Category: cover

 

Craftsmen and small business owners have expressed concern over the persistent power outages in Kano state, saying the situation is crippling their operations.

 

Some of the affected residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in interviews on Sunday said the poor electricity supply was affecting productivity and increasing operational costs.

 

Malam Idi Ali, a welder at Kofar Ruwa area, said he spends an average of N5,000 daily on fuel to power his generator due to the erratic electricity supply.

 

“We hardly get power for two hours in a day. I have lost customers because I cannot meet deadlines.

 

“It is becoming unbearable,” he said.

 

Another business owner, Amina Rabiu, who runs a frozen food business in Sabon Gari area, said she has incurred losses due to spoiled goods caused by power failure.

 

Stella Simon, a fashion designer in the Fagge area, said the power situation had become so bad that she had been unable to meet her customers’ demands for weeks.

“We have not had electricity for almost two days now. I have to rely on a generator.

 

“Getting fuel to power it is expensive due to the increase in the pump price of fuel. I depend on electricity to preserve my stock.

 

“Now I use generators throughout the day and still lose money. It is frustrating,” she said.

 

Similarly, Abba Kabir, a tailor in the Dakata area, said the situation had forced him to reduce his workforce.

 

“I cannot continue paying workers when there is no power to run my machines.

 

“We need urgent intervention from the government or the electricity distribution company,” he said.

 

Efforts to get a response from the Head of Corporate Communications at the Kano Electricity Development Company, Mr Sani Bala, were unsuccessful.

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State Command, has arrested a 47-year-old man, Muraino Lasisi, for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Abeokuta.

 

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Mr Dyke Ogbonnaya.

 

He said the suspect was apprehended by officers of the corps at the Oke-Sokori area of the state capital following a tip-off from a concerned neighbour.

 

“Officers of the command arrested the suspect where he allegedly committed the crime,” Ogbonnaya said. “After his arrest and during interrogation, Lasisi made a confessional statement admitting to the offence.”

 

Ogbonnaya further stated that the suspect would face prosecution upon completion of investigation.

“After a thorough investigation of the matter, the command made an application for the suspect to be remanded in the correctional service for 60 days pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, which was granted,” he added.

 

The state Commandant, Mrs Remilekun Ekundayo, condemned the act and vowed to ensure justice is served.

 

“She said this would help to deter others from towing such a line,” Ogbonnaya quoted.

 

Ekundayo reiterated the corps’ commitment to protecting minors and warned that anyone who engages in such criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

 

“I will ensure the corps stops all indecent acts regarding minors and others across Ogun State, and whoever feels the impunity of contravening such criminal acts will definitely face the full weight of the law,” she said.

 

Less than seven months after a boat accident claimed over 200 lives in Gbajibo in Kaiama Local Government Srea of Kwara Etate, 37 traders perished in another boat mishap which occurred on Thursday in the Gbajibo-Mudi community in the state.

 

The traders, according to impeccable sources came to the weekly market and were returning home in Niger State in the evening on the fateful day when the accident occurred.

 

The sources said that the boat which was about 100 passengers capacity was overloaded while the accident was fueled by the overflowing river.

 

The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Abubakar Abdullahi, and the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, are presently on the ground to sympathise with the community.

A former chairman of the local government, Mahmoud Gbajibo, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Saturday, said that 37 bodies were recovered from the river by the rescue team of the community.

 

He said, “The boat accident occurred at about 6pm on Thursday. The traders closed from the market in Gbajigbo Mudi and were returning to their various communities in Niger state when the tragic incident occurred.

 

“37 corpses were recovered from the river while many others were rescued from the river.

 

“The cause of the accident can be attributed to overloading of the boat while the water volume also contributed to it.

 

“Right now, the chairman of the local government and the Emir of Kaiama are in Gbajigbo Mudi community to sympathise with the people.”

 

Efforts to get the Kwara State Polic3 Command’s confirmation of the incident on Saturday proved abortive as the PPRO, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi’s telephone line could not get through while the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, did not respond to calls made to his phone while the WhatsApp message sent to him was not replied.

 

Also the call made to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye’s phone was not picked on Saturday while the WhatsApp message sent to him since Saturday is yet to be replied as of the time of filing this report.

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecasted a mix of sunny and cloudy weather conditions accompanied by thunderstorms across various parts of the country from Sunday to Tuesday.

 

In its weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, the agency predicted that Sunday would begin with sunny skies in most parts of the country.

 

However, it said there would be patches of cloud and thunderstorms in parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa States during the afternoon and evening.

 

For the North-central region, NiMet forecasted sunny skies with isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi States later in the day.

 

The agency also projected thunderstorms in the southern region on Sunday morning, especially in Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Isolated thunderstorms are also expected in the evening.

 

“On Monday, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected in the northern region, with chances of morning thunderstorms in Taraba and Adamawa States,” NiMet stated.

 

It added that isolated thunderstorms were likely in parts of Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa States in the afternoon or evening.

 

In the North-central, the forecast includes sunny skies with some clouds and isolated thunderstorms in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Plateau States.

 

NiMet also forecasted morning thunderstorms in parts of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States in the South, followed by isolated thunderstorms later in the day.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, the agency predicted sunny skies with few clouds in the northern region in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms in parts of Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa States.

 

“Isolated thunderstorms are also expected later in the day over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba States,” it said.

 

In the North-central region, the forecast includes sunny skies with patches of cloud and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening in the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, and Niger States.

 

Southern states, including Cross River, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, are expected to experience morning thunderstorms, with additional storms later in the day.

 

NiMet urged the public to take necessary precautions as strong winds may precede thunderstorms.

“Residents are advised to secure loose objects to prevent damage,” the agency said.

 

It also urges residents to avoid driving under heavy rain, disconnect electrical appliances, and stay clear of tall trees to avoid falling branches.

 

The agency further encouraged airline operators to consult it for specific weather reports to aid flight planning.

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has debunked rumours that he may pick the presidential ticket to battle against President Bola Tinubu for the number one seat in 2027.

 

Rumour has it that if the Peoples Democratic Party agrees to zone its presidential ticket to the South, Wike may join the race.

 

However, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Saturday, the former Rivers State governor said he cannot contest against his boss.

Asked if he would contest if the main opposition party zones it’s ticket to the South, Wike simply said, “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?

 

When the interviewer further asked him if he believes that President Tinubu would win the 2027 election, Wike said there is nobody in the opposition to challenge the President.

 

“They said they will zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he said.

 

The Abia Government, on Saturday, conferred the Outstanding Corps Member of the Year 2024 Award on Francis Owums for his immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

 

The ex-corps member was honoured with the State Honours Award during a colourful ceremony at the National Youth Service Corps Secretariat in Umuahia.

 

Owums, with the registration number AB/2023C/0336, was given a cash prize of N400,000 by the government in addition to a Certificate of Honour, signed by the governor.

 

A graduate of Information Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Owums was honoured for his personal Community Development Project during his service year.

 

He was recognised for organising a skill acquisition training programme for 150 natives, including widows, youths, and out-of-school children in Umuawa-Alaocha Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

 

The Imo-born business developer and consultant also empowered 10 most indigent participants with N1 million and issued a Certificate of Participation to all the participants.

 

In appreciation of his great service, the traditional ruler of Umuawa-Alaocha Ancient Kingdom, Eze Godswill Asomugha, conferred him with a chieftaincy title “Olu Aka Chukwu 1 of Umuawa-Alaocha Kingdom.”

 

In a speech, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, appreciated the government for fulfilling its promise of honouring corps members, who made positive impacts during their service year.

 

According to Adama, this gesture demonstrates the government’s commitment to the NYSC scheme and its values of service, integrity, and patriotism.

Speaking to newsmen, Owums expressed gratitude to God and the organisers for the recognition, saying it would spur him to do more for humanity.

 

Owums, who served at Campus Innovation Hub Limited, Umuahia, said he was touched by a lot of young widows, youths and out-of-school children roaming the streets in the state capital.

 

He said, “I saw that as an anomaly and decided to do something to change their lives because I don’t necessarily believe that NYSC is all about ‘allowee’ (allowance).

 

“You will never see me complain about this country because I believe that change starts with us.

 

“My mentality to helping is not to give fish but to teach one how to fish, which is why I particularly chose empowerment programme.”

Owums also advised young people, especially students and corps members, to start doing something for themselves instead of waiting for the country to help them.

 

“You can help yourself, learn skills, do something because little raindrops make up a river,” he said.

 

NAN

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, as his political son despite their rift.

 

In an interview with BBC Pidgin published on Saturday, Wike said he cannot fight his son, refuting claims of a feud.

 

He stated the battle was not against Fubara, but those he claimed had been pushing the governor against him.

 

He said, “That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?

 

“I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.

 

“When you don’t defeat them, they will think you….. Defeat them to the final stage.

 

“Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

 

PUNCH Online reports that Wike and Fubara have been engaged in a political rift since 2023, fueling an unending political crisis in the South South State.

 

There were reports that Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, had tendered apologies to his former boss.

 

 

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday, directed a review of a road project in Aduramigba community, Ido-Osun, after a protest by the residents, who alleged that a shoddy job was done by the contractor.

 

Residents of Aduramigba community had earlier held a peaceful protest over the quality of work done on the 4.76 kilometres road that passes through the area.

 

During the protest, the residents carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘We say no to no drainage and stone base road’, ‘Don’t cause quick pain for six communities ’, ‘We kick against corruption on this project,’ among others.

 

Speaking during the protest, the community chairman, Sunday Ogundele, said the road was constructed without a proper drainage system, insisting that a poor job was done by the contractor.

 

“The quality of this road is so poor, they started tarring the road on Sunday and Monday, but that rainfall on Thursday washed away the asphalt in some portions,” Ogundele said.

Reacting in a statement, spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Works and O-RAMP Project have visited the “community affected by the reportedly, sordidly constructed road for on the spot assessment, interaction with the community and to deliver the message of Governor Ademola Adeleke.”

 

The statement further read, “The team related to Governor Adeleke’s directive for an immediate review of the work done on the road while directing remedial action in line with best practices.

 

“The team also assured the community that apart from a review and a follow-up remedial work, the Governor is also looking into other pressing needs of the community.

 

“The team is also currently interfacing with the contractors and the project managers to collate reports and determine an immediate remediation action. The government team is to report back to the Governor by Monday, after which further corrective decisions will be taken.”

 

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 general elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has disowned a statement circulating on social media, which allegedly claimed to represent his views on Nigeria’s ongoing political realignments.

 

Kwankwaso made the clarification on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, distancing himself from the comments and describing them as “false, unfounded, and products of political mischief.”

 

He wrote, “My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments in Nigeria.

 

“I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief.”

 

The former Kano State governor and influential political figure further stated that he has deliberately refrained from commenting on current political developments and intends to maintain that position for now.

 

“I have refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and I will continue to do so for the time being,” he stated.

 

Kwankwaso also cautioned the public to disregard any statements not issued through his official channels, warning against the spread of misinformation.

 

“In this regard, I urge the public to only engage statements that come from my public handles and other official sources,” he added.

 

The clarification comes amid growing speculation about possible alliances and defections ahead of the 2027 elections, in which Kwankwaso is widely believed to still wield considerable political influence, especially in the North-West.

 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has commenced the reconstruction of three collapsed towers along the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi transmission line.

 

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah, who said the company had mobilised three contractors to the site, with each contractor assigned to rebuild one of the affected towers.

 

According to her, the multi-contractor strategy is aimed at fast-tracking the reconstruction process and restoring full transmission capacity as quickly as possible.

 

“To mitigate the impact of the outage on Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) and its customers, alternative supply routes have been activated,” she said.

 

Mbah added that affected states, including Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi, were currently receiving between 6 megawatts and 7 megawatts of bulk power through the alternate 132kV Mando-Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto-Birnin Kebbi line, which is fed from the Mando Transmission Substation.

 

She said, “TCN appreciates the patience and understanding of the affected communities as contractors work assiduously alongside our supervising engineers to rebuild the towers and restring the 330kV line.

 

“We regret the inconvenience caused and remain committed to restoring full supply as quickly as possible.”

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the national power grid.

 

The collapse of the towers occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and led to a major outage across parts of Kebbi and Kaduna states, as well as surrounding areas.

 

Kaduna Electric, in a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, confirmed the development on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

 

The statement read, “We sincerely wish to apologise to our esteemed customers in Birnin Kebbi for the outage currently being experienced. The outage is due to the collapse of three transmission towers near Yauri town.

 

“The TCN team is working diligently to rectify the issue. Normal power supply will be restored as soon as possible. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.”

 

The latest incident adds to a string of disruptions along the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi transmission corridor, which has suffered multiple outages and system trips since 2024.