Disclaimer
The views expressed on this website are those of the authors named, and are not of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Nigerian Tribune, Sunday Tribune and Saturday Tribune, while ANN Plc is also not responsible for the content of any external Internet sites linked to its website. All comments posted are the responsibility of the posters, and ANN Plc does not endorse any opinions expressed. However, we do maintain the right not to publish comments or to remove or edit them without notice.
↧
Nsukwa traditional ruler wants College of Agriculture
↧
Investors shop for N987.46bn to boost power supply
Investors in the power sector need at least N987.46bn over the next five years to adequately supply electricity across the country, OKECHUKWU NNODIM writes
A total of $6.34bn (N987.46bn) will be required for the next five years by power investors to significantly improve electricity supply in the country, according to the Information Memorandum for the distribution, generation and the transmission segments of the power industry in the country.
Since November last year when the investors acquired the successor generation and distribution companies of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, electricity consumers have been complaining the power situation is not getting any better.
A document on the financial outlay, which was obtained on Sunday, indicated that the investors, currently facing daunting financial challenges, would need N987.46bn to replace obsolete equipment and provide other facilities to deliver uninterrupted electricity to consumers.
It showed that a total of N278.79bn ($1.79bn) would be needed by the 11 electricity distribution firms for the period, while the seven power generation companies would have to invest N708.66bn ($4.55bn) in their respective businesses.
An analysis of the sum needed by the firms in the next five years, as contained in the information memorandum, showed that the firms would need the amount to function optimally.
It was also revealed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria alone would require N376.92bn ($2.42bn) to evacuate generated electricity to the Discos effectively.
The 11 power distribution firms are in Abuja, Kano, Jos, Yola, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Benin, Ibadan, Ikeja, Eko and Kaduna.
The total funding requirement needed by all the Discos as of December 31, 2013 was put at N5.57bn ($357.66m).
Our correspondent learnt that the major investment opportunities in the firms included the replacement of obsolete equipment and heavy machineries and the upgrade of facilities such as meters, poles, transformers, worn out cables and dilapidated electrical and mechanical tools.
The power generation firms are Transcorp Ughelli, Sapele, Afam, Egbin, Geregu, Shiroro, and Kainji/Jebba.
According to the document, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, owned and managed by Kann Consortium, has a distribution capacity and peak load demand of 835MW and 1,320MW, respectively.
The funding requirement for the firm as of December 31, 2013 stood at $36.6m, while the total amount needed to adequately fund its operations in the next five years was estimated at $183m.
States covered by the Abuja Disco include Kogi, Niger and Nassarawa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company is owned and managed by Sahelian Power SPV Limited and distributes power to Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.
The firm has power distribution capability and peak load demand of 365MW and 596MW, respectively. Its funding requirement as of December 31, 2013 was $30.38m.
A total of $151.89m, according to the document, is needed by the Disco within the next five years to distribute electricity efficiently.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company is managed by Aura Energy Limited. The firm, according to the document, distributes power to Plateau, Benue, Bauchi and Gombe states.
It has a distribution capability and peak load demand of 378MW and 507MW, respectively.
A total of $22.76m was the funding requirement needed by the Disco as of December 31, 2013; while for the next five years, it stated that the firm would need $133.78m.
For the Yola Electricity Distribution Company, $65.67m will be needed within the next five years to ensure seamless operation.
The Disco, according to the document, stands out as the one that requires the lowest capital inflow for the period under review. The firm, which is owned and managed by Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited, distributes power to Adamawa, Taraba, Borno and Yobe states.
Its distribution capability and peak load demand were put at 138MW and 176MW, respectively. The Disco’s funding requirement as of the end of last year was $13.13m.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company is managed and owned by Interstate Electric Company Limited and distributes power to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
The total funding requirement for the firm as of December 31, 2013 was $27.23m, while the amount needed within the next five years was put at $136.15m.
The firm has a distribution capacity and peak load demand of 612MW and 1,017MW, respectively.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company has a distribution capability and peak load demand of 486MW and 773MW, respectively.
The firm, which is owned and managed by 4Power Consortium, will need $127.57m in the next five years to perform optimally, while its funding requirement as of December 31, 2013 was put at $25.51m.
The Port Harcourt Disco distributes electricity to Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states.
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company supplies power to Delta, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states. The firm is owned and managed by Vigeo Power Consortium and its funding requirement as of December 31, 2013 was $42.31m.
The amount needed for the next five years was estimated at $121.57m and its distribution capability and peak load demand were given as 392MW and 1000MW, respectively.
For the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, a total of $219.33m will be needed over the next five years to deliver power to consumers satisfactorily.
The firm, owned and managed by Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company Limited, has distribution capability and peak load demand of 878MW and 1,193MW, respectively and its funding requirement as of December 31, 2013 was $43.87m, the document stated.
The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, managed by NEDC/KEPCO, distributes power to districts of Ikeja, Shomolu, Alimosho, Ojodu, Ikorodu, Oshodi and Abule-Egba areas of Lagos State.
Its distribution capability and peak load demand were given as 854MW and 1,335MW, respectively. A total of $58.74m was required by the Disco as of December 2013, while $293.69m would be needed in the next five years, it stated.
The Ikeja Disco stands out as the firm that requires the highest capital inflow for the five-year period, according to the document.
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company, owned and managed by West Power and Gas Limited, distributes electricity to the commercial and financial hub of Lagos State and has distribution capability and peak load demand of 796MW and 1,105MW, respectively.
The funding requirement for the firm over the next five years has been put at $225.85m, while the amount needed for its funding put at as of December 31, 2013 was $45.17m.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com
↧
↧
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Hosts Inaugural Summit to Address the Scale …
Mar 10 2014
The Summit takes place on 25 March 2014 at the Eko Hotel Suites, Lagos, Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 10, 2014/
• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy, Nigeria;
• Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power, Nigeria;
• Hon. Patrick Achi, Minister of Economic Infrastructure, Côte d’Ivoire;
• Hon. Cristina Duarte, Minister of Finance, Cape Verde;
• Mr Jim Yong Cai, Executive Vice President and CEO, International Finance Corporation;
• Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman Heirs Holdings;
• Ms. Diana Layfield, CEO Africa, Standard Chartered Bank
• Dr. Nkosana Moyo, Mandela Institute for Development Studies; and
• Ms. Funke Opeke, CEO Main One
The Summit is the must attend event for audiences interested in Africa’s infrastructure challenges. It will discuss issues such as Africa’s need to take the lead in bridging the investment divide whilst also accessing international capital as part of a joined up and holistic approach.
Commenting on the upcoming Summit, Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman of AFC, said:
“The summit is a key opportunity to for a broad range of stakeholders, from national governments to the indigenous and international private sector and donor partners, to contribute to the development of constructive solutions to the deficit in infrastructure investment in Africa which continues to hold back economic growth on the continent.”
“The Africa Finance Corporation is committed to serving as a catalyst for growth in infrastructure development in Africa, by focusing on investments in the sectors that are critical to economic growth on the continent and attracting new investment partners and country members.”
Commenting on the Summit, economist Jim O’Neill, said:
“I am delighted to be participating in the AFC’s inaugural summit which promises to address an important agenda. If Africa is to reach its potential as the home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, then infrastructure will play a vital role in making that happen. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to gather some of the most important figures in the region in order to discuss how this can be achieved. The AFC plays not just a vital role in brokering these discussions but also in financing and advising some of most transformative infrastructure projects on the continent.”
Key sessions at the Summit will include:
• ‘Building the New Africa – action plan for the next decade’
• Panel 1: power sector
• Panel 2: transport sector
• Panel 3: natural resources
(1) The World Bank estimates Africa’s infrastructure deficit at US$38 billion of investment per year, with a further US$37 billion per year required in operations and maintenance. This represents c.12% of Africa’s current GDP.
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
For programme details and to register email: afc@bell-pottinger.com
For further information visit: http://www.africafc.org
-Ends-
Contact:
Africa Finance Corporation
Lucy Savage
+234 703 403 3645
Bell Pottinger
Victoria Geoghegan / Nick Lambert / David Bass / Philip Peck
+44 20 7861 3232
• AFC is involved as an investor, developer and financier of various infrastructure projects, and is gaining recognition as the benchmark institution for financing the development of infrastructure projects in Africa.
• AFC’s current authorized share capital is USD2.0 billion with shareholders’ funds of USD1.24 billion and a 2013 funding programme of USD700 million.
• AFC is the second highest investment grade-rated multilateral financial institution on the African continent, with an A3 (long term) /P2 (short term) foreign currency debt rating by Moody’s Investors Service.
AFC’s projects:
• AFC is the lead investor in the award winning Cabeolica project, a USD90 million, 26MW landmark renewable energy wind power project in Cape Verde.
• AFC is the Technical Adviser to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the CBN’s USD2.0 billion Power and Aviation Intervention Fund (PAIF).
• AFC is a partner with Vigeo Holdings Limited and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited for the acquisition of power distribution assets, and a lead financier in the acquisitions of the Kainji and Ughelli power generation plants in the current Nigerian Government power sector privatisation round.
• Additionally in Nigeria, AFC made investments to support marginal field operators in the up and mid-stream oil and gas sector companies such as Neconde, FHN and Seven Energy.
• AFC is also the lead investor in Cenpower Generation Company Limited (Cenpower), which is implementing the Kpone IPP project – a 340 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Tema, Ghana.
• AFC is the lead investor in the Main One fibre optic cable project, enhancing West Africa’s connection to Europe and the rest of the world through faster and more technologically advanced broadband capacity.
• AFC provided a USD50 million convertible debt investment in ARM Cement Limited (ARM), the second largest cement operator in Kenya to support expansion initiatives across Eastern and Southern Africa including; development and construction of a lime plant in Tanzania and expansion of ARM’s cement capacity in Kenya. The transaction marked AFC’s first bilateral investment in Kenya.
• AFC provided financing for Ethiopian airlines fleet expansion in the acquisition of Africa’s first Boeing 777 airline.
• AFC also invested in the Bakwena toll road project in South Africa, and in the EURO 270 million Konan Bedie Toll Bridge in Côte d’Ivoire; the signature Transport PPP project in Francophone Africa, underscoring its interest in investing in PPPs/PFIs in its focal sectors across the African continent.
• AFC launched a landmark USD15 million project development facility with the Dutch Development Bank FMO in January 2013, to fund early-stage equity investments in projects under development pre-financial close, in the infrastructure sector across sub-Saharan Africa.
• The AFC has established partnerships with national, regional and international organizations and with sponsors that are active in the infrastructure space in Africa.
© Press Release 2014
© Copyright Zawya. All Rights Reserved.
↧
Warri Wolves edge out Union Douala, to meet CA Bizertin
The Seasiders progressed into the 2nd round of the CAF Confederation Cup on aggregate despite playing a draw in Warri to keep Nigeria’s campaign charge intact
Warri Wolves have qualified for the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 4-3 aggregate win, despite playing out a 1-1 draw with Union Douala of Cameroon in Warri on Sunday.
The 2013 Cameroonian Premier League third place finishers suffered a shocking 2-3 home loss in Cameroon in the first leg against Nigeria’s 2013 Federation Cup runners-up last weekend.
Sunday’s stalemate was produced through spot kicks for both teams all in the second half of the game.
Musa Najare missed a string of chances in the first half to leave the Nigerian campaigners in search of an all-important goal to consolidate on their first leg advantage over their visitors.
Incidentally, it was wasteful Najare that converted a 78th minute spot kick earned by Warri Wolves after Oghenekaro Etebo was brought down in the area to secure the lead but failed to hold out for victory.
The spirited visitors pulled one back through Djumo Tchan Christian from the spot in added time, but efforts were not enough to see them through as the Nigerian side advanced on 4-3 agregate.
The Seasiders have been rewarded with a second round draw against CA Bizertin of Tunisia who dumped out Desportivo da Huíla of Angola 3-0 on aggregate.
Wolves will host the Tunisia Cup winners on March 23before travelling a week later to Tunisia for the return fixture.
↧
At Last, Jonathan Kicks Off Construction of Second Niger Bridge
Photo: Premium Times
Awka — AFTER many years of waiting and agitation by the people of South East, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, laid the foundation stone for the construction of second Niger Bridge linking Asaba in Delta State with Onitsha in Anambra State.
At an impressive ceremony attended by people from all walks of life, including Governors Peter Obi of Anambra, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Theodore Orji of Abia and Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, as well as ministers and members of the National Assembly, President Jonathan gave an assurance that the project would be completed on schedule and according to specifications.
The project is to be constructed by Julius Berger Plc.
In a speech punctuated by ovations and clapping from the mammoth crowd that witnessed the ceremony, President Jonathan said the second Niger Bridge was critical to his administration’s resolve to improve the economic fortunes of the country, describing it as a fulfillment of one of his campaign promises.
According to him, he chose to perform the ground-breaking ceremony before the exit of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State whose eight-year tenure would end next week because of the governor’s unrelenting efforts to ensure the project was realised.
He said: “It is my resolve and that of my administration to ensure that this unity bridge is built to connect Asaba and Onitsha. I want to urge the governors of Anambra and Delta states to ensure that the project is built on time and according to specification.”
Minister for Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenen, said the project, as part of the transformation agenda of Mr. President, was to improve the infrastructural and socio-economic activities of the nation.
The minister explained that the Federal Government would execute the project under the Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement for a concessional period of 25 years through Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer, DPFOT, model.
The Second Niger Bridge, he explained, was 1,590 metres long and forms part of the 11.90 km length project which construction cost was put at N117, 860, 700, 741. 82 vat inclusive.
According to him, the construction will be completed within 48 months.
Also speaking, chairman of South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, said that with the latest development, President Jonathan had shown that the South East was of great importance in the Nigerian project.
Orji observed that the bridge, which will serve as a gate-way to the southern part of Nigeria, would also boost economic activities of the people and solve the problem of loss of man-hours being spent on the existing Niger Bridge which often experienced excruciating traffic.
Describing the project as a dream come true, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, extolled the leadership qualities of President Jonathan, adding that he had demonstrated an uncommon love for Ndigbo and Nigeria at large by the commencement of the construction of the bridge.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Ayogu Eze, said the Senate would ensure proper oversight function to ensure that the project was delivered according to specifications.
He noted that Igbo had fully been re-integrated into the nation with the emergence of President Jonathan, who appointed Igbo people into very sensitive positions which they never occupied since the end of the Nigerian civil war.
The ceremony virtually brought business activities to a halt in Onitsha as many traders locked up their shops to witness the ceremony.
Some of them who wanted to really show gratitude to the president in form of organizing a carnival for him were however disappointed because of heavy security in Onitsha yesterday.
Apart from the four governors, other personalities that attended the ceremony include the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Sunday Onyebuchi, coordinating Minister for Economy and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, information minister, Mr. Labaram Maku, minister of state for education, Chief Nyeasom Wike, Senators, Ayogu Eze, Ken Nnamani, Andy Uba and Joy Emodi and Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha.
↧
↧
2nd Niger Bridge: My sincere promise now a reality – Jonathan •FG invests …
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, commended the people of South-East and South-South zones for their patience over delays in the construction of the second Niger Bridge, adding that with the groundbreaking of the project, his sincere promise during the electioneering is now a reality.
“My sincere promise during my campaign is today made a reality to the good people of the South-East and South-South,” Jonathan said before performing the groundbreaking of the bridge.
The president performed the ceremony at Krisoral ground, Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday.
He disclosed that the construction of the second Niger Bridge was critical to his administration’s resolve to improve the economic fortunes of the country, adding that the groundbreaking was first done by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
“It is my resolve and that of my administration to ensure the unity bridge is built to connect Asaba and Onitsha. We have every reason to deliver the second Niger Bridge,” he said.
The dual carriageway bridge, designed to be 1,590m long, is scheduled to be completed in four years by Messrs Julius Berger Construction Company.
Jonathan said the Federal Government was building two important bridges across the two major rivers in the country, Niger and Benue, for the benefit of Nigerians.
“The construction of the second bridge across River Benue is going on smoothly and this one would follow suit immediately from now.
“This bridge, when completed, would alleviate the movement difficulties of our people, especially congestion experienced during festive seasons and improve commerce and trade,” he said.
He said the Federal Government had committed 25 per cent of the total cost of the bridge, which is N40 billion, adding that other funding for the project would come in due course.
The president said the second Niger Bridge “is a strategic national infrastructure and a great economic strategy for Onitsha, Aba and Nnewi markets,” adding that the purpose was to alleviate the suffering of the people and decongest traffic flow betwen Onitsha bridge head and Asaba in Delta State.
Jonathan urged the governors of Anambra and Delta states, through which the bridge would pass, to provide a favourable environment for the construction, so as to ensure its timely completion.
“This bridge and the national conference, which would be inaugurated next week Monday, in Abuja, are two vital components of our national cohesion and unity,” he said.
He lauded the resilience of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State in making sure that the project was actualised, noting that the bridge would be built to last for a long time.
Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, on behalf of the South-East Governors’ Forum, thanked God for the president for his vision, adding that “since you have been our president, your major concern is about the people’s welfare.”
Orji said with the latest development, President Jonathan had shown that South-East was of great importance in the Nigerian project, adding that the bridge would serve as gateway to the southern part of Nigeria.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said the wish of the South-South people was that the president would also inaugurate the bridge in the next four years.
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra thanked the president for a promise fulfilled, as well as the status accorded the Ndi-Igbo.
“We would not fail to thank you for removing the Obi-and-Sons Contractor, who was earlier awarded this project, for a competent contractor, who we can trust to do a good job and having the manpower and equipment needed to deliver at set schedule and quality,” he noted.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said the project was a dream come through, adding that by this singular act, President Jonathan had demonstrated an uncommon love for the Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.
Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolemenen, said the ministry, in 2013, commenced the phase one of the project, adding that the construction of the bridge, which the government was executing under the public-private partnership, would cost N117.8 billion.
Managing Director of Julius Berger, Mr Wolfgang Goetsch, said the company was happy to be part of “this historic project and of the development of the country within its over 45 years of operation in Nigeria.”
Others on the occasion were the Ebonyi State governor, Chief Martin Elechi; deputy governor Enugu State, Chief Sunday Onyebuchi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku.
Senators Ayogu Eze, Ken Nnamani, Andy Uba and Joy Emodi were also at the event.
Igbo leaders commend Jonathan
Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs Azuka Enemuo, commended President Jonathan for performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the second bridge across the Niger.
Enemuo said the president had, through the project, brought joy to several Nigerians who had been expecting another bridge to ease the load on the existing bridge.
Also, Igbo spiritual leader and Ogilishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, told newsmen that by the groundbreaking, President Jonathan had given hope to ease the traffic jam which constituted nuisance to the people of South-East.
Chief Ezeonwuka said the new bridge, when completed, would boost both social and economic fortunes of the South-East and South-West.
Chairman of G.U.O Transport, Chief G. U. Okeke, expressed delight that the cry to ease their plights had been heard by the government.
He recalled that lives and several man-hour had been lost on the bridge, due to delays.
Expressing his gratitude, Honourable Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru constituency in the House of Representatives, said the bridge was one of the major requests of his constituency and thanked President Jonathan for living up to his words.
↧
Jonathan kicks-off Second Niger Bridge
From EMMANUEL UZOR, DOM EKPUNOBI and ALOYSIUS ATTAH, Onitsha
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday kicked off the construction of the second bridge across River Niger in a grand style with an assurance that the project will be completed on schedule and to specifications.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony at the Krisoral ground, Atani in Ogbaru Council Area of Anambra State, President Jonathan assured the people of South-East and the rest of the country of timely completion of the project which was awarded to Julius Berger Construction Company.
The president said the construction of the Second Niger Bridge was critical to his administration’s resolve to improve the economic fortunes of the country, adding that in fulfillment of his campaign promises, he came to perform the ground-breaking ceremony before Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State leaves office next week.
He commended the efforts of Governor Obi in ensuring that the project was actualized, noting that the bridge would be built to last for so long. He reiterated the readiness of his administration to monitor the progress of work at the bridge.
His words: “It is my resolve and that of my administration to ensure the unity bridge is built to connect Asaba and Onitsha. I want to urge the governors of Anambra and Delta states to ensure that the project is built on time and to specifications. The essence of monitoring the progress of work at the bridge is to ensure timely completion of the Second Niger Bridge. We have every reason to deliver the Second Niger Bridge.”
Earlier, Governor Obi expressed happiness that at last, the construction of the Second Niger Bridge had come to reality, and assured that the project when completed would increase the economic activities in the entire country and the South East.
He said: “Mr. President, I don’t need to tell you how happy my people are. It is evident that the people of the South-East and Nigeria at large are happy that today, you are building the Second Niger Bridge. It is the most important project that will connect all the communities to the other. Now, people from this part of the country can travel to any parts of the country and even outside the sub-regions. We have confidence that the bridge will be built to last.”
Governor Obi also commended President Jonathan for the speedy construction of Zik’s Mausoleum which he said would ensure that the spirit of the former president of Nigeria rests in peace in his final resting place.
The Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenen said the project as part of the transformation agenda of Mr. President was to improve the infrastructure and socio-economic activities of the nation, adding that the Federal Government was executing the project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for a concession period of 25 years through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DPFOT) model.
Onolemenen said the Second Niger Bridge is 1,590 metres long and forms part of the 11.90 km length project which construction cost is put at N117, 860, 700, 741. 82 VAT inclusive, adding that the construction of the bridge will last for 48 months.
The new Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, said with this latest development, President Jonathan had shown that South-East is of great importance in the Nigerian project. He noted that the bridge which would serve as a gateway to the southern part of Nigeria would boost economic activities and solve the gridlocks problem and consequent loss of productive hours on the existing Niger bridge.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, described the project as a dream realised and commended the leadership qualities of President Jonathan whom he said had demonstrated an uncommon love for Ndigbo and Nigeria at large by the commencement of the Second Niger Bridge.
How To Last Longer in Bed. Starting Tonight
—————————————
How to start a profitable importation business with just N10,000
———————————————
Refer a Bullet-proof Car Buyer And Get N1 million.
————————————–
HOW I MADE 13MILLION IN 2013. CLick here to learn
—————————————-
23 yrs boy started importation with N10,450. Read his story here!
————————————-
Do you have an ATM card? Start mini importation business with N10,000
↧
CSR: Energia Hands over N4.48m Projects to Host Communities
Oando
Chika Amanze-Nwachuku
Energia, a marginal oil field company operated jointly with Oando Plc, has handed over several projects worth N448,228,568 million, under its corporate social responsibility programme to its host communities in Ndokwa Local Government Area of Delta State.
The projects were executed from the $5,937,687.96 so far remitted to the host communities through their respective community Trust Funds.
The projects include the 2.8 kilometer Emu-Ebendo community road, asphalted with interlocked walkways and drainage system; Obodougwa community road; and Umusam community road. Others are Umusedege Okpalauku’s palace project and several water boreholes with generating sets for all round pumping.
The Emu-Ebendo road was built at the cost of N265,378,652; Obodougwa road cost N46,270,504. Umusam community road was constructed at a cost N94,234,520, Okpalauku’s palace was built and furnished with N30,134,139, while the bore holes project cost N12,210,753.
Several other projects such as markets, refurbishing of schools, town halls, water projects, transformers for stable power supply and peace and reconciliation programme were executed in the 2011/ 2012 development year.
The company said the projects were in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility approach, whereby a percentage of crude production was given to the communities who decide what projects they would execute with the allocation.
Speaking at the opening and handing over ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Utuama, commended Energia for being novel in its approach to community development projects and assured that the state would do all within its powers to ensure a good and peaceful working environment.
Utuama who spoke through Mr. David Ighovoja, his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, urged the communities to maintain a peaceful working environment that will boost the company’s production, which will in turn, transform the communities.
He enjoined other companies operating in the state to borrow a leaf from Energia as government could not handle all development projects alone. He expressed happiness that within a short period of its operations, Energia has improved the lots of its host communities.
Also speaking during the occasion, Managing Director of Energia, Mr. Felix Amieye-Ofori pointed out that the projects inaugurated were part of the many projects and programmes so far executed by his company and expressed hope that despite the challenges the company is faced with, its relationship with the host communities would get better.
He explained that Energia ensured the building of a transparent structure through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding and Trust Fund, which outlined the obligations of each party in the agreement.
He said: “Pursuant to the trust Deeds and MoUs with the respective communities, a Trust Fund where three per cent of the gross production proceeds of crude sale by the Joint Venture is remitted for the sustainable infrastructural development projects and human capacity building of the respective communities.
Thereafter, Trust Boards were set up from the host communities of Emu-Ebendo, Obodougwa-Ogume, Umusadege, Isumpe, Umusam and Ogbeani and Energia/Oando. They manage the remittances to the Trust Fund bank accounts as well as meet with communities to approve which projects would be executed.
Apart from project executed under the Trust Fund, Energia has carried out other training and skill acquisition programmes. These include Elders welfare programmes, educational remedial programme, internal security administration and management, agricultural programmes, youths skill acquisition programme and donation of vehicles among others.
So far, Energia has employed 157 host community people since inception of production. The company currently produces 8,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and targets to boost production to 15,000 bopd in 2014/2015 from the four wells it has so far drilled.
Chairman of the Impacted Communities Trust Board, Mr. Chuks Ochonogor, poured encomiums on Energia, pointing out that if other oil companies with bigger production capacities were committed to development of their host communities as Energia, there would probably not be security issues in the region
↧
Family sues Army for killing 31-yr-old breadwinner
THE Ewugharodo family of Orere town, Ewu-Urhobo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has dragged the Commanding Officer, 222 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Agbarha-Otor before a Delta State High Court for the alleged murder of Efe Ewugharado, a 31-year-old fish farmer and breadwinner by soldiers on December 5, 2013, in Ughelli.
Other defendants in the suit instituted by deceased’s elder sister, Madam Julie Ewugharado and widow, Mrs. Mabel Ewugharodo, are the Chief of Army Staff; Commander, Joint Task Force, JTF; Attorney General of the Federation and Setraco Nigeria Limited.
The deceased had three children namely: Salvation Ewugharodo, male, aged 8 years and a primary three pupil of Ogele Primary School, Ughelli; Oghenetejiri Ewugharodo, female, aged 4 years and a Kindergarten 2 pupil of Ogele Primary School, Ughelli; and Favour Ewugharodo, male, aged 1 year, 2 months at the time of the incident.
The plaintiffs/claimants are demanding N500 million damages “as a result of the unconstitutional, wrongful and gruesome murder of the late Mr. Efe Ewugharodo, father of three children, by the defendants and/or soldiers under the control, supervision and command of defendants at 7.45 am by Ughelli Bridge, near Ughelli Main Market, Ughelli town.”
They urged the court to declare the shooting and killing of the deceased while he was riding on a motor cycle with his wife as unlawful, wrongful and ultra vires the power of the defendants.
The family alleged that soldiers barricaded the only bridge near the Ughelli Main Market without public notice, while a second bridge was under construction, causing a serious traffic gridlock.
The claimants averred that the 2nd claimant on the above date rode on the same motorcycle with her late husband and the scene was very rowdy when they arrived, adding that without any provocation, by one of the soldiers and when he demanded to know his offence, other soldiers joined in beating him.
Source: VANGUARD
Short URL: http://www.osundefender.org/?p=153858
on Mar 11 2014. Filed under ACCIDENT, AFRICA, ANNOUNCEMENT, NEWS, Tits Bits.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
↧
↧
Tanker Fire Destroys 12 Transmission Towers in Delta
Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan
By Chineme Okafor
In what is bound to worsen the power situation in Delta State, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced yesterday that it lost 12 transmission towers and one of its 330kv transmission lines stretching from Sapele to Ughelli in the state.
The company explained that a fire incident caused by a petrol tanker had razed towers 88 and 89.
Aside the setback it creates in the transmission network of the company, TCN also said the incident had caused it a huge loss to the tune of N1 billion which it would require to reconstruct the 12 towers and rehabilitate tower No 81
It noted in a statement from its General Manager, Public Affairs in Abuja, Seun Olagunju, that the fire incident which started at about 9:42a.m. on Sunday had resulted in the melting and snapping of the all line conductors between the two towers, thus causing a loss of balance along the transmission line and swinging of towers.
The transmission company stated further that the incident resulted in the eventual collapse of the towers but that tower 81 which did not collapse had been bent and weakened by the incident.
Olagunju also said the loaded petrol tanker which fell and caught fire at Ogborode junction, near Warri in Delta State, destroyed the 330kv Sapele-Ughelli transmission line and brought down TCN’s towers No 82 to 93 along the route.
She said that the collapse would result in a loss of evacuation capacity from that route.
“With the collapse of the 12 towers, TCN has temporarily lost power evacuation from that line as all power generated by Delta and Sapele power stations would now only be evacuated through the second 500MW capacity 330kV transmission line from Ughelli to Benin,” Olagunju said.
Notwithstanding the transmission limitations, TCN assured electricity consumers that the second 330kV transmission line from Ughelli to Benin and the 132kV transmission lines one and two from Benin to Ughelli would adequately evacuate power generated from the power stations to Benin.
It also said it had put in place plans to ensure that the transmission lines are free of encumbrances to ensure continued efficient wheeling of power generated.
The statement further noted that TCN’s quick response engineering team and its transmission contractors were already at the accident scene to fully assess the level of damage to the system with a view to putting in place quick remedial plans, pending the re-construction of the 12 transmission towers.
It also said it had put in place security operatives to guard the collapsed tower from vandals.
She pleaded with vehicle drivers, especially ones that haul highly inflammable items such as petrol to drive with care and also ensure that their vehicles are in good order always, to avoid such massive losses to the company and the nation.
It thus pledged to do all it could to reconstruct the 330kV transmission line as quickly as possible to check further losses to the nation.
↧
NIGERIA: Fire destroys 330Kv TCN transmission line
NIGERIA: Fire destroys 330Kv TCN transmission line
Category: Nigeria News
Published: Tuesday, 11 March 2014 08:54
Written by Chris Ochayi KUNLE KALEJAYE
Hits: 10
↧
Achebe, Nnamani, others hail Jonathan over 2nd Niger Bridge
President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off the 2nd Niger Bridge on Monday.
A cross section of prominent Nigerians on Monday commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chairman, Victor Umeh, made the commendation when they spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Onitsha on Monday.
Mr. Achebe said that the bridge would play a great role in the lives of all Nigerians.
He said this was so because the bridge would connect the south to the west and the north to the south and east.
“The construction of the bridge means a lot to us in Anambra; apart from the fact that it will increase commerce, it will also bring Nigerians closer to each other.
“It is a national project and it will help in transforming the nation in a very good way.
“The Federal Government has done its part by financing the project and we the locals on ground would make available a secured environment for the contractors to work and ensure peace.”
He, however, urged the contractors to work effectively to deliver a quality job and on time.
Mr. Nnamani expressed happiness that President Jonathan had finally delivered the project after many administrations failed.
He said the construction of the bridge meant increased economy for all the zones of the country.
“If this project succeeds as I know it would, it must have opened a new chapter of PPP in funding infrastructure in Nigeria.
“Everywhere the world over, the government is tapping into the PPP since it cannot fund infrastructure alone.
“So if this one succeeds it will be a good example for other projects.”
Mr. Nnamani, who is also the Chairman of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, said that steps would be taken to effectively monitor the project to ensure that it complied with the ICRC Act of 2005.
In his reaction, Mr. Umeh lauded the president for the “giant stride” in the construction sector.
Mr. Umeh said that this was the first time Nigeria would have such a huge amount of project being done with availability of funds from the beginning. He said this showed that the project would be delivered on time and Nigerians were sure of its completion.
Mary Nwosu, a trader, said the bridge would open up markets and make food items to be very cheap.
“We always travel to Asaba and other states for trade but the hold up on the bridge makes drivers to charge us highly.
“I’m sure when the bridge is completed, we would have more cheap products and we won’t need to spend all those hours travelling to buy things because the road will be shorter,” she said.
She also thanked the government for the initiative, adding that “when December comes there will be no fear of hold-up because there will be more routes to ply.”
(NAN)
↧
Army Sued Over Allege Murder of Breadwinner, 31
The Ewugharodo family of Orere town, Ewu-Urhobo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has dragged the Commanding Officer, 222 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Agbarha-Otor before a Delta State High Court for the alleged murder of Efe Ewugharado, a 31-year-old fish farmer and breadwinner by soldiers on December 5, 2013, in Ughelli.
Other defendants in the suit instituted by deceased’s elder sister, Madam Julie Ewugharado and widow, Mrs. Mabel Ewugharodo, are the Chief of Army Staff; Commander, Joint Task Force, JTF; Attorney General of the Federation and Setraco Nigeria Limited.
Daily Times gathered that the deceased had three children namely: Salvation Ewugharodo, male, aged 8 years and a primary three pupil of Ogele Primary School, Ughelli; Oghenetejiri Ewugharodo, female, aged 4 years and a Kindergarten 2 pupil of Ogele Primary School, Ughelli; and Favour Ewugharodo, male, aged 1 year, 2 months at the time of the incident.
The plaintiffs/claimants are demanding N500 million damages “as a result of the unconstitutional, wrongful and gruesome murder of the late Mr. Efe Ewugharodo, father of three children, by the defendants and/or soldiers under the control, supervision and command of defendants at 7.45 am by Ughelli Bridge, near Ughelli Main Market, Ughelli town.”
They urged the court to declare the shooting and killing of the deceased while he was riding on a motor cycle with his wife as unlawful, wrongful and ultra vires the power of the defendants.
The family alleged that soldiers barricaded the only bridge near the Ughelli Main Market without public notice, while a second bridge was under construction, causing a serious traffic gridlock.
However, the claimants averred that the 2nd claimant on the above date rode on the same motorcycle with her late husband and the scene was very rowdy when they arrived, adding that without any provocation, by one of the soldiers and when he demanded to know his offence, other soldiers joined in beating him.
↧
↧
CAF Confed Cup: Warri Wolves edge Union Douala
The Warri Wolves Football Club on Sunday played 1-1 draw with the visiting Union Douala Football Club of Cameroun at the Warri township stadium.
The outcome made Wolves to advance to the second round of the 2014 Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition after ending both ties on 4-3 aggregate.
In the first leg decided in Cameroon, the game ended 3-2 in favour of the Wolves.
In the return leg played in Warri, both goals were scored in the second half through penalty kicks.
Najare Musa converted a penalty when team mate Oghenetega Otebo was brought down by Union Douala defender at 54th minute.
However, the visitors replied at the 87th minute when Djumo Christian converted a penalty for the Union Douala.
One yellow card was issued to Douala’s number 11 shirt, Achu Clevis, in the 34th minute for wrong tackling.
Both sides missed scoring chances in the explosive encounter.
The Warri Wolves coach, Paul Aigbogun, in his reaction to the match said he was pleased with the performance of his boys.
Aigbogun admitted that his team missed a lot of scoring chances in the game and promised to work on it ahead of the second round of the competition.
The team will meet Club Athletic Bizertin of Tunisia in the next round of the competition.
Also, coach Roques Sebastien of Union Douala said that his team played against a more mature and determined club.
”I accept the defeats, we are a young team and we are learning. Hopefully we will improve in the next season. The officiating was good,” he said.
The captain of Warri Wolves, Goodluck Onamado, said they would improve on their subsequent games, adding that this was just their second game since beginning of the new season.
”There are new players in our midst and we need time to play together and blend,” he said.
The match commissioner was El Shenawi from Egypt, while the central referee was Osiase Koto from Lesotho. (NAN)
↧
FG urged to consider naming Niger’s 2nd bridge Asaba/Onitsha Bridge
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State yesterday called on the Federal Government to rename the second bridge to be constructed across the river Niger, ‘Asaba/Onitsha Bridge’.
The Governor who made the call at Onitsha during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the second bridge across the river Niger, said that the second bridge was significant and important not just for Delta and Anambra States, but for the entire country.
According to him, the socio-political and economic benefits of the bridge to the country cannot be quantified in addition to the boost it will give the nation’s unity and integration.
The Governor commended President Goodluck Jonathan for ensuring that the event was a reality saying: “Mr. President we want to thank you for the efforts you have put in to ensure that you are flagging off the construction of this bridge today”.
Uduaghan promised the support and cooperation of Delta State Government to ensure that the project was completed on schedule without hitches adding: “Let me assure the contractor that you are safe in this place, your workers are safe and you equipment and facilities are safe too”.
In an interview at the Asaba International Airport, The Former Deputy Governor of Delta State Chief Benjamin Elue said the second bridge would help hasten industrialization and boost commercial activities in the South-East/South South regions and the country in general.
According to him, “The ground breaking ceremony today by President Goodluck Jonathan will help boost the economy of this state, the South-East region and the country. It is a bridge that will promote commerce in the area and hasten our industrialization”.
Chief Elue who explained that the second Niger Bridge has been on the drawing board for over 20 years commended President Jonathan for making the initiative a reality and called for its early completion
PRESS UNIT
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA
MARCH 10, 2014
↧
30000 PDP/DPP Members Join APC In Delta
Copyright © 2014 Leadership Newspaper. All Rights Reserved.
↧
La bataille du barrage – Al
L’Egypte ne doit pas traîner avant de présenter une plainte aux Nations-Unies contre l’Ethiopie, au sujet du barrage de la Renaissance. Elle doit aussi mobiliser l’opinion publique internationale contre ce projet. Nous ne devons pas nous contenter d’une plainte contre telle société italienne qui exécute le projet ou une autre française qui y participe. Nous devons nous adresser aux Nations-Unies, à l’Union européenne ou à la Cour de justice internationale. Il s’agit d’une véritable crise surtout que le Soudan a abandonné l’Egypte et soutient désormais le projet. De nombreux pays complotent contre nous avec en tête les Etats-Unis. Ils utilisent les mêmes vieilles méthodes. De plus, la Turquie, le Qatar et d’autres pays essayent de nous imposer un statu quo. Les chiffres indiquent que les investissements d’Arabie saoudite, des Emirats et du Koweït en Ethiopie atteignent plus de 20 milliards de dollars. Les gouvernements de ces pays sont tout à fait capables de retirer ces investissements.
Par ailleurs, il est maintenant certain que le Soudan n’est plus avec l’Egypte. Mais nous nous sommes habitués aux positions d’Al-Bachir qui a renoncé à la moitié de son pays. Il ne sera donc pas étrange qu’il renonce au Nil pour le présenter comme cadeau à l’Ethiopie. La région connaîtra ensuite d’énormes mutations qui vont à l’encontre des intérêts de nombreuses parties internationales. Par conséquent, les calculs prochains imposeront à tous une nouvelle réalité.
L’eau du Nil n’est pas une question politique ou économique pour l’Egypte. Il s’agit d’une question de vie ou de mort pour tous les Egyptiens, surtout que l’Ethiopie a l’intention de construire un autre barrage à côté de celui de la Renaissance. Ce qui signifie empêcher complètement l’arrivée de l’eau en Egypte. L’Egypte doit absolument mobiliser le refus international face à la position de l’Ethiope, d’autant plus que la position américaine est de plus en plus mystérieuse à l’égard de l’Egypte et qu’il est de notre devoir de défendre nos intérêts. Si quelqu’un menace ces intérêts, nous pouvons nous aussi menacer les siens. Le Canal de Suez domine le mouvement du commerce international et toute la mer Rouge. De plus, le monde arabe avec son poids peut soutenir la position de l’Egypte même sans le Soudan. Nous avons besoin d’une équipe égyptienne de haut niveau jouissant d’un grand degré de conscience et d’harmonie pour commencer la bataille contre le barrage qui ne sera certainement ni facile, ni courte. Mais c’est la bataille de l’avenir .
Lien court:
↧
↧
Transcorp Fulfils Promise to Shareholders
Transcorp office
Goddy Egene writes that with the recommendation of N1.93 billion dividend for the 2013 financial year, directors of Transcorp have fulfilled their promise to shareholders
“Heirs Holdings will engage positively with the board and management of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc so the transformation we envisage for the company can be implemented and conducted in a spirit of cooperation for the greater good of all shareholders,” these the words of directors of Heirs Holdings when the company bought a strategic stake in Transcorp in 2011.
Less than three years after, the shareholders of Transcorp have started reaping the fruits of their investments, following the recommendation of a dividend of N1.93 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Prior to the acquisition by Heirs Holding, Transcorp was on the verge of extinction. However, the acquisition, which led to the coming in of Tony Elumelu as chairman, marked the turning point in the fortunes of the company. Last week, the company, which has not paid dividend since its establishment, recommended a dividend of N1.9 billion to be shared among the investors at the rate of five kobo per share.
Corporate Profile
Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) was incorporated on 16 November 2004 with the objective of creating a truly Nigerian conglomerate with the ability to compete successfully on a global scale. One of the founding goals included setting up a company capable of mobilising local and international capital in the development of world-class enterprises, under strong Nigerian management and leadership.
Today, Transcorp is a publicly quoted conglomerate with a diversified shareholders base of about 290,000 investors, the most prominent is Heirs Holdings Limited, a pan-African proprietary investment company.
The Transcorp portfolio comprises strategic investments in the hospitality, agriculture and energy sectors. The company’s notable businesses include: Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja; Transcorp Hotels, Calabar; Teragro Commodities Limited, operator of Teragro Benfruit juice concentrate plant; Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited; and Transcorp Energy Limited, operator of OPL281.
The company’s vision is “To create sustainable value for our stakeholders in our chosen markets,” while its mission is “To build a conglomerate of successful businesses underpinned by excellence, execution and entrepreneurship.”
The board of directors of Transcorp is led by Elumelu, while Obinna Ufudo is chief executive officer. Other directors are: O’tega Emerhor, Kayode Fashola, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Umar, Dr. Stanley Lawson, Emmanuel Nnorom, and Chibundu Edozie.
2013 Financial Results
Transcorp is the first company in the conglomerate sub-sector to release its 2013 audited results, reporting a revenue of N18.82 billion in 2013, up from N13.22 billion posted in 2012.
Gross profit rose from N9.76 billion to N14.373 billion, while operating profit settled at N10.2 billion compared to N3.765 billion in 2012. Profit before tax rose from N3.94 billion to N9 billion, while profit after profit after tax soared by 300 per cent from N1 billion to N4 billion.
Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 12 kobo, up from four kobo the previous year. Hence, the directors recommended a dividend of five kobo be paid out of the 12 kobo EPS. Total assets rose from N99.6 billion to N149.5 billion.
Directors’/Analysts’ Comments
Commenting on results, Ufudo said: “Our full year audited accounts reflect our commitment to our long term strategic plan, translating into strong and sustainable growth. We are excited about the achievements we recorded across our businesses within the past year.
“Our entry into the power sector has been a significant driver and we are already running ahead of our 2014 estimates. We expect significantly better results this year, as our diversification and growth strategies continue to gain momentum.”
Also speaking on the results, Elumelu said the directors are particularly pleased to be able to recommend a dividend to shareholders for the first time in the company’s history.
“This is the beginning of a very bright future for all our patient and loyal shareholders. With the tremendous progress we have already recorded in our power business – taking the Ughelli plant’s power output from 160mw when we took over on November 1, 2013 to 360mw within 3 months – 2014 promises to be a very rewarding year for the company and our 300,000 shareholders,” he said.
Renaissance Capital, a leading international financial advisory firm a leading investment services firm, similarly commented on the Transcorp’s performance , saying “We are pleasantly surprised that Transcorp decided to pay dividend (for the first time) at all especially as they are entering into a growth period.”
Analysts at the firm added that they are optimistic that there would be dramatic changes in Transcorp’s numbers going into 2014 as the transformation process continues.
Surpassing Projection
Going by the 2013 results, Transcorp actually surpassed its profit projection for the year. Addressing the stock market community last year, Ufodu had said the company would end the year with a profit before tax of N7bilion. But the company recorded a PBT of N9 billion.
He had equally said the PBT would increase to N23 billion in 2014, N32 billion in 2015 and N51 billion in 2016. ATranscorp is expected to end 2017 and 2018 with PBT of N102 billion and N140 billion respectively.
The company had recorded a PBT of N3.949 billion in 2012 and had posted N5.148 billion PBT as at nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Ufudo had said Transcorp was in the second phase of its turnaround agenda.
According to him, under the second phase, Transcorp acquired and successfully took over Ughelli Power Plant, commenced renovation and upgrade of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, executed a management agreement for Transcorp Hilton, Ikoyi, Lagos and acquired a site for five-star hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He added that in the agribusiness, the company commenced production of orange, mango and pineapple concentrates while in the oil and gas sector, it commenced pre-drilling planning for Oil prospecting lease (OPL 281).
“We are delighted to be able to come to the Exchange having delivered on our promises. We believe the Transcorp transformation is only the beginning and we look forward to recording further success for our shareholders, stakeholders and staff. We also pay tribute to the critical role our strategic investor, Heirs Holdings, has played in catalysing change,” Ufudo said.
Ufudo assured stakeholders that Transcorp’s entry into the power sector has been a significant driver.
“We are already running ahead of our 2014 estimates. We expect significantly better results this year, as our diversification and growth strategies continue to gain momentum,” he said.
Elumelu had last December said Transcorp is a vehicle for all Nigeria to gain access to opportunities that the country offers.
“We promised our investors that they would reap the rewards of their patience and now we have built a company that is not only sharing the tangible fruits of our labour, it is also a vehicle for all Nigerians to gain access to the opportunities that our country offers,” he said.
↧
Petrol tanker burns power transmission line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it had lost one of its 330KV transmission lines from Sapele to Ughelli, Delta and 12 towers along the route, to fire.
y Mrs Seun Olagunju, its General Manager in charge of Public Affairs said the fire was caused by a petrol tanker that fell and caught fire at the transmission station on Sunday morning.
“The fire caused the melting and snapping of all of the line conductors between the two towers causing a loss of balance along the transmission line.
“This resulted in their eventual collapse. Tower 81 did not collapse but was bent’’, it said.
It added that with the collapse, TCN had temporarily lost power evacuation from the line.
The statement said all power generated by Delta and Sapele Power Stations would now only be evacuated through the second 500MW capacity 33KV transmission line from Ughelli to Benin.
It assured that the Benin line would adequately evacuate power generated from the power stations to Benin.
The statement said it TCN had also put plans in place to ensure that the transmission lines were free of encumbrances to ensure continued efficient wheeling of power generated.
It said it had also put security operatives in place to guard the collapsed tower from vandals.
The statement said the incident had led to massive loss to the company and the nation and that about one billion naira would be required for the reconstruction of the 12 towers.
It pledged to do all it could to reconstruct the 33KV transmission line as quickly as possible to check further losses to the nation.
↧
Confab – Urhobo Calls for True Fiscal Federalism
Ughelli — THE Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Committee on the National Conference, has presented its report to the Urhobo nation with a call for the relocation of Urhobo Kingdoms in Warri to Delta Central, amongst other demands.
Prof. Godini Darah, Chairman of the Committee, while presenting the report in Uvwiamuge, lamented the exclusion of the Urhobo people from the South-South delegates list released by the Federal Government for the national conference.
According to Darah, “The UPU agrees that the National Conference is a courageous and patriotic initiative taken by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to rescue Nigeria from protracted crisis. The conference offers opportunity for the diverse people and nations of Nigeria to exchange ideas and proposals on how to build a democratic and equitable federal system of government.
“In the light of the foregoing, the UPU presented a memorandum to the Presidential Advisory Committee at its consultative meeting in Benin-City in October, 2013. The UPU Committee identified 32 issues that are of primary interest to the Urhobo nation.”
The committee listed 32 recommendations upon which the Urhobo nation will renegotiate its continual sojourn in the Nigeria state, insisting that its vast population and human resources must be reflected in any Nigerian arrangement.
Top on the list is the Urhobo’s call for true fiscal federalism, adding: “The Urhobo nation has been a victim of the weakening of the fiscal federalism principle with Urhobo natural resources taken over by the Federal Government, thus generating poverty and violence.”
↧