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  • Gov Sule inaugurates 300kwp solar power hybrid mini grids in 6 communities

    Gov Sule inaugurates 300kwp solar power hybrid mini grids in 6 communities


    From Leo Nzwanke, Lafia


    Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated 300kwp solar hybrid mini grids in six communities.

    Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Rukubi community of Doma Local Government Area (LGA), the governor said the projects were executed by Husk Power System.


    The governor said 50kwp was done in Rukubi, Idadu and Igbabo in Doma LGA and Kiguna, Akura and Gidan Buba of Lafia respectively.
    Sule said the projects were done done by Federal Government (FG) in collaboration with the World Bank  to boost electricity in rural areas. 


    The governor lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his foresight to provide rural areas with solar electricity to enhance economic activities to enable rural people contribute to national development.


    He also commended hosk power system for the initiative, adding that, the projects were in line with the vision of his administration.
    “I am happy, you did not only generate the power, but you also mounted poles and distributed the power to the people,” the governor added.


    He further said that the state government would assist in maintaining the projects.
    Governor Sule therefore urged communities leaders to take ownership of the projects and protect it against vanders. 


    Earlier, Manoj Sinha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hosk Power System said he was happy to witness the inauguration of their first solar hybrid mini grids project in Nigeria.
    The CEO lauded FG, Nasarawa State Government, traditional rulers in the area for embracing the solar and renewable energy which is the future energy system.


    The CEO said the company had supplied the system to may communities in India and assured the communities that the power has the capacity to provide for all their appliances.
    On his part, Engr. Ahmed Salihijo-Ahmad, Managing Director (MD) Rural Electrification Agency, said the projects were designed and executed to change the economic fortunes of the people of the benefiting communities.


    The MD lauded all development partners, traditional and community leaders as well as people for their corporation thus far, from the beginning to the conclusion of the projects.


    The MD represented by Niyi Nitufo, Executive Director Corporate Services in the agency said the projects were part of the initiative by the FG to electrify rural communities through renewable energy.


    “As part of our mandate, we are responsible for powering unserved and underserved communities in the country with hybrid mini grids solution.


    “As an implementing agency, we are replicating this in many communities across the country in partnership with the private sector,” the MD added.


    Salihijo-Ahmad commended hosk power system for delivering high standard projects and said that the system would provide 24 hours electricity. 

  • Psychometrician Pledges Support For Psychological Association’s Growth In Nig

    Psychometrician Pledges Support For Psychological Association’s Growth In Nig

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Dr. Emmanuel Alhassan, a Psychometrician has pledged to use his wealth of experience to provide supportive leadership for attainment of strategic growth of Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA).

    Alhassan who is an aspirant vying for the Vice President, position of the Association in the on-going election made the pledge in an interview with Newsmen in Lokoja.


    stressing that he will ensure Finalisation of the Nigerian Council for Psychologists Act through Civil Society, Legislative and Executive advocacy if given the opportunity.

    He noted that the NPA was supposed to provide enabling environment for psychology to thrive and as well, promote the discipline and its practice in the country.

    He disclosed that the NPC bill was actually passed in the days of the 8th National Assembly but unfortunately, was not assented to by Mr President and would have to go through another legislative process in the 9th Assembly.

    Dr. Alhassan who promised to ensure that operationalization of the psychologists cadre in the Federal Government Scheme of Service is put in place expressed joy that the current Head of Service, Mrs Yemi Esan and her colleagues from the six states and FCT have graciously agreed that psychology has a cadre in the Federal Government Scheme of Service.

    The Nasarawa State University lecturer promised to partner the NPA leadership to evolve a strategic plan, looking at the vision, mission and objectives of the Association and the things they needed to prioritise, to make medium and long-term plans.

    “This involves getting the views and ideas from various stakeholders in the various divisions and the state chapters to harness innovative ideas to chart a new course for psychology in Nigeria”, he said.

    Alhassan who is also the current chairman of the FCT chapter of NPA said he would influence the leadership to deploy innovations in technology to build a robust database of members of the association.

    The expert who attributed a lot of “sudden deaths and psychological trauma” to little knowledge on mental health said, he intends to lend the issue, a voice and bring it to the front burner.

    Dr. Alhassan, the former National Project Manager of the second World Bank HIV/AIDS Programme Development Project  (HPDP II) was a Training Development Officer with Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

    He was also Regional Manager, OANDO; USAID embedded Consultant with NACA; Special Adviser, PPP and former chairman FCT chapter of NPA among others.

    Reports has it that the election which started on-line on Monday is expected to end with physical polling on Monday, November 8.

  • Ndola chiefdom in Taraba loses traditional ruler

    Ndola chiefdom in Taraba loses traditional ruler

    .by Dansumi Ishaku


    The death has occurred of the third class Chief of Ndola chiefdom, Kurmi Local Government, Kum Enoch Tanko Tabena.


    The traditional ruler died on 22 October one after a brief illness in Jalingo.


    Aged 71, the Late Kum Enoch Tanko Tabena reign from 21 December, 2018 to 22 October, 2021.


    A statement by the family says the diseased corpse will depart FMC, Jalingo to Kurmi local government his home town on Thursday 4th November for Funeral service on 5th at his compound in Ndaforo Baissa Kurmi LGA, by 10:00am in the morning.


    Announcer Emmanuel Philemon Tabena, Secretary Ndola traditional Chiefdom, Kurmi.

  • Anambra Poll: 10 Candidates Urge FG to Release Nnamdi Kanu

    Anambra Poll: 10 Candidates Urge FG to Release Nnamdi Kanu

    Ten governorship candidates in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State,have jointly called on the federal government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in order to contain all acts that could torpedo the election this weekend.

    A seven-point resolution to this effect was signed by Godwin Maduka of Accord, Ben Etiaba of Action Alliance, Akachukwu Nwankpo of African Democratic Congress, Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress and Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

    Others were Onyejegbu Okwudili for Allied Peoples Movement, Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, Obinna Uzoh of the Social Democratic Party, Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressives Party and Obiora Okknkwo of the Zenith Labour Party.

    According to them, the South-east Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops should be entrusted with the responsibility of producing Kanu whenever he is wanted.

    They also urged the federal government to take urgent steps to demilitarise the South-east zone and stem the heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and youths.

    The Anambra governorship candidates said they were committed to non-violence and the maintenance of peace throughout the duration of the election and beyond.

    The candidates made the commitment to peaceful and violence-free election in response to the concerns expressed by the South-east Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Bishops and Archbishops, and in appreciation of the general anxiety arising from recent and continuing violence, in the South-east and Anambra State in particular.

    “We urge all our supporters and other stakeholders to commit fully to these ideals and refrain from any act that may imperil the election,” their statement read.

    They, however, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Armed Forces, other security agencies and all stakeholders to discharge their mandates in accordance with the law and in a fair and just manner.

  • Sanwo-Olu Visits Ikoyi Building Collapse Scene, Suspends LASBCA GM

    Sanwo-Olu Visits Ikoyi Building Collapse Scene, Suspends LASBCA GM

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday directed the indefinite suspension of the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr. Gbolahan Oki.

    His suspension comes about 24 hours after a high-rise building collapsed in the Ikoyi area of the state.

    The Governor, in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, described the suspension as a “first step” towards finding out “what went wrong” to cause the building collapse.

    The State Government is also setting up an independent panel to probe the collapse.

    “Members of the panel will be drawn from the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and other professional bodies,” the statement said.

    “It will independently investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and make recommendations on how to prevent future occurrence. The investigation is not part of the internal probe already being conducted by the government.”

    At least nine persons have been rescued alive from the rubble but 14 have been discovered dead.

    The survivors have been taken to the hospital.

    Meanwhile, rescue operations have continued on the site to save more lives.

    “Mr. Sanwo-Olu thanks all first responders and those who have joined the rescue efforts, including construction giants Julius Berger, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),” the statement said.

    “A help desk is to be set up at the site for people seeking information about their relations who may have been involved in the incident. The media are hereby notified that the government will be releasing information whenever the need arises to avoid any sensational reporting of the unfortunate incident.”

    Deputy Governor visits site

    Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, was at the collapsed building site on Tuesday to “encourage rescuers and comfort relations of those trapped in the rubble”, the statement said.

    “Dr. Hamzat left the site for the Lagos Island General Hospital to see the survivors.

    “The government will embark on further foundation and borehole acidic level tests to ascertain the impact on the collapsed building. These tests, particularly the borehole acidic level, is important for the entire Gerrard Road and adjoining areas.

    “We wish to state that there will be no cover-up in the search for the truth in this incident. If anybody is found to have been indicted, he or she will face the law.

    “It is important to restate that all developers and property owners are required to adhere strictly to all Building Codes and Planning Regulations to ensure the safety of lives and property. Those who ignore such regulations, breaking seals and defying enforcement, will surely be prosecuted.”

  • Tourism Enterprises Urged to take advantage of Bayelsa Annual Thanksgiving Holiday

    Tourism Enterprises Urged to take advantage of Bayelsa Annual Thanksgiving Holiday

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    As Bayelsa State celebrates the 10th annual Thanksgiving Day holiday on November 2, 2021, the Senior Special Assistant to State Governor on Tourism, Mr. Piriye Kiyaramo has called on tourism enterprises, particularly artists, to take advantage of the Thanksgiving event to produce quality local souvenirs and other gift items to remember the day.

    Speaking with travel writers shortly after the annual Thanksgiving Day celebration at the state Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene on Tuesday, Mr Kiyaramo reiterated that the annual Thanksgiving holiday provides an excellent opportunity for tour operators and event planners to introduce different tour packages that will attract more visitors to the state to boost the local economy.

    According  to the governor’s aide, the Thanksgiving holiday was the best period for manufacturers of local handicrafts and souvenir items, such as wooden earrings, necklace, pendants, coconut necklace, coco bracelets, shell bangles, wood bangles, shell jewelry, beads and natural jewelries to market the state because of the influx of visitors to the state during the holiday. 

    The SSA said: “Souvenir trade is an important part of the tourism industry, which serves a dual role: first to help improve the local economy and second, to allow visitors to take with them a memento of their visit to the state, ultimately to encourage an opportunity for a return visit”.

    “First, souvenirs play a very important role in the industry tourism. They are regarded as items of memories of the people, place, events and gifts, secondly, souvenirs serve as motivational factors, they provide a source of satisfaction and help shape tourists’ experiences at the destination.

    “The uniqueness of souvenirs has become one of the most important attributes that draws tourists’ attention to a particular destination because souvenirs enhance their sensory involvement as well as influence tourists’ decision-making process”, he stressed. 

    He recalled the annual national Thanksgiving Day holidays in the United States and Canada have become notable tourism events which celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year, informing that the American national Thanksgiving holiday is particularly rich in legend and symbolism with the traditional fare of the Thanksgiving meal, which includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. 

    Mr Kiyaramo said Americans generally believe that their annual national Thanksgiving Day, being celebrated every November 25, is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people, saying that the holiday period is the busiest of the year, as family members gather with one another. 

    The Senior Special Assistant, popularly known as Mr Tourism, commended the state governor, Senator Douye Diri for using the state’s annual Thanksgiving event as unifying force to unite the Ijaws, irrespective of religious or political differences, pointing out that prosperity comes with peaceful coexistence among the people. 

    His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, declared Tuesday, 2nd November 2021 as work-free day in line with the State Annual Thanksgiving Law to enable both public and private sector workers participate fully.

  • ABU 1990 Law Class Donates Relief Items To Plateau State

    ABU 1990 Law Class Donates Relief Items To Plateau State

    The Ahmadu Bello University Law Class of 1990  who are coursemates of the Plateau state Governor Simon Bako Lalong, have donated relief materials to assist in addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) affected by the recent crisis in the State. 

    The classmates were at the Government House, Rayfield-Jos  to make a symbolic presentation of the items to the Governor. Leader of the delegation Sylvanus Tahir said they came to commiserate with the Government and people of Plateau over losses incurred during the attacks which left many survivors stranded and in pains. 

    Tahir said the ABU class of 1990 were greatly moved to act and show support to the Governor who is their coursemate because he has  always embraced everyone irrespective of class, social status, religious or ethnic affiliations. 

    The team leader recalled with nostalgia their days in school where they worked as a team and loved one another. He described the Governor as a humble and accessible personality who is a rallying point for the set, a virtue he has exhibited for many years. 

    They commended the Governor for his efforts of making Plateau a peaceful state, Tahir called for unity and the spirit of oneness among citizens of the State irrespective of tribe, religion, and other differences praying that the peace being experienced will be consolidated.  

    Governor Lalong while appreciating the  gesture said he is very proud of his class for their solidarity, show of love and brotherliness which has been demonstrated in their support to people in need. 

    He recalled how the class encouraged him to come out and contest the Governorship elections in 2015 by contributing in kind and financially which assisted his campaign. 

    Lalong disclosed that the set is blessed with many high standing personalities in the society including 5 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), 15 Court Judges among others adding that the gesture done for the people of Plateau will go a long way in relieving those  distressed by the crisis. 

    Among relief items presented were detergents, wrappers, blankets, vegetable oil, noodles, spaghetti, rice, Semovita among others 

  • UPDATED: Many Still Trapped as Death Toll Rises To 20 In Ikoyi Building Collapse

    UPDATED: Many Still Trapped as Death Toll Rises To 20 In Ikoyi Building Collapse

    More people have been confirmed killed and more survivors rescued hours after a high-rise building collapsed in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

    Recall that Daybreak had reported the incident which occurred on Monday afternoon along Wesley Road in the commercial hub of the nation.

    While four persons were killed and five others rescued as of Monday night, the death toll and number of survivors rose on Tuesday as rescue efforts continued through the night.

    According to the spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 16 more bodies have been recovered.

    He added that five more persons trapped under the rubble have been rescued by emergency responders at the scene.

    This brings the total figures of those killed and rescued so far to 20 and 10 respectively.

    The Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who visited the site amid tight security, explained that the premise of the collapsed building has been sealed by the government agency in charge of testing, for more investigation into the integrity of the structure.

    Emergency workers have intensified rescue operations as more people are believed to be trapped under the rubble.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos State Chapter, David Majekodunmi, also visited the site of the building collapse.

    He lamented that unfortunate incidents such as this should not have happened if authorities had done what was expected of them.

    “My first impression is that the country is in a mess. We are in a mess because if we have done what we are supposed to do, either on the private or government side, we wouldn’t be having this kind of incident.

    “Like it’s said by (Femi) Falana, the renowned lawyer, about six or seven weeks precisely where we have all the allied professionals in the construction industry together, he said ‘we should stop talking about building collapse; go and search yourselves, what is your regulatory building doing? Your regulatory body is supposed to regulate things like this,” said Majekodunmi.

    He added, “Looking at this, you can’t determine what is actually the cause of the collapse. In a nutshell, we are standing in front of the signage which is supposed to be a prerequisite at a site.

    “You cannot see the name of the architect, the structural engineer, and other consultants. But there is so much going on on the platform where the number written on all these consultants happens to be the developer.

    “I will tell you just a little history because the government has a big fault for this. In 1986, a National Building Code was drafted by all the professional bodies in the construction industry – seven of them. This National Building Code was not signed until 20 years after it was drafted.”

  • Gbajabiamila expresses sympathy over Lagos building collapse, calls for measures to forestall future incident

    Gbajabiamila expresses sympathy over Lagos building collapse, calls for measures to forestall future incident

    Gbajabiamila expresses sympathy over Lagos building collapse, calls for measures to forestall future incident

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed his sympathy over the Lagos building collapse of Monday, November 1, which led to the loss of some lives.

    Gbajabiamila said it was unfortunate that the building collapse happened at a time the Lagos State Government was doing everything possible to make the lives of Lagosians safer.

    The Speaker sent his condolences to the families of the victims, noting that he shared in their grief.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila also sympathized with the government and people of Lagos State over the unfortunate incident.

    He called for adequate measures to forestall future occurrence while urging the relevant authorities to double their efforts at rescuing those trapped in the multi-story building.

  • Abia and its new paradigm shifts

    Abia and its new paradigm shifts

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    A new dawn is set in Abia, the God’s Own State. With the inauguration of new set of commissioners and assignment of portfolios, the state is set to recover some areas that the citizens have not adequately lived up to expectations or it feels things are not properly done.

    The new commissioners of environment and information and strategy, Hon. Sam Nwogu and Dr. Eze Chikamnayo are leading these laudable campaigns. On this note, other things being equal, and God willing, the era of indiscriminate waste disposal, and other negative practices that endanger the state environment, especially the newly constructed roads, in a matter of months, will be over.

    From now henceforth and in this new regime of waste disposal, waste must be properly packaged in cellophane bags, and disposed at the appropriate periods as stipulated by environmental protection agency, ASEPA. Defaulters would have themselves to blame as reports indicate that the appropriate agencies are set to work.

    The time for this auspicious intervention is apt. If these interventions have not been introduced by these honourable commissioners, things could have gone from worse to worst. Indeed, most Abians have very poor environmental sanitation attitude.

    The waste disposal attitude among some Abians are very appalling. Right from their homes, they will litter the waste meant for disposal to the point of the receptacle. To judiciously dispose the waste properly into the buckets amounts to the proverbial camel passing through the eye of the needle. It becomes an eyesore when waste are littered several metres away from the buckets. It paints the environment very negative and highly compromise the aesthetics of the cities.

    It takes two to tango, and when government is deploying frantic efforts to better the lives of its citizens, the citizens should not hesitate to reciprocate by cooperating. But here, the reverse is the case.

    Most street corners, even major streets are now converted to mechanical workshops where motor mechanics, motor cycle and tricycle mechanics ply their trades. Some of the lubricants employed in servicing these vehicles are highly corrosive and have the capacity of compromising the newly constructed roads. This can only undermine the unrelented efforts of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to recover the road infrastructural deficit that bedeviled the state.

    The make the situation more complex, strategic locations in major cities in the state have also been converted to car wash. The implications are that the detergents and other materials employed in the process are highly corrosive and also have the capabilities of undermining the integrity of the roads.

    The more laughable is that sometimes ago, a video trended where a woman cited her beer joint on the centre of the newly constructed Milverton Avenue. These actions can be labeled sabotage to the efforts of the government.

    Some residents of the state have deemed it more convenience to dispose their waste through the drainage. This obstructs the flow of storm water and return such water to the roads thereby causing flooding that may later deteriorate the quality of the roads. Most times, the components of these waste are fecal materials that may cause havoc public health.

    It is time for every hand to on deck to recover the state from this dangerous trend some disgruntled elements are plunging into. All relevant agencies must sit up for this big task ahead. The state environmental protection agency, ASEPA, should ensure that these actions are strictly implemented as well as law enforcement agencies.
    The state orientation agency headed by Hon Godwin Adindu should relive their green walk that took round the streets of Aba and Umuahia here they sensitised on the need to keep cleen. This campaign requires huge sensitisation.

    Another area that the state is striving to revolutionise is the information management. The new commissioner for information, Dr. Eze Chikamnayo is insisting that the era of government information flowing through unofficial and not the appropriate channels is over and he means every bit of it.
    Information is power and key, especially that of the government.And because of this information should flow only through the appropriate channels who serve as mouth pieces of the governments at various levels. At the local government level you have the information officers, and at the ministries and agencies you have the public relations officers. Quite unfortunate these days that government information, especially at the local government areas is disseminated or handled by persons other than the information officers. This makes the funds of these officers almost redundant.
    Indeed, a new dawn is set in Abia and the paradigms are shifting for good!