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Darkness lingers as Abuja power supply drops by 250MW

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigerian Transmission firm, Transmission Company of Nigeria on Wednesday, reported that Tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe line was vandalised, leaving it dangerously grounded.

The incident, the company said in a statement occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm.

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“At the said time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by TCN Operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line. The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four (4) tower footings of Tower 70 were vandalised, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.

“The incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, TCN said it has mobilised to the site of the incident and has commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.

“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or the nearest TCN offices nationwide,” TCN said.

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Last December, the TCN said its Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission Line 1 in the Abuja axis had been attacked by suspected vandals. (https://punchng.com/vandals-attack-abuja-transmission-line-says-tcn/)

TCN disclosed this via a press statement, noting that the transmission line was “vandalised between Tower 23 and Tower 25.”

The vadalisation of the line, the statement said, was suspected to have taken place at about 1 am on Sunday, “when bulk power supply on the line was cut off, necessitating an early morning investigation by TCN linesmen.”

The statement released by Ndidi Mbah, the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, stated that investigations revealed a vandalised portion of the line route between Tower 23 and Tower 25.

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Reps Pass Bill to Establish More Specialist Eye Care Centres in Nigeria

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives at the plenary on Wednesday passed through second reading, a Bill seeking to amend the National Eye centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and 5 other lawmakers.

Leading the debate on its general principles, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

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According to him, the proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.

Making reference to reports, he lamented that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited.

He expressed optimism that the proposed amendments will rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He added that by doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.

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Kalu said, “I rise to lead the debate on the general principles of a Bill for an Act to amend the National Eye Centre Act, Cap N38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of our beloved nation. The proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country. The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 20thDecember, 2023.

“As we are all aware, access to quality healthcare services, especially in specialised areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens. The statistics reveal that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Unfortunately, the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, though commendable in its efforts, is unable to adequately meet the eye care needs of our vast and diverse nation. This inadequacy has led to disparities in access to eye care services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.

“The proposed amendments, thus aim to rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country. By doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers. We hope to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access quality eye care services. This is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a matter of equity and social justice. This Bill which seeks to enhance and improve access to quality eye care in Nigeria has the following key provisions.

“The creation of 5 additional Specialist Eye Care Centres spread across the remaining 5 geopolitical zones of Nigeria not originally covered by the principal legislation which only provided for an Eye Care Centre in Kaduna, North West Nigeria. The establishment of separate Boards to govern each centre and academic committees to oversee academic affairs. These bodies will not only ensure effective management and coordination of the Centres’ activities by overseeing their day-to-day operations, but shall also drive research and educational initiatives in ophthalmology, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in eye care. In presenting this bill, we are reaffirming our commitment to the visual health and well-being of every Nigerian. By establishing additional centers, we can decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ultimately protect and preserve the precious gift of sight for all citizens. Honourable Colleagues, I urge you all to support this Bill as it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the critical area of eye care. Together, let us illuminate the path to a future where quality eye care is not a luxury but a fundamental right for every Nigerian.”

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Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, GCON who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.

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Ugochinyere Lacks the Right to Speak for Rivers People – Rep Bob

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By Gloria Ikibah

The member representing Abua/Odual and Ahoda East Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Rep. Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers) has said that the spokesperson of the opposition lawmakers in the House, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere does not have the legal right to speak for the people of Rivers State.
Rep. Bob who stated this on Wednesday at a media briefing with Journalists in Abuja, accused Ugochinyere of operating outside his legal and legislative boundaries, constantly abandoning his constituency to speak on issues affecting Rivers State and creating problems in the state.
The Rivers lawmaker said though Ugochinyere is a federal lawmaker, it does not confer legality on him to speak on issues affecting Rivers State, adding that only Lawmakers from the state who are aware of the issues can speak for the state.
He accused Ugochinyere of carrying out activities in the House which should not be condoned, alleging that he is being used by a Rivers son to perpetuate the illegality he is carrying out.
According to Bob, rather than concentrate so much attention on the issues in Rivers, “Ugochinyere should pay more attention to developments in Imo state where children cannot go to school on Mondays and traders and workers cannot go about their lawful duties on Mondays”.
He described it as unfortunate that Rep.  Ugochinyere who cannot speak on development in Imo state was spending so much energy on Rivers state, saying that the duty of the lawmaker is representation, lawmaking and oversight.
He said “Ugochinyere lacked the capacity to engage in the lawmaking”.
“I’ve not seen him engage in any lobbying activity in the House of Representatives. He’s been here for a year plus now”, he added.
He said further that sections 49 and 72 of the Constitution tells you clearly that no federal constituency or state territories and by implication, you cannot speak for any place other than where you represents.
“I have tried to put these issues before the House leadership, to call them to order. We as a caucus have written to the leadership and to the Speaker particularly, specifically, to take action on this”, he added.
While questioning Ugochinyere’s rise to becoming the chairman of a major committee in the House as a first timer in the House, Bob asked the Speaker to remove him as chairman of a standing Committee of the House.
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Bill for Establishment of Additional Specialist Eyecare Centres in Nigeria Pass Second Reading

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a Bill seeking to amend the National Eye centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres.
The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and 5 other lawmakers on Wednesday at plenary.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of the nation.
According to him, the proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.
Making reference to reports, he lamented that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited.
He expressed optimism that the proposed amendments will rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He added that by doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.
Kalu said, “I rise to lead the debate on the general principles of a Bill for an Act to amend the National Eye Centre Act, Cap N38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of our beloved nation. The proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.  The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 20thDecember, 2023.
“As we are all aware, access to quality healthcare services, especially in specialised areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens. The statistics reveal that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Unfortunately, the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, though commendable in its efforts, is unable to adequately meet the eye care needs of our vast and diverse nation. This inadequacy has led to disparities in access to eye care services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.
“The proposed amendments, thus aim to rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country. By doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.  We hope to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access quality eye care services. This is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a matter of equity and social justice. This Bill which seeks to enhance and improve access to quality eye care in Nigeria has the following key provisions.
“The creation of 5 additional Specialist Eye Care Centres spread across the remaining 5 geopolitical zones of Nigeria not originally covered by the principal legislation which only provided for an Eye Care Centre in Kaduna, North West Nigeria. The establishment of separate Boards to govern each centre and academic committees to oversee academic affairs. These bodies will not only ensure effective management and coordination of the Centres’ activities by overseeing their day-to-day operations, but shall also drive research and educational initiatives in ophthalmology, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in eye care. In presenting this bill, we are reaffirming our commitment to the visual health and well-being of every Nigerian. By establishing additional centers, we can decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ultimately protect and preserve the precious gift of sight for all citizens. Honourable Colleagues, I urge you all to support this Bill as it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the critical area of eye care. Together, let us illuminate the path to a future where quality eye care is not a luxury but a fundamental right for every Nigerian.”
Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abass, who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.
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