The Lumine News

Category: National News

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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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”.

  • Jedy Is Revitalizing Calabar EPZ, Obudu Ranch Resort For Increased Economic Activities

    Jedy Is Revitalizing Calabar EPZ, Obudu Ranch Resort For Increased Economic Activities

     

    Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, Honourable Minister of State, Power and member, representing Cross River State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has strategically, stepped up efforts to boost the state’s economy by revivinng some key economic centres in the state through electricity.

    The facilities; Obudu Ranch Resort and the Calabar Export Processing Zone
    have been identified as critical infrastructures with the potentials to turnaround the state’s economy if properly harnessed.

    Last month, the Minister had a major breakthrough in his efforts when he inaugurated a 60KVA solar mini-grid power plant at the Obudu Ranch Resort as well as performed a ground breaking for the construction of another 100KVA solar mini-grid power plant at the Bottom Hill axis of the resort in Obanliku local government area of the state to boost electricity supply in the tourists area.

    Folorunsho Coker, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) while reacting to the development said that the development would reduce the cost of electricity.

    Coker said that, “The multiplier effect of the injection of solar hybrid energy into the Obudu Ranch Resort tourism asset is well known. It is a revolution. Water can now be sucked and processed and pumped. The cost of power is averaged downwards. Larger stock of perishables can now be held as refridgerated stock. Communications is now uninterrupted. Entertainment specials are now feasible”.

    While noting that with the improved electricity, the resort now needs a token investment to upgrade its fixtures and fittings, he urged the state government to to repair the existing Donald Duke Aistrips as well as the cable car to render services to locals and guests.

    Similarly, two months ago, through the collaborative efforts of the Minister with his colleagues, the FEC approved the sum of N35 billion for the building of dedicated power stations in Calabar and Kano Export Processing Zones.

    The contract for the construction of the power stations in the two export zones have been awarded to Messers Mutual Commitment Nigeria Limited. It would be jointly funded by Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPA) and the company in the ratio of 25 to 75 percent.

    The plant is expected to be completed in two years and operated for ten years by the contractors. Within this period, no fewer than 100 Cross Riverians are expected to be trained and built capacity to took charge of the maintenance.

    The project which is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is geared at making the export zone more attractive for investors. The 24-hour electricity which would be guaranteed on completion of the project is to serve as incentive to pursuade investors to the zones.

    Cross River is not blessed with many industries or luxury of commercial centres like Kano or most states of the federation hence, making the few existing ones function to their capacities is a step in the right direction.

    Speaking, the Minister said that electricity is the main driver and the most effective tool to stimulate rapid economic growth and development.

    He explained that while he understands that his responsibility is not limited to his state, Cross River, he was taking advantage of every opportunity to ensure he attracts development to the state through electrifying key facilities to create jobs and boost economic activities.

    According to him “we are proud of our achievements. We’ve commissioned projects across the six geopolitical zones and still counting. We understand the place of adequate power supply in stimulating economic growth. This is why the government is investing heavily in the power sector. In my state, Cross River, we’re trying our best to boost economic activities. Just last week, we commissioned a dedicated power plant in the Obudu Ranch Resort and performed groundbreaking for another 100KVA plant.

    The Buhari administration is doing everything to improve all sectors of the economy. This is evident in the massive investment in power, roads, railway and other infrastructures. The Government also wants to make Nigeria number investment destination in Africa. This is why we’re building two power stations in the Calabar and Kano Export Processing Zones.

    With the 24-hour electricity to be enjoyed upon completion, we expect the influx of investments and investors into the area. The idea is to try as much as possible to revive and upgrade some of the existing infrastructures in the state and country through improved electricity “.

    Commending the Minister, governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC in 2019, Mr. John Upan Odey said that” the efforts of the Minister to energize the Obudu Mountain Resort and the EPZ are highly commendable. I was at the ranch last weekend and was highly impressed.

    This is the kind of collaboration that we need to encourage amongst the tiers of government. The solar energy solution for the ranch will greatly improve the lives of the residents and promote tourism. I encourage the Minister to continue to bring the energy solutions of the federal government to more and more commercial centers to help spur on economic activities in our state”.

     

  • 60KVA Power Plant : Jedy Has Achieved What My Govt, Others Could Not – Ayade

    60KVA Power Plant : Jedy Has Achieved What My Govt, Others Could Not – Ayade

     

    Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has commended the Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, and President Muhammadu Buhari for installing a 60KVA solar power plant at the Obudu Ranch Resort.

    Ayade who was speaking during the inauguration of the project yesterday at the resort in Obanliku local government area of the state admitted that his government and the ones after tried unsuccessfully to take electricity to the place.

    The Governor who was represented by the state Commissioner of Power, Hon. Victor Agwu noted that to even bring big generator to the resort was a huge problem because of the topography of the place.

    According to him, “a lot of people won’t understand our excitement. As a government, we’ve tried severally to bring light to the Ranch but to no avail. But here we’re, celebrating this epoch making event. Bringing generator to this place is even a problem but we thank the Minister who has made this possible. We hope this will mark the beginning of many more projects that’ll come”.

    Earlier, the Minister who performed a ground breaking ceremony for the construction/installation of another 100KVA solar mini-grid power plant at the Bottom Hill axis of the resort shortly after
    commissioned the 60KVA plant said that the project was part of the federal government’s policy of providing rural and undeserved communities with clean, accessible and sustainable electricity.

    He said that the plant which is to provide 24-hour electricity at the resort is a deliberately designed to support the state government efforts to revive the hitherto moribund tourists site.

    According to him, “the commissioning of this 60kWp solar hybrid mini-grid power plant is coming at the right time to a community that will equally value it and make the best of it as this project has been deliberately designed to serve the needs of this community.

    As always, the Ministry of Power continues to work to provide the needed support for the implementation of all Federal Government policies in the diversification of the energy sector. I am, therefore, thrilled that our drive has led us to this great event. It is glaring that the capital appropriation is being put into good use”.

    He maintained that “it has also become obvious that renewable energy plays a critical role in accelerating energy access across the nation. The plan therefore is to continue to do all it takes to ensure that Nigeria’s massive renewable energy resources are efficiently utilized to energize communities, schools, hospitals and businesses across Nigeria”.

    While charging the community to take charge of the projects, he commended the commitment of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in the commencement and completion of several off-grid projects through the several schemes in the country.

    Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salihijo who was represented by the Executive Director of Rural Electrification Fund, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare said that the projects which are being deployed across the country ” are testaments of the Federal Government’s resolve to improve energy infrastructure across Nigeria, especially in unserved and underserved communities”.

    He assured that “with our deliberate plan to continue our job of powering Nigeria, one community at a time as mandated by the Federal Government, more communities will be energized across the country under the different REA programmes in the coming months, just as we have commissioned several projects in the first quarter of 2021”.

    Salihijo use the opportunity to “encourage the Management of the Obudu Ranch as well as the people of this beautiful community to optimize this intervention and leverage the availability of clean, safe and reliable energy for impact and growth” .

    Responding on behalf of the community, the Chairman of Obanliku Local Government, Evang. (Mrs.) Margaret Inde commended the Minister and the federal government for the project.

    While assuring that the community will take proper care of the facility, She said that “we are very excited by this development. Today is not just commissioning but ground breaking for another solar project in our local government. We thank the Minister and President Muhammadu Buhari who consider our local government worthy to benefit from these great projects.

    As Oliver Twist, we want to beg that the development should be extended to other parts of the local government. Like my village Bendi, we don’t have light. There’s no single electricity pole there. So, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Minister and the President to continue to consider Obanliku “.

  • Commissioning, Ground Breaking For Solar Power Infra In Cross River To Hold Tomorrow

    Commissioning, Ground Breaking For Solar Power Infra In Cross River To Hold Tomorrow

     

    Baring a last minute change, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power is set to commission a 60KVA solar Mini Grid Power Plant in Obudu Ranch Resorts, in Obanliku local government area of Cross River State.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, who disclosed this in his office in Abuja said that the two epoch-making events is billed to take place on Tuesday 30 March, 2021.

    Agba said that shortly after the commissioning of the completed 60KVA plant, he will proceed to the ground breaking for the installation of another 100KVA Mini – Grid Solar Electricity project at the Bottom Hill, also in Obanliku local government.

    He explained that while the 60kva plant is designed to ameliorate the perennial dearth of reliable electricity supply to the Obudu Ranch Resorts and its environs, the 100KVA

    When completed will supply electricity to Ogbnakoko, Belinge and Amana communities.

    The Minister said that the project which is undertaken by one of the agencies under him, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is in furtherance to the elecltricy expansion agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s administration.

    According to him, “this is part of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’ s agenda to make electricity available to the rural and undeserved communities through renewable energy off-grid solutions.

    The strategy aims to increase access to reliable and affordable electricity for low income earners and small scale businesses in the rural and sub-urban communities with the primary objective of fast tracking social and economic development of the benefitting societies”.