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Story Of Nigeria State City Turned Into A Ghost City After 10 Years Of Blackout

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It has been ten years since the residents of Afikpo ancient city, in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, enjoyed public power supply.

According to report, they were completely cut off from the national grid.

The situation, according to them, has brought untold hardship and destroyed their economic life.

Afikpo was first energised in 1976 and its small population at that time reportedly had stable electricity.

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However, as the population grew, the power infrastructure became overburdened and started failing.

In a bid to find a lasting solution to the power problem in Afikpo and Ebonyi South senatorial zone where most communities have similar epileptic power supply, the then-senator representing the area, Anyim Ude attracted the 133KVA sub-station in Amasiri, a suburb of Afikpo town in 2011.

While work on the substation progressed at a snail’s speed, the already existing power infrastructure in the area collapsed about 10 years ago, throwing the entire local government and neighbouring Edda Local Government into perpetual darkness.

Criminals also capitalised on the situation to vandalise and cart away some high-tension cables and other electrical parts, making it even more difficult to restore power.

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Afikpo town, from which the local government draws its name, is the second largest urban centre in the state after Abakaliki, the State capital.

However, it has suffered a gross decline and economic downturn due to the lack of public power supply in the area for over a decade.

Highlighting this, the lawmaker representing Afikpo East State Constituency, Mr Ukie Ezeali said he spends over N3m to buy fuel to run his businesses in the area.

He lamented that similar businesses had packed up due to the situation, worsening the unemployment situation in the area.

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He said the lack of power supply has impacted negatively on the socio-economic lives of the people in the area.

“Our people are being compelled to repeat the life of darkness they lived in the olden days.

“It is on record that Afikpo got stable light in 1976 but alas, that stable electricity faded away over 10 years ago.

“This has had a debilitating implication in the development of the town in all spheres of life.

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“In education, this has affected the educational development of our children as they no longer can read at night as we used to do back in the days because of lack of electricity.

“This has also led to the complete failure of businesses in the area. Businesses depend on power. Establishing and running a thriving business in Afikpo is almost an impossible venture.

“This has led to low employment and translated to massive poverty in the area. Skill acquisition is no longer interesting to the youths because they can’t survive without power.

“The already established businesses don’t get customers because they have higher price tags to their products because it costs them more to use generators.

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“As a result, customers will prefer to go down to Abakaliki or even Onueke to buy at cheaper prices and transport them back to Afikpo.

“As a result, most of the small-scale businesses have folded, while many are in comatose.

“Afikpo town, which is an ancient beautiful town, is now being deserted and looking like a ghost town,” he said.

The lawmaker also noted that the security situation in the area had deteriorated because of lack of power especially at night, as criminals now capitalised on the darkness to carry out their nefarious activities.

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He regretted that more than a decade later, the substation, which is believed would permanently solve the power blackout in the area and most parts of Ebonyi South senatorial zone, is yet to be completed.

In February, Governor Francis Nwifuru, following a memo by Mr Ezeali, approved the release of N208 million for the refurbishment of transformers, supply of new ones, and other ancillary works.

This was supposed to facilitate the return of temporary power supply through the High Voltage lines from Nkalagu. But six months later, it has been dogged from one controversy to another.

Last week at a town hall meeting convened by the community’s elders, the lawmaker lampooned the ministry for doing a shoddy job.

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Mr Ezeali while addressing the people said the governor is doing everything to ensure a permanent solution to the power situation.

He, however, noted that the Ministry has not been up and doing in completing the rehabilitation works on the transformers.

He accused the Commissioner and the Ministry of diverting the money approved by the Governor for the restoration of power in Afikpo which has cumulatively suffered nearly a decade blackout.

The Commissioner for Power, Peter Ogeali, at a briefing, accused the lawmaker, Mr Ezeali of vendetta against him and the ministry because he was not given the contract for the works.

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According to him, Mr. Ezeali had come to him severally and pleaded to be given the contract since he was the one who originated the memo that led to the release of the money.

Mr Ogeali explained that since the approval was given to the Ministry, it elected quality contractors to execute the project working with qualified staff in the ministry to ensure that a good job was done.

He noted that he advised the lawmaker to speak to the governor as he was the only one that can order the ministry to award the contract to him.

The Commissioner further accused the lawmaker of coming back at a later date and begged him to split the money in half which he also refused.

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He said: “We strongly believe he merely wanted to paint the Ministry black before his people and to show that to has done more than other stakeholders because there is nothing about the release of funds and the project’s feedback that he is not fully aware of.

“This is to the extent that as a legislator, though not a member of the House Committee on Power, Ukie Ezeali as the people’s representative had the exclusive privilege of being invited to be a part of the Committee when it visited the Ministry on oversight to make inquiries on the said Power project.

“And the committee was reasonably satisfied with the way and manner the project had been dutifully executed.

“Therefore, when a supposed leader in his class and caliber speaks about issues about government and governance as though it is a mere beer parlour affair, his people should be worried that there could have been a lot of devils in the details he has been furnishing the public with.

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“Otherwise, apart from the distinctive roles of the Executive and the Legislative arms of government, he knows that all the key people handling the project are from his hometown and Afikpo Local Government Area.

“Even more so is the fact that the Governor had directed the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, to supervise and ensure diligent execution of the project upon the said release of funds to the Ministry.

“It is trite therefore to inform the world that we know Ukie’s deep-seated grouse with the project and that is the fact that he desperately wanted to execute it as the sole contractor and perhaps supervisor.

“But he was denied because the Ministry wanted and eventually got someone with a superior knowledge and expertise in the Power field to handle the project to a superb finish and that it exactly got.

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“Knowing his antics for the meeting and also being aware that the key figures handling the project are mainly his Afikpo town’s men, why didn’t Hon. Ukie Ezeali request the contractors and the Ministry staff who are from his Afikpo hometown to also be present in the meeting to at least clear the air on the roles of the Ministry regarding the baseless allegations he heaped on it on the said released fund?”

The Ministry explained that it is the responsibility of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ensure that energy is transmitted from one station to the other and the Discos to ensure that energy gets to the Installed Transformer Substations.

“To this end therefore, it is not the ministry of power that is delaying the supply of energy to Afikpo because the works as directed by the governor have since been completed by the ministry.

“What is delaying the supply of power to Afikpo and in some parts of Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone (Onicha, Isu, Uburu Okposi, etc.) is as a result of the relocation of High Voltage lines between Nkalagu and Ntezi along Enugu – Abakaliki Highway and the vandalised portion of the Network at Okposi axis.

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“Already, government at all levels are restlessly trying to resolve these issues, as approval has been given for the request for variations by the contractor handling the 133KVA Amasiri substation to compensate those affected by the said relocation and fully restore electricity not only to Afikpo but other neighbouring communities in Ebonyi South,” the commissioner said.

In reaction, the lawmaker denied ever demanding for the project to be awarded to him or for any part of the money to be given to him.

He noted that as an indigene who feels the pain of the people and knows the importance of the project, he could not have done so.

He further noted that he has all his businesses located in the area and spends a lot on powering generators, adding that he would not take any action to sabotage the project.

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He described the allegations by the Commissioner as cheap blackmail, noting that the Commissioner has been noted for such in the past.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Executive Council has waded into the imbroglio.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Jude Okporo, said the Council took time to analyze the social media ripples that emanated from the Afikpo Light Project, as well as issues surrounding it.

“After intense and exhaustive deliberation, the Council resolved to inform the general public that the job leading to the restoration of light in Afikpo, contrary to erroneous information being peddled in some sections of the media, has been satisfactorily completed, only awaiting connection to the National Grid after the completion of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Power Sub-Station, Amasiri, from which the State Government has extracted commitment that the job would be completed before the end of the year.

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“It may interest the general public to know that as part of its negotiation with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the State Government has approved payment for the diversion of the high-tension poles affected by the dualization of Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Trans-Sahara Express Way,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Afikpo Community has pleaded with the Federal Government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria to take urgent steps to complete the substation to find a lasting solution to the power situation and help the local government from falling further into economic doom.

The community made the call after their town hall meeting where they commended Governor Nwifuru for the efforts he has been making to solve the power problem.

The community while commending the Federal Government for the efforts so far made urged the TCN to redouble its efforts to ensure that the project is completed before the end of the year.

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Speaker Abbas Urges Alternative Education Funding, Less Reliance on Govt

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…advocate PPP, endowment at ZEDA AGM

By Gloria Ikiba

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for diversified funding sources in Nigeria’s education sector to reduce dependence on government allocations.

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He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable alternatives to sustain and improve education financing.

Speaker Abbas made this call on Saturday during the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He was also honoured by constituents for his contributions to society.

As Chairman of the combined AGM, Abbas encouraged ZEDA to explore various funding opportunities to support educational development.

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The Speaker stated that human capital development remains the cornerstone of our national progress, citing the examples of Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark, which have achieved remarkable progress.

He said: “Diversifying funding streams is critical as well. By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector”.

“They have done so not by relying solely on natural resources but by investing heavily in education, training, and innovation. Their success is reflected in their high rankings on the Human Development Index and ease of doing business.

“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritise the development of its people to realise its full potential”.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored Zaria’s long-standing educational legacy, tracing back to the 16th century, as a cornerstone of academic excellence and national development.

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Recognized as home to Ahmadu Bello University and several other institutions, he highlighted Zaria’s vital contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape.

“Our collective history compels us to safeguard and expand this legacy for future generations,” said Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency. He noted that several new educational initiatives he facilitated would significantly enhance learning opportunities in Kaduna State and beyond.

Among these are a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies. “Once fully operational, these institutions will drive both educational and socio-economic progress within our community,” he stated.

However, Abbas stressed the need to tackle obstacles hindering educational growth, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and noted challenges such as out-of-school children, support for learners with special needs, and overall education quality as urgent issues requiring attention.

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He said: “I commend the proactive measures by Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State. The efforts have notably reduced the number of out-of-school children through the construction of over 62 new secondary schools, thereby addressing critical infrastructure deficits.

“Looking ahead, it is imperative that ZEDA continuously evolves to meet emerging challenges. Successful models, such as the United Kingdom Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, have shown the benefits of embracing digital innovation.

“ZEDA should integrate technology in order to transform how we monitor educational outcomes, facilitate virtual training for teachers, and expand access to learning resources. By doing so, we can connect stakeholders, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.”

In the House of Representatives, the Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda is aligned with these priorities.

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He said: “We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms that address both current and future challenges.”

Speaker Abbas hailed the Grand Patron of ZEDA , His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, for his “fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment have been a beacon for ZEDA.”

Later, Emir Bamalli thanked the Speaker and other prominent indigenes of Zaria for their developmental strides in the ancient city. The monarch emphasised the importance of ZEDA to Zaria, while seeking more support from stakeholders.

 

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By Gloria Ikiba

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for diversified funding sources in Nigeria’s education sector to reduce dependence on government allocations.

He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable alternatives to sustain and improve education financing.

Speaker Abbas made this call on Saturday during the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Advertisement

He was also honoured by constituents for his contributions to society.

As Chairman of the combined AGM, Abbas encouraged ZEDA to explore various funding opportunities to support educational development.

The Speaker stated that human capital development remains the cornerstone of our national progress, citing the examples of Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark, which have achieved remarkable progress.

He said: “Diversifying funding streams is critical as well. By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector”.
“They have done so not by relying solely on natural resources but by investing heavily in education, training, and innovation. Their success is reflected in their high rankings on the Human Development Index and ease of doing business.
“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritise the development of its people to realise its full potential”.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored Zaria’s long-standing educational legacy, tracing back to the 16th century, as a cornerstone of academic excellence and national development.

Advertisement

Recognized as home to Ahmadu Bello University and several other institutions, he highlighted Zaria’s vital contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape.

“Our collective history compels us to safeguard and expand this legacy for future generations,” said Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency. He noted that several new educational initiatives he facilitated would significantly enhance learning opportunities in Kaduna State and beyond.

Among these are a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies. “Once fully operational, these institutions will drive both educational and socio-economic progress within our community,” he stated.

However, Abbas stressed the need to tackle obstacles hindering educational growth, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and noted challenges such as out-of-school children, support for learners with special needs, and overall education quality as urgent issues requiring attention.

Advertisement
He said: “I commend the proactive measures by Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State. The efforts have notably reduced the number of out-of-school children through the construction of over 62 new secondary schools, thereby addressing critical infrastructure deficits.
“Looking ahead, it is imperative that ZEDA continuously evolves to meet emerging challenges. Successful models, such as the United Kingdom Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, have shown the benefits of embracing digital innovation.
“ZEDA should integrate technology in order to transform how we monitor educational outcomes, facilitate virtual training for teachers, and expand access to learning resources. By doing so, we can connect stakeholders, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.”
In the House of Representatives, the Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda is aligned with these priorities.
He said: “We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms that address both current and future challenges.”
Speaker Abbas hailed the Grand Patron of ZEDA , His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, for his “fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment have been a beacon for ZEDA.”
Later, Emir Bamalli thanked the Speaker and other prominent indigenes of Zaria for their developmental strides in the ancient city. The monarch emphasised the importance of ZEDA to Zaria, while seeking more support from stakeholders.
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Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker House of Representatives Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, on his 51st birthday, saying the governor is a blessing to his people.
In a statement by Speaker Abbas, he commended Governor Bago who is also called the ‘Farmer Governor’ for revolutionising agriculture in Niger State, noted that the impact of the reforms is being felt across Nigeria.
The Speaker specifically hailed Governor Bago for prioritising food production at a time the country is making efforts to diversify the economy from oil.
Speaker Abbas said Governor Bago excelled as a member of the House of Representatives and is presently one of the best performing governors in the country.
He wished Governor Bago many more years on earth, in service to this fatherland, and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and wisdom to continue to manage the affairs of Niger State.
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Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51

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…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.

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Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.

Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.

He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.

“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.

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“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.

“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.

“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.

“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.

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“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”

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