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Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
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Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said ongoing power projects to light up industrial clusters across the country are an indication that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is on a journey of rekindling the flames of enterprise.
This is just as he added that the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s Infrastructure framework was the much-needed drive in empowering Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s economic policies.
The Vice President disclosed these during his visit to the Agbara Industrial Cluster for the launch of a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and its partners on the project to light up industrial clusters.
According to him, while the government has embraced the past as a lesson in mapping a new path for a robust power sector, the historical mistakes that have brought Nigeria to the point it is are rather an inspiration to work harder.
The Vice President stated: “For too long, some of these ventures were forced to pack up, their potential stifled by the persistent energy constraints. Today, we embark on a journey of empowerment, a journey aimed at rekindling the flames of enterprise and ensuring that the promise of prosperity prevails over the darkness of past hindrances.
“We have gone a full cycle in the search for solutions to our energy crisis. We have unbundled and privatized the power assets in generation, transmission, and distribution. We have also implemented the National Integrated Power Project through the NDPHC.”
He vowed to closely monitor the progress of work in the ongoing power projects to light up industrial clusters across the country, with a view to holding every relevant official accountable.
“I assure you that, in my capacity as the Board Chairman of NDPHC, I will hold every relevant official accountable and closely monitor the progress achieved in this project. We owe Nigerians this success story,” the VP declared.
Senator Shettima reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration “to providing the necessary institutional and policy support to ensure the successful delivery” of the project.
While delivering his address titled, “Lighting the Path to Economic Development,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to the Governors of Ogun, Lagos and Oyo States where the NDPHC was already developing similar projects, as well as the companies involved.
The VP noted that the partnership between state-owned power companies and the private sector was an embodiment of progress, teamwork, and commitment to fostering synergy to enhance the productivity of businesses and institutions in the country.
The partnership, according to him, doesn’t only align with the vision of the federal government to transform Nigeria into a premier investment destination but also to serve as an industrial benchmark in Africa.
He added that it was an affirmation of President Tinubu’s resolve to revamp the country’s infrastructure framework.
The VP stated: “The launch of this strategic collaboration between our company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), and its key partners for the design, development, and operation of projects to supply dedicated, steady, and quality power to major industrial and commercial clusters in Nigeria echoes His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to reinvigorate our nation’s infrastructure framework.
“The choice of Agbara, Ogun State, as the pilot site of this owes to its function as an artery of Nigeria’s industrial structure. This is our resolve to breathe new life into the enterprises that sustain our economy.”
Noting that addressing the supply deficit in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is an intervention that aims to reverse “the generational setbacks that businesses with immense promise have endured,” Shettima said it was one thing to attract investors to the country, and another to make them stay.
He further assured that lighting up industrial clusters across the country signposts the beginning of a promised opportunity for Nigeria.
“By mobilizing private capital, harnessing the generation portfolio of NDPHC, and utilizing the existing power delivery infrastructure, we aim to provide a consistent, reliable, and high-quality power supply to specific customer clusters with substantial capacity demands.
“This effort has initiated an industrial revival of significant magnitude. In essence, it implies that, after a considerable period, the NESI will experience a substantial increase in supply levels without the necessity of injecting public funds, delivering nearly continuous power precisely where it’s most critical for our economy,” he explained.
Senator Shettima described the host community, Agbara, as an archetype of what private sector investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship could accomplish in the economic and infrastructural development of a nation, noting that other planned industrial clusters are a manifestation of how private capital could “drive industrial development and foster economic prosperity”.
The Vice President revealed plans by the Federal Government to ensure the industrial clusters unfolded into a reality.
“We are not only committed to providing the institutional and policy support necessary to enable, promote, and sustain this private sector-led initiative but also to paving the way for the emergence of synchronized development in transmission and distribution infrastructure, aligned with the demands of industrial customers.
“This infrastructure is designed for the efficient and reliable transmission of power from NDPHC’s plants. We will deploy the appropriate technology to ensure the efficient operation of the networks and to minimize commercial, collection, and technical losses that have plagued the industry,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the location of the pilot phase of the initiative is due to the viability of the Agbara Industrial area as the most successful industrial estate in the country.
He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s drive to provide critical infrastructure in Industrial clusters across the State and thanked President Bola Tinubu and VP Shettima for prioritizing the power sector, noting that it will unlock potentials in different sectors of the economy.
On his part, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu said the interaction with stakeholders around the Agbara Industrial estate was part of efforts by the Federal Government to deliver safe and reliable electricity to industrial and heavy-user clusters across the country.
He expressed optimism that the initiative to ensure effective power supply to the Agbara Industrial Estate would be achieved and can be a model to be replicated across the country.
Mr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State said the challenges experienced in the power can be surmounted with effective collaboration and partnership as well as adherence to set standards and due process
He urged all stakeholders to be cautious in their comments and opinions about systems and institutions in Nigeria.
For his part, the MD/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr Chiedu Ugbo said the event signifies the unwavering commitment and determination of the Tinubu administration to leverage partnerships with stakeholders to address challenges associated with electricity access for Nigerian homes and businesses.
He said NDPHC remains committed to promoting the bilateral power sales initiative as one of the measures adopted by the company to deliver electricity to industrial clusters and businesses across the country.
Aside from the roundtable, the VP held interactions with representatives of the different clusters in the industrial area.
He had earlier on arrival at the StrongPack premises, the venue of the event, toured the production lines at the factory.
Present at the event were Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Hon. Olatunji Akinosi, Deputy Chairman House Committee on Alternative Education; Mr Sola Arifayan, the CEO, Electric Utilities Ltd; Mr Del Tupaz, MD of StrongPack Ltd; representatives of Eko Disco and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, among other stakeholders in the Agbara Industrial Area.
Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
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Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
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Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Chairman of Jakusko local government area of Yobe state, Hon. Umaru Aguwa, has said that about 10 people died in Jakusko local government area as a result of the floods this year.
Aguwa disclosed this to newsmen in his office at Jakusko, the headquarters of the council. He said the council has constructed over 15 canoes and distributed them to the towns that were worst affected by the floods in the local government area.
“We thank God for what is happening because the disaster triggered by heavy rainfall in the area and Dan Takunne village was worst affected by the flood, but no lives were lost but many properties were destroyed.
He revealed that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, sent us officials of SEMA under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje. We want to go to Dan Takunne village and go round and access the damage because Dan Takunne were swept away by the floodwaters.
“The council also purchased empty sacks and distributed them to all affected areas with a view to controlling the water. Adding that, God, in his mercy, our lucky River Yobe is not overflooding enough this year unlike before, but the floods are almost touching everywhere in Jakusko local government,” he said.
According to him, this disaster triggered is from God, and since the rain fell this year, they didn’t spend good three days without getting water, and everybody knows that this is from Almighty Allah (SWT); therefore, let us pray to God to reward us abondant in his mercy.
The Chairman commends His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, for his efforts towards assisting the local government councils in the state.
He urges the people to be patient; there is an alternative for irrigation farming, and if people engage fully in this irrigation farming, Inshallah, God will reward us with what we lost at the back.
Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
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Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
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Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has directed the immediate activation of all relevant government resources and machinery ahead of any possible overflow of water due to the unprecedented high volume of rainfall this year, to avert any flood disaster in Maiduguri, it’s environs and other parts of the state.
Zulum’s directive, released in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, became imperative due to rising concerns about the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which recharges Maiduguri city’s water treatment plants for domestic use and irrigation.
The Governor noted with concern that the high volume of rain across parts of the state may possibly lead to flooding.
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Zulum consequently instructed all relevant government agencies and local councils to dutifully discharge their responsibilities by continuously assessing vulnerable areas, implementing preventive measures, and conducting public awareness campaigns across all communities in their domains.
The Governor also cautioned the public to be conscious about the possible risks, be vigilant and abide by all directives from government agencies and constituted authorities on all emergency response protocols.
The Governor directed that all local government councils should mobilise all relevant officials and units to conduct site assessments in at-risk neighbourhoods and collaborate with relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), community and religious leaders, and other opinion leaders and institutions.
He said that government has identified high-risk locations that are prone to flooding, and is implementing solutions such as constructing temporary barriers and establishing emergency evacuation routes.
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“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge”, Zulum was quoted as saying. “It is imperative that we should mobilize all our resources, engage all stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.”
“We have a standing committee to mitigate flooding; which, has in the past evacuated and led to the construction of more drainages in different parts of the state. I have instructed more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the Agency for the Great Green Wall.”
“We have also desilted, dredged and constructed concrete retaining walls around River Ngada to avert erosion that could possibly lead to flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.”
“As part of the long-term measure, we intend to construct structures to harvest water for irrigation and embark on soil conservation, including reinforcement at the river banks and desilting of river Ngada to allow free passage of water.”
… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, is coordinating the flood emergency responses to ensure the Governor’s directives are fully implemented to ensure the safety of all residents.
The SSG has visited Alau Dam, Gongulong, Gwange, Farm Center, 505 Housing Estate and several other locations within the metropolis and environs to assess the situation and provide the necessary guidance to avert collosal damage from any possible flooding.
Many Nigerian states, including in the North-east have experienced flood disasters this year, which have been attributed to the unprecedented volume of rainfall this season.
Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
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COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
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COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
By: Our Reporter
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has embarked on a working tour of 17 Brigade Area of Responsibility in a deliberate effort to access and reinvigorate ongoing counter-terrorism counter-insurgency operations in North West Nigeria.
The COAS, who arrived at the Headquarters 17 Brigade in Katsina with a team of principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters on Friday 6 September 2024, immediately received a brief on the security situation and operational disposition of the Brigade by the Commander, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola.
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Addressing the troops, the COAS stated that in pursuit of his Command Philosophy to provide efficient leadership, sound administration, and operational effectiveness, the Nigerian Army (NA)has initiated several welfare schemes to shore up the morale of troops by progressively improving the living standard and condition of personnel and their families.
He clarified that the attainment of these goals have been tenaciously pursued by commencing the payment of the backlog of Group Life Assurance scheme that had accumulated since 2017, as well as the Personnel Accident Insurance Scheme to NA beneficiaries.
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Gen Lagbaja also pointed out that the NA has introduced the Affordable Housing Options for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) post service Housing scheme to provide highly subsidized post service residential accommodation for personnel alongside ongoing massive rehabilitation of medical facilities, Barracks and infrastructure across NA formations and units in the country.
He added that the NA has initiated COAS Loan Schemes to economically empower personnel and their families. These he maintained are aside provision of several combat enablers to troops to enhance operations against the terrorists. He charged the troops to rise up to the security challenges in the region and go after the insurgents in their hideouts.
Gen Lagbaja also took time out to visit sick soldiers and their families at the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, where he gave immediate directive for installation of some essential medical equipment in the center. He later laid a wreath in honour of troops who paid the supreme price in the fight against terrorists and bandits at the 17 Brigade Headquarters Cenotaph.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Katsina State Dr Dikko Umar Radda has stated that security has progressively improved in the state with the return of farmers to their farmlands.
The Governor made this known when he received the COAS in the Katsina state Government house during a courtesy cum condolence visit to the Governor. The Governor noted further that the state has witnessed a reduction in the menace and farmers are returning to their farms.
He attributed the development to the synergy and joint effort of all the security agencies. Governor Dikko appealed to the communities not to relent in supporting the troops with credible information, stressing that without the cooperation of the communities, the ongoing operations will not succeed.
The COAS had earlier in his remarks pointed out that he was on an assessment tour of ongoing operations, state of infrastructure and Civil-Military Cooperation activities in the Brigade.
He expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Katsina state for their support to the NA and particularly to troops of 17 Brigade. The COAS equally paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina, where he acknowledged the critical role of the traditional institution in mobilizing the people to support the troops in order to completely stamp out security threats and challenges.
Also in Katsina, the COAS has described the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar Adua as a loss of one of the legendary and virtous matriarchs of the Nigerian Army family.
Gen Lagbaja made this known when he paid a condolence visit to the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulazeez Yar Adua and other members of the bereaved family during his working tour of 17 Brigade.
The Army Chief noted that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army share in the grief and pains of the Yar Aduas as a family that gave two illustrous sons to the Nigerian Army.
He prayed for God to grant the family and the people of Katsina the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
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