₦airaland Forum

Rubbish!
A Nigerian won or a Biafran won, is there a country called biafra, nonsense.

This is typical of the Igbos, they are confused and suffer from serious identity crises. They dont know who they are or what they want. While some claim they are the lost tribe of Israel other differ. I m very sure the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria is not in a hurry to facilitate the emigration of Igbos to Israel.

Ojukwu , their self proclaim leader, backs IBB for president and at the same time hold meeting with massob for the actualisation of Biafra. Like a typical spare part dealer; morally bankrupt.

Let us accord the dead, their dignity and respect

The answer to your question lies with Mrs Abacha:
After the burial of her husband in kano, she has never set her leg on the soil of aso rock. That would be Turai's fate.

Nigerian politic is mean, dog eat dog. The moment you leave power, you lose your patronage.

A while ago it was yaraslow, yaraclueless, yarathis , yarathat; two days ago when the death was announced, he became yaragentleman - the best president Nigerian ever had. That is Nigeria for you.

RIP Mr President

Atleast some people still have conscience, despite the fact that the self proclaim leader is an idiot.
The beautiful one are not yet born, but the ugly refuse to die.

[size=15pt]2011: Igbo groups rise against IBB[/size]
Latest News May 6, 2010

By Dennis Agbo

ABAKALIKI— DESPITE the purported endorsement of the presidential ambition of General Ibrahim Babaginda by former Biafra warlord, Dim Emeka Ojukwu, no fewer than  six Igbo groups have jointly rejected the ambition of General Babaingida,  who ruled Nigeria for eight years under a military dictatorship.

The six Igbo groups that are against the planned return of the Babangida,  include Igbo Students Association, Igbo Traders Union, Umuada Alaigbo, World Igbo Congress, Otu Umuigbo Lagos and Igbo Youth Movement, IYM.

The groups that met at IYM secretariat in Enugu, resolved to make public their decisions, which they said would serve as a guiding light to Ndigbo in the months ahead.

In a resolution at the end of the meeting convened by the President of IYM, Evangelist Elliot Uko, the groups said, “we came about this resolution after painstaking research and consultations all over Igbo land. We sent out six thousand questionnaires in March and we just collated them last week and they are verifiable for anybody who would want to see them.

“We sampled opinions of traders at Aba, Onitsha, Nnewi, Enugu, Abakaliki, Owerri and Umuahia. We also talked with civil servants, school teachers, students, traditional rulers, religious leaders and we can authoritatively say that we have aggregated the opinions of Ndigbo within the last eight weeks and the verdict is, that Ndigbo are totally disenchanted with the way the Federal Republic of Nigeria is run presently.

“Ndigbo are bitter with the failure of authorities to restore energy to at least 10 megawatts. They are also frustrated with the electoral process and do not think there is any need to vote in next years election if the brazen malpractice, which has become the culture is not checked,” the groups said.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/06/2011-igbo-groups-rise-against-ibb/

nonsense

OBJ advised Yaradua to resign some few months ago and take care of his health.

I dont like OBJ, but lets call a spade a spade.

We must not speak ill of dead
RIP Mr president

[size=15pt]OTC 2010: Foreign investors throng Nigeria’s stand[/size]
National News May 5, 2010

By Yemie Adeoye

THE Nigerian oil and gas industry stood tall yesterday in Houston Texas as the 41st Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, kicked off with the participation of over 3,000 companies and 70, 000 representatives/delegates from more than 120 countries around the globe.

The OTC is the world’s largest offshore oil industry event with exhibitors bringing their latest technologies and equipment to the fore for the benefit of the industry.

Nigeria is putting up an impressive show at the event with the presence of more than 20 indigenous companies with visible presence in the local oil and gas industry.

With the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC as the major anchor, the Nigerian stand at the OTC which was declared open by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke has been a beehive of activity with potential investors trooping in to avail themselves of available business opportunities in one of the world’s biggest oil producing nation.

The search for investment opportunities in Nigeria is helped by the installation of ultra modern info-pots in customised information kiosks by the NNPC to provide essential information about the corporation and the Nigerian oil and gas industry to aspiring investors.

Under the arrangement a visitor to the NNPC/Nigerian stand can avail himself of information about the industry in Nigeria by punching at the info-pot which has ‘touch screen’ features.

Alison-Madueke commends stakeholders

Commenting on the overwhelming presence of the NNPC and Nigerian operators at the OTC 2010, Mrs Alison-Madueke thanked the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, for ensuring that the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is maximising the benefit of cross fertilisation of ideas garnered through exposure to the OTC through the years.

“The cutting edge technologies that we have been exposed to here within this sector are obvious to all our operators. It is also very heartening to see many of our indigenous service companies who as you know form the crucial underbelly that carries the industry in Nigeria,’’ Alison-Madueke noted.

She noted that coming on the hills of the signing of the Nigerian Contend Development law and the anticipated coming of the Petroleum Industry Bill, Nigeria’s participation at the OTC 2010 is pertinent and rewarding for the sector.

Answering question on the commencement date for the next oil licensing rounds, the Minister noted that the bid will commence as soon as possible in strict compliance with due process and transparency. Mrs Alison-Madueke also pledged to streamline the contracting processes and procedures in the oil industry so as to eliminate time wastage.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/05/otc-2010-foreign-investors-throng-nigerias-stand/

[size=15pt]Power: Blackout Looms as System Failure Hits PHCN[/size]
From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 05.05.2010

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has experienced yet another setback as 360MW was further lost yesterday due to system failure with more than 800 megawatts (MW) of power severed from the national grid.

PHCN had over the weekend alerted that it will drop 450MW as a result of the shut down of Afam VI power plant in Rivers State for repairs, though the repair work when completed will boost power with 200MW.

The latest loss of 360MW brings the total power loss to 810MW out of the 3,600MW being generated before the two incidents.
A PHCN top management source who confirmed the development to THISDAY said the cause of the system failure was traced to a sudden explosion at Ikeja and a faulty transmission line in Alaja.

He said: "Today we had a fault on Alaja line, the one that is evacuating power from Ughelli. That completely took the entire Ughelli away, which means that about 360MW was lost. So we do not have 360MW in the system that can serve as a reserve for such a massive loss.

"What it did was to drag the system down. The system tried, it almost spent a minute before it could no longer survive it and it collapsed. But the system is being brought back. It means that when you have a system collapse, temporarily you have loss of generation."For example, when you are evacuating 360MW from Ughelli, it goes into the grid and if it is absorbed by the grid it means there is load that is taking it up.

"So, if you suddenly take that generation off, the load is still there. All the other generators will try to compete to see how they can supply the load. When it is impossible to supply the load, it will result in frequency decay down to 49 and when it gets to 48, it will knock off all generation and it would only revert back to what we call house load, waiting for when you will start to synchronize again.”

The source added: "All generators will go to half load. They will be spinning and cut back the load they are carrying to half load, which is whatever is used in the generating station.
" Abuja is close to Shiroro and what Shiroro generates, it gives to Abuja directly. Generation before system collapse stood at 3,200MW because Shell has cut back almost 350MW."Yesterday's massive system failure is said to be the third time in a row, since the power company had experienced similar incident last Saturday and Sunday with the resultant drop in power supply throughout the country.

THISDAY gathered that the first incident occurred around 12.30am in the dead of the night, but was quickly put under control by shutting down the transformers, before the second one that affected 360MW from Ughelli occurred.
"The first one, we had an explosion in Ikeja West and it happened in the dead of the night at 12.30 am. So the operator in panic decided to turn off all the transformers there because he was not sure where the explosion was coming from.

"So that meant almost 800MW coming from Egbin was severed from the system and that created system collapse. It does not take more than an hour and the whole network would be back," he said.
According to the source, though PHCN operatives were able to restore power supply to Abuja in less than 10 minutes, not everywhere in the country was able to get supply back.

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=172609

[size=15pt]S/East govs back FG on power sector reform[/size]

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Written by Clement Oko-Nnachi, Abakaliki

THE forum of South-East Governors has lauded the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the power sector and have agreed to jointly acquire majority stake in Enugu Power Distribution Company, in partnership with a private power company.

The governors, Peter Obi of Anambra; Sullivan Chime of Enugu; Martin Elechi of Ebonyi and Theodore Orji of Abia, made their position known in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, at the end of a meeting held recently.

In a communique issued at the end of their parley and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, the forum urged the Federal Government to intervene in the erosion and flood disasters ravaging the zone, in line with its declaration of the area as erosion and flood disaster area.

The communique equally expressed concern about the poor quality and slow pace of work in most of the ongoing rehabilitation of federal roads in the zone and appealed to the Federal Government to prevail on the contractors to improve on the pace of work.

It equally renewed its efforts to ensure security of lives and property in the entire South-East and commended the police and other security agencies for a good job so far.

The communique also commended the acting president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, for how he had been piloting the affairs of the country, while urging him to continue in his good works.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/4877-seast-govs-back-fg-on-power-sector-reform

[size=15pt]SPDC to Generate Additional 200mw to National Grid[/size]
From Ejiofor Alike in Houston, Texas, USA, 05.04.2010

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has said it will generate additional 200 megawatts of electricity to the national grid from its Afam VI Power plant in Oyibo Local Government of Rivers State to boost power supply to industrial, commercial and residential consumers in the country.
Speaking with reporters, the Corporate Media Relations Manager of SPDC, Mr. Tony Okonedo, said the Afam V1’s three gas turbines which were fully inaugurated in July 2009, had since jointly supplied over 2.5 million megawatts hours of electricity to the national grid.


With this additional capacity, the power plant, which began production of electricity in 2008 with a daily generation capacity of 450mw, will hit a target of 650mw with the inauguration of the combined cycle turbine on May 4 to 5, 2010.
The second phase of the power plant is collecting heat from the exhaust gases of the three gas turbines to generate steam to power a turbine capable of generating an additional 200mw of electricity.

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=172512


The addition is expected to help the Federal Government to attain 6000mw failed target of December 31, 2009 by December 31, 2010.
Afam VI project represents an investment by the SPDC joint venture partners of $1.3 billion.
The additional capacity from the plant, according to Okonedo, would boost Nigeria's electricity supply capacity by 20 per cent.


“The facility is powered by gas from SPDC’s Okoloma gas plant which opened in 2008 and has the capacity to increase the nation’s gas supply by approximately 20 per cent,” he said.
However, he said the plant would be shut down for the scheduled period of commissioning. He noted that apart from increasing the capacity of the plant to 650mw, the combined cycle operations provides both environmental and efficiency benefits, by utilising heat produced from the gas without burning of any additional hydrocarbon fuel.


He said: “All stakeholders have been notified of the shutdown. SPDC regrets the shortfall in electricity generation that will result from the unavoidable shutdown, and will do everything to complete the exercise as scheduled.”
SPDC as operator of the joint venture with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (55 per cent), Shell (30 per cent), Agip (5 per cent) and Total (10 per cent) inaugurated the second turbine of the Afam VI Power Plant, the Okoloma Gas Plant and associated gas wells - collectively known as the Afam Gas and Power Project in early November 2008.


This was a follow-up to the commencement of gas supply on October 11 of the same year by its Okoloma Gas Plant
When the project is completed, it will provide gas equivalent to approximately 20 per cent of the current total Nigerian domestic gas supply.
Underlining the importance of the power plant to the Nigerian economy, Managing Director of SPDC, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, said: “The new power plant is an extremely important project for Nigeria and the Nigerian people and we are very pleased with the way it has been delivered and with how commissioning is proceeding.”


He added that this second phase provides both environmental and efficiency benefits since it does not require the burning of any additional hydrocarbon fuel.
“In addition to supplying power to the grid and gas to the domestic market, the project is also procuring and installing transformers, concrete poles and conductors to provide electricity to local communities,” he said.

[size=15pt]IBB not fit to contest 2011 presidential poll –Methodist bishops[/size]

By Segun Olatunji, Kaduna, Published: Tuesday, 4 May 2010
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Ibrahim Babangida

The Methodist Bishops Council on Monday in Kaduna faulted the bid of a former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) to contest for the presidential election in 2011.

The bishops from across the country stated this after their three-day 28th council meeting in Kaduna.

The Methodist bishops described Babangida’s foray into politics, especially his current attempt at having another shot at the nation’s presidency as an insult to Nigerians.

The Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, and the Conference Secretary, Rt. Rev. Raphael Opoko, in a communique issued at the end of council meeting, said that Babangida’s action was tantamount to insulting the sensibility of Nigerians.

The bishops noted that Nigerians had not forgotten that Babangida annulled the freest and fairest presidential election on June 12, 1993, adding that the fallout of this infamous act led to the death of many Nigerians while millions of others were thrown into misery.

Reading the communique at a news conference, Makinde alleged that during Babangida’s tenure, the country witnessed an unprecedented and monumental rise in the incidences of corruption.

The bishops also urged the Federal Government to ensure the proper reform of the nation’s electoral process as well as a review of the voter register before the 2011 elections.

They added that the development would ensure that eligible Nigerians exercised their voting rights by actively participating in the electoral process.

The bishops said, “On the forthcoming elections, Council calls on the Federal Government to carry out electoral reforms and review the voter register to enable every eligible voter to exercise his/her voting rights and participate in the electoral process.

They also called on the Federal Government to grant autonomy to Independent National Electoral Commission so that future elections would be well conducted.

The bishops said, “The news of the declaration of Babangida that he would run for the presidency of the country at the forthcoming elections is an insult to the generality of Nigerians because Babaginda annulled the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria in 1993 which led to the death and misery of millions of Nigerians.

“Council noted that it was during his tenure that the level of corruption was raised to the level which has almost sunk the country.”

The 12-point communique of the bishops also asked the government to grant autonomy to the INEC so that future elections would be freely and fairly conducted.

The Methodist bishops also urged Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to remain consistent in the discharge of his duties while striving to consolidate the gains of his administration which they said included the de-listing of Nigeria from the list of terrorist countries.

They also condemned any form of religious intolerance still evident in parts of the country, especially in Jos, Plateau State and reminded governors of other states to remember that Nigeria is a multi-religious and secular country.

They said, “While praying for the quick recovery of President Umaru Yar’Adua, Council calls on the Federal Government to make known to Nigerians the condition of health of the President and stop hiding the truth from the citizens.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201005043442415

[size=15pt]Making fortune from wind energy business
[/size]
By Sulaiman Adenekan, Published: Tuesday, 4 May 2010
View All (12) Comment(s)
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MR ASUQUO

The poor power supply in the country has made the generation of alternative source of energy from wind inevitable in Nigeria inspite of the advanced technology required.

The total amount of economically extractable power available from the wind is considerably more than present human power use from all sources, as not all the energy of the wind flowing past a given point can be recovered.

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to produce electricity. An estimated 72 terawatt of wind power on the earth potentially can be commercially viable, compared to about 15 terawatt, average global power consumption from all sources in 2005.

The Managing Director, Asuit Limited, a solar and wind extraction company, Mr. Asuquo Asuquo, says that the business of wind energy for generation of electricity in Nigeria is not given adequate attention probably because of the advanced technology and huge capital required.

He says N500,000 will be required to start the business at a small scale level while between N5m to N10m will be needed at a middle scale level depending on the capacity of the wind turbine, adding that other variables to be considered include inverter, backup systems, accessories among others.

On the number of workers required to start at a small scale level, he says one or two workers will be okay, while at least ten qualified workers and well trained engineers will be needed to commence at a medium scale level.

He says the business owner should know the principles of operation of the wind turbine and the various components that should be connected for the electricity to be delivered to enable him manage the business efficiently and effectively.

On the equipment needed for the business, he says it includes wind turbine, inverter, backup systems, charge controllers, cables and other connecting accessories.

Asuquo says that most raw materials used for the business are sourced from the local electronics markets or companies that provide the services, adding that all the raw materials can also be imported.

He says wind business operators in the country presently have no known association governing the business operations in Nigeria.

Speaking on the government agency that regulates the industry‘s business activities, he says, ”The Ministry of Power is supposed to regulate the business activities but since the government has not considered this as an aspect of power generation, there has been no machinery in place for regulating the business activities. The level of acceptance of wind energy is increasing. Presently, most banks use it to power their automated teller machines.”

On the installation or the wind turbines, he says for domestic or private use, it can be installed on a pole above the ground and if it is on a story building, it can be installed on the roof top to allow free flow of air, adding that if it is for an industrial/community use where more than five wind turbines are required, about half plot of land may be needed for the installation.

Asuquo says the challenges facing the business include awareness, huge initial cost of installation that customers have to pay and the huge cost of acquiring raw materials and equipment for the job.

He says that the mass media can help in spreading the news about wind energy, urging Banks to also grant cheap loans to companies that are into renewable energy to assist them complement the effort of Power Holding Company of Nigeria and the government.

”Apart from these challenges, the technology of wind electricity is a proven technology. It works even for a whole community and when once installed does not require frequent maintenance and above all, it can work anywhere and everywhere there is atmospheric air or wind. It does not need any form of fuel apart from air. It is noiseless in operation and does not require any to manage its operation,” he says.

According to windeis.anl.gov, mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, schools, and the like.

It states that wind turbines, like aircraft propeller blades, turn in the moving air and power an electric generator that supplies an electric current, adding that a wind turbine is the opposite of a fan, as instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.

According to the website, modern wind turbines fall into two basic groups; the horizontal-axis variety, like the traditional farm windmills used for pumping water, and the vertical-axis design, like the eggbeater-style Darrieus model, named after its French inventor. Most large modern wind turbines are horizontal-axis turbines.

Horizontal turbine components include blade or rotor, which converts the energy in the wind to rotational shaft energy; a drive train, usually including a gearbox and a generator; a tower that supports the rotor and drive train; and other equipment, including controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment, and interconnection equipment.

It states, ”Wind turbines are available in a variety of sizes, and therefore power ratings. The largest machine has blades that span more than the length of a football field, stands 20 building stories high, and produces enough electricity to power 1,400 homes.

A small home-sized wind machine has rotors between eight and 25 feet in diameter and stands upwards of 30 feet and can supply the power needs of an all-electric home or small business. Utility-scale turbines range in size from 50 to 750 kilowatts. Single small turbines, below 50 kilowatts, are used for homes, telecommunications.”

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100504117950

That is not far from the truth

[size=15pt]Obasanjo needs counselling, deliverance — CAN[/size]

By Segun Olatunji, Kaduna, Published: Tuesday, 4 May 2010
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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

The Christian Association of Nigeria on Monday condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent comments that even Jesus Christ would not be able to conduct undisputed and credible elections in Nigeria.

CAN, in its reaction to the statement, said that it was unfortunate that a person of the former president’s standing, who had benefited immensely from the wonders of God, would blaspheme the Lord Jesus Christ.

Secretary of the Kaduna State Chapter of CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab who addressed journalists on behalf of CAN, in Kaduna, said, “This is totally a blasphemous of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by a person whom God had on several occasions delivered from the valley of the shadow of death, like he (Obasanjo) stated in his inauguration speech on May 29th, 1999.

“Obasanjo must know that Jesus Christ has the power to save and deliver people from sin and condemnation, and he is still saving many in Nigeria today. It is the prayers of those who have been saved by Jesus Christ that is keeping Nigeria moving from the clutches of bad leaders like him. How much more can he not conduct a mere election?

“Where did he keep the Biblical injunctions where Christians were taught to act justly, to love mercy and work humbly with their God? We are not surprised, because this goes to show us the genuineness of his ‘born again,’ status which he is claiming.

“We are deeply surprised at this highest degree of mockery of the efficacy of our faith by a man of his standing, who on many occasions professed the power of God. By this, we advise that his resident pastor needs to counsel, pray and put him in a deliverance class, because it is an outright deviation from religion and the sacredness of Jesus Christ, the son of God.

“He did the same when he out of pride and power intoxication, threw abuses at CAN leadership in Jos, Plateau State. Now that he is out of power, it is Jesus Christ. So you can see how deep he has derailed, and is in dire need of deliverance, before the consequences of his actions and comments bring a curse to our dear nation,” he said.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201005043493651

[size=15pt]Power: PHCN Loses 450MW Again[/size]
•As Shell shuts down Afam VI
From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 05.03.2010

The relative improvement in power supply in the country would witness a drop of about 450MW between May 4 and 5 due to the shut down of the Afam VI power station by Shell Petroleum Development Company, the management of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)?Plc said yesterday.

PHCN's power generating capacity before the Shell's shut-in stood at about 3,600MW, THISDAY checks revealed.
A statement signed by the Assistant General Manager Public Affairs, PHCN, Mrs. Efuru Igbo, said the alert on power supply shortfall was sequel to the notice from SPDC to shut down its Power Plant in Afam (Afam VI) River State for the two days to principally allow final tie-in of the full combined cycle phase, test and stabilise the units.

During the period, PHCN said the daily generation into the national grid will drop by 450MW from the current electricity being generated.
According to the statement, the tie-in of the full combined cycle phase would result in additional power generation of 200MW, which will raise the plant's generating capacity to 600MW.

"There will be substantial improvement in power supply nationwide after the tie-in of the additional 200MW unit", she said.
Before the current drop, PHCN had experienced a similar drop of 400MW three weeks ago following cessation in gas supply to its power plants by Nigerian Gas Company and with a pledge of an improved power supply after the repair work.

The power company had blamed the drop then on the notice issued by Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) that it would carry out a four-day accelerated maintenance work on Oben and Other Gas Pipelines, with the pledge that at the completion of the maintenance works more gas would be made available for additional electricity generation.

PHCN said: "There will be substantial improvement in power supply nationwide after the maintenance of the gas pipe lines, as Geregu, Sapele and Olurunsogo Power Stations currently being restricted will come up fully to contribute to the overall generation to the national grid".

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=172440

Ive said it time without number, Ojukwu is  an idiot, coward and cheap opportunist. Ojukwu would sell his mother if his guarantee a profit. During Abacha regime, he was going round the world campaigning for the regime. What a shame, at his age and status, the self appointed leader of Igbo people campaigning for IBB.

2011: [size=15pt]Ojukwu canvasses support for IBB[/size]
National News May 2, 2010

By Tony Edike, Enugu
THE Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was yesterday, reported to be in support for the presidential ambition of former military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida, in 2011, saying he would support him as far as it was the desire and aspiration of the people of the country.

Ojukwu, who declared that Babangida deserves a second chance to rule the nation, said he was convinced that he possessed the required qualities that could take the country to further heights as, according to him, IBB remains a strong voice in Nigerian politics.

The ex-Biafran leader, who received a delegation of Campaign Network for IBB led by Chief Peter Dada Osadebay in his residence in Enugu, said the former military president remains his bosom friend.

Among the dignitaries that visited Ojukwu were Chief Emeka Ani [South East coordinator of the campaign}, Chief Anike Agbo, Alhaji Nurudeen Gasali Babatunde, Chief Anike Nwoga, Chief Anike Nwaba, among others.

Osabebay, told reporters after a closed door meeting with the former Biafran warlord that Ojukwu’s comments on Babangida were very encouraging, stressing that the Ikemba had promised to work with the former military leader.

He said that Ojukwu, who had cut short his visit to his village in Nnewi to receive the group, was full of excitement and commended the spirit behind the campaigns.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/02/2011-ojukwu-canvasses-support-for-ibb/

I was really move to tears when Esther was praying for that little baby girl, the baby look so cute.
Imagine the condition and environment shes born into.
To God be the glory

IBB will soon realised that there is a difference being an evil genius with full military and political power, and a ordinary candidate seeking to secure PDP nomination. This is not the 80s , IBB does not hold the four aces.

[size=15pt]Power: FG to Privatise PH, Lagos Distribution Companies[/size]
•South-South governors show interest
From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 04.28.2010
Federal Government is proposing to sell three of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s successor companies, the Port Harcourt and Lagos Distribution companies (Eko and Ikeja) to private sector concerns before the end of the year.

A Presidency source told THISDAY yesterday that plans are under way to privatise the three PHCN distribution entities in Port Harcourt and Lagos as a pilot scheme meant to pave the way for the eventual transfer of the ownership stake in the other distribution companies to private sector interests.

He said the decision to privatise the Port Harcourt distribution company was sequel to moves being made by four state governments namely Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa to acquire the Port Harcourt power company.

"The three PHCN successor entities are being considered as strong in terms of their commercial potentials and market value and government is planning to use them as a pilot scheme to kick-start its power sector reform package. Also there have been requests by some state governments in the South-South to acquire Port Harcourt distribution company,” he said.

The Port Harcourt Distri-bution company covers Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom while Eko and Ikeja distribution companies are responsible for the supply of electricity needs of the entire Lagos and environs.

According to the source, governors of Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states had at a recent meeting with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja canvassed approval to enable them take over the management of the Port Harcourt distribution companies.

At the meeting, however, it was gathered that the Acting President expressed government’s readiness to accede to the governors’ request but advised them to go and float a Special Purpose Vehicle and to submit bid to the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) for consideration.

Jonathan said the directive that the states should float a company or partner with an existing private entity is in keeping with the policy of discouraging further government ownership and management of the privatised power assets.
Following the inability of the Federal Government to fully fund the power sector, officials of the Federal Ministry of Power recommended the adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) as a strategy for bridging the gap during a recent workshop held in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

One of the immediate fall-outs of the government's decision to implement the Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 was the legal transfer of assets, liabilities and employees of former PHCN to the “unbundled” successor companies.

In keeping with the provisions of the Power Sector Reform Act (2005), BPE had under the Obasanjo-led administration brought into being 11 companies in the electricity distribution sub-sector, eight power generation firms and a transmission company and immediately effected the legal transfer of assets, liabilities and employees of former PHCN to the “unbundled” successor companies.

Abuja Distribution Company serves the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in addition to Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa states while Kaduna Company serves Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto States.

Kano distribution company supplies power to Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, Yola takes care of Adamawa, Taraba, Bornu and Yobe states while Jos-based company will oversee supplies to Plateau, Bauchi, Benue and Gombe states.

Enugu Distribution Company covers the entire South-East states of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi, while Benin is responsible for power supply to Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo states.
The Port Harcourt and Ibadan Distribution companies are to ensure power supply availability to Cross River state, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Osun states respectively.

[size=15pt]PHCN, IPPs to Pay More for Gas[/size]
•World Bank set to audit sector in May
By Ijeoma Nwogwugwu in Lagos and Ayodele Aminu in Washington, DC, 04.26.2010

In a move aimed at improving the supply of electricity nationwide, the Federal Government is set to liberalise the gas-to-power pricing regime for liquefied natural gas meant for domestic consumption, which will pave the way for PHCN generation companies (gencos) and independent power producers to procure gas from oil and gas firms at market determined rates.


This is one of seven transition enablers being formulated for the Presidential Action Committee on Power (PACP), chaired by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), and is being drawn up under a nine-month action plan that will be released in the next few weeks.


And in response to Jonathan’s request, the World Bank is to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Nigeria’s power sector from May 10, when its team is expected in the country.


Last week, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Nuhu Wya, had disclosed that the Federal Government was in the process of developing a blueprint/action plan for the power sector which will be made public within 30 days.


In the draft nine-month action plan obtained by THISDAY, the drafters of the plan have recommended that the presidential committee on power adopts the review of the medium term gas-to-power negotiated by the Ministries of Power and Petroleum Resources, members of the Gas Master Plan team, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in February this year.


During negotiations, all the parties agreed that supply of gas to power companies will have to be liberalised and that its price benchmarked closer to the price at which it is currently sold to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company, as this would serve as an incentive for gas producers to invest in gas projects for the domestic market.
This was accepted in recognition of the fact that gas currently accounts for 70 per cent of the electricity generated in the country.

The balance is provided by hydro power sources.
Owing to regulated price at which gas has been sold for decades by the Nigerian Gas Company, international oil companies (IOCs) and independent gas producers have remained reluctant to invest in gas development projects for domestic gas consumption.
This has seen to it that a considerable proportion of gas produced in the country is exported through the NLNG with insufficient quantities left for the local market.


Accordingly, the parties agreed that by end of 2010, the price of gas will be allowed to increase to $1 (approximately N150) per Million British Thermal Unit (mmbtu).
Between 2011 and the end of 2012, the price will rise to $1.5 per mmbtu and could hit $2 per mmbtu in 2013.
Expectedly, the price increase for gas will impact electricity tariffs paid by consumers which are being increased on a graduated scale under the Multi-Year Tariff Order.
It is assumed that by the time the subsidy on electricity is eliminated over a period of years, the average end-user tariff cannot be less than N22 per kilowatt hour.


Currently, it is estimated that residential and industrial consumers conservatively spend N45 per kilo watt hour on self-generated electricity, which translates to N1.2 trillion per annum.
In the nine-month action plan, the PACP would therefore be expected to make it clear to the IOCs and other independent gas producers that irrespective of the NGC price, all power plants will be allowed to enter into gas supply agreements (GSAs) at whatever market price they can negotiate with gas suppliers.


Under this arrangement, some power plants will discover that they might get a much better deal from the NGC, while others may get a better deal from the market.


The most important thing is that all the power plants will be allowed to choose where they get their gas from at competitive prices.
Under the nine month plan, the PACP’s attention has been drawn to the fact that most of the gas reserves are in the hands of the IOCs and NNPC. Thus, the committee is being advised to speed up the divestment of IOCs sitting on non-associated gas fields to credible independent gas producers.


Also, to facilitate the deployment of an interconnected pipeline network, the Ministry of Lands and other relevant MDAs will be asked to facilitate the right-of-way acquisition for companies laying pipelines to connect new thermal plants being constructed under the National Integrated Power Project and by licensed independent power producers.
It is envisaged that if there is the political will, the goal to make gas abundantly available for the electricity sector in the long term can be met within 12 to 18 months.


The other transition enablers under the nine month action plan include the establishment of a Programme Management Unit (PMU) comprising dedicated project monitors and members from the PMU.
Their role is not to undertake any executive decisions or approve managerial requests with regard to how resources should be allocated, how contracts should be executed, or how and when mechanical equipment should be procured and rehabilitated.


Their primary responsibility is to ensure that information flows rapidly; ensure that strategies, priorities and implementation plans are properly collated; ensure that the PACP can take well-informed executive decisions; and direct a powerful spotlight on all the work being undertaken in the power sector by making information and data readily available to the public on a weekly basis.
Another transition enabler under the plan to be adopted by PACP is to address cross sectoral bottlenecks especially for the on-going rehabilitation of existing power infrastructure, and the NIPPs.


This will entail an initial review of all budgeted procurement and documentation to ascertain advance payments and invoices that have been paid; advance payments and invoices due; advance payments and invoices not yet approved; lapsed or expired advance payment guarantees; letters of credit not yet released; submitted but unapproved variation orders; and submitted but unapproved contract amendments and restatements.


To address pending issues, the PACP will be expected to set up a sub-committee to implement a fast-track procurement authorisation and release process.
This is considered necessary because the current procurement process involving several dozen bureaucratic steps is cripplingly slow. They also need to be substantially rationalised and reduced, and a more decentralised decision-making process plus a rigorous central monitoring mechanism adopted, THISDAY learnt.


Meanwhile, the World Bank power sector audit team is expected next month, according to the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings and Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Olusegun Aganga.
“The meeting with the World Bank was fruitful, as the Bank stands ready to assist the country. The meeting resolved to have a comprehensive audit of the power sector. A World Bank mission to this effect is envisaged for May 10, 2010.


“The meeting also resolved to ensure a systematic engagement and consultations on issues relating to agricultural sector; the World Bank Group also expressed support for the on-gong reforms in the banking sector, including the proposed Asset Management Company; strengthen the supervisory and regulatory framework for the financial sector and support for the SMEs,” said Aganga, who has just resumed as a member of the Chair, Board of the World Bank and IMF.


He said the Nigerian delegation met with the World Bank’s Vice-President, Africa, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and the meeting among other issues, provided opportunity to follow up on a wide range of issues discussed with the World Bank Group during the visit of Jonathan.


He also said that the Nigerian economy, which recorded growths of 6.4 per cent, 5.3 per cent and 3.8 per cent in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively, is currently growing at 6.6 per cent. He said his target is to improve on the current growth rate.
In a bid ensure a coordinated fiscal and monetary policy, the Finance Minister said his ministry and CBN would closely work together.


“My primary focus is the economy; how to grow the economy. To achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves, we cannot afford not to work together. There must be coordination in both fiscal and monetary policies. We will make sure that whatever actions we take are in the best interest of the economy,” he said.


Elaborating on the need to monitor inflow of capital, Sanusi, who stressed that Nigeria is not worried about the current inflow capital market, which has recorded a growth of 30 per cent, said it was necessary that such inflows are those that can grow the economy, build infrastructure and create jobs.


“At the moment, there is no cause for alarm. The capital market is no where near bubble capital,” he said.
From the meetings, he said Nigeria had three learning points, which are the need for fiscal consolidation, to monitoring national debt and capital controls, which warranted the monitoring of inflows.


Responding to the comments made by Nigeria’s Security Adviser (NSA), Lt. Gen. Aliyu Gusau, on the banking reforms, CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who insisted that he was convinced that the steps he had taken so far was for the interest of the economy, said the NSA was quoted out of context.


“From my interactions with those who were at the meeting, I guess he was quoted out of context. I don’t think it is a fair reflection of what the NSA said. If he said so, it is not a fair comment. Very unfair of me to assume he said so.


“There are two sides to a decision and there are costs. Since the CBN intervention, inflation, which was 16 per cent is now 8 per cent; exchange rate against the dollar has reduced by per cent; the stock market has gained 30 per cent; inter-bank rate, which used to be 22 per cent is now 2 per cent; we now have 14 strong banks and all the banks CBN intervened in have continued to be in business,” he said.


In another development, the World Bank has reduced Nigeria and South Africa ’s voting power from 0.80 per cent to 0.70 per cent and 0.85 per cent to 0.76 per cent respectively. One third of the 47 countries in sub-Saharan Africa suffered a slash in their voting power. The Bank however, raised that of Sudan

ENCON sees growing role for IPP
Wednesday, 14 October 2009 01:17 ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK
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, To meet FG’s 6,000mw power supply target
Energy Company of Nigeria Limited (ENCON) sees a growing role for independent power producers in meeting the target of 6,000 megawatts (mw) of electricity by December this year as envisaged by the Federal Government.

The company, which is engaged in developing a portfolio of independent power plants on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) or Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis, was established following the deregulation of electricity supply in the country.
It is currently providing minimum capacity power to a number of industrial consumers through its Ewekoro Power Limited, Ilupeju Power Plant for the Academy Press, and Ikorodu Industrial Power Plant.

Abidoye Ayoola, executive chairman of the company, stated that with the participation of independent power producers, the problem of inadequate power requirement would soon be a thing of the past.
Speaking recently after the company’s annual general meeting at the Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, Ayoola stressed that “the model adopted by the company is to generate minimum capacity of reliable power for delivery to projects located within specific industrial estates, adding that by doing so, it has eliminated the problem of supply infrastructure needed to evacuate the power from one point to another.”
According to him, it will be an answer to the problem of incessant power outages, stating that while the Federal Government will be facilitating power supply through the national grid, companies with private initiative can be supply minimum capacity to designated areas.
He said the company was “vigorously pursuing the construction of phase 2 of the Ikorodu Industrial Power Project to provide 140mw power to the national grid, as well as the fast growing industrial consumers within the locality.’’
The executive chairman said the company was planning to add 25mw to the existing phase 1 on a fast track basis to meet the expected demand of the sole off-taker being the African Steel Nigeria Limited.

He maintained that baring any unforeseen circumstances, construction of the phase 1 of the 140mw plant for the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone would commence by first quarter of 2010, adding that the power plant would be gas turbine-driven open cycle plant.
According to him, feasibility studies and front end engineering design have been completed, while efforts have been made to secure funding sources for the project immediately the off-take contract was signed in the last quarter of the year.
On the financial performance of the company, Ayoola said it achieved a turnover and other income of N886 million in 2008 as against N850 million in the corresponding year of 2007.

He attributed the marginal increase of N37 million to the company’s inability to commission the new power plants slated for commercial operation in the last quarter of 2008, due to gas supply interruption to the company’s plant.
He also announced that the company achieved a profit before tax of N268 million as against N196 million reported in 2007, while shareholders fund grew during the year by almost 80 percent from N2.5 billion in 2007 to N4.3 billion in 2008.
The company announced the payment of 3 kobo dividend per share to shareholders, and approved the appointment of audit committee members as well as elected new directors.

http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5754:encon-sees-growing-role-for-ipp-&catid=68:power&Itemid=308

Home Energy Power Captive power project to rescue dying firms


Captive power project to rescue dying firms
Thursday, 18 February 2010 01:18 Olusola Bello
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Following the perennial epileptic power supply, some industrialists operating within Ikorodu area of Lagos State, have determined to take the bull by the horns. If their plans sail through, some of the industries that have almost become moribund would soon be resuscitated.

To perfect the plan, an indigenous company, Paras Energy and Natural Gas Resources Limited, has finalised arrangement to set up an 8-megawatts power plant which is expected to consume about 1.5 million of natural gas within the industrial cluster. This is a pilot project, which will be done in a modular form with phased expansions up to 24MW in the near future.

With the new initiative, more employment is expected to be generated while some other multiplier effect such, as creating further opportunities for utilisation of domestic gas, is very high. The project, which is a captive power supply, is aimed at finding solution to energy problem factories in the area are facing. Companies, such as African Steel Mills, United Nigeria Textile Limited and Dangote Industries may benefit from the scheme.

African Steel Mill Nigeria had wanted to increase its production capacity and needed more power. This could, however, be achieved based on assurance of gas supply from a company like Falcon Gas which would supply gas to Paras Energy and Natural Resources Limited. This will in turn generate electricity to supply the companies.

Falcon Petroleum Limited, which is supplying the gas, would also have the capacity of its gas intake from the Nigerian gas company increased from 4.5-5million standard cubic feet per (scf/)day to 7.5million scf/d with the off-take by Paras and also by Landcraft Steel Industries Limited which will also commence gas-flaring in Ikorodu next month.

An official of Paras Energy Resources spoke with BusinessDay on the pilot project: “We are targeting the industrial areas because they suffer the most from poor power supply and we want to ensure that local production is increased, hence the plan for the project and we believe that we have a great opportunity operating our power generation plant in the industrial sector.”

Throwing more light on the agreement between Falcon and Paras Energy, Jeo Ezeigbo, managing director, Paras, explained: “It is a 16-year gas sales and purchase agreement. We have agreed on all the technicalities in terms of gas pressures and other things involved.”

http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8560:captive-power-project-to-rescue-dying-firms&catid=68:power&Itemid=308

[size=15pt]Economy receives boost in Electricity supply

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The nation’s economy would only begin to pick up if the marginal relief Nigerians have had in recent days as a result of slight improvement in power supply is sustained. The economy has been in comatose with electric supply getting from bad to worse in the last three years, while a lot of companies have collapsed as a result of the irregular power supply. The power sector has in the last three years barely provided the necessary service on account of lack of gas, consequently, the generation level dropped from nearly 3,000 megawatts (mw) in 2007 to 1,500mw in 2009, a situation which led the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to engage in serious load-shedding across the country. In the last few days, the generation level has peaked from 2,400mw to 3,360mw. Electricity generation at the weekend was up by 38mw, thereby bringing the total generating capacity to 3,360mw. A break down of some power stations indicates that Egbin power plant now generate 700mw, Shiroro 430mw, Jebba 360mw, AfamVI 300mw, Sapele 165mw, Geregu 80mw, AES 130mw, Kainji 430mw, Okpai 285mw, and Afam IV 60mw. According to industry operators, the effort of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) should be commended for making available about 512 million standard cubic feet of gas (MMscf/d) in western Niger Delta since the beginning of the month. The production level is the highest in two years from the area. The gas goes into the domestic gas network for national power generation and manufacturing industries. Prior to this time, average gas production from SPDC’s western operations had been 300MMscf/d. An official of PHCN who spoke to BusinessDay disclosed that the improved generation level was as result of more gas supply, noting that if more gas is supplied, there is enough capacity to absolve them at the power plants. Mutiu Sunmonu, managing director, Shell, stated that “The latest achievement consolidates our position as Nigeria’s leading gas producer. Moreover, this has been done safely, without harm to people and the environment. We are pleased that all the gas has been used for domestic power generation and manufacturing, as these are key sectors for national economic growth.” Shell Joint Venture achieved the record production from four gas plants - Utorogu, Oben, Sapele and Ughelli East. Sapele and Oben had been shut in since late last year because of attacks on the pipeline infrastructure, but with the repair of the pipelines this year, the two gas plants have since resumed production. At Utorogu, SPDC Joint Venture executed engineering and production optimisation activities including capacity upgrade and focused gas wells deliverability tests, which enabled the facility to increase output and improve gas quality. Operations manager, Land West, Chidube Nnene-Anochie, also maintained that “This feat was achieved through integrated efforts of operations/maintenance and multi-disciplinary support teams (development, wells, engineering, HSE, finance, contracting, pipelines), etc, and we are all committed to sustaining the tempo.”

http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6397:economy-receives-boost-with-sustained-electricity-supply-&catid=68:power&Itemid=308

Prophet Yaqub Ezeoni of Yaweh Victory Sabbath Sanctuary has predicted that former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida will return to Aso Rock as Nigeria’s civilian president in 2011.

I like it when prophets make definate predictions that put their reputation on line, rather than some mumbo jumbo forcasting like, "2 former governors would die". Atleast we all can wait till 2011 to see if IBB becomes the president or not.
Time will tell.

i really don't understand Oshiomhole again.

the guy is a criminal

Its like the prof is a criminal

[size=15pt]Ebola cure claim
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The National Judicial Council would draw up a shortlist of three names, which would then be discussed by Mr Jonathan together with the National Council of State, he said.

Mr Jonathan has said a civil servant would run the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) until a permanent replacement was found.

Mr Iwu has had a colourful career.

He once announced at a medical conference in the US that he had discovered the cure for the Ebola virus - a claim which later proved to be untrue.

Mr Jonathan is standing in for President Umaru Yar'Adua, who is sick and has not been seen in public since November 2009.

Mr Yar'Adua was elected in 2007, although legal challenges to the result lasted for months afterwards.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8650764.stm

[size=15pt]FG Sets up C’ttee on Hydroelectric Power[/size]
From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 04.29.2010

As part of its strategy to tackle the endemic  problems of the power sector, the Federal  Ministry of Power yesterday inaugurated  a standing committee to work out ways of developing the country's capacity in the hydro energy sector.


A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Mr. Yakubu Lawal said the  Inter-Ministerial Committee on Small and Medium Scale Hydroelectric Power Development in Nigeria” is expected to carry out strategy for the realization of all small and medium capacity hydro power station in the country.
The committee's key assignment is to harness the nation’s water resources to  boost power generation for the benefit of Nigerians.


Minister of State for Power Arc. Nuhu Somo Wya while inaugurating the committee yesterday in Abuja  charged  its members  to map out clear cut strategies for harnessing  and actualizing the various  small and medium level hydro power projects already identified  across the country.
Wya  said  the committee could not have come at a better time than now that Nigeria is facing major challenges in the electricity sector, adding that a lot of these hydro power potentials were identified last year and that the committee should come out with useful recommendations that will help the government realize its implementation.


“We visited different parts of the country and we noticed so many of this hydro electric potentials and we are of the view that if properly harnessed  they can provide adequate electricity to their communities /state,” he stated.

“This is a very  serious assignment and we will expect you to handle it equally so even if you have to be released from your various department/Ministry in order to face the task squarely .We expect you  to  come out with  credible short term framework in this assignment and at the same time  look at the long term objective for the benefit of the  country”. The Minister said.


The Minister charge the committee to produce a monthly report to be submitted to him to enable him monitor the level of work and assess their performance stressing that this is necessary in view of the importance attached to the scheme by the Federal government.
According to him, members of the committee were drawn from the  Federal  Ministries of Power, Water Resources and Environment as well as Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).He stated that  the activities of the Hydro-dams should not in any way affect economic activities such as farming and fishing  in those areas.


He also charged the committee to look at various funding mechanism for such projects and    the need to come up with recommendations that would be useful to the government in developing these projects.
The terms of reference of the committee includes, to identify and select existing dams with potentials for Hydrolectric Power generation in Nigeria, collate and review all available reports ,design and contract documents on the Hydroelectric power components of the dams and to  establish the scope of assignment for various project sites.


Other key mandate include, to facilitate the complete handover of power components of the dams to Federal Mnistry of power, follow-up on carbon credit fund that will accrue on the project adn Identity and coordinate other sources of funding for the projects.
The committee is also to develop a project monitoring mechanism that will facilitate smooth execution of the projects.
The chairman of the committee,  Engr.F.N.O.Olapade , ( Deputy Director in the Ministry of Power) promised that his team will not fail him adding that everything humanly possible will be done to turn in  recommendations that will stand the test of time and on schedule.


Other members of the committee are Engr.A.Adebisi, and Engr.Abu kadiri  both of the Federal  Ministry of Power, Engr.M.A.Tukur of PHCN, Mr.S.Ome of the Federal  Ministry of water Resouces,Mr.A.Sulaiman of the  Federal Ministry of Environment and Engr.S.B.Ayangeaor of the Federal Ministry of Power who will serve as secretary.

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=172118