News
Ekiti govt writes BEDC, rejects power outage for two months
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Ekiti State Government has rejected the planned outage of electricity for the two months of July and August by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), saying that it amounts to an unacceptable economic waste.
In a letter written by Professor Mobolaji Aluko, the commissioner for public utility, to the MD/CEO, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abuja, he MD/CEO, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Benin-City and the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Company (NERC), Abuja
dated June 30, 2024, said no direct notification/communication was made to the state government.
The letter titled: RE: NOTIFICATION OF POWER DISRUPTION/OUTAGE IN ADO-EKITI AND AKURE FOR TWO MONTHS (JULY, AUGUST 2024) FOR NINE HOURS EACH DAY (8.00AM TO 5.00PM), which was obtained by Premium Times read:
“Our attention has been called to public notifications, both in print and in jingles in English and in Yoruba, of the intention of BEDC under advice by TCN
to disrupt power supply to the transmission stations in Akure and Ado-Ekiti -and in effect to adversely affect the Ekiti State and Ondo State areas – fornine hours each day (8.00am to 5.00pm) from July 1, 2024 to August 31,
2024.
“No direct notification/communication was made to the Ekiti State Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) on this matter, nor was approval sought and obtained from the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EKSERB), saddled by law with the full authority to regulate the electricity industry in Ekiti State.
“The planned disruption of electricity for three-eighths of each day for sixty- two days, amounting to five hundred and fifty-eight hours (558) total and twenty-three days of outage in these two months amounts to an unacceptable economic, financial and social price to be paid by the citizens of
Ekiti State, and we totally reject such a plan.
Consequently, we ask for an immediate suspension of the plan, while we call for an emergency meeting with the regional heads of TCN, BEDC and NERC at 12:00 noon Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Office of the Honourable
Commissioner, MIPU, The Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti, in order to devise an alternative and far less adverse plan to achieve the same stated aims, namely
“to carry out critical maintenance work on the 132KV Akure Osogbo
transmission line…(and) the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and
other activities.”
“We request prompt attention to this matter while we are eager to work collaboratively toward a sustainable solution that will benefit both citizens of
the State and the Ekiti State Electricity Supply Industry.
“In the time being, accept our highest regards.”
News
SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
News
Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
News
OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
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