Breaking :Gov Mbah Assumes Full Regulation Of Enugu State Electricity market

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October 22, 2024

In a historic move, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, Tuesday, assumed full regulatory oversight of the Enugu State electricity market following the lapsing of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state agency.

This development, which makes Enugu the first state to commence the development of a sub-national electricity market in both Nigeria and Africa, also saw the EERC, issue licensees to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited,an EERC subsidiary set up to take over electricity operations of the former Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC in Enugu State effective midnight of Wednesday and the first Independent Power Project, IPP, in Enugu State, to Fedikore Limited, to build a power plant with a nameplate capacity of 10MW.

This followed the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023, and the setting up of the EERC, which saw Enugu State emerge in April this year as the first state to be handed the regulatory power over its electricity market by NERC, but with a six-month transition period, which elapsed on Tuesday, thus effectively empowered to now fully exercise the constitutional right to develop its electricity sector across the value chain of generation, transmission, distribution, or retailing services, including Mini-Grid and Off-Grid electrification solutions.

In his address, the Chairman of EERC, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the event as significant “as it marks the beginning of the development of sub-national electricity markets not only in Nigeria, or West Africa, but across the African continent.

“Today completes the six months transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from the national regulator, NERC, to the EERC, as stipulated in Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023, and the consequential Order of NERC dated 22nd April 2024.

“Today, we now take on the monumental responsibility of regulating and guiding the electricity sector in Enugu State. This assumption of regulatory oversight is not just about the transfer of authority, but represents a shared vision for a more efficient, responsive, and innovative electricity market.

“NERC has laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that EERC will build on that legacy to bring about positive changes for the people of Enugu State and beyond, in line with Enugu’s realities.

“Our mission is clear: to ensure that Enugu has access to reliable, cost effective, and sustainable electricity while promoting fairness and innovation in the sector.

“We are here to enhance the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders by creating an efficient regulatory environment that fosters growth and transparency,” Okonkwo stated.

The Chairman commended the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for zero political interference in the affairs of the Commission.

“I must say that we have enjoyed a tremendous level of independence from the state government activities and our own role. We have been established and supported to take off. However, we have also been given the authority and independence to develop the regulations and policies that we have put in place, not minding how they impact on the state government,” he concluded.

“We are not just identifying with EERC as the pacesetter, Mainpower will also want to be the pacesetter. We are assuring you that in the coming weeks, months, and years, and with the regulatory structure that are now tailored to the needs and purposes of the state, we are going to have an improved service to the people of Enugu State,” he said.

On his part, the Founder and MD/CEO of Fedikore Ltd, Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh, described what is happening in Enugu as revolutionary, expressing Fedikore’s joy to partner with EERC.

“The EERC has done a fantastic job in starting this revolution that is about to happen and we are pleased to be a part of it.

”Fedikore set up last year as the first IPP in Enugu State. We built 4mw plant at 9th Mile to supply power to the Enugu State Water Corporation here in Enugu. So, we are very committed to working with the state, especially given the leadership provided by both the government and the EERC so far.

“We believe that with the support of EERC, the state and with the partnership with Mainpower, we can do amazing things here to start the industrial revolution that we are talking about for many years. It is possible,” Umeh stated.

15 year old Girl Dropped off At a Hotel by her Mother to see a Man

By

Queen Madu

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October 22, 2024

According to Punch, A 15-year-old schoolgirl from Delta State, Emmanuella Monday, has accused her mother of attempting to exploit her for money by putting her in a dangerous situation. Emmanuella, a student at Triumphant School in Uvwie Local Government Area, claims her mother took her to a hotel to meet a man and left her there. The girl managed to escape when the man went to take a bath and sought refuge at a friend’s house.

Emmanuella stated that this wasn’t the first time her mother had taken her to meet strangers, and she expressed fear about returning home. After reporting the incident to her school, law enforcement and human rights groups were contacted. The school proprietress and a human rights activist have raised concern about the safety of the girl and a petition has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the matter.

The mother, Eunice Asulie, denied the accusations, claiming her daughter had been missing for days and that she had reported the case to the police. The authorities are currently investigating, with Emmanuella now under police protection as they work to resolve the case.

(phoenix)

Bobrisky Arrested at Seme Border Trying to Flee the Country

By

Queen Madu

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October 22, 2024

Pictures of Bobrisky allegedly arrested by Nigerian Immigration at the Seme border while attempting to flee to Benin Republic has surfaced online.

VERYDARKMAN has revealed picture of Bobrisky allegedly arrested at Seme border this morning. He said he was arrested while trying to feel the country to enter Benin republic.

According to VDM, he sent someone to get his passport stamped at the border while he waited in the car. He has after being arrested because, VDM is of the opinion that, the report of the investigation by the House of Assembly will soon be out and all the people he mentioned in the voice note exposed. He is trying to run to evade justice.

(phoenix)

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Wife Reportedly Evicted From Abuja Home

By

Queen Madu

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October 22, 2024

Taiwo Obasanjo, the estranged wife of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been allegedly evicted from her Abuja residence due to years of accumulated unpaid rent.

According to SaharaReporters, the eviction took place on Friday, October 18, 2024, following a ‘Pay or Vacate’ notice issued by the landlord of the property located at 30 Jessie Jackson Street in Asokoro.

The landlord had previously granted Taiwo a 30-day notice to settle her rent arrears or vacate the premises, which she failed to comply with. Despite the warning, Taiwo remained in the apartment, leading to the enforcement of the eviction.

A source who spoke with SaharaReporters said, “Taiwo, wife of former President Obasanjo was evicted by her landlord last Friday over unpaid rent on her apartment which had even expired for years now.

“She is presently finding it hard to pay the house rent at her Asokoro residence. She was disgraced publicly and her properties were thrown outside. As I speak, the properties are still outside the building.”

Recall that in 2023, Taiwo Obasanjo had publicly accused her estranged husband, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, of being a “wicked husband” during their time together.

The exchange unfolded following her plea for forgiveness on his behalf, which came after he criticized traditional rulers in Iseyin, Oyo State, for not standing to greet him during an official event.

While addressing the audience at a project inauguration, the retired General expressed his discontent with the traditional rulers, igniting controversy.

Taiwo took it upon herself to request forgiveness for her husband’s remarks, only to face a swift disavowal from Obasanjo, who claimed she was suffering from mental illness and asserted that she was neither his wife nor a member of his family, despite their two children.

In a retaliatory statement, Taiwo did not hold back, launching a scathing attack against Obasanjo. She accused him of arrogance and an unwavering belief in his power, further escalating their public feud.

Speaking on the issues surrounding their marriage, in reply to Obasanjo, she said, “Have you not begged me many times in the past to come back to you? Yet, you query the state of my mental health?

“You loved me very much in the past, to the extent of even beating your first wife in the house because she insulted me. It is still very painful to you that l left you and l am still alive. God has kept me. When l couldn’t cope, I ran out and left your home because you were to pushing me mad.

“By the way, can you provide the world the evidence that the one you put in your house now as your ‘mrs’, that you paid any bride price or took her to court to marry? She is simply answering your name because it is convenient for you. How many wives of yours did you marry officially with all marriage ceremonies performed? Please tell the world.”

(Phoenix)

BREAKING: Enugu State Revokes EEDC Licence ,Appoints New Company To Distribute Electricity

By

bvichannel1

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October 22, 2024

Today being 22nd October 2024 marks the making of history in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in Enugu State as it marks the end of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).

This historical event is a strong affirmation of the States’ constitutional right to develop the electricity sector in their States, across the value chain of generation, transmission, distribution, or retailing services, including Mini-Grid and Off-Grid electrification solutions.

As the foremost State to initiate and drive this process under the leadership of Dr. Peter N. Mbah, Enugu State has again emerged the first State to commence the development of a sub-national electricity market in Africa as EERC not only assumes regulatory oversight but will also issue licenses.

A distribution license will be issued to the Distribution Company known as Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, incorporated to take over EEDC’s operations in the State.

The handover ceremony holds Tuesday October 22, 2024 at EERC Headquarters, No. 2 Forrest Close, off Forrest Crescent, GRA, Enugu, at 10 am.

Gov Peter Mbah has become the first Governor in Nigeria to achieve this fit within 18 months of his administration. Gov Mbah has shown class and visionary Leadership in piloting the affairs of Enugu State. While other Governors are busy playing politics with most important enabler towards achieving industrialization,Gov Mbah from day 1 since he resumes duty as the Governor of Enugu ,has remained focused on Good Governance.

GGM and BVI Channel 1 congratulate Enugu people on this unprecedented achievement and hope that Gov Mbah will prioritize the welfare of the people . We hope that Enugu will set a high target of steady ,reliable and affordable electricity within a shortest time .

Ndubuisi Anaenugwu

Ambassador General,Good Governance Ministry (GGM)

IPOB FOUNDER, EMEKA EMEKESIRI, RESPONDS TO GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON

By

bvichannel1

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October 21, 2024

Barr. Dr. Emeka Emekesiri, founder and vision bearer of the original IPOB before it was hijacked, has responded to General Gowon who said during his 90-year birth day celebration as follows:

“I have always said that if there’s no secession, there wouldn’t be a breakout and there wouldn’t be a question of civil war because it got to the stage that the situation was getting pretty clear that a part of the country, the South-east wanted to secede”.

I read General Gowon’s speech where he decided to hide the truth about the real cause of the war between Nigeria and Biafra. He is labouring in vain to wash and launder his image dainted by the atrocities he and his Nigerian soldiers committed against the Biafrans. He has told us that he was sick after the meeting at Aburi in Ghana and could not make announcement of the Agreement reached between Nigeria and Biafra about confederation or regional autonomy so that every region would govern itself and develop at its own pace.

Gowon said he did not prepare very well for the meeting and did not go with his secretary. He came back from Ghana and became sick because Odumegwu Ojukwu went to the meeting fully prepared and presented a superior argument on Regional Government. It is General Gowon’s failure to implement this agreement for confederation that caused the war.

General Gowon, with due respect, I want to address you as an Elder. You are 90 and do not know when you will depart from this world to face your maker. We expect you to say the truth.

Confederation is not secession. The East accepted the Confederation Agreement but you turned around and violated the Agreement.

Confederation is not secession but a union of self-governing regions just like we have in the UK with four nations in one country.

If Britain could become a Great Britain with four nations called Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, Nigeria can also become a Great Nigeria with six nations created from the existing six geopolitical Regions. This is what the Nigerians want now.

This is why MOBIN submitted the Memorandum to the National Assembly to restructure Nigeria into 6 Regional Governments so that every region will govern itself and develop at its own pace. You confirmed what Ken Saro Wiwa said in his book that he and Chief Biriye and other Chiefs visited you and said they would not go with the Igbo people in the same Region. Therefore, you created Rivers State and Cross River State for them to stop Biafra.

We applaud your master stroke to divide the Eastern Region with political weapon of state creation. Well, now Rivers State and Cross River State are in a different region called South South Region which goes by the name of Niger Delta Region.

They are also suffering injustice, maltreatment, and marginalization just like the South East. They want to be free in their own land to control their resources.

For peace to reign in Nigeria, the country must be restructured to Regional Government.

Why We Invaded Enugu Radio Station- EFCC

By

bvichannel1

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October 16, 2024

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made clarifications on the invasion of an Enugu based radio station, Urban Radio 94.5FM on Monday by the operatives of the ant-graft agency.

There were media reports that some operatives of the EFCC invaded a live programme on the station and disrupted activities in the station on Monday.

However, clearing the air on the situation, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale in a statement on Tuesday evening stated that some officers of the commission had gone to the radio station with a warrant to invite one Favour Ekoh, the host of a prime time show on the radio station for an alleged Ponzi scheme that scammed some persons to the tune of N700million, but were prevented from carrying out their lawful duty.

The EFCC alleged that their officers despite showing a warrant of arrest were prevented from arresting the suspect and were locked inside the radio station by the management.

The EFCC statement reads:

On Monday, October 14, 2024, a team of operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, comprising four officers were at Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu to invite one Favour Ekoh, host of Prime Time, a programme running at the Station.

Ekoh is being investigated by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud involving about Fifty (50) victims. According to the victims, Ekoh allegedly lured them into investing in a scheme “Life Trading” in a company, Leverage Index Limited, where they were offered returns on investment of 10 percent of their capital after a period of time.

The victims alleged that after investing their money into the company located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu State, the company closed its office with no return on investment or principal returned to the victims. Ekoh allegedly invited the victims into the business and she remained the only link the victims could hold.

At the Radio Station, operatives of the Commission, holding a warrant of arrest for Ekoh, identified themselves as officers of the EFCC. They informed the Managing Director of the Station, Bamikole Owoyomi, about their mission. However, in a rather strange twist, a staff of the Station called the Chairman of the Radio Station who ordered that the gate of the building be locked in and out, thereby holding the officers hostage. Faced with such hostility, they called for a rescue team which eventually arrested Omoyomi, Ekoh and the two security guards who locked them within the premises of the Station.

Ekoh had to be trailed to the Station for arrest because the nature of the fraudulent dealings necessitated a sting operation that would foreclose her escape or go underground. She was neither arrested while on air nor any disruption of the lawful activities of the Radio Station took place. No equipment of the Station was tampered with and she has since been released after being allowed to make a Statement at the Enugu office. Owoyomi and the two security guards were arrested for obstruction of justice as they initially prevented the operatives from carrying out their official duties. They also made statements to that effect and have since been released.

The EFCC holds the media in high esteem both as the fourth estate of the realm and a critical stakeholder in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, but the precipitate and unlawful obstruction of officers of the Commission from carrying out their duties, by staff of the Radio Station, is unacceptable. Besides, the professional credentials of Ekoh, a principal suspect in a Ponzi scheme to the tune of N700m affecting 50 innocent Nigerians, are questionable. The Commission hereby calls on the International Press Institute, IPI, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to investigate the conduct of the Station in the light of integrity and ethical professional practice.

Exchange Rate: Naira to Dollar as at Today

By

Queen Madu

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October 15, 2024

According to FMDQ data, the Naira resumed on a good note on Monday, gaining significantly against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market.

The Nigerian currency appreciated to N1552.92 per Dollar on Monday from N1641.27 exchanged last Friday, representing an N88.35 appreciation against the Dollar on Monday compared to the N1641.27 exchange rate on Friday.

The last time the Naira gained this much against the Dollar was on September 26, when it gained N91.32.

The Nigerian currency remained steady at the parallel market and exchanged at N1700 per Dollar, the same rate as last Friday.

In the FX market, the Naira has been fluctuating for several months despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s interventions.
The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) introduced the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) in October 2024 for foreign exchange transactions in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

(Newscentral)

Electricity Consumers’ Reject Band System ,To Declare Indefinite Strike

By

bvichannel1

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October 14, 2024

The South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) says it will protest against Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC)’s plan to move its customers in South-East to band A on Nov. 1.

The proposed protest was announced in a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman of SEECA, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, and its National Secretary, Mr Ogubuike Ibeagi, on Monday in Enugu.

The duo said the decision to protest was taken during an extraordinary meeting of the Consultative Assembly of SEECA on Sunday.

Recall that the Acting Managing Director of EEDC, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, had on Oct. 9, while declaring open the company’s Customer Service Week, said the company would systematically transition customers from lower tariff bands to Band A.

He said the move would enable the electricity users to enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily.

However, the SEECA officials said that EEDC had not complied with the order of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to refund South-East electricity consumers the N11.86 billion owed them for overbilling between Jan. and Sept. 2023.

They said the protest would not be physical to NERC, EEDC and Aba Geometric Power Limited, offices but through the use of their network to inform and mobilise all the traditional rulers and Presidents-General of communities to seize from payments for electricity and stay in darkness.

According to them, EEDC has not owned up to repairing and providing transformers, wires and cables, poles, prepaid meters and other equipment used in the chain of their electricity distribution.

“Our resolution this day is that from Nov. 1, there will be an indefinite strike by all electricity consumers in the Southeast for ‘banding’ of electricity consumers in the South-East.

“The strike includes no prepaid metre to all estimated billed consumers, bulk and Community billing, and no payment; we demand for a uniform tariff to all electricity consumers in the south-east.’’

They further called on EEDC and Aba Geometric Power Limited to as a matter of urgency, take stock and begin an assemblage, repair and replacement of all bad transformers and begin to provide wires, cables and poles as required by NERC regulations.

“We are calling on them to refund all over-billed consumers to the tune of N11.86 billion as investigated and ordered by NERC.

“As soon as our indefinite strike starts, we encourage the NERC and Federal Government to advise the EEDC and Aba Power Ltd, Geometric to seize from their supply of electricity to all consumers of electricity in the South-East until the above-required rules of engagements are met,” they said

Exchange Rate: Naira to Dollar as at Today

By

Queen Madu

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October 7, 2024

As of October 7, 2024, the exchange ratefor the US dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN) in the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, has reached N1,680 for 1 USD.

This exchange rate is typically obtained from the most recent data provided by Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, who play a key role in the informal foreign exchange market.

The rates in the black market often differ significantly from the official rates set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) due to the varying dynamics of supply and demand within the informal market.

On the same day, October 7, 2024, the black market buying rate for the US dollar stood at N1,675, while the selling rate was recorded at N1,680.

These rates are subject to frequent changes throughout the day, influenced by a range of factors including prevailing economic conditions, market speculation, and government policies.

The fluctuations in the dollar-to-naira exchange rate within the black market are indicative of ongoing economic challenges and a persistent shortage of foreign exchange in Nigeria.

In contrast to the black market rates, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains an official exchange rate, which as ,of today, is set at N1,657 per USD.

The significant disparity between the official CBN rate and the rates in the parallel market underscores the intense pressure being exerted on the naira.

This gap between the two rates also reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, where demand often outstrips supply, leading to volatility.

The black market, though unofficial, serves as a barometer for the real-world value of the naira, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

The ongoing fluctuations in exchange rates are a symptom of deeper economic issues, including limited access to foreign currency, which has been exacerbated by various domestic and international factors.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by the Central Bank of Nigeria in stabilizing the naira amidst a turbulent forex market, where the official and parallel market rates continue to diverge.

(Osundefender)