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  • MOJEC deploys 300,000 meters into Nigeria’s power sector in 2024

    MOJEC deploys 300,000 meters into Nigeria’s power sector in 2024

    The hope of Nigerian electricity consumers to acquire meters has received a boost as MOJEC International Limited, a foremost leader in Nigeria’s power and energy sector, deployed over 300,000 meters across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in 2024.

    Through its subsidiary; MOJEC Meter Asset Management Company (M3AC), the company successfully installed over 240,000 meters of the 300,000 deployed, reflecting MOJEC’s pivotal role as a critical partner in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable energy. Speaking about the accomplishment, MOJEC’s Head of Installation, Mr. Monday Ubogu, stated that the company completed up to 150,000 installations within the first three quarters of 2024, accounting for an impressive 40 per cent of all installations carried out nationwide across Distribution Companies (DisCos) within the same period.

    This contribution was further amplified in the fourth quarter with the deployment of an additional 95,000 meters, bringing its annual total to over 240,000 installations. Mr. Ubogu also noted, “The record breaking meter installations underscores MOJEC’s unparalleled capacity to drive metering initiatives such as CAPMI, MAF, Vendor Financing, MAP Phases I & II, and NMMP 0, having deployed nearly 4M meters since the privatization of the NESI.

    Group Managing Director, Chantelle Abdul, attributed the success to MOJEC’s state of the art metering facilities. She stated, “At the heart of MOJEC’s success lies its cutting-edge infrastructure. We operate two state-of-the-art meter production facilities, boasting an annual installed capacity of up to 5 million meters.” This robust production capability not only positions MOJEC as a key player in addressing the metering deficit in Nigeria but also underscores its role as a trailblazer in Africa’s energy landscape.

    Chantelle noted that MOJEC’s expansive installer network, comprising over 5,000 skilled professionals, further lends credence to its leadership position in the sector. She affirms that the vast network of expertise ensures swift and efficient meter deployment, making MOJEC the go-to partner for DisCos nationwide. The MOJEC boss further added that by leveraging its extensive expertise and infrastructure, the company is empowering homes, businesses, and industries with reliable access to electricity.

    As the largest smart meter manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa, MOJEC International Limited continues to set benchmarks for excellence, innovation, and impact. Its contributions in 2024 mark a significant milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize energy access across Nigeria and beyond. With a strong focus on sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and a customer-centric approach, MOJEC is not only transforming the Nigerian electricity metering landscape but also spearheading efforts to build a more efficient and equitable energy future for all.

  • Telecom tariff hike will hinder learning, research – Students lament

    Telecom tariff hike will hinder learning, research – Students lament

    A cross-section of students in Enugu State, on Wednesday,  appealed for the reversal of the 50 per cent hike in tariff in telecommunication services due to prevailing socioeconomic hardship.

    They were of the view that telecommunication services, such as internet data service, have enhanced learning and research work; making its usage indispensable to all students.

    They made their feelings known in separate interviews while reacting to the telecom tariff hike with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Mr Divine Eze, a student of the Department of Environmental Management in the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom companies to consider the financial struggle of students and their parents.

    Eze said that currently most students could not easily cope with the high cost of textbooks and other educational materials, which cost increased in the past few years.

    “The only relief we have for now is the telecommunication services that had helped students to manage; thus, reducing need for travels, time doing research and writing same research work and essential social media communication,” he said.

    Speaking, a student of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Mrs Chiamaka Dike, called on NCC and telecom companies not to put an increase in data service as it impacted negatively on learning and education the more.

    “Usage of data have made me to manage the N2,000 that my parents usual give to me monthly for GSM services.

    “Many other students I know go through such strict condition by using only data only when necessay,” Dike, who is of the Department of Banking and Finance, said.

    Corroborating, Mr Chidiebere Chimdobe, a student of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), noted that NCC and telecom companies failed to consult and carry all telecom stakeholders along in pushing for the hike.

    Chimdobe said that the telecommunication services drove millions of soft job or e-jobs which students and fresh graduates engage in within the past 10 years.

    According to him, NCC and telecom companies are thoroughly insensitive to the hradship, daily struggles and difficult plights of Nigerian youths, which majority are students.

    “If they go ahead with the hike, it will further compound hardship and will increase social vices as well,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a pan-African students movement, has given an ultimatum of 72-hour to NCC and telecom companies to reverse recent 50 per cent hike in tariff.

    The President of PSM, Mr Bestman Okereafor, called for the review and reversal in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu.

    Okereafor noted that the 50 per cent increment at this time is “unjustifiable, untimely, and insensitive; hence the total rejection of this anti-masses increment.”

    According to him, PSM is calling on NCC and telecommunications companies to review its stance as a matter of urgency.

    He said, “The attention of PSM has been drawn to NCC’s approval of Telecom operators 50 per cent tariff increment.

    “It will be recalled that telecom operators had previously demanded to adjust their tariff rate; a request which many Nigerians especially Nigerian students frowned at.

    “Information at our disposal shows that NCC approved the telecom companies request in response to rising operational costs, at the detriment of Nigerians and the obvious economic realities facing the country.

    “However, this development, which allows for a maximum of 50 per cent adjustment to current tariffs, was announced in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Monday, Jan. 20.”

    The PSM President warned that the entire students’ bodies would be protesting this abnormal and inconsiderate 50 per cent increment in tariff if not reviewed in the next 72 hours.

  • Hundreds to wed as same-sex marriage law takes effect in Thailand

    Thailand is set to witness a historic moment as hundreds of same-sex couples marry on Thursday, marking the implementation of the country’s landmark equal marriage law.

    The milestone makes Thailand the largest nation in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and the first in Southeast Asia to do so.

    The event will feature a mass LGBTQ+ wedding in Bangkok organised by Bangkok Pride in collaboration with city authorities. The celebration includes marriage registrations at the Siam Paragon shopping mall and district offices nationwide, as the law officially takes effect.

    For many, this day represents years of struggle and advocacy. Ariya “Jin” Milintanapa, a transgender woman who has awaited this moment for two decades, told AFP: “This day is important not just for us, but for our kids as well. Our family will finally become one.”

    Thailand’s same-sex marriage bill, passed in June 2024 and ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in October, removes gendered language from the definition of marriage. It replaces terms like “husband” and “wife” with inclusive, gender-neutral terms and grants same-sex couples rights to adoption and inheritance.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the occasion, stating, “No matter your gender or who you love, love knows no limits or expectations. Everyone will be protected under the same laws.”

    Thailand, known for its relative tolerance of LGBTQ+ communities, ranks highly on global LGBTQ+ equality indexes. However, activists highlight that the journey to equal marriage has been long and arduous, with efforts often derailed by political instability and conservative opposition.

    Activist Siritata Ninlapruek described the struggle as bittersweet, emphasising the ongoing need for progress. “I am extremely happy, but my fight for the community continues,” she said, advocating for broader gender identity recognition beyond biological sex.

    Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as the third country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. It is also the 34th country worldwide to do so following the Netherlands’ historic legalisation of same-sex unions in 2001.

    While the milestone is celebrated, activists acknowledge that social attitudes still pose challenges in the Buddhist-majority kingdom where traditional and conservative values persist.

  • Police rescue wife of retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu, gun down kidnappers

    Police rescue wife of retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu, gun down kidnappers

    Police operatives attached to the Ogun State Command have neutralised the kidnappers of Mrs. Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant-Inspector General, AIG Hakeem Odumosu, and rescued her unharmed.

    Recall that on January 16, 2025, at approximately 9:45 pm, four masked gunmen forcibly abducted Mrs. Odumosu from her Lexus Jeep outside her residence in Arepo, Ogun State.

    The abduction sparked an immediate response from the anti-kidnapping unit of the Ogun State Police Command, who commenced a thorough investigation and targeted pursuit of the kidnappers.

    Meanwhile, a statement by Force headquarters said, ‘With the support of the Force Headquarters technical intelligence platforms, the Ogun State police operatives engaged in extensive surveillance of the creeks surrounding Arepo, gathering crucial information to track down the assailants.

    “Their efforts culminated in a raid on January 23, 2025, at around 06:45 am.

    “The intelligence-led operation took the police to a creek in the swampy area of Ikorodu where the kidnappers were reportedly planning their next attack.

    “Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire. In the ensuing confrontation, two of the gunmen were neutralized, while four others fled the scene, abandoning their operational weapons.

    “The victim, Mrs Odumosu was rescued within the swampy creeks during the operation, unharmed.

    “She is currently undergoing medical evaluation as a precautionary measure and has since been reunited with her family.

    “The police also recovered 4 Ak-47 rifles, 3 locally made single barrel rifles, ammunition of various calibers, and the sum of N10,000,000 ransom previously demanded by the kidnappers, further ensuring that justice is served.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his operatives for their displayed gallantry in this successful operation.

    “This operation exemplifies the dedication and resilience of our Police officers.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, providing safety and security to all citizens.”

  • NASS directs upward review of budgetary allocation for Steel Ministry

    NASS directs upward review of budgetary allocation for Steel Ministry

    The National Assembly through its Joint Committee on Steel Development, has directed an upward review of the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Steel Development.

    Chairman of the committee, Sen.  Patrick Ndubueze (APC -Imo North), declared this, after the Minister, Mr Shuaibu Audu presented the ministry’s 2025 budget estimate before it.

    Audu in his presentation,  sought an increase in the ministry’s budgetary allocation to enable it  perform optimally, after it was given a 2025 budgetary allocation of N24 billion, as against its initial request of N315 billion.

    This was disclosed by the ministry’s, Head of Information and Public Relations, Salamatu Jibaniya, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Jibaniya said the ministry was before the committee to seek its collaboration for additional proposed intervention.

    She said the joint committee granted the ministry’s request for an increase due to the critical role of the steel sector in the growth and diversification of Nigeria’s economy, as well as issues of  Scrap Metal in Nigeria.

    She said  the chairman called for the establishment of Scrap Collection Centres across the six geopolitical zones of the country to safeguard public infrastructure and boost steel production.

    In response to the development, the committee urged the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning to collaborate with it and the ministry in the review to ensure fulfillment of the steel ministry’s mandate.

    The ministry’s spokesperson said that following  adoption of the budget, the Co-Chairman, Rep. Zainab Gimba, representing Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge Federal Constituency, moved a motion for a meeting between the joint committee, the ministry , and the minister of budget and economic planning .

    “So, I am now moving a motion that we invite the Director-General and  minister of budget and economic planning to interface with the ministry and the joint committee.

    “This is to see how the budget of the ministry of steel development and other relevant agencies will be scaled up to enable them to achieve what is expected of them,” she said.

    In his earlier presentation,  Audu stated that the ministry’s main targets for 2025 were to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), boost government revenue, and increase foreign exchange earnings from the steel sector.

    He added that the target also included revitalising the entire steel sector and completing the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in Itakpe.

    “We made a request for N315 billion  of which we were given a capital budget appropriation of N8.3 billion.

    “This is a very far cry from what is required to get some of the projects off the ground and also increase the valuation of the assets in the process of privatisation.

    “For the purpose of the joint committee, we are asking for additional proposed intervention totalling N33.031 billion  for priority projects, and also based on the declaration of a state of emergency on scrap collation centres,” he said.

  • Tussle over Amanana-owei stool in Delta: Tuomo community stands firm on Chief Agidee

    Tussle over Amanana-owei stool in Delta: Tuomo community stands firm on Chief Agidee

    BURUTU—The ongoing tussle over the Amanana-owei (traditional ruler) stool of Tuomo community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is escalating, with the community reaffirming its earlier election of Chief Ebikapaye Agidee.

    Meanwhile, the Burutu Council Chairman, Chief Julius Takeme, has ordered a fresh election for the stool.

    Tuomo, a host community to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has a history of intra-communal crises over leadership elections, often forcing residents to flee to neighboring Bomadi and other communities.

    In a statement released on social media yesterday, the council chairman announced the commencement of the sale of nomination forms for executive positions in the community. He also directed the community transition committee, led by Barr. Roland Ombe, to postpone the Amanana-owei election, citing ongoing legal issues.

    The statement partly read: “The Burutu Council Chairman has ordered the commencement of the sale of nomination forms for the executive positions of Tuomo community. The council chairman also directed the community transition committee to postpone the Amanana-owei election due to ongoing legal matters.”

    However, the leadership and residents of Akerebunou quarters, one of the three quarters in Tuomo community, remain resolute in their decision to elect Chief Ebikapaye Agidee. They emphasize that the election followed the community’s rotational arrangement for the stool.

    Speaking on behalf of Akerebunou quarters, Chairman Mr. Okorotie Oyabra said: “Earlier this week, the council chairman visited the community, expressing his intention to conduct an election. However, we informed him that the people of Akerebunou quarters have already elected Chief Ebikapaye Agidee as our Amanana-owei, in line with our community constitution. Chief Agidee was duly sworn in by the oldest man in Tuomo, Pa S.K. Waide.”

    Oyabra added that the council chairman sought to gauge community support for Chief Agidee through a voice vote. “When he asked if the community supported Chief Agidee, the response was a resounding YES, with no dissenting voices. However, he still refused to endorse Chief Agidee’s election,” Oyabra said.

    The youth of Akerebunou quarters, led by Mr. Oweilayefa Apostle, also reaffirmed their unanimous support for Chief Agidee. They called on politicians to refrain from interfering in the community’s affairs.

    “All Akerebunou youths stand firmly behind Chief Ebikapaye Agidee as the Amanana-owei of Tuomo. There is no rancor among us. Out of five candidates, three withdrew and pledged their support for Chief Agidee, while only one, Mr. Arebebe Ebiemi, opposed the decision. Mr. Ebiemi took the matter to court, but the court in Okpokunou struck out the case after hearing arguments from both sides,” Apostle stated.

    Apostle also revealed that the council chairman’s intervention has caused unrest. “We staged a peaceful protest against the chairman’s plan when he visited the community. We want peace, and the decision to elect Chief Agidee reflects the collective will of Tuomo people,” he added.

    Cleric’s Reaction

    Pastor Yokoro Ayama of Jesus My Saviour Ministry, Akerebunou quarters, also weighed in on the matter, blaming the local government for the tension.

    “The problem in Tuomo is the interference of the local government authority. We have peacefully elected Chief Ebikapaye Agidee as our Amanana-owei. Even the court struck out the case brought against him. Yet, the council chairman insists on disrupting our decision,” Ayama said.

    The cleric appealed to the authorities to respect the community’s choice. “The local government should leave Tuomo alone. Both the old and young in Akerebunou quarters have chosen Chief Agidee, and we will not be manipulated by politicians. All we want is peace,” he concluded.

  • Threats to life did not overwhelm Ejiofor in fighting for Justice – Ozekhome

    Threats to life did not overwhelm Ejiofor in fighting for Justice – Ozekhome

    Owerri – A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Professor Mike Ozekhome, Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, who is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Thursday commended Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, for not being overwhelmed in the cause of fighting for Justice.

    Ozekhome spoke in a statement to newsmen while commenting on the 50th birthday celebration of Ejiofor.

    It was his view that Ejiofor’s legal prowess has been an inspiration to the judicial system in Nigeria which centered on “respecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law in a democratic society.”

    While Narrating Ejiofor’s doggedness in fighting for Justice and human rights, Ozekhome said: “As a counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), you worked closely with me as the lead counsel, day and night, occasionally up to 3am in the morning. You demonstrated extraordinary courage in your advocacy for the rights and freedoms of our client. We worked doggedly for the cause of our client,notching up victory after victory in most of the courts we crusaded his cause before. I witnessed, firsthand, your tenacity of purpose in the face of daunting challenges and threats to ur life by people who did not believe in our just cause. Notwithstanding these challenges and threats to your life and property, you remained resolute in your pursuit of justice and human rights. Your many attributes which include your unusual resilience, compassion and strong ethical standards,have endeared you to many, including me.”

    He pointed out that Ejiofor’s journey in the legal battle”Is a testament to deep conviction that every individual is entitled to social justice and fair representation regardless of the adversities they face. As exampler of a deep researcher, your legal prowess and steadfast pursuit of justice have not only brought global attention to the plight of your client, but have also underscored the importance of respecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law in a democratic society. Your sustained good works have inspired many to believe in the possibility of a fair and equitable judicial system, even when the odds initially seem insurmountable.”

    He concluded that; “As you celebrate this golden milestone, may you find renewed strength and inspiration to continue your noble endeavors. May your days be filled with good health, happiness and the relentless support of those who believe in the values you uphold. On behalf of all who sincerely admire your rare courage and dedication to the cause you believe in,I wish you a happy and memorable 50th birthday. May the years ahead be as impactful and inspiring as those behind you.”

  • Gunmen kill Imo lawyer, courts shut down

    Gunmen kill Imo lawyer, courts shut down

    OWERRI – Courts in Mgbidi, Oguta and Omumma areas of Imo State, Thursday, shut down following the killing of a lawyer in the state, Chinedu Nwowu.

    It was gathered that the lawyer was shot while driving along Mgbidi road on Wednesday evening.

    A source said the gunmen forcefully blocked the victim while driving and shot him dead.

    Following the tragic incident, the Orlu Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, where the deceased belonged had announced that no court session would hold on Thursday in the Oguta and Omumma axis of the state.

    The branch announced an emergency meeting of the members following the killing of the lawyer.

    A memo issued by Chukwuemeka Okoro, on behalf of the branch, notified that the emergency meeting would start at 10 am at High Court in Mgbidi.

    “Following the gruesome murder of one of us, CHINEDU NWOWU last night in his town, Mgbidi, all lawyers of Oru/Oguta Forum are hereby notified of a crucial emergency meeting this morning by 10 am at the High Court, Mgbidi.

    “The Mgbidi, Oguta and Omumma High Courts will not sit today. Please, be punctual”, the statement read.

    The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, was yet to state the killing of the lawyer at the time of filing this report

  • Lagos seals building on drainage system

    Lagos seals building on drainage system

    The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, on Thursday, sealed an ongoing construction building for stacking materials on the drainage system.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, gave the order during an inspection of projects and sites in Lagos Island and its environs.

    Wahab, who was displeased with the activities going on in the area, said the materials were blocking the drainage system, hence the seal.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the building that was sealed was situated at No. 109, Alakoro Str. in Lagos Island.

    “They are stacking their materials on the road and our drainage system.

    “The materials were stacked on our drainage system, and it is not allowed.

    “They block the drainage system by doing that, so that is why we say they should serve the notices so they can move those materials and clean the system, and then we will unseal them,” he said.

    Talking about the visit and inspection on Lagos Island, Wahab said the visit was aimed at regeneration of the area.

    “This is a different section of Lagos Island, and this should be our second or third time on this axis of Lagos Island.

    “Thankfully, the state government, through Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has awarded the regeneration of the Lagos Island drainage system and even the road infrastructure.

    “But we also noticed there are one or two areas and collectors that are very critical to deflooding Lagos Island that were not captured in that plan.

    “So, this morning we are here to look at this Olusi Bombata collector as well as the Alagbafo collector, and what we all saw is not something we are happy about,” he said.

    He added that people had wilfully built on this collector, which was disappointing, saying it would be difficult to maintain the infrastructures if built on it.

    “We are not happy with what we saw because people have wilfully built on it, and when you build on those infrastructures, how do you expect us to maintain those infrastructures?

    “They have abused those infrastructures, and the job-giving directive to the appropriate department is to serve the notices.

    “By weekend, we are coming back here to see the level of compliance. You can’t, and we won’t allow anybody make this state a state where life becomes nasty, brutish, and short,” he said.

    He added that these were public infrastructure built for public use, assuring everyone it would be stopped.

    “We are going to clear those things and then keep the maintenance going, then find a way to re-award or award the contract,” he said.

    When asked if the local governments were in sync with the ministry over the cleanup of the environment, Wahab said they had been cooperating fully well with the ministry.

    “Thankfully, in Lagos, we work with our local governments, though there are still some gaps we have to iron out, but the markets are exclusively under the local government.

    “However, that does not give them the power or rights to infringe on a law like the environmental law of the state that provides for the setback that must be allowed between a collector and a builder.

    “That’s what we are just trying to enforce here. We are not having issues with our local government.

    “If anything, we’ve had the most wonderful relationship with our local government,” he said.

    Wahab added that the state would continue to advocate and enforce the law to ensure a clean environment.

    “Continuous advocacy and enforcement is key because a lot of people feel that the government waits for them to build on that bridge before going in.

    “The wheel of justice may be slow, but it usually grinds to a halt somehow. So we keep advocating that they should not do it, because some people are just recalcitrant.

    “They are incorrigible, so for those persons, they would deliberately do it, believing the government would never come, and whenever we come or we observe it, we remove it.

    “We are always very slow to wield a big stick, but we emphasise more on the advocacy this year,” he said.

    He added that the advocacy would be an ongoing program just like for the styrofoams, among others.

    “We will continue the enlightenment, like we are doing for styrofoam and single-use plastics, which are going to be phased out this year, with other kinds of things that we don’t want in these states.

    We must collectively protect the states, and the citizens must take ownership and make us achieve that,” he said.

    NAN reports that the areas visited in Lagos Island were Salvage Lane, Elagbata, Ebute Ero, Alakoro, and Oke Arin, among others. (NAN)

  • We’ll not compromise your welfare, Tinubu assures soldiers

    We’ll not compromise your welfare, Tinubu assures soldiers

    President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, assured officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army that their welfare would not be compromised.

    The President gave the assurance at the inauguration of the newly constructed “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks,” named after him, in Abuja.

    He said the barracks project aligned with the federal government’s commitment to enhancing troops’ welfare, including providing adequate office and residential accommodation.

    According to him, knowing that the federal government is always ready to meet the needs of troops to fulfill their mandates is essential for winning battles.

    “You are our heroes and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country.

    “I commend the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight in developing the remarkable barracks for our courageous men and women.

    “We appreciate the officers and personnel who contributed in various ways to the timely completion of this project,” said the President.

    He said the government would continue to commit resources to improve the welfare of soldiers.

    “What you all are doing for us is extremely remarkable, is appreciated and the only way we can show this is a continued support for men and women in our uniform,” he said.

    The president commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for its foresight in initiating and completing the project in record time.

    He also commended the late army chief, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his impactful contribution to the development of the Nigerian Army.

    In his remarks, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reiterated the army’s commitment to upholding the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supporting its flourishing democracy.

    Oluyede pledged the army’s unflinching support to the Tinubu administration in its effort to improve the country’s socio-economic and security fortune.