftaincy institution in Ibil remains a pillar of the community’s identity and authority which has continued to uphold the unity, stability and progress of their people.

    Speaking on the preparedness of the Ntol-Atol of Ibil, Ntol Felix Ugbashe Ijanyi Ibu, Chief Austin Edibe noted that “He began his career as a classroom teacher, and later distinguished himself in banking, education administration and management. In retirement, he devoted himself to service in the church, Rotary Club and the wider community. These experiences have prepared him for the responsibility he now assumes”.

    Chief Austin Edibe, congratulated the Ntol-Atol for accepting the responsibility. “Your Royal Highness, we congratulate you on accepting this sacred responsibility. Leadership at this level calls for vision, discipline and commitment to service. We are confident in your capacity to guide this stewardship. We urge you to lead with integrity and fairness. Listen to your people and respond with wisdom. Preserve our traditions while remaining open to ideas that will advance the progress of our people. A leader who walks with the people never walks alone.

    “Today’s gathering reflects our hope for a united and prosperous Ibil. It also reminds us of our duty to uphold moral and cultural values that will guide the next generation, especially our youth facing changing and challenging world. We reaffirm our loyalty and support to your leadership in the pursuit of peace, unity and sustainable development”.

    Speaking during the palace launch, the Chief launcher, Chief John George, Chairman and Chief Executive of Sub-Sea 9, noted that “This day is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about legacy, about the enduring strength of our culture, and about the vision of a leader whose life has been dedicated to the service of his people. Ntol Felix embodies wisdom, courage and the spirit of unity. His reign has been marked by peace, progress, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ibil.

    “I must acknowledge the robust relationship we share with Distinguished Sen Jarigbe and other persons who have consistently stood by Ibil. Their presence here today underscores the importance of this project and the unity of purpose that binds us together. For me, as one deeply connected to this land and its people, it is not just a duty but a privilege to be involved in anything connecting Ibil.

    “But let me be clear; such a monumental project cannot be carried out by one man alone. It requires the collective strength of all of us. I therefore urge each an everyone of you to contribute handsomely to this noble cause. Let your giving be a tastement to your love for Ibil, your respect for Ntol Felix, and your commitment to the future of our community”.

    Chief John George made a donation of 10 Million Naira towards the building of the palace of Ntol Ibil.

    Speaking with Theluminenews, the Ntol-Atol of Ibil, Ntol Felix Ugbashe Ijanyi Ibu, noted that “There have been a lot of skepticism when it comes to chieftaincy and because of the rituals involved. The last traditional ruler of Ibil Ntol Gregory Adima, who also served as the Clan Head of Nkum and later paramount Ruler of Ogoja. He transited to the great beyond on the 25th December, 2017, so since then this community has not been able to get a traditional ruler”.

    The Ntol-Atol of Ibil, noted that he was among those who were at the forefront of searching for a traditional ruler for Ibil and never knew that his people wanted him to serve them. “I was
    on a hunt for a traditional ruler and didn’t know that I was gamed. Being in the forefront to advocate for a traditional ruler for Ibil, I couldn’t decline when my people unanimously agreed that I should be the one to serve them now”. He stated.

    Speaking on how he intends to bridge the gap between most of the traditions and practices in most communities that are variance with known laws of the country, the Ntol-Atol of Ibil, noted that “When I was coronated, some some of the youths came to me and said that now that I have been appointed to lead them, they are sure that most of their challenges will be resolved. But I told them that we will collectively be involved in running the affairs of Ibil.

    “I told them that I will consult with the youths, elders, women. I have started consultation. And I charged them to come up with a way forward to move the community. Both the youths and the women came up with useful suggestions and that will take us forward”.

    When asked on the importance of the unveiling, the Ntol-Atol of Ibil noted that “Since my coronation, I have been confined to my house, I haven’t gone passed the church. And I have not performed the functions of a traditional ruler. The unveiling now gives me the mandate to perform the functions of a traditional ruler and allows me to move freely while discharging my duties”.

    In a goodwill message, Sen Jarigbe Agom who hails from Ibil noted that “With a grateful heart and a deep sense of pride, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Highness, Ntol Felix Ugbashe Ijanyi Ibu, Ntol-Atol of Ibil, traditional rulers and the good people of Ibil Kingdom on the occasion of the unveiling ceremony of His Royal Highness of Ibil.

    “This is a moment of great joy not only for Ibil Kingdom, but for the entire Bakor. The unveiling ceremony is a tastement to the strength of faith, family values, and communal support that our community embodies. It is truly a blessing to witness this call to the service of sacred service of humanity.

    “I commend the traditional rulers for nurturing the spirit of vocation and pray that this milestone inspires many more youth to pursue lives of purpose, disciples and service”.

    Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of  a Toyota Highlander to the Ntol-Atol of Ibil, by Sen Jarigbe Agom, represented by Chief Austin Edibe, launching of the Ntol palace, traditional dances, community/group greetings and pledges of allegiance to the Ntol-Atol.

     

  • Hon Martin Orim Receives Team Ma-Adiaha Award For Supporting Women Empowerment

    Hon Martin Orim Receives Team Ma-Adiaha Award For Supporting Women Empowerment

    The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation, and former Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade, Hon. Chief Martin Orim, has been honoured with an award by Team Ma-Adiaha Solidarity Movement, Northern Senatorial District, in recognition and appreciation of his contributions to the development and empowerment of women in Cross River State.

    The award, endorsed by Archbishop Prof. Margaret Ene-Ita, leader of the movement, and Hon. Agnes Anyama Atsu, coordinator for the Northern Senatorial District, was presented at Hogis Royal in Calabar, and commended Hon Orim for his outstanding impact and continued commitment to progress and lasting change in the state.

    Receiving the award, Hon Martin Orim extended his appreciation for the group’s recognition. He supported the group with cash donations, assuring the group of his continuous support and empowerment of women in the Northern Senatorial District and beyond.

  • It Is Your Right To Access Information Freely – Says FOI Schedule Officer

     

    The Schedule Officer for Freedom of information FOI, at the NYSC state Secretariat Comrade Ogban Ogban has encouraged members of the NYSC Scheme to maximized the platform of the FOI Act make available to everyone by the federal government to access information From public office holders freely without hindrance.
    Ogban stated this during his sensitization lecture at the NYSC permanent orientation camp Obubra for the 2023 batch C stream 1 corps members deployed to Cross River State
    He Said the freedom of information Act, 2011 was passed by the national on the 24th May, 2011 and assented by president Goodluck Jonathan on the 28th, May, 2011.
    According to the schedule officer, the Act applies not only to public institutions but also to providing public services performing functions or utilizing public funds.
    He added that the act gives a person , group , association or organization the right to access information from government agencies, parastatals , federal civil service, private and public sector organization providing public services.
    Comrade Ogban further stated that the act builds on the the presumption of openness by placing on those who wish to to keep public information away from the people , the onuns to justify why they have to do so, Ogban explained.

  • Lagdo Dam:Humanitarian Minister Leads FG’s Committee To Proffer Solution To Flooding

     

    Following the opening of the Lagdo dam by the Cameroonian authorities, the Federal government has constituted a high level committee led by the Minister of Hummanitarian affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu to proffer solutions to flooding and its consequences in Nigeria.

    The Minister made this known during a press conference held by the committee members immediately after the maiden edition of the stakeholder’s meeting on the Lagdo dam, in Abuja.

    Dr Edu said the meeting was at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following her presentation at the Maiden Federal Executive meeting.

    She said the Federal government is interested in the prevention, mitigation and proffering solutions to flooding and its consequences.
    According to the Minister some of the measures taken to avert flooding is for State governors and communities to ensure that drainages are cleaned and obstructions to water ways are quickly removed across the country.

    Other measures include sensitisation to begin from the Federal, States, Local Government Areas and Communities.

    “Everyone is part of the engagement and sensitisation efforts of the federal government.

    “Persons in the affected areas of the flood are enjoined to move to high lands for safety and state governors are to stand up to their responsibilities on the evacuation of persons in such areas to protect lives and properties” she said
    .
    According to Dr Edu, the Federal government will be working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, States and Local governments to ensure that humanitarian services are provided as well as foods and non-food items, health and livelihood for recovery, reintegration and resettlement for the affected persons.

    The Minister of environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako, said Flood Early Warning System domiciled in his Ministry is on and working and issuing hourly warning alerts of floods not only on river Benue but most parts of the country including River Niger. This he said was aim at warning people and to let them know the level of water in their areas and vulnerability to flood.
    He stated that a platform has been created where environment correspondents are added and they can receive hourly alerts directly without waiting on Ministry’s officials.

    Also the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the media is a critical stakeholder in advocating the flood.

    “The Media is an important partner in the struggle and encouraged them to continue the good work they are doing. He said it is the media that disseminate the message of preventing and mitigating floods. He said that as a government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are finding solutions of the flooding to reduce the suffering of people, loss of lives and properties.

    On his part, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, called on all Nigerians to support government to ensure that everybody on the danger zone has vacated the areas and states to ensure that such people are evacuated immediately to preserve lives and properties.

    Other members of the committee include Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and Social Welfare, Interior, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, NEMA, NIMET, NIHSA, Fire Service, among others.

    Rhoda Ishaku Iliya
    Deputy Director Information, FMHAPA
    28th August, 2023.

  • Scores Of Heads As Armed Men Invades Kagoro Community In Kaduna

    By Steve E Okpale

     

    These are not Ukrainians, these are Nigerians.

    These are indigene of KAGORO right here in KADUNA STATE massacred in their own land by heavily armed, and sponsored men who successfully passed through various check-points unhindered. Over 50 persons lost their precious lives last night, and over 100 houses were razed down with fire.

    Let the world know that southern Kaduna, and KAGORO in particular is under ATTACK. These attacks occur every week either in different locations, or at spotted location.

    Let the world know that that these people were not supposed to die yesterday.

    Nigeria is experiencing GENOCIDE, we have not just accepted that.
    #Kagoro

  • Emulate Wife of the President, NYSC DG Tells Stakeholders

    The Director General of the National Youtg Service Corps, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim has called on well-to-do individuals and Corporate Bodies to take a cue from Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari by donating well equipped ambulance vehicles for the operation of NYSC mobile clinics Nationwide.

    The DG, who spoke through the State Coordinator of NYSC Cross River State, Mr Zemoh Andrew made the appeal during the swearing in ceremony of the 2022 Batch A stream 1 Corps Members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Obubra. He requested for support from stakeholders for the success of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme of the NYSC which is aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative health care especially for the rural poor.

    Gen Shuaibu also challenged the corps Members to take skills acquisition and Enterprenuership training of the NYSC, seriously, adding that the training is meant to prepare corps Members for self employment and wealth creation through vocational and Enterprenuership training as well as linkage with financial institutions and other funding source for business start-up financing.

    The NYSC helmsman used the occasion to thank the house of Representatives for the progress made so far in the legislative processes on the bill for the establishment of the NYSC trust fund as well as spirited individual support for the proposed trust fund especially during the Public hearing conducted by the be house committee
    Earlier, a Total of 1,700 Members of the Corps were sworn in by the Administrative Judge of Obubra High Court Hon Justice Emmanuel Obua, who represented the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme.

     

  • UK Supports Nigeria Clean Energy Transition Efforts With £10m

    By Inyali Peter

    The United Kingdom (UK) has announced the provision of up to £10 million of concessional aid to reduce the risk for pension and insurance funds to invest in energy access projects, and support Nigeria’s COP26 commitments.

    UK Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford said that the financing will help Nigerian investors focus on low carbon energy, supporting off-grid, low-carbon energy projects.

    While explaining that the £10 million will be blended to de-risk transactions and mobilise domestic institutional investment from local pension funds, insurance firms and other local institutional investors, she added that it will also help scale up domestic financing for eligible off-grid clean energy infrastructure, such as solar mini-grid and home systems, clean cooking infrastructure and SME cold storage infrastructure in Nigeria.

    According to her, “The UK is committed to increasing both renewable energy and energy access in Nigeria, driving clean, sustainable and resilient growth. As the world looks to transition to clean growth, we are witnessing an era-defining opportunity for the private sector. This transaction is particularly exciting as it brings together UK government support with the institutional capital which is essential to grow the sector at scale.”

    She added that the innovative blended finance initiative will provide affordable long-term financing from local investors for the low carbon energy sector to support scaling up of off-grid low carbon energy projects in unserved and underserved communities.

    Continuing, she explained that the initiative will support the implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions plan, which Nigeria submitted to the UNFCCC before COP26, its Energy Transition Plan, which was presented by the Nigerian government at COP26, and Nigeria’s plans to increase energy access including the Solar Naija programme.

    Also speaking, Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu said that lack of access to local currency financing is a major setback towards the efforts to unlock private sector activities in the clean energy transition initiative.

    The Minister who was represented by the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, said that local institutions such as pension and insurance funds have key role to play because there are the institutions with the scale of local currency liquidity required to accelerate the transition.

    Aliyu narrated that “Nigeria Kickstarted its clean energy transition as far back as 2014 with the first Solar Hybrid Projects executed across Lagos, Kaduna and Borno States. Since then, we have continued to raise ambition by putting requisite regulations and policies in place, developing investor-grade data for project development, and securing the $550 million NEP facility from the World Bank and African Development Bank-this is currently the largest clean energy access programme across the continent “.

    He added that” this trajectory culminated in the development Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan at the end of 2021, with the support from the UK Government’s Energy Transition Council. This plan showed the pathway to an energized economy and carbon neutrality by 2060, and highlighted the need for additional investment of $410 billion above business as usual over the next 40 years”.

    Also speaking, Uche Orji, Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and Chairman of InfraCredit, said that, “infraCredit is pleased to be working with FCDO to mobilise private investment from domestic pension funds and other institutional investors into such an important developmental area as low carbon energy access”.

    Orji maintained that “this programme is aligned with NSIA’s other clean energy initiatives which aims to deliver up to ‪250-500‬MW of renewable energy capacity in Nigeria that will reduce annual CO2 emissions, alleviate poverty, create jobs and support local economic growth.”

  • Substandard Electrical Equipments : Minister Asks NEMSA To Set Up Test Stations In Ports

     

    In a bid to end the regime of importation of substandard electrical equipments to Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has asked the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to urgently set up Testing/Certification laboratories in all border ports in the country.

    The Minister stated this on Tuesday when he paid a working visit to the corporate headquarters of the agency located at Dar Es Salam Street, Wuse, Abuja.

    Jedy-Agba who commended the infant agency for the achievements since its establishment about eight years ago, however said that it can do more to bring the needed sanity to the technical aspect of the electricity sector.

    He said that as an agency that’s saddled with the responsibility of enforcing technical standards and regulations, inspections and certification of all categories of electrical installations in Nigeria, it’s important to ensure that before any electrical equipment is put to use, it should be tested and certified.

    According to him, “I’m very impressed with this agency because it’s the heartbeat of the nation’s electricity sector. It’s doing well but it can and should do better. I want you to work harder, corporate with each other and come up with better results”.

    While charging the agency to improve on its revenue generation, the Minister avered that “NEMSA is supposed to be one of the richest agencies under the Ministry of Power. Look at the act establishing the agency to see the laxity you have to generate funds. Nobody will give you money to acquire your own headquarters, generate funds for it”.

    On staff welfare, he directed the Managing Director to “find solution to the issue of Staff welfare. You need to motivate your staff to get their best. You need money to make more money. The job of NEMSA is mostly in the field not offices but those in the field need to be sure of their welfare.

    I want to charge you today to ensure that no electrical equipment is used for any installation in Nigeria without the ceal of approval by NEMSA. Apply to get a stand in all ports; Sea, dry and airports to test and certify all electrical equipments imported into Nigeria. Ensure same is done to facilities produce locally”.

    Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engr. Tukur Aliyu, thanked the Minister for his guidance which has culminated in the achievements the agency has recorded in since his appointment to supervise the agency.

    Aliyu, however stated that despite the challenges of poor funding and inadequate manpower, the agency has spread so far to nineteen states with Inspectorate Field Offices, four National Meter Testing stations while the new two under construction in Benin and Kano are near competition.

    He also noted that the Electricity Meter Museum built by the agency at the premises of the National Meter Test Stations in Oshodi and Kaduna were completed and ready for commissioning.

    The MD added that “as a result of the magnitude and importance of the work carried out by NEMSA, more staff are needed. The work of inspection and certification in NEMSA cut across all the states of the federation. However, the number of engineers WWE have on ground cannot effectively perform this work”.

  • Minister Assures NAPTIN Of Improved Funding, Support For 105-Bed Hostel Project

     

    The Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has assured the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) of his commitment towards ensuring improved funding of the institute.

    Jedy-Agba who stated this on Friday during a working visit to the Institute Corporate Headquarters located along Idu Industrial area, Mbora District, Abuja also assured the institute of his support towards the speedy commencement and completion of the proposed 105-bed hostel project to be embarked upon by the institute.

    According to him, “this place is adding to the overall value of the power sector in Nigeria. One of the key challenges affecting the power sector in Nigeria is poor infrastructure and to ensure we address that, we need to develop the man power to build and maintain our power infrastructures. This is why the institute is very strategic.

    I’m happy with what I’ve seen here. I commend the efforts of the DG and all the management staff. I want to assure you that in anyway I can, I’ll work to ensure the issue of funding which the DG has discussed with me is addressed”.

    While charging the staff to corporate with management and be committed to duty, he said that “I encourage you all to corporate with the DG so that by the time I return here, the transformation I’ve seen here today will be better”.

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the institute, Ahmed Bello Nagode lauded the Minister for his support and guidance in ensuring that NAPTIN becomes a global force in power training.

    Nagode said that “The Minister has been very supportive to the course of NAPTIN. I have two Directors who he graciously approved their promotion recently. It’s a huge achievement.

    Also, when we had issues with our internal road network, we ran to the Minister and he responded swiftly and today, we’ve a smooth access road to the corporate headquarters. Funding too has been a major issue but through the Minister’s intervention, there’s improvement in the 2022 budget.

    The DG however appealed to the Minister to also intervene in the institute’s effort to fence the headquarters to not only protect the staff but to preserve the land which he said was suffering encroachment already.

    He added that, “We’re set to embark on a 105-bed hostel and workshop/training Centre projects which is an outcome of the France/Nigeria agreement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari with the France government recently. We’ve all the designs ready and will invite you for the groundbreaking ceremony in the coming days. We’re targeting two years to complete this project but we want it to be on record that you started it”.