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Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

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Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

By: Michael Mike

A Nigerian citizen, Engineer Umar Abubakar, whose heart is drawn towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to proffer needed solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, currently joins his voice to numerous lovers and die-hard believers of the All Progressives Congress political leader and declares support for the President’s sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems.

In his words, Eng. Abubakar stated that the government has achieved significant milestones in improving the transmission network under the able leadership of Engineer Abdulazeez, a member of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Mr. Umar Abubakar, who started his primary school education in Kebbi State and proceeded to secondary school and polytechnic, where he was a distinction student, later completed his postgraduate studies and earned a Master’s degree at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State. He subsequently obtained a PhD in Accounting from Nasarawa State University.

To complement the competence of the present government, Eng. Abubakar also declared his vision and mission to work towards achieving the milestones and objectives set by this administration.

He said: “It is evident that the government started amidst turbulence, but by the grace of God, we are gradually achieving stability”. Initially, some people did not understand the government’s direction, but we are now witnessing improvements in the economy. For example, in the past two days, we have seen positive changes in the foreign exchange market and an improvement in balances daily. It has been a wonderful journey with significant foreign investments being realized.

Though we can say that Nigerians are always impatient, it is getting noticed now that the little patience we have extended to the government is yielding results. We have observed the naira appreciating, something we thought would not happen. Fuel is now readily available everywhere, and prices are gradually stabilizing.

The introduction of the CNG project has become one of the cornerstones of this administration. For instance, I recently visited a place where people were queuing to be part of the CNG arrangements. The government is doing well, and I believe 2025 will be a remarkable year with significant economic improvement. Every project encounters challenges at the beginning, but we are overcoming them gradually.

I appeal to my fellow Nigerians to remain patient and dedicated to their jobs to make these milestones achievable. I am confident that, with proper public support, this government will accomplish great things.

The President has good intentions. While the reforms he introduces are commendable, they should be discussed thoroughly to ensure proper understanding and inclusivity. I wish this government success, and I enjoy serving in this glorious administration.”

Working in the Federal Ministry of Power, Eng. Abubakar shared the numerous challenges encountered in the system, noting that these challenges have been identified and steps are being taken to address them.

He further highlighted his experience in finance administration under the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and other financially inclined agencies, adding that he is also a Chartered Accountant.

“Our administration has significant debts that need to be addressed, and we have introduced schemes to ensure these debts are paid off,” he stated.

According to Eng. Abubakar, the Honourable Minister of Power has taken the grid issue seriously. The solution lies in transitioning from a centralized grid to a mini-grid system, ensuring consistent electricity availability across states.

“The management is working hard to implement these solutions. With the current government initiatives, I believe power supply will be stable by 2025,” he said.

“It is impractical for everyone to have the same electricity band. The bands are designed to ensure fairness. For instance, Band A is for people with more consistent power supply, and naturally, they pay higher tariffs than those with less supply.

The introduction of these bands ensures payment fairness while incentivizing increased light hours. Each state now has the authority to manage its power supply, which aligns with government policies.”

Eng. Abubakar also addressed concerns about power distribution across states. “The Power Ministry is not rocket science; it requires effective administration. Whether the minister is an accountant or an engineer, the focus is on managerial capability. As an accountant, I can develop projections that ensure efficient power distribution.

Nigeria’s challenge is insufficient power generation—5,000 MW cannot meet the needs of over 200 million people. This shortfall must be addressed.”

He emphasized: “If given higher responsibility in the Ministry, with wisdom from the President and collaborative meetings, the power sector challenges can be resolved. Non-performing individuals should be replaced.

It should be noted that some believe Nigeria focuses excessively on hydropower. We need to diversify into other power sources like solar. No country survives solely on one power source. While hydro is cheaper, the government recognizes the need for diversification and is working on integrating other energy sources.

In terms of megawatts, distribution has been privatized, but some companies are not fully prepared for the task. The distribution companies must expand their capacity. It is the responsibility of the President and Minister of Power to ensure distribution is effective.

Until customers experience consistent electricity, the distribution reforms will have limited impact.”

Talking about an assessment of the President’s progress since May 29, 2023, especially in economic reforms, Eng. Abubakar said: “President Tinubu has been exceptional. Though misunderstood initially, he has made tough but necessary decisions. If asked to score him, I would give an 8/10. By the end of 2025, I believe Nigerians will have cause for celebration. The economic and tax reforms, particularly the consolidation of multiple taxes into one, are commendable.

I believe in President Tinubu’s capability to deliver results. With time, I saw the wisdom in his decisions. As an accountant, I recognize that progress requires patience. Prosperous nations have endured similar phases, and we must be willing to persevere.

While Mr. President continues to flourish in directing the affairs of the Nigerian economy, I wish President Tinubu prosperity and appreciate his vision and leadership. I wish him good health, wisdom, and continued success in making transformative decisions for Nigeria.”

Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

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Tipper truck kills several traders in Jalingo market crash

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Tipper truck kills several traders in Jalingo market crash

By: Zagazola Makama

A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday at the popular Mile 6 Market in Jalingo, Taraba State, when a tipper truck loaded with shaft sand lost control and rammed into a crowd of traders and shoppers.

Zagazola learnt the incident, which happened around midday, resulted in multiple fatalities and left several others injured. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as emergency responders continue rescue operations and assessment of the scene.

Sourcessaid the truck was speeding when one of its front tyres suddenly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered into the busy market area, knocking down people and structures along its path.

“It happened so fast,” said Musa Ibrahim, a local vendor. “The truck was on speed and after the tyre burst, the driver couldn’t control it. It just rammed into the crowd.”

Security operatives and medical personnel arrived swiftly at the scene to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals. The body of the deceased has also been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to identify victims and notify their families.

The driver of the truck has been apprehended and is currently in custody as investigations continue into the cause of the crash.
End

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Former Footballer, 4 Others Arrested, Over 22.6kg Cocaine, Meth Seized at Lagos, Enugu Airports

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Former Footballer, 4 Others Arrested, Over 22.6kg Cocaine, Meth Seized at Lagos, Enugu Airports
…72-year-old Grandma, Beninese, Ithers Nabbed in NDLEA Raids in Delta, Kwara, Lagos

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a former football player Segun George Hunkarin along with his businessman partner Ntoruka Chinedu over attempt to smuggle a consignment of cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Chinedu who is a frequent flyer known for conveying clothes from Turkey to Nigeria and foodstuffs from Nigeria to Turkey, was the first to be arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport last Tuesday, when his carry-on bag was searched, 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grammes were seen to be concealed therein.

Babafemi said investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria.

He said further checks revealed that an accomplice who turned out to be the former professional footballer, Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport carpark to collect the consignment from him. Hunkarin who had stayed years in Brazil playing for football clubs was promptly tracked and arrested at the carpark.

In his statement, Hunkarin was said to have claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but has never brought any to Nigeria.

Another Europe based businessman Amen Okoro was last Friday arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport while attempting to traffic 5,000 pills of tramadol 225mg packaged as known malaria drugs such as Lonart, Amatem and Aluktem to Spain.

He was intercepted at the departure hall of terminal 2 of the airport during the outward clearance of passengers on Royal Air Maroc flight to Spain through Casablanca.

Babafemi said Okoro, who is into freight and logistics business between Europe and Nigeria, claimed that on his arrival in Spain, he would have taken a train to France where he resides and from there send the tramadol consignment to Italy for retailing.

At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives last Friday intercepted a Maputo, Mozambique based bar attendant Ezenwaka Chibuzor. A search of his luggage led to the discovery of 17 cardboard size parcels of methamphetamine weighing 17.500 kilogrammes and three parcels of cocaine weighing 3.05 kilogrammes.

He revealed that the 38-year-old suspect was coming from Johannesburg, South Africa via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines flight when he was interdicted and subjected to a search during which the illicit drugs concealed in bedsheets packed in his bags were discovered.

He noted that another passenger on board the same Ethiopian Airlines flight, 54-year-old Azu Kpodar was also intercepted at the Enugu airport by NDLEA operatives. When Azu, who arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was searched, a liquid soap plastic container marked YPE, was discovered in his luggage. The substance was promptly taken for analysis at the NDLEA forensic and chemical laboratory, Enugu where the substance tested positive to cocaine.

The substance which turned out to be liquid cocaine weighed 1.250 kilogrammes, the
suspect who is a toy seller in Brinquedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, claimed he purchased while shopping for his wedding ceremony in Nigeria.

NDLEA operatives at the Seme border area of Badagry in Lagos last Tuesday intercepted a 26-year-old Beninese Vode Jean-Luck while trying to smuggle 69 balls of skunk, a strain of cannabis with a gross weight of 29.5 kilogrammes from Benin Republic into Nigeria.

In Kwara state, a notorious drug dealer Mary Oladele (a.k.a Iya Nafi) was arrested last Wednesday when NDLEA operatives raided her base in Omu-Aran in Irepodun local government area of the state where various quantities of skunk, tramadol and flunitrazepam were recovered from her.

Babafemi said a 72-year-old grandma Mrs. Christy Ejaro was last Tuesday arrested by NDLEA operatives at Niger CAT area of Warri, Delta state, with several sachets of skunk packaged in retail size recovered from her.

The spokesman said the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities by NDLEA commands equally continued across the country in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Delta, Kwara, and Seme commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

Former Footballer, 4 Others Arrested, Over 22.6kg Cocaine, Meth Seized at Lagos, Enugu Airports

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Armed bandits abduct resident in Bature Daji, in Niger narrowly miss vigilante target

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Armed bandits abduct resident in Bature Daji, in Niger narrowly miss vigilante target

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits in large numbers stormed Bature Daji community in Niger in the early hours of Saturday, abducting a resident while narrowly missing their original target, a local vigilante member.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. when the attackers invaded the residence of one Dani, a known vigilante operative in the area. He was reportedly the primary target of the assault but managed to escape.

However, the gunmen kidnapped one Attahiru Ibrahim, popularly known as Sarki Daji, from the same neighborhood and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Local sources revealed that the assailants later moved toward Gorogawu Village, a border community near the Republic of Benin, raising concerns of cross-border movement and security challenges.

A joint team of security forces, including military and other operatives, has launched a pursuit operation to rescue the victim and apprehend the attackers.

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