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Again, group drags Women Affairs Minister over alleged financial infractions

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A group, under the aegies of Asiwaju Conscience Group, ACG, on Saturday, demanded that the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, should come out to clear her name over the recent online news publications over a leaked contract document.

In a recent controversy that has sparked outrage across the nation, a leaked document from the Ministry of Women Affairs has revealed what appears to be egregious overpricing in the ministry’s empowerment program.

The document, which surfaced this week, outlines the purchase of several items at shockingly inflated prices, raising serious questions about financial mismanagement and accountability.

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According to the leaked document, the Honourable Minister, Kennedy-Ohanenye, approved the purchase of a cutting scissor for a staggering 180,000 naira, a pressing iron for 200,000 naira, a steaming machine for 400,000 naira, and a tape measure—referred to as a tapping machine—for an eye-watering 900,000 naira.

These prices, according to Analysts, are far exceeding the market rates for such items, thus, the calls for an immediate explanation and investigation.

Citizens and civil society organizations have reacted to this, demanding that Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye addresses these revelations.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Musa Mohamed and Hon. Tobi Adelaja, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on behalf of Asiwaju Conscience Group; the group said it was not time for the Minister to sit back and keep quite, while Nigerians drag the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over her (Kennedy-Ohanenye’s) misgivings.

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“The document’s contents are not only embarrassing but also indicative of gross financial impropriety within the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“The exorbitant costs listed have led to suspicions of possible corruption or gross incompetence in the management of the ministry’s funds.

“As the public demand for clarity intensifies, the pressure is mounting for Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye to break her silence and respond to the damning allegations contained in the leaked document.

“In light of these revelations, we call upon Honorable Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to step forward and deny or confirm the facts presented.

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“The integrity of her office and the trust of the Nigerian people are at stake. It is imperative that she provides a transparent explanation for the apparent gross inflation of prices in the ministry’s empowerment program. Failure to do so would not only undermine the credibility of her office but also further erode public trust in government institutions.

“The nation awaits a response from Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye, hoping for a swift and honest clarification of these troubling financial discrepancies.

“Anything short of this is an embarrassment to the ministry and the nation, which we would not take it. We would not allow any misgiving from any of the appointees to dent the long time image of the President”, the group warned.

Just on Tuesday, the Honourable Minister was caught in a deep heated argument with the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs over the whereabouts of the sum of N1.5bn contract fund.

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The House is currently investigating how N1.5bn disappeared from the ministry’s coffers after the approval from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, whereas, the Contractors were not paid a penny.

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Nigeria to get 6,000 power generation by December-Power Minister vows

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed his unwavering optimism that the government will successfully meet its ambitious target of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2024, despite the numerous challenges currently affecting the power sector.

The Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, conveyed this assurance at the fourth edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria’s annual workshop, themed “Ending the Talk, Moving the Action,” held on Thursday in Abuja.

Nigeria’s power generation currently ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 MW for a population of approximately 200 million people. For instance, on Thursday, the country’s power generation was 3,556.38 MW as of 8 am.

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Earlier this year, Adelabu pledged that power generation in Nigeria would reach 6,000 MW by the end of the year, citing improvements in the sector over the past year.

However, the frequent collapse of the nation’s electricity grid and the vandalisation of towers have raised concerns about the stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and its ability to achieve the target.

In his goodwill address, the Special Adviser emphasised that the minister’s primary focus remains on achieving the goal of increasing generation and ensuring its efficient distribution to consumers.

Tunji said, “The minister aims to achieve what seems to be an intractable goal—improving generation and ensuring that what is generated reaches the final consumers. There are challenges, but they are surmountable.

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“The minister has promised that by December this year, we will reach 6,000 megawatts; yes, we still hope to get there.

“We are confident that we will get there, but we are aware of the current issues with grid collapse. Efforts are being made to resolve these problems. Day and night, teams are being dispatched to address the various issues, and we remain hopeful that we will achieve the 6,000 MW target by December.”

The Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, also reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring 24-hour power supply for Nigerians.

Owolabi, another representative of the minister, stressed that the government’s policies are focused on resolving the challenges facing the country’s electricity transmission, distribution, and generation sub-sectors.

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“We are fully committed to transforming the country’s power sector. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are practical and sustainable. We are resolute in ensuring power supply for every Nigerian.

“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms.

“We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable. From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve power supply for every Nigerian.”

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Just in: Wike sends FCDA Executive Director on indefinite suspension

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has suspended the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad indefinitely.

According to a statement on Thursday, by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the suspension of Engr Hadi Ahmad is with immediate effect.

The suspended Executive Secretary has consequently been directed to hand over to the Director of Engineering Services, in the FCDA.

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Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike has revealed that President Bola Tinubu ordered the construction of houses for judges in Abuja.

The former Rivers State governor said the project is part of the government’s plan to provide secure housing for judges and strengthen the judiciary’s independence.

Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, the former Rivers Governor clarified that the housing project is not his personal initiative.

Wike explained that the housing scheme was included in the 2024 budget, approved by the National Assembly, and is not his personal decision.

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He added that judges currently live in rented homes, which could make them vulnerable.

He compared this to similar projects he carried out as Rivers State governor and expressed surprise at the criticism, especially from legal professionals.

Wike insisted the project is lawful and should be welcomed as a step in the right direction.

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Ondo Election: FRSC Deploys 1,500 Officers

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, says it has deployed One Thousand five hundred officers and men as part of efforts to ensure smooth conduct of this Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo state

FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, while speaking in Abuja, ordered the personnel to collaborate with other security agencies to enforce compliance on restrictions of vehicular movement.

Mallam Shehu stressed the need for the operatives to clear obstructions, carry out rescue operations in case of emergencies, and maintain orderliness in polling units.

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According to the FRSC Boss, 25 patrol vehicles, 7 tow trucks, and 6 ambulances have been deployed to Ondo state to strengthen enforcement of restrictions during the entire process of the election

Mallam Shehu Mohammed, however, warned the personnel to be proactive, avoid any act that could lead to abuse of the rights of the electorates, and exhibit the highest sense of professionalism.

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