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  • TCN Boost power in Lagos with 300MVA Transformer Commissioning

    TCN Boost power in Lagos with 300MVA Transformer Commissioning

    By Francis Wilfred

    Abuja, Nigeria – The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has marked a significant milestone in its quest to stabilize and enhance the country’s power supply with the commissioning of a new 300MVA power transformer at the Lekki 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation in Lagos State.

    The ceremony, which took place on December 19, 2025, underscores TCN’s commitment to reinforcing Nigeria’s electricity grid.

    According to Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the addition of the 300MVA transformer has effectively doubled the capacity of the Lekki substation from 300MVA to 600MVA on the 330kV side. This upgrade is set to significantly improve power distribution reliability, particularly on the 132kV side, by providing redundancy and minimizing disruptions during maintenance and outages.

    The enhanced capacity translates to more bulk power available for Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to supply to its customers in key areas including Lekki, Chevron Estate, Maroko, Agungi, and surrounding neighborhoods. This development is expected to alleviate the perennial power shortages in these areas, fostering economic activities and improving the quality of life for residents.

    This project is part of the ongoing collaborative efforts between TCN and the World Bank aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s power transmission infrastructure. The initiative is geared towards ensuring a more robust, efficient, and reliable electricity supply across the nation.

    According to her the commissioning of the transformer is a testament to TCN’s dedication to expanding and upgrading Nigeria’s transmission network, aligning with broader national goals of achieving sustainable energy security and supporting economic growth. As Nigeria continues to push for improved energy access and reliability, such infrastructural upgrades are pivotal in meeting the increasing demand for electricity and driving progress.

    The successful execution of this project reflects positively on TCN’s strategic partnerships and operational prowess, setting a precedent for future enhancements in the nation’s power sector. With this development, stakeholders anticipate a marked improvement in power supply stability in Lagos and its environs, contributing to the overall development of the region.

  • A’ibom CP bags Pan African Award,counsels youths on peace

    A’ibom CP bags Pan African Award,counsels youths on peace

    By Emeka Samuel,Uyo

    The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, yesterday in Uyo received the Thomas Sankara Pan African Selfless Leadership Excellence Award for his commitment to the sustenance of peace and institutional reforms in the region.

    This is even as he has urged youths in the area to channel their energies towards productive ventures, and serve as ambassadors of peace, innovation, and positive change within their communities.

    The award was bestowed on Azare by the leadership of the Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD) during on a courtesy and advocacy visit and was led by it’s President Mr. Henry Nkem.

    The Commissioner who expressed appreciation to the organization for the visit and the honour bestowed on him noted that the engagement of responsible, visionary youth organizations such as YOUPAD remain critical to national and continental development.

    “Your focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and Pan-African collaboration is commendable and aligns with the broader objectives of societal progress, peace, and security.” He said

    He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to community partnership and its resolve to continue safeguarding lives and property across the state.

    Earlier, Nkem had told Azare that the organization is committed to building leadership and entrepreneurial capacity among African youths, with the objective of contributing meaningfully to the continent’s integrated development, peace, and prosperity, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    The president disclosed that a key component of its mission is the identification, recognition, and promotion of distinguished African leaders who exemplify integrity, professionalism, and selfless service to humanity.

    He said that the award was in acknowledgement of Azare’s exemplary leadership, institutional reforms, commitment to officers’ welfare and notable achievements in crime prevention, security enhancement, and the securing of convictions in the state which have enhanced public safety and strengthened public confidence in the Command.

  • Julius Berger has done a very beautiful job on Bodo-Bonny Road – Tinubu

    Julius Berger has done a very beautiful job on Bodo-Bonny Road – Tinubu

    By Francis Wilfred

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for the extent and quality of work done on the 35.7km Bodo-Bonny Road project, saying that at the end of the job, Nigerians will be proud and feel safer to ply the legacy road.

    Represented by the Minister of Works, Engr Nweze David Umahi at the temporary opening of the road to ease transportation for residents in the communities along the route during the yuletide festivities, Tinubu said, the road has been a long journey with delays and challenges along the way, but through the patience and the cooperation of the community, we have finally reached this important milestone. And the contractor has continued to do a beautiful job here.

    According to Umahi, on the reason for the temporary opening of the road, the President said to me, I want to see a different festive mood there. You know, the mood within the Bodo and the Kingdom of Bonny, and he directed me to come here with the National Assembly members, and of course, with the state government and the good people of Bodo and Bonny to temporarily open this route for the good use of Nigerians. That is why we are here today.

    Stressing that the opening is a temporary measure, the minister said, the permanent opening is going to be done by Mr. President by himself. I know that the Niger Delta people are expecting Mr. President next year, and Mr. President is going to come to commission this road for the convenience of the people, for the safety of the people, for the economic values of the people and Nigeria in general.

    However, he gave conditions for the temporary opening of the road pending full completion, to include: it will be in operation on daily basis from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and there will be no night journey on the road. Next is, there will be no heavy traffic on the road. The reason is that until we remove all the concrete obstacles, there will be no opportunity for big vehicles.

    The minister said the measure is to prevent breakdown of big vehicles on the road while still under construction, even as he tasked Julius Berger to mount roadblocks on the road so that no big vehicles will pass.

    Continuing, the minister said, no okada or keke will be allowed on this route for now. And I have a big commendation to Julius Berger, especially the current team. If we had them since, we wouldn’t have had all the fights we have had in so many places to the extent that this job here was threatened.
    Julius Berger you have done very, very beautiful work. Many thanks to Engineer Tim Nippert and the Managing Director, Peer. They are very amenable to instructions, to discussions, to dialogue, and to details. And I think with the new Managing Director, Julius Berger can still relaunch in the face of construction.

    He tasked the company on further works to do on the road ahead the completion of the job, saying, And I am tasking Julius Berger to plant trees, two sets of trees at 10 metres from the beginning to the end on both sides, and to put solar light at 30 metres on both sides. It has to happen before the final completion of the project.

    Speaking earlier, the Project Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Tim Nippert took the audience on the long journey of the construction of the road to near-fruition now, adding that the cooperation his team is getting from the ministry and communities, so far has helped a lot.

    Well-wishers who spoke at the event joined in eulogising the federal and state governments for the project and Julius Berger for bracing up to the task. They also, included, members of the National Assembly on the minister’s entourage, traditional rulers from the project communities as well as Rivers State Government represented by the Secretary to the State Government.

  • Afam IPP– set to come back on stream as TCN commences rehabilitation

    Afam IPP– set to come back on stream as TCN commences rehabilitation

    By Wilfred Francis

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced the rehabilitation of two critical transmission lines within its Port Harcourt Region.

    During a handover ceremony held on December 11, 2025, contractors were formally mobilized to begin reconductoring works on the 38.6km Afam IPP–Port Harcourt and the 20.8km Afam IPP–Elelenwo 132kV double-circuit lines.

    General Manager, Transmission Services Engr. Ali Sharifai, stated that the 12-month project has become imperative due to the ageing state of the infrastructure, which has contributed to reduced wheeling capacity over time.

    Highlighting the importance of the rehabilitation, General Manager, Transmission, Port Harcourt Region, Engr. Akpa Emmanuel, explained that both lines are central to evacuating bulk electricity generated from the Afam Power Plants into the national grid. He affirmed that the upgraded lines will significantly enhance the reliability and stability of power supply across the region.

  • PANDEF Mourns Bayelsa Deputy, Declares Three Days mourning

    PANDEF Mourns Bayelsa Deputy, Declares Three Days mourning

    The Board of Trustees and the National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed shock over what it described as, “the very painful news of the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, PhD, which occurred on Thursday, 11th December, 2025” and declared a three day mourning.

    PANDEF in a statement by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei igali, OON, noted that Sen Ewhrudjakpo was a committed, disciplined, and passionate public servant, earning him the nickname “workaholic Deputy Governor”.

    “Indeed from his tenure as Commissioner of Works in Bayelsa State, he significantly contributed to the state’s infrastructural development. Even further his time as Senator representing Bayelsa West in the 9th Senate of Nigeria was also marked by notable achievements”.

    The statement further said, Senator Ewhrudjakpo served Bayelsa State and Nigeria with simplicity, candour, and patriotism, setting a shining example for others to follow. “He will be remembered for his dedication, integrity, and service to humanity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come”, it added.

    PANDEF also extended its condolence to the Governor, Government and people of Bayelsa State, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Ofoni Community in Sagbama Local Government Area, and his immediate family and declared three days of mourning for the late Deputy Governor.

    “We declare three days of mourning and urge all our branches across Nigeria to refrain from official PANDEF activities with effect from Friday, 12th December, 2025, in honour of his memory”.

  • NCC Reacts to Quality of Service Challenges in Abuja

    NCC Reacts to Quality of Service Challenges in Abuja

    Wilfred Francis

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) acknowledges the Quality of Service (QoS) challenges being experienced in Abuja, which have impacted the quality of experience of telecommunications subscribers.

    A statement by the Commision signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha Head, Public Affairs
    Made available to the press today in Abuja said the Commission is collaborating with major stakeholders and licensees to address these challenges, largely caused by disruption to diesel supply affecting IHS Nigeria Limited, the colocation provider responsible for powering Airtel and MTN base stations in the affected areas.

    ” The challenges are a result of the activities of the National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA), which disrupted diesel supplies to sites with the attendant telecommunications services outages in Abuja. The NCC is committed to ensuring seamless communication services for all Nigerians and recognizes the importance of reliable power supply for the provision of optimal telecommunication services”.

    The statement noted that NCC is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to address the diesel supply issues and explore sustainable solutions and urged all parties to work together to collaboratively resolve these challenges swiftly by removing the diesel supply bottlenecks affecting critical telecommunications infrastructure, arising from NOGASA’s actions.

    “In the face of these challenges, we reiterate our commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of telecommunications services in Nigeria. We are taking proactive steps to facilitate dialogues between the impacted service providers and other stakeholders to promptly resolve the diesel supply concerns that have negatively impacted service quality”.

    The Commission said it remains dedicated to effectively managing the situation and will keep the public updated on progress towards restoring full telecommunication services in Abuja and thanked telecommunications subscribers for their understanding and patience during this period while reaffirming commitment to delivering high-quality telecommunications services nationwide.

  • Ejiba Church attacks: Kidnappers demands N400m ransom to release 18 Kogi residents

    Ejiba Church attacks: Kidnappers demands N400m ransom to release 18 Kogi residents

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    No fewer than four wedding guests, fourteen church members now in captivity needs N400m to regain their freedom before Christmas.

    The 18 victims were those kidnapped within the last two weeks alone during a church service and the sum is the amount demanded by the kidnappers as ransom.

    Our correspondent gathered that 14 worshippers from Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, were abducted during church service on the 30th of November, 2025.

    In the second attack, four wedding guests returning from Jos were forcefully abducted few kilometers to their destination in Magongo village in Ogori/Magogo on the 8th of December 2025.

    While the kidnappers have placed a ransom of N25 million on each of the four wedding guests, the set of kidnappers who abducted the fourteen Church members are asking for N200 million in bulk. Their ransom was negotiated down from N500 million to the current N200 million.

    The National President of the Magongo Development Association (MDA), Prince Jordan Akpata confirmed to Journalists that the kidnappers have communicated the ransom to families of the victims.

    It was gathered that the set of kidnappers who abducted the Pastor, wife and family members of the church have even issued two days ultimatum for the victims to produce the said ransom or face the “consequences”.

    There is already highthen anxiety across the state over the lives of the victims knowing that the Kogi state government has vowed not to negotiate with bandits and criminals in the state.

    On November 30, 2025, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the attack and strongly condemned it. The government stated that Governor Usman Ododo was coordinating a manhunt involving conventional and local security networks.

    The government also reiterated its stance not to negotiate with bandits, stressing its capacity to confront criminal networks.

  • SPECIAL REPORT: Nigeria’s Giant Strides in the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    Nigeria’s Giant Strides in the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    Introduction
    Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, Nigeria has demonstrated strong political will and institutional commitment to domesticate and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the heart of this effort is the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), which has championed strategic policies, frameworks, and interventions to ensure no Nigerian is left behind.
    The Office has successfully presented three Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in 2017, 2020, and 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s progress, challenges, and lessons in implementing the SDGs. Beyond policy frameworks, the Office has delivered life-changing projects nationwide, directly impacting communities and accelerating progress towards multiple SDGs.

    Strategic Role of OSSAP-SDGs
    OSSAP-SDGs has established itself as the coordinating hub for the SDGs in Nigeria. It has:
    Mainstreamed the SDGs into national and sub-national development plans.
    Strengthened institutional frameworks for planning, data generation, and monitoring.
    Mobilised resources and partnerships across government, private sector, and development partners.
    Driven impactful intervention projects that touch health, education, infrastructure, women empowerment, ICT, and social protection.
    These interventions are not isolated but are strategically aligned with the 17 SDGs, with a focus on poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and human capital development.

    Laudable Intervention Projects and Their Impacts
    1. Health Sector Interventions (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being)
    Constructed and fully equipped 40 units of 100-bed Renewed Hope Mother and Child Specialist Hospitals (MCCs) and 30 units of 80-bed MCCs to provide maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality. The Office has commissioned and handed over several of these hospitals for public use, while others are at various stages of completion and handover. To date, hospitals in the following states have been commissioned and handed over: Lagos, Rivers, Anambra, Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Benue, Abia, Ogun, and Ondo, with others scheduled for commissioning in due course.
    Constructed and equipped 34 units of 40-bed Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), 144 units of 20-bed PHCs, and 10 advanced 30-bed PHCs to strengthen Nigeria’s primary health care system, especially in rural areas.
    Constructed and equipped specialised facilities like the 200-bed hospital at LASUTH, Paediatric Centre at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute Meta, and the Sickle Cell Care Centre at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to address critical gaps in tertiary healthcare.


    Impact: Expanded access to quality healthcare, reduction in preventable deaths, and enhanced health equity across states.

    2. Education and Skills Development (SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work)
    Construction of 11,843 classroom blocks (with additional 383 blocks rehabilitated) furnished with desks and furniture ensures better learning environments. These are spread across all 360 Federal Constituencies of Nigeria.
    Supply of 3,406,830 exercise books and 5,943 computers to boost teaching and learning resources.
    Establishment of 70 Skill Acquisition Centres to equip youths and women with vocational and life skills for self-reliance.
    Construction and furnishing of specialised facilities such as School for the Blind (equipped with Braille machines), the Nana Berry Orphanage Home, and a Girls’ Hostel at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi to ensure inclusive education.
    Impact: Improved enrolment, literacy, inclusivity, and employability of Nigerian youths.

    3. Gender Equality and Social Protection (SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)
    Construction and equipping of 257 bed capacity Transit Homes for Women and Girls each in 3 states to provide safe spaces for vulnerable women and survivors of violence.
    Skill Acquisition Centres empower women to become self-sufficient.
    In addition, the Office has been empowering 500 women in each state of the Federation and the FCT with skills and resources to promote self-reliance and economic independence.
    Targeted projects like orphanages and hostels directly support disadvantaged groups.
    Impact: Safer communities, protection of vulnerable women and children, and economic empowerment.

    4. Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
    Installation of 71,450 Solar Street Lights enhances safety, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and promotes climate action.
    Construction and furnishing of 300 IDP houses and 540 market shops supports displaced persons and boosts small businesses.
    Construction of 30 Sports/Youth Centres and Pavilions to provide avenues for youth development, recreation, and talent discovery.
    Impact: Improved quality of life, strengthened resilience of communities, and sustainable urban-rural development.

    5. ICT and Innovation (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 4: Education)
    Construction of 13 ICT/Computer Centres enhances digital literacy.
    Provision of computers and e-learning resources to prepare young Nigerians for the digital economy.
    Impact: Bridging the digital divide and fostering 21st-century skills.

    Rationale Behind the Projects
    The interventions are guided by three core principles:
    Leaving No One Behind: Prioritising the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised.
    Integrated Development: Aligning projects with multiple SDGs simultaneously (health, education, gender, and infrastructure).
    Sustainability: Building resilient communities through renewable energy, digital inclusion, and community-based healthcare.

    Overall Impact
    Through these strategic interventions, OSSAP-SDGs has contributed in:
    Expanding access to quality health and education.
    Reducing inequalities by empowering women, youths, and vulnerable populations.
    Boosting local economies through skills development and market infrastructure.
    Strengthening Nigeria’s global image as a committed implementer of the SDGs.

    Conclusion
    The journey to 2030 is still ongoing, but Nigeria’s strides under OSSAP-SDGs reflect a clear vision and tangible results. By combining policy frameworks, strategic partnerships, and impactful community projects, the Office has transformed the SDGs from abstract global aspirations into real-life benefits for millions of Nigerians.
    The achievements so far provide a strong foundation to accelerate progress in the Decade of Action, ensuring that Nigeria not only meets its SDG commitments but also builds a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future.

    N/B
    This will be back by selected pictures of the projects

  • NCDMB, Chevron Train 16 Nigerian Youths in Catalyst Processing

    NCDMB, Chevron Train 16 Nigerian Youths in Catalyst Processing

    My Kumo Amgbare

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, has launched a specialized Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme focused on catalyst processing, loading, and handling operations.

    The training, which targets 16 selected Nigerian youths, commenced with a kick-off ceremony themed “Human Capacity Development for Sustainable Development” held at Cakasa’s operational headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Representing the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Board’s Manager of Human Capacity Development, Mrs. Tarilate Teide Bribena, described the initiative as a practical expression of the NCDMB’s 60:20:20 HCD framework, aimed at converting potential into capability and driving in-country value retention in the oil and gas sector.

    “This programme marks the critical point where theory meets practice and knowledge evolves into competence,” Mrs. Bribena said.

    She commended Chevron Nigeria for its sustained leadership in Nigerian Content implementation and thanked the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) for upholding high training standards.

    Speaking on behalf of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, acting Projects Engineer Engr. Uzoma E. Okorofor stressed that sustainable local capacity rests on three pillars: knowledge, competence, and character. “Skills can change careers, capacity can transform companies, but fully developed human capital changes nations,” he said.

    Chevron’s Capacity Building Advisor, Mr. Inyere Victor, praised Cakasa for conducting a transparent and merit-based selection process, noting that the calibre of the trainees reflects the depth of talent in Nigerian communities.

    He reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to treating Nigerian Content development as a strategic business imperative rather than mere regulatory compliance.

    The 16 trainees will undergo intensive hands-on training in catalyst maintenance services at Cakasa facilities, with the goal of equipping them for long-term careers in the oil and gas industry.

    Also present at the event were NCDMB officials, including Mr. Suleiman Amolegbe (Supervisor, Human Capacity Development) and Mr. Egoli Ebikombo-Owei (Corporate Communications).

  • APC Forum congratulates Al-Makura on appointment as North-Central Renewed Hope coordinator

    APC Forum congratulates Al-Makura on appointment as North-Central Renewed Hope coordinator

    By Israel Adamu,Jos

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has congratulated former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, on his appointment as the Renewed Hope Coordinator for the region.

    Our correspondent reports that President Bola Tinubu recently appointed six zonal coordinators for Renewed Hope Initiative Committees designed to advance his administration’s developmental vision across the country.

    The six zonal coordinators, who will work with the administration’s Renewed Hope Ambassador, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, are Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, South-South, Isah Yuguda, North-East, Aminu Bello Masari, North-West, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, South-East, Oladipupo Oyinbande, South-West and Al-Makura, North-Central.

    The coordinators, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, are expected to spearhead strategic engagements, mobilization efforts and developmental interventions across the regions in line with the President’s vision for national renewal.

    Reacting to the development in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the North-Central APC Forum described Al-Makura’s appointment as well deserved, noting that he has the capacity, and track record, to effectively handle the assignment.

    The Forum pledged it’s full support for the ex-senator and called on all stakeholders in the North-Central, including state governors, members of the national and state assemblies, party leaders and political appointees, among others, to give him the needed cooperation.