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Epileptic power Supply: Restore normal electricity or quit Nasarawa — Assembly orders AEDC

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…Issues 14days ultimatum, drill AEDC MD for over 4 hours

Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Tuesday issued the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC 14 days ultimatum to restore normal electricity to communities across the State or quit immediately for serious company to take over

This, the House said is to enable the people of the State enjoy full power supply and enhance business activities.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau stated this when Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), appeared before the House during its proceedings in Lafia.

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The Speaker said that the invitation extended to the AEDC and NAePA was to enable the agencies brief the House on the power situation that has resulted in what they lawmakers described as blackout and outrageous bills in the state.

“Our resolutions is to the effect that AEDC is hereby given 14 days to restore normal light to communities across the State and failure to do so will leave us with no option than to ask you to quit and we will invite competent hands that will give the people of the state normal light

” Secondly, the Area Manager Power Gen Interconnected Energy LTD handling electrification project in Toto Local Government is hereby directed to appear before the House on May 21st, 2024 to explain their role in power distribution in the area and they should come with documents that clear them on their engagement ”

” There is power black out and outrageous bills across the State by AEDC as our people are in pains and suffering, we cannot take it”

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The Lawmakers who were unanimous in their decision, noted with regret how the activities of the AEDC is creating hardship and poverty to the people of the State.

“Your company is giving our people poor services. our people have been sleeping in darkness.Our people are in pains because they are paying for light not enjoyed the light”

All the lawmaker who spoke lamented bitterly and stressed the need for AEDC to sit up in their responsibilities or quit the State to enable government engage more competent hand that will deliver.

After series of questions, Engr. Adeyemi Jonathan Kehinde, the AEDC Chief Business Officer incharge of Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa admitted that the company is not 100 per cent in replacing damaged transformers, cables among others to communities across the state.

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He added that out of the 28,000 customers in the State only 8,000 has meters pleading for little time to change things for the better especially that he is a new man in the State.

The Chief Business Officer assured of improvement in electricity supply to the State.

” I want to assure you that we are ready to do our best in improving in power supply across the state,” he said.

On his part, Engr. Yakubu Suleiman Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA) said that the agency was established to ensure effective power supply to communities across the State noting that they are doing their best to deliver on their mandate.

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On allegations that he use a personal transformer that powered his house 24 hours without others benefitting where he is residing, he said that the transformer was given to him as gratification by one electricity company, the statement that does not go down well with the lawmakers and the GM immediately tendered his apology.

The General Manager assured of his continued determination to do his best to improve on the situation.

It would be recalled that on April 23, 2024, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has summoned the Area Manager, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to appear before the House on April 30, over persistent power blackout and over billing of customers across the State.

The House also summoned the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), Engr. Yakubu Suleiman to appear before the House on April 30.

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This, the House said, the invitation extended to them was to enable them tell the House why is it that there is persistent power blackout and outrageous billing in the State.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House gave the summon after Hon. Solomon Akwashiki (SDP- Lafia Central) raised the issue on the matter of public importance during the House proceedings.

In a related development, the House has passed into first reading A Bill for a Law to Amend the Nasarawa State Agency for Youth Empowerment Scheme ( NAYES) and For Other Matters Connected Thereto which was sponsored by Hon Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central constituency.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, slated May 21st, 2024 for the second reading of the bill.

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Furthermore, the House has passed into first reading A Bill for a Law to Establish the State Security Trust Fund in Nasarawa State and for Other Matters Connected Therewith moved by Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Danladi Jatau slated May 22nd, 2024 for the second reading of the bill

Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved motions for the two bills to scale first reading which were seconded by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House

The House unanimously passed the two bills into first reading.

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Reps Push for More Colleges Of Education to Strengthen Nigeria’s Education Sector

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has stated that despite the 205 colleges of education which included federal, state, and privately owned is insufficient to address the country’s educational needs.

Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Speaker emphasised that the rising demand for education in Nigeria makes it necessary to establish more colleges of education.

He said: “currently, Nigeria has about 205 federal, state and privately-owned colleges of education. On the face value, this number looks substantial. However, when considered against the backdrop of Nigeria’s population of about 230 million, with over 60% under the age of 24 years, the demand for education makes the number of existing colleges of education in Nigeria quite insignificant.
“Therefore, these bills seeking to establish ten (10) colleges of education should be seen as relevant, appropriate and justified.”

The Speaker who noted that human capital is the foundation of any society’s development, explained that while material resources are valuable, they remain untapped unless harnessed through human knowledge, skills, and innovation to drive national progress, social mobility, and economic growth.

He further stressed that education was central to human capital development, and a key way to sustain the education system was by continuously producing well-trained and highly skilled teachers for primary and secondary schools.

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“To achieve this, we must strengthen teacher education in Nigeria by expanding access to quality institutions that will equip the next generation of educators,” he said.

Speaker Abbas added that the bills under review demonstrate the lawmakers’ collective commitment to ensuring that all regions of the country have fair access to quality teacher education.

He said “the establishment of new Federal Colleges of Education will not only improve the training of professional teachers, but will also foster educational development, create employment opportunities, and stimulate socio-economic growth in the host communities.
“The House recognizes the urgent need to expand access to quality teacher education, especially in underserved regions. These bills before the Committee today represent a significant step in ensuring equitable distribution of educational institutions, fostering national integration, and promoting human capital development.
“The proposed Federal Colleges of Education will not only train future teachers but also contribute to research, innovation, and the socio-economic growth of their host communities.”

According to Abbas, public hearings are a crucial part of the legislative process, giving opportunity for stakeholders to refine proposed bills, and that the discussions would help lawmakers better understand the education sector’s needs and expectations.

He reiterated the commitment of the House to inclusive governance and values stakeholder engagement, and encouraged policymakers, education experts, community leaders, and the public to actively participate by offering insights that could shape policies to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.

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Chairman of the House Committee on Colleges of Education, Rep. Adamu Tanko, reaffirmed that education remains the foundation of national development, and assured that the House was committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality teacher education.

Tanko further highlighted that establishing new federal colleges of education is key to addressing gaps in teacher training, improving the education sector, and building a skilled workforce to drive national development.

He noted that the public hearing provides a platform for policymakers, education experts, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions.

House Leader and sponsor of ten related bills, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, expressed concern over the shortage of qualified teachers in many schools across the country. He stressed the urgency of establishing more teacher training institutions to meet the demand for skilled educators.

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Rep. Anamero Dekeri, who is sponsoring a bill to establish the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Ogute-Oke, Okpella, highlighted the importance of technical education in driving national development. Representing Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State, he stated that the proposed institution would harness the area’s potential and contribute to workforce development.

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Reps Advocate Tax Exemption, Better Support for Persons With Disabilities

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, has called for tax exemption for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), insisting they should not be required to pay taxes.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by PWDs in Abuja, Rep. Dawodu also urged the government to grant tax relief to companies employing PWDs and those manufacturing facilities for their use.

The Chairman who acknowledged the need for tax reforms identified loopholes in existing bills, and stated that the committee would push for tax credits and waivers for companies producing equipment for PWDs.

Dawodu also advocated scholarships for teachers involved in special education and the establishment of a disability trust fund to protect the interests of PWDs.

He expressed concern over the poor implementation of the 2018 Disability Act, which has a five-year moratorium, stating that both government agencies and the private sector have not diligently enforced its provisions. He revealed that the House was working on amendments to impose stricter penalties for non-compliance.

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The lawmaker highlighted some key provisions of the Act, including accessibility to public buildings, transport terminals, education, and healthcare facilities. He noted that despite the creation of the Disability Commission, only 22 states have domesticated the Act, urging others to follow suit.

Dawodu criticized the inadequate budget allocation of about N2 billion to the Disability Commission, describing it as a sign of the government’s neglect of PWDs. He stressed the need for collaboration with NGOs and other organizations, noting that with over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities, the country must do more.

Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion, stated that the MoU includes a nationwide medical access support initiative for PWDs in underserved areas. He added that it also covers talent discovery, a reality TV show showcasing the resilience of PWDs, and an inclusive musical concert.

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Transporter Frowns At PTD Strike, Says Union Will Force Govt To Use Rail As Mobility Alternative In Lifting Petroleum Products

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A prominent transporter in Oyo State and convener of a pressure group, “Know Your Right”, Kehinde Adebeshin a.k.a “Baba Ibeji” has cautioned the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to force the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products.

This surprise call came in the wake of industrial action by the PTD in Lagos State to protest the “persistent harassment” of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers attached to the Task Force and LASTMA officials in Lagos State.

Although the strike has been called off by the Union’s leadership on Wednesday, February 25, 2025; however Adebeshin decried the ripple effects of the hardship the action of PTD had caused Nigerians since Saturday, February 22, 2024, he described the Union’s decision as an act of economic sabotage. He maintained that it was unfortunate and regrettable that the union flagrantly failed to comply with the existing Lagos e-call-up enforcement which was aimed at regulating truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis.

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Adebeshin blamed PTD and its parent body, NUPENG’s overzealousness and highhandedness on leadership gap, incompetence, lack of tact and administrative indiscretion. He also expressed disappointment on the implications of the strike on Telecom operators who also raised an alarm over an impending service disruption within Lagos and Ogun states, as diesel supply to their service locations were blocked for three consecutive days when the strike was on.

Adebeshin’s statement on Tuesday reads in parts:

“For lack of tact, competence, administrative discretion, and leadership gaps in operations, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have openly given opportunity for the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products and put a total stop to transportation of products through the road.

“The Union must be able to properly measure situations critically before down tooling, unfortunately, NUPENG and PTD have created room for business owners and Nigerians as a whole to label them economic saboteurs who stand the risk of being invited by the DSS. The Union brazenly failed to do its background check whether trucks arrested by Lagos State Task Force and LASTMA officials have not flaunted the existing Lagos e-call-up regulations which was designed to regulate truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis. Standing as an encumbrance to the government’s well intentioned program and policy is an affront which should never be tolerated.

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“The circular by the Lagos State government to all stakeholders to streamline and regulate truck activities along Lekki-Epe axis of the state, effective March 1, 2025 did not exempt NUPENG or PTD, therefore all violators would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“NUPENG should note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has already collaborated with APM Terminals (APMT) to kick start container traffic service on the standard gauge railway, connecting Lagos to the Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan. This milestone can be replicated in the downstream sector of the Petroleum industry to enhance Petroleum products lifting and distribution activities, and providing a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation and ultimately help to reduce or put into a total halt, petrol tanker accidents which have claimed many lives and destroyed properties.

“It is good news to hear that NUPENG had eventually swallowed its pride by calling off the 3-day strike, they should engage more in peaceful dialogue with the government of Lagos State in the larger interest of Nigeria so as to foster symbiotic industrial harmony and prosperity. The Union should also try to fix the PTD leadership crisis in the nick of time and give room for people with vision, experience and positive direction to take charge of the PTD Branch and restore its old glory and dignity,” he said.

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