By Jabiru Hassan

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve governance, and enhance accountability across the country’s electricity sector as he officially assumed office in Abuja.

Speaking during his inaugural meeting with chief executive officers and heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Power, Tegbe said achieving the Federal Government’s objectives for the power sector would require a coordinated effort among all stakeholders. He identified key priorities of the administration as increasing power generation capacity, expanding transmission infrastructure, improving sector liquidity, and accelerating investment in renewable energy.

While acknowledging progress made in recent years, the minister said more work was needed to meet the sector’s targets. “This sector faces serious challenges. Technical issues account for only a fraction of those challenges. The larger challenge is governance. No agency, department, or unit can solve these problems alone,” Tegbe said.He called for stronger cooperation among institutions, urging stakeholders to work as “one team with one mandate” through improved communication and coordinated action.

Tegbe also highlighted the importance of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in maintaining grid stability and commended the agency for restoring power supply following a recent feeder outage within a 12-hour period.The minister further disclosed plans to introduce a performance-based incentive framework to reward productivity, innovation, and excellence across the sector.

The meeting was attended by leaders of key power sector agencies, including TCN, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), FGN Power Company, and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

By Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The family of the late Senator Solomon Ewuga Akwashiki has adopted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Nasarawa North senatorial bye-election, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, as one of their own, while calling for peaceful conduct ahead of the June 20 poll. Ombugadu visited the Akwashiki family residence in Akwanga Local Government Area, where he was received by relatives, political associates, and community leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a representative said Ombugadu’s visit reflected a longstanding relationship with the late senator but clarified that the family had not endorsed any candidate.

“We have adopted Ombugadu as our son because of the respect he showed to our father. However, we have not endorsed any candidate. We are praying for all contestants, and the people will decide,” the family said. They urged political actors and supporters to maintain peace throughout the election period.

Ombugadu expressed appreciation for the reception, describing the gesture as symbolic and emotional. He said his visit was to honour the legacy of the late senator, whom he described as a mentor and father figure. He also pledged continued engagement with stakeholders across Nasarawa North and promised effective representation if elected. The PDP candidate appealed for calm and unity among supporters ahead of the senatorial bye-election.

By Francis Wilfred

President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Directorate office in Ado-Ekiti, describing the facility as a major boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign and ongoing reform agenda.The office complex, located along Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, was inaugurated on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu said the completion of the modern facility reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions and improving their operational capacity. He commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the Commission’s personnel for their dedication to combating economic and financial crimes.

The President noted that the EFCC remains central to Nigeria’s economic reform and national security architecture, stressing that investments in modern infrastructure and staff welfare are critical to effective law enforcement. He highlighted some of the Commission’s recent achievements, including the dismantling of a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency fraud syndicate, efforts against Ponzi schemes, and contributions to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

Tinubu also praised the agency’s asset recovery initiatives, which have supported government programmes such as the student loan and consumer credit schemes. Reaffirming support for the EFCC, the President pledged continued investment in personnel welfare, training, operational independence, and conducive working conditions.

In his remarks, Olukoyede described the new directorate as a landmark achievement that would strengthen the Commission’s operations in Ekiti and Ondo states. He said the facility would bridge existing operational gaps and bring anti-corruption services closer to the people.

The EFCC chairman assured law-abiding citizens that the Commission’s presence was not a threat, while warning criminals that the agency would intensify efforts against cybercrime, illegal mining, and other economic offences.The event was attended by governors, lawmakers, security chiefs, and traditional rulers from across the country.