NERC: Ramat’s confirmation will open Nigeria’s power sector to innovation, technology – Group says

A Youth Group under the auspices of Grassroots Mobilisers for Asiwaju/ Barau in Kano, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to speedily intervene to fast-track the conclusion of the confirmation of Engr Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The group recalled that President Tinubu had in August appointed Ramat as the CEO of NERC pending Senate confirmation.

The group chairman, Engr. Muhammad Sunusi in a press statement issued in Kano on Thursday said the delay should be addressed by Tinubu to conclude the confirmation and ensure that Nigerians tap from Ramat’s wealth of experience in the power sector.

Engr. Muhammad commended Tinubu for appointing a youth with a wealth of experience to drive a new level of leadership at NERC that is packed with innovation and technology, noting that Ramat’s appointment would be one of the best appointments if his confirmation is concluded.

According to the group, Engr.Ramat will bring in fresh ideas and innovations, harnessing his vast digital skills to drive in the much needed transformation that the power sector is in dire need of.

The group stated that Engr. Ramat, a professional technocrat, will use his vast experience in focusing towards improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s power sector, as well as contribute greatly to the good image and achievements of Mr President ahead of the 2027 general elections if confirmed.

The group said the call to Mr President followed allegations of a calculated move to block the confirmation of Dr Ramat’s successful screening.
“As Nigeria continues to strive for stability, growth, and technological advancement, we must not allow avoidable political distractions to stand in the way of progress.

“We learnt that Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat has already been screened and cleared by the Senate committee on Power, with zero petitions — a rare and powerful testament to his integrity, competence, and the confidence the industry places in him.

“Engr Ramat is an achiever per excellence and we know that he would add value to the growth of power sector industry in the country.

“At a time when Nigeria must move boldly toward digital transformation in power regulation, grid monitoring, data analytics, and transparency, Engr. Ramat’s strong background in Information Technology is exactly the kind of leadership the sector needs.

“His expertise aligns perfectly with the modern, tech-driven direction required to stabilise and strengthen our electricity ecosystem and help Mr President deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda for the power sector,” he said.

Engr. Muhammad therefore, urged those working to frustrate Ramat’s confirmation to allow justice and merit prevail over and above political interest and not to trade Nigerians’ progress and development for their personal interest.
“We join countless Nigerians in urging the Distinguished Senate to conclude his confirmation without further delay. This is a national duty, and the sector urgently requires credible, reform-minded, technology-focused leadership.”

NERC: Ramat’s confirmation will open Nigeria’s power sector to innovation, technology – Group says

Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the worst of Boko Haram insurgency is over, even as he acknowledged recent surges in attacks by the terrorist group.

Governor Zulum made the statement on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.

Zulum, while delivering his remarks at the meeting, further explained his statement by reflecting on the more escalated security situation the state had previously endured. He stated that compared to the peak of the crisis years ago, the current security landscape, despite recent setbacks, shows significant improvement.

Zulum also called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their necessary cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies. He emphasised that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort, urging residents to be vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security operatives to prevent attacks and ensure a lasting return to peace in the state.

“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.

“The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he added.

Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent tactical setbacks across the theatre. He praised the sacrifice and bravery of the officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who, in some cases, pay the ultimate price for the nation’s security.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi, while giving the assurance of the Army headquarters to provide necessary logistics to the troops, also commended Governor Zulum for his support to the armed forces.

He said, “I want to most sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno.”

He added, “We have confidence in our society here in the theatre and from the Army headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure they achieve their mission.”

The meeting was attended by the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullaho Ishaq (Rtd) and other senior government officials.

Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over

Nigeria’s Keziah Jones Performs in Saudi Arabia at SAFAR Concert

By: Michael Mike

The Saudi Museums Commission, one of 11 sectors under the Ministry of Culture, has presented Nigerian singer-songwriter Keziah Jones at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA), as part of its SAFAR live music programme.

Performing in Riyadh for the first time, Jones captivated audiences with his distinctive ‘Blufunk’ sound, a fusion of blues, funk, and global influences in a set that was both high-energy and deeply resonant.

Known for his exceptional guitar work, distinct rhythms, and magnetic stage presence, Jones entertained the lively crowd by effortlessly moving between driving funk grooves tosoulful blues passages and moments of intimate storytelling.

The Blufunk pioneer’s setlist blended fan favourites with improvisational flourishes, drawing on his Yoruba heritage while incorporating elements of soul, jazz, and rock.

Jones’s Riyadh debut drew an enthusiastic audience, with many experiencing his genre-defying sound for the first time. The evening embodied SAFAR’s mission to present diverse musical voices and foster cross-cultural dialogue through live music.

SAMoCA at Jax launched the SAFAR concert series on 28 October with an electric concert by French musical collective Bon Entendeur. Known for blending electronic / electro-chillsounds with disco, funk, and hip-hop influences, the groupdelivered a captivating performance.

The SAFAR programme continues with multimedia duo Love & Revenge, returning to the city with their unique blend of music and cinematic visuals. They will deliver a workshop on Sunday 7 December, before performing at the SAMoCA at JAX Outdoor Arena on Monday 8 December at 9:00 PM.

The audio-visual duo will perform Agmal Layali, a bold reimagining of Oum Kalthoum’s timeless legacy, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing. Agmal Layali remixes some of Oum Kalthoum’s most iconic pieces with contemporary electronic music, layered with cinematic visuals for a multisensory experience.

Love & Revenge’s performance bridges Oum Kalthoum’sunique, emotionally driven artistry with modern soundscapes, creating a cultural dialogue that introduces the Queen of Tarab to new generations while celebrating the Arab world’s cultural heritage.
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