Connect with us

News

Civil society demand free electricity metres to residents of Borno State

Published

on

Civil society demand free electricity metres to residents of Borno State

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The network of Civil society organizations in Borno state (NECSOB) led by its Executive Director Comrade Bulama Abiso has demanded for the resumption of distribution of free digital metres for electricity supplies to residents of Borno State.

The Executive Director stressed during a news conference in Maiduguri today that the pains of the ongoing adjustment of the Nigerian economy is felt in a double way by Borno residents which is why the Yola electricity should not hoard metres meant for the people.

He said that as far as this country is concerned, north east Nigeria has been heavily starved of supplies of electricity adding that something must be done urgently to correct this anomaly.

Comrade Abiso, called for the reversal of many anti people policies like shortage of electricity which he noted were not in the interest of residents because they were hurting them.

He said they are equally worried about the fact that the gas plant was not getting enough attention at this auspices time which is why the state capital has been in darkness for over two weeks now.

On the recent pronouncement of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) the Executive Director went on: “It came to us as a great shock, the recent announcement by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory
Commission (NERC) on the increase in electricity tariff without putting into account the current
predicaments faced by the people of Borno State.

” We’re also appealing to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission
(NERC), the Generation Companies (GENCO), Transmission Companies of Nigeria (TCN), the Borno State Government and all other relevant stakeholders to support the reversal of this anti people policy, considering the current recovery status of the state.

“We also observed with dismay how the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) distributes
electricity bills for the months of February and March to households when there has been no power
supply.

” This concern is affecting every household on the estimated billing system occasioned by
abrupt disruption of free installation of the metering systems that ought to have been distributed but are now alleged to be sold at exorbitant prices. Consequently, we are requesting that YEDC resumes the free distribution and installation of the metering system to every household in Borno state.

“We’re equally calling on the YEDC to also enhance its distribution capacity to sufficiently meet the demands of the metropolis. This is because we have observed in recent times that the consequences associated with the lack of power supply in the state includes: loss and dysfunctional state of small businesses and livelihood ventures, water scarcity across the state and has led to untold hardship faced by people in the revered month of Ramadan;

Civil society demand free electricity metres to residents of Borno State

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

Published

on

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

By: Michael Mike

A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.

The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.

Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.

He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.

“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.

“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”

He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End

Continue Reading

News

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Published

on

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

By: Zagazola Makama

A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.

According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.

Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.

The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.

Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Continue Reading

News

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Published

on

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

By: Zagazola Makama

A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.

However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.

“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”

Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.

Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.

“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”

The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.

While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.

It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.

Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.

Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights