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‘Stop Depending On FG For Electricity’ – Shettima Sends Strong Message To States.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments to stop depending entirely on the Federal Government to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges, urging them to establish functional power markets capable of attracting private investment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said Nigeria’s ambition to develop a strong industrial economy would remain difficult to achieve without a reliable electricity supply for businesses, households, hospitals and schools.
Reports indicate that Shettima made the appeal on Wednesday while declaring open a national stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Vice President was represented at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.
The workshop brought together government agencies, electricity regulators and other stakeholders to assess the implementation of the law and explore ways to improve power supply across the country.
Shettima explained that the Electricity Act 2023 had created opportunities for states to regulate electricity markets within their territories and develop solutions that reflect their available resources and economic priorities.
“Our states must shed the habit of waiting for Abuja to provide every answer,” he said.
He emphasised that improving electricity supply required a collective effort involving the Federal Government, state governments and private investors.
The Vice President also highlighted the energy resources available across different parts of the country, urging states to harness them to expand electricity access and stimulate economic development.
He identified the solar energy potential of Sokoto, Borno and Katsina states, the gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, as well as the hydropower opportunities in Niger and Kebbi states.
According to him, converting these resources into viable electricity projects would support growth in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and education.
However, Shettima cautioned that enacting the law alone would not resolve Nigeria’s electricity challenges. He stressed the need for states to establish appropriate institutions and create an enabling environment for investment.
He urged states that had yet to establish their electricity regulatory bodies to begin the process without further delay.
Shettima also proposed a voluntary National Electricity Reform Peer Review and Implementation Framework involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and state electricity regulators.
He explained that the proposed framework would enable states to share experiences and assess their progress in developing electricity markets, attracting investments, protecting consumers and expanding access to power.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, said the success of the Electricity Act depended on states establishing credible regulatory institutions and commercially viable electricity markets.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, disclosed that the forum was working to strengthen cooperation between federal and state institutions in implementing electricity reforms.
Shittu added that efforts were ongoing to develop a standard tariff framework that would protect electricity consumers while encouraging private investment in the sector.
Meanwhile, NERC’s Deputy General Manager and Head of Compliance, Hauwa Yakubu, revealed that the commission had transferred regulatory responsibilities to 17 states.
She disclosed that Akwa Ibom was the latest state to receive the transfer, marking another step towards decentralised electricity regulation under the Electricity Act 2023.
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‘They Come At Me Because I Support Tinubu’ – Eniola Badmus Breaks Silence.
Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has defended her unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that her political stance is the main reason she continues to face criticism from some Nigerians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Reports indicate that the actress made this known during an interview with Nigerian comedian and content creator Isbae U on his podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
Badmus explained that much of the backlash directed at her stems from her decision to support Tinubu. She added that despite the negative reactions, she remains committed to backing the president.
The actress insisted that public criticism would not make her abandon her political choice, maintaining that she had the right to support whichever candidate she believed in.
She also emphasised that democracy gives citizens the freedom to support their preferred political candidates and parties without facing attacks over their decisions.
According to Badmus, she does not criticise people for supporting politicians whose views differ from hers, arguing that everyone should be allowed to make independent political choices.
She said, “The only reason why they come at me is just because of my support for the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And whether you like it or not, on that mandate, me, Eniola Badmus, is still standing.
“Everybody has the right to do whatever they want. It’s called democracy. Follow whoever you want to follow. I don’t criticise no one for following whoever.”
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‘Let Them Keep Talking’ – Osimhen Sends Message To Critics After Galatasaray Win.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has brushed aside criticism of his recent performances for Galatasaray, insisting that negative comments will neither undermine his confidence nor change his approach to the game.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Super Eagles forward responded emphatically on Wednesday night, scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 victory over his former club, Lille, before earning the Man of the Match award.
Osimhen had come under scrutiny following Galatasaray’s previous two matches, including a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona and a narrow 1-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği.
However, the 27-year-old delivered an impressive display against Lille, helping the Turkish champions secure a convincing win.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Osimhen said he was accustomed to overcoming challenges and remained confident in his abilities despite the criticism surrounding his performances.
“I come from a place where I’m not afraid. I don’t fear difficulties. No one can tell me how to sprint, play, or score goals. I already do these things, and that’s why I’m one of the world’s best strikers,” he said.
The Nigerian international added that he was unfazed by the negative comments, insisting that his critics did not fully understand him.
“They don’t really know me, and nothing they say affects me. They want to drag me into that, but I’ve approached all the talk with indifference. I have other things to deal with; I’m not bothering with these,” he added.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray will turn their attention to the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.
The clash will present another challenge for Okan Buruk’s side, with Osimhen expected to play a significant role as the reigning champions look to build on their victory over Lille.
Galatasaray currently sit atop the league table with 19 points from eight matches, three points ahead of third-placed Fenerbahçe.
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‘I Helped You After UNILORIN Expulsion’ – Sowore Replies Basiru Over UNILAG Admission.
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that he helped the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, secure admission to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) after his expulsion from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Reports indicate that Sowore made the claim in a post on on Thursday, following Basiru’s description of him as a skit maker and comedian during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
In his response, Sowore shared a photograph he said was taken with Basiru in 1998, when he led the Congress of Progressive Youths (COPY) during the struggle against military dictatorship.
According to Sowore, Basiru joined UNILAG after he was expelled from UNILORIN in 1992 over his involvement in student activism.
He said he received Basiru alongside Kunle Adegoke, popularly known as K-Rad, who is now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Sowore claimed that he and others helped them create the opportunity to return to university, gain admission and study Law at UNILAG.
“I received him alongside Kunle Adegoke, popularly known as K-Rad, who is now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. We provided them with an enabling environment to apply to re-enter the university, gain admission, and study Law at the University of Lagos,” he said.
The AAC presidential candidate added that both men eventually graduated with excellent results.
Sowore also criticised Basiru’s argument that those who contested against President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election should be ashamed of losing, given that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu the winner.
He maintained that the pursuit of justice, democracy and freedom should not be dismissed as comedy.
“The struggle for justice, democracy, freedom and the preservation of human dignity is neither skit-making nor comedy. Ajibola knows this because he was once part of that struggle and benefited from the solidarity of those who refused to surrender to military tyranny,” he said.
The human rights activist further argued that political appointments were temporary, adding that the Tinubu administration would eventually leave office, just as the military regimes they opposed during their youth had come to an end.
“What is truly comical is watching yesterday’s beneficiaries of resistance become today’s defenders of the very oppression they once fought against,” Sowore added.
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