₦airaland Forum

By Oriri Peter

The Bauchi Regional Office of the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has embarked on sensitization of customers to create awareness of the Debt Discount Promo introduced by the Management.

In a statement released to media organizations on Thursday evening and signed by the Head, Corporate Communications Dr. Adakole Friday Elijah he noted that the programme was aimed at encouraging indebted customers to defrost the totality of their debt at once and benefit from a discount of 30%.

To draw customers' attention to the promo, the Management of Bauchi embarked on a road walk. The road walk would last for three days consecutively.

In the course of the exercise, some staff were seen distributing flyers and persuading customers to key into the promo.

A novelty football match would be played on Saturday to herald the activity relating to the promo as well as foster effective community relationships.

The programme is expected to climax on Monday next week with an award night where some hardworking staff and customers would be certificated in appreciation for their contributions to the growth of the region.

It will be recalled that the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc last December introduced a 30% debt discount for all indebted customers who are desiring to defrost their debt at once.

The Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed who explained that the debt discount would only apply to customers who are willing to pay the entirety of their indebtedness to the company at once urged customers to take advantage of the promo which he said would be in force till the end of January 2023 to offset their debts.

By Oriri Peter 

The Forum of Presidents of Youth Organizations in the Middle Belt region have aligned their voices with that of elder statesman President Olusegun Obasanjo and other patriotic Nigerians who have endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the right man for the country's presidency ahead of February 25th. 

The Forum's position is in consonance with the stand of former president Obasanjo, PANDEF leader, Edwin Clerk, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state and many other Nigerians who are upbeat that Mr. Obi is more positioned to clean the mess that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC have turned Nigeria into.

Recalled that the Forum of Presidents of Youths Organisations in the Middle-Belt was among the first groups to come out openly last year to stress the call for a Southern presidency for equity, justice and fairness.

We have all along known that Mr. Obi is the best option for Nigeria, if the wounded nation must be on the way to economic, political and social recovery after being battered by the APC.

The Forum in a statement on Wednesday by its National President, Comrade Terrence Kuanum therefore wants all other leaders and groups in the Middle- Belt to emulate those forthright and responsible Nigerians by throwing their weight behind Mr. Obi to enable him get the mandate of the people and change the sad story of Nigeria.

The group reminds Nigerians from all walks of life, different social backgrounds, religious affiliations, political leanings and ethnic roots to reflect on what they are going through today and avoid the mistakes that took them here.

We commend Governor Samuel Ortom for always standing tall whenever the issue of justice, fairness and equity for the growth and progress of Nigeria are at the front-burner.

It reiterated the need for the Benue people, especially those in the north-east senatorial district to reward Governor Ortom with the senatorial seat to enable him to continue to serve them effectively.

The Director General of the national Commission for the coordination and control of the proliferation of small arms and light Weapons, NATCOM, Dr. Baba Mohammed has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of new Year.

A statement by the Director General said the year 2023 is a defining moment for our great country Nigeria especially going into the 2023 general elections.

Dr. Mohammed is optimistic that the compelling need to tackle the nation's challenges in security, economy and employment deficits will be drastically suppressed when NATCOM comes into operations.

He urged Nigerians to support the noble cause towards the actualization of NATCOM as demonstrated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the leadership and members of the national Assembly, the national security adviser and other critical stakeholders.

While wishing Nigerians a happy and prosperous New Year , a quick Presidential assent to the NATCOM bill will be great news to Nigerians in 2023, the Director General emphasized.

The Presidential candidate of the peoples democratic party and former Vice president of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar has constituted an independent Grassroots campaign Council for Atiku/Okowa 2023 Presidential campaigns.

A statement personally signed by the Presidential candidate appointed Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni from Borno State as chairperson of the council.

The statement added that Helen Effiom, a legal practitioner from Cross River state is deputy national Chairman while Jemila Muhammed Kashim from Kogi state serves as Secretary.

It enjoined the Council members to deploy their nationwide socio-political networks and influence towards ensuring the victory of of PDP in the forthcoming presidential election.

The Director General of the National Commission for the coordination and control of the proliferation of small arms and light Weapons, NATCOM Dr Baba Mohammed has extended felicitations to all Christian Brothers and Sisters on this joyous season of Christmas.

While praying the good Lord to grant all unlimited joy and sustained happiness, the NATCOM boss is hopeful that God's Divine intervention will grant our dear country Nigeria Tranquility, Peace and Prosperity.

He enjoined the citizenry to remain steadfast in prayers for a quick Presidential assent to the NATCOM bill, Expressing optimism that Nigeria's security challenges will be greatly surmounted with the coming on board of NATCOM operations.

Provision of gainful employment to the teeming youth as well as enthronement of a robust economy are added benefits to accrue when NATCOM comes into operations.

The eventual realization and take off of NATCOM is believed by many Nigerians to be among the great legacies to be left behind by the president Buhari administration.

Dr Mohammed therefore, called for fervent prayers from faithful for quick take-off of NATCOM which he described as a shining example for the present and future generations.

In an interview with newsmen in Abuja,The President, Nigeria Coalition of Pastors for Good Leaders recently disclosed that, any attack on the person of the presidential candidate of the APC Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attract the wrath of God;

Can you introduce yourself or can we meet you ?

My name is Apostle Babatunde Oguntimehin, president Nigerian coalition of pastor for good governance.

Tell us why we are here ?

We are here because i received a message from the throne of grace and for me to tell Nigerians and the world that; Tinubu is the most qualified Nigerian to be president in 2023 and any attack on him will attract the wrath of God.

There are speculations that Nigeria Coalition of Pastors for Good Leaders is planing a national summit in Abuja, give us more update and details about it ?

Yes as the president of the coalition, I can authoritatively say, we are organizing a national summit here in Abuja where we will have all the state executives, excos and members in attendance before the general elections and the purpose is to mobilize and galvanize more support and votes to the person of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

We have our executives all over the (36) states of the federation. We have a database for that. In every state, we have a nine-man executive committee. Even at the town hall meetings we organised where we declared our support for (the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola) Tinubu, we had no fewer than 630 pastors and that is just for Abuja.

We have more than 1,500 pastors who are members in Abuja. We are planning towards our summit in Abuja where 4,000 pastors have been penciled down to attend.

Our members are more than that; if not for financial constraints we will have more than that number. We are doing this on our own. The intention is for these pastors to talk to their members. So, if I say today that I can give Tinubu 10 million votes, I know what I am saying.

Recently, some people have been attacking the person Bola Ahmed Tinubu, what do you to say about the attacks on him ?

I am warning that any further attack on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, would attract the wrath of God.

It is being speculated that, you have been heavily paid to endorse the APC candidate, is this true or not ?

Let me say it clearly now, We have not received any money from the person or candidate of the APC Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our support for Ahmed Tinubu is because of his track records, indisputable capability to effectively manage human, material resources and visible progress stood him out as the most qualified Nigerian to be president in 2023.

And you are not doing this in anticipation of political appointment, contracts or favours or recognition ?

I was once a Special Assistant to a minister under the last administration and I have not founded this group then. We are doing this to support the aspiration of our preferred candidate to become the president and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Tell us exactly the kind of person or leader, Nigeria really needs in the forth coming elections ?

In 2023, the country needs a capable leader with progressive ideas to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari and to build on the progress recorded by the current administration and that person is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

What do you have to say about the umbrella body of christians in Nigeria based on their stance ?

Let me state this clearly; "Our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu is political and not spiritual. Recently, about four days ago in our prayer the Holy Spirit revealed to me that any further attack on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the person or people will see the wrath of God because his candidature is the making of God to this country now, God has a hand on his candidature".

If you study what is happening in the political circles, you have to be very careful and look back at what is happening to Christians in the country. Ethnicity is ticker than religion in the country. God does not bother if you are a Christian or a Muslim. Today, I am a Christian, and tomorrow I can be a Muslim but I am a Yoruba man today, there is no way I can stop being one. We can restrict our political demand to ethnicity, that is why we support a candidate from the South. We do not focus our support on religion; that is the message we are passing. We must understand something, it is their turn today; tomorrow it could be a Christian-Christian ticket. What we are doing will be a pointer in case of any opposition.

 Is the Nigeria Coalition of Pastors for Good Leaders, a registered group in Nigeria?

Yes we are duly registered with the neccesary and relevant authorities.

We first operated under the Nigerian League of Pastors for Good Governance; we just changed the name.I have been the leader of the group since 2018.

What do you have to say to other presidential political aspirants ?

My counsel to them is for them to stop turning this election into a religious affairs between the christians and the muslims particularly to Peter Obi who has been moving from one church to the other.

Also, Atiku Abubakar married several wives and change the names of the Christians among and gave them muslim names but as you can see and observe Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never done that, even as it stands now some members of his family are still Christians hence, he has proven beyond every reasonable doubt that, he is never a religious bigot and is the most suitable for the position of president in Nigeria come 2023.

What are your final or parting words ?

Let me restate this again, our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu is purely political, not spiritual.

And in 2023, the country needs a capable, visionary leader, peoples builder and a nation transformer in a short time with progressive ideas to succeed the current administration seamlessly and that person is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu’s practicable ideas in governance make him the most qualified successor and saleable choice for the job. Haters should not sabotage the effort of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. No human being should sabotage it,”

In an interview with newsmen in Abuja,The President, Nigeria Coalition of Pastors for Good Leaders recently disclosed that, any attack on the person of the presidential candidate of the APC Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attract the wrath of God;

Can you introduce yourself or can we meet you ?

My name is Apostle Babatunde Oguntimehin, president Nigerian coalition of pastor for good governance.

Tell us why we are here ?

We are here because i received a message from the throne of grace and for me to tell Nigerians and the world that; Tinubu is the most qualified Nigerian to be president in 2023 and any attack on him will attract the wrath of God.

How large is the membership of the Nigeria Coalition of Pastors for Good Leaders that you head?

We have our executives all over the (36) states of the federation. We have a database for that. In every state, we have a nine-man executive committee. We can produce the name and address of the church for anyone who wishes to verify. We are not a faceless group. At the town hall meetings where we declared our support for (the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola) Tinubu, we had no fewer than 630 pastors and that is just for Abuja. We have more than 1,500 pastors who are members in Abuja. We are planning towards our summit in Abuja where 4,000 pastors have been penciled down to attend. Our members are more than that; if not for financial constraints we will have more than that number. We are doing this on our own. The intention is for these pastors to talk to their members. So, if I say today that I can give Tinubu 10 million votes, I know what I am saying.

Recently, some people have been attacking the person Bola Ahmed Tinubu, what do you to say about the attacks on him ?

I am warning that any further attack on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, would attract the wrath of God.

It is being speculated that, you have been heavily paid to endorse the APC candidate, is this true or not ?

Let me say it clearly now, We have not received any money from the person or candidate of the APC Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our support for Ahmed Tinubu is because of his track records, indisputable capability to effectively manage human, material resources and visible progress stood him out as the most qualified Nigerian to be president in 2023.

And you are not doing this in anticipation of political appointment, contracts or favours or recognition ?

I was once a Special Assistant to a minister under Jonathan and I have not founded this group then. We are doing this to support the aspiration of our preferred candidate to become the president and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Tell us exactly the kind of person or leader, Nigeria really needs in the forth coming elections ?

In 2023, the country needs a capable leader with progressive ideas to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari and to build on the progress recorded by the current administration and that person is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

What do you have to say about the umbrella body of christians in Nigeria based on their stance ?

Let me state this clearly; "Our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu is political and not spiritual. Recently, about four days ago in our prayer the Holy Spirit revealed to me that any further attack on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the person or people will see the wrath of God because his candidature is the making of God to this country now, God has a hand on his candidature".

If you study what is happening in the political circles, you have to be very careful and look back at what is happening to Christians in the country. Ethnicity is ticker than religion in the country. God does not bother if you are a Christian or a Muslim. Today, I am a Christian, and tomorrow I can be a Muslim but I am a Yoruba man today, there is no way I can stop being one. We can restrict our political demand to ethnicity, that is why we support a candidate from the South. We do not focus our support on religion; that is the message we are passing. We must understand something, it is their turn today; tomorrow it could be a Christian-Christian ticket. What we are doing will be a pointer in case of any opposition.

Is the Nigeria Coalition of Pastors for Good Leaders, a registered group in Nigeria ?

Of course, we are. We first operated under the Nigerian League of Pastors for Good Governance; we just changed the name.I have been the leader of the group since 2018.

What are your final or parting words ?

Let me restate this again, our support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu is purely political, not spiritual.

And in 2023, the country needs a capable, visionary leader, peoples builder and a nation transformer in a short time with progressive ideas to succeed the current administration seamlessly and that person is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu’s practicable ideas in governance make him the most qualified successor and saleable choice for the job. Haters should not sabotage the effort of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. No human being should sabotage it,”

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has embarked on aggressive sensitization of customers on band upgrades of some feeders in its franchise states.

The sensitization which commences in Gombe State last Wednesday was equally replicated in Bauchi State.

Speaking separately during the awareness campaign, the Regional Manager, Gombe, Dr Babajada Awaulu and his Bauchi Counterpart, Engr Hafiz Saleh who stood in for the Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed said it has become imperative to educate the people on the workability of the band system before its implementation.

The duo explained that the distribution company desired to supply uninterrupted quality electricity to its customers in all its areas of operation saying, "to the best of my knowledge, Jos Disco is doing extremely well in this regard".

Both Babajada and Hafiz listed the number of feeders upgraded to bands A and B from their previous status saying those in Band 'A' were enjoying not less than 20 hours of minimum supply of electricity while those in Band 'B' were to enjoy a minimum of 16 hours of supply.

The Regional Managers who said that the company was poised to serve its customers better than before disclosed that the technical staff of the company have been placed on alert to expeditiously attend to faults that may occur at any given time.

In his contributions, the Head, Customer Care, Mr Lucky Akpobi who graphically illustrated the operationality of the Band system explained that those desiring band upgrades should understand that their billing will also go up from what they were hitherto being billed.

Akpobi said "to whom much is given, much is expected", and said in conformity with that maxim, customers who have been migrated to band 'A' or 'B' should be ready to pay more for their energy consumption.

The Head of Customer Care thereafter rolled out the tariff rate for each of the bands to enable the customers to understand what they were to be billed after the upgrade.

Mr Akpobi also used the occasion to urge the customers to pay for their consumed energy decrying the degree of customers' indebtedness to the company.

He said it was unhealthy for customers to refuse to pay for the energy they had consumed saying, " Jos Disco is now a private enterprise. It is no more government-owned. We buy this energy and must pay for it. If we don't pay, how do we remain in this business? It is ungodly not to pay for what you consumed.

Akpobi who told the indebted customers to endeavour to liquidate their debts urged them to embrace the debt discount promo currently in force.

He explained that any customer desiring to offset his debt in totality would be given a 30% discount from his total debts.

Also, Speaking, the Head, Safety, Mr Alvinmax Cyprian Yenkwo who gave several safety tips urged customers to be safety conscious in their relationship with electricity.

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has formulated a business model that will aid the company’s collection efficiency.

Under the NERC-approved distribution business franchising model, the company is expected to mutually collaborate with some clusters in Gombe State in the delivery of energy and 100% revenue collection efficiency.

In a statement by Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, Head Corporate Communications, this was made known by the Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed in Gombe last weekend when he visited the Rice and Groundnuts Millers Association.


Engr Mohammed who promised that JED Plc would supply stable and regular electricity to the millers said that the company would be implementing the idea of collaborating with customers in some clusters to achieve 100% cash collection.


He disclosed that under the proposed arrangement, both the Rice and Groundnuts Miller Associations would be engaged to take responsibility for revenue collection from their members on a commission basis.


Consequently, Engr Mohammed set up a high-powered committee to work out the modalities that would be mutually acceptable to all the parties and the agreement shall be executed.

The Managing Director who urged the millers to pay for their consumed energy also enlightened them on the operations of the Discos saying, “We buy this product ( electricity) from the NBET and it is transported to us via Transmission Company of Nigeria – TCN, and sell to customers and we are expected to pay for the energy we took to the bulk trader 100%”, adding, ” we, therefore, expect you to pay for the energy you consumed 100%.

On the complaints by the leadership of the miller’s Associations about two faulty transformers, the Managing Director directed the Regional Manager, Gombe, Alhaji Babajada Auwalu to ensure that the transformers were repaired within one week.

He, therefore, disclosed that Jos Electricity Distribution Plc would soon be metering all its transformers for energy accountability.

In their separate remarks, Alhaji Lawan Yusuf, Chairman of the Rice Millers Association and his groundnut counterparts, Alhaji Sani Ya’u thanked the Managing Director for the visit and promised to support the company.

In commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, Hauwa Atiku-Uwais Foundation has commended all women and girls around the world for their active participation in the 16 days of activism against Gender based violence.

The Foundation said the theme "Orange the world: End Violence against Women" could not have come at a better time than now as there is great surge in cases of abuse and violence against women.

In a press statement signed by the Founder/CEO of the Foundation, Hauwa Atiku Uwais said regardless of culture, education, social status, religion; there is no gain saying as every one has the right to life.

She empathised with all women and female children who have been victims of abuse and violence; together we shall overcome.

"We encourage all who are victims that the way out is to "speak out"; this is the first step towards healing.

"You can be rest assured that our doors will always be open and our ears to attend to all.

Hauwa further said, "Let's all bear in mind that as fathers, husbands, brothers, religious leaders and leaders in all spheres of life; its our duty to protect the sanctity of womanhood as I believe that "together we Can."

In commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, Hauwa Atiku-Uwais Foundation has commended all women and girls around the world for their active participation in the 16 days of activism against Gender based violence.

The Foundation said the theme "Orange the world: End Violence against Women" could not have come at a better time than now as there is great surge in cases of abuse and violence against women.

In a press statement signed by the Founder/CEO of the Foundation, Hauwa Atiku Uwais said regardless of culture, education, social status, religion; there is no gain saying as every one has the right to life.

She empathised with all women and female children who have been victims of abuse and violence; together we shall overcome.

"We encourage all who are victims that the way out is to "speak out"; this is the first step towards healing.

"You can be rest assured that our doors will always be open and our ears to attend to all.

Hauwa further said, "Let's all bear in mind that as fathers, husbands, brothers, religious leaders and leaders in all spheres of life; its our duty to protect the sanctity of womanhood as I believe that "together we Can."

The Forum of Presidents of Youth Organizations in the Middle Belt region met in Abuja on Friday 9th -10th December , 2022 to look at common challenges facing the people of the region and the state of the nation in general and also elect new leadership of the Forum. At the end of the two day meeting, the Forum hereby issues a communique with the following resolutions:

1. The meeting did a comprehensive review of the security and economic situation of the Middle Belt states and came to the conclusion that the region has been badly affected by unfavorable policies of successive federal administrations in the country which have left the region grossly marginalized in terms of youth employment, empowerment for young people and general development. The Middle Belt is currently rated as the region with the highest rate of youth unemployment in the country.

2. The Forum is deeply saddened by the spate of insecurity in parts of the Middle Belt region which has left thousands of people dead and rendered many others homeless with thousands of widows and orphans.

3. The Forum sympathizes with families of victims of attacks carried out by herdsmen, bandits and other terrorists operating in the Middle Belt.

4. The Forum equally sympathizes with families of security personnel who have lost their lives in the course of defending the people of the region and other parts of the country.

5. The Forum expresses deep concern over the sustained impunity that has reduced the Middle Belt region to a mere plantation where the bulk of the country’s food is produced to feed the nation, leaving the people of the region poorer and without anything to show for their sweat and contributions to the economic growth of the nation.

6. The Forum has resolved to step up advocacy through conventional means and on social media for the emancipation of the Middle Belt people from the shackles of oppression, intimidation and suppression.

7. The Forum calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, to urgently convene a National Dialogue to address the worsening security situation across the country and to also address the agitations and concerns being expressed by Nigerians. This should be followed by the National Council of State meeting to find workable solutions to the spate of killings in different states of the federation.

8. The Forum endorses the use of vigilante groups and neighbourhood watches to safe guard our communities since the conventional security agencies have been overwhelmed by terrorists such as armed herdsmen who are operating within the region.

9. The Forum calls on all Middle Belt states which are yet to ban open grazing of cattle to do so urgently and to embrace ranching as the global best practice of animal husbandry. The Forum charges the rest of the region to enact anti-open grazing laws to give legal backing to the ban on open grazing and commends Benue State for being the pathfinder in the ranching revolution.

10. It is the considered stand of the Forum that Nigeria is ripe for the implementation of a Policy on ranching as captured in the National Livestock Transformation Plan that was adopted by the National Economic Council (NEC). This Forum believes that the policy will not only protect farming communities from attacks and herdsmen from cattle rustling but also lead to environmental protection, security of lives and property as well as guarantee food security.

11. The Forum calls on the Federal Government to publicly condemn the atrocities perpetrated by armed herdsmen, arrest and prosecute the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and other Fulani Socio-cultural groups who have consistently admitted to the wanton killings and destruction of communities across the country.
 
12. Similarly, the Forum urges the Federal Government to proscribe all militant Fulani groups as was done in the case of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), given that the Global Terrorism Index has repeatedly ranked Fulani militia as the fourth deadliest terrorist group in the world. Similarly, other extremist groups should be proscribed.

13. The Forum urges the Federal Government to increase the funding and equipping of security agencies, and to recruit additional police personnel and improve on their training to enable them confront criminals.

14. The Forum calls on Mr. President to uphold his Oath of Office as President of all Nigerians and to lead in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  He must be seen to be the President ‘for everybody and for nobody’.

15. The Forum appeals to President Buhari to respect the Federal Character Principle in appointments into key positions and siting of projects. The Middle Belt region has been badly treated in the past six years in the area of appointments at the federal level.

16. The Forum advocates for allocation of more funds to states and local governments from the Federation Account with the recommendation that local governments should take 23 percent of the Federal Allocation, states should get 42 percent while the Federal Government takes 35 percent.

17. The Forum equally calls on states to step up their efforts in improving internally generated revenue to tackle development challenges and make life more meaningful for their people.

18. The Forum berates the Governor of Kaduna State over his handling of the security situation in his state, particularly the terrorist attacks taking place in Southern Kaduna where hundreds are killed on daily basis. The meeting also condemns the sacking of thousands of civil servants by the Kaduna State Governor, a decision that was apparently targeted at the people of the southern part of the state.

19. The Forum has resolved to embark on enlightenment of Middle Belt people about the fictitious and deceitful agricultural policies of the Federal Government which are aimed at grabbing the people’s lands for herdsmen and their animals.

20. The Forum acknowledges and unanimously commends His Excellency Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State for championing the cause of equity, fairness and justice as the leading voice for the voiceless in the country. The forum encourages Governor Ortom and the G5 Governors to remain steadfast and not be discouraged by the campaign of blackmail launched against them and them and their struggle by enemies of peace.

21. The Forum highly commends Governor Ortom for his bold step of identifying with EndSARS protesters in his state last year and his prompt decision to organize the Benue Youth Summit to address the challenges facing the young people of Benue State.

22. The Forum sympathizes with Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Niger and other states which have millions of internally displaced people living in IDP camps. The Forum urges the Federal Government to fulfill its promise of assisting the states facing humanitarian crisis to facilitate the resettlement of the IDPs to the ancestral homes.

23. The Forum adopts ranching as the most viable solution to the farmer/herder crisis within the Middle Belt region.

24. The Fourm calls on the National Assembly to enact a law confering the status of a state on the Federal Capital Territory.

25. The Forum salutes the statesmanship and patriotism of some noted sons of the Middle Belt like Governor Samuel Ortom, General Theophilus Danjuma, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman and His Eminence Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah who have chosen to stand on the side of truth and justice and have taken it upon themselves to stand up for our people even when it was not fashionable to do so.

26. The Middle Belt youths call for the resignation of Governor Simon Lalong as Chairman of Northern Governors Forum for failing to coordinate his colleagues to bring a solution to the security challenges in the North and give way for a competent person to lead the forum.

27. The Forum returned the entire exco to run for a second term

28. The Forum mandates the re-elected exco to work for a southern Presidency to emerge in the 2023 general elections

29. The Forum mandates the re-elected exco to liase with the G5 Governors to fight for fairness,equity and justice for all Nigerians.


30. Finally, the Forum appreciates Nigerians in other parts of the country for sympathizing with people of the Middle Belt in their time of anguish in the face of wanton killings and other devilish acts of terrorism.

Thank you and God bless you all.

In attendance are:

1.Terrence Kuanum
President
Benue Youth Forum
Coordinator

2.Daniel Bichi
President youth Wing
Gombe south peoples Assembly
Secretary

3.Frank Olu
President
Kwara youth vanguard

4Amando Saka
President
Kogi youth Forum

5.Bibianne Danjuma
President
Taraba youth assembly

6.Darren Kuba
President
Nasarawa youth movement for good governance

7.Alfred Shimbi
President
Bauchi youth Forum

8.Friday Egan
President
Niger youth Forum

9.Maryamu Dauda
President
Plateau youth movement for good governance

10.Chechat Joseph
President
Southern Kaduna youth Assembly

11.Sanda Eijo
President
Adamawa South youth Assembly

12.George Oro
President
FCT indigenous youth movement

13.Shima Atokaa
Secretary
Benue Youth Forum.

*INSTITUTES AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMED REGION*

To enhance corporate performance, the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has introduced a 30% debt discount for all indebted customers who are desiring to defrost their debts at once.

This was made known by the Dr Friday Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications of the company.


Adakole noted that company has also promised to promote the best Regional Manager in terms of cash collection every month.


The Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed made this disclosure last Thursday in Gombe during an interactive session with staff of the Region.

The Managing Director who explained that the debt discount would only apply to customers who are willing to pay the entirety of their indebtedness to the company at once urged customers to take advantage of the promo which he said would be in force till the end of January 2023 to neutralize their debts.


On the other hand, Engr Mohammed who was optimistic that the staff could change the negative financial histories of the company to positivity promised to reward the region that comes top in every collection circle.


The Chief Executive Officer, therefore, urged the staff to endeavour to improve the company’s revenue collection stressing that the company under his watch would be focusing greatly on staff welfare saying, “soon after I assumed duty, about 121 staff who were left unconfirmed were confirmed. We intend to look into staff promotion soon. I understand that some staff have stagnated for up to ten years in one position. This is not good. We can not operate like this. But for us to achieve what we intend to achieve, we must have to increase our collection efficiency in terms of naira yield”.

“Please, let us improve the company’s performance and you will see what I will do. Our current collection performance is about 50%. We buy this energy from the Gencos and we can’t collect the cost of the energy. You collect goods on credit to sell and return the money but after selling, you are only able to collect about half of the total worth of the goods, how are you going to make up for the balance?, asked the Managing Director.


Engr Mohammed, therefore, charged staff to stem the tide of poor revenue collection explaining that, ” your inability to perform could be catastrophic as I can not tell what will happen to you if the trend continues”.

He urged staff to take ownership of the company saying, “this is where you work. This is where you feed from. Your family depends on this. Your relations depend on this. Even the society where you live to some extent depends on you because you are working. We should therefore put in our best to enable the company to grow. When the company grows, we will all be better off”.

In his words, “We must move the company forward. We must salvage the situation. I can see the very intelligent and energetic staff here. All you need to do is the push and determination to change the narratives”.


The Managing Director who decried corruption in all ramifications called for attitudinal change from the staff stressing that, ” you must abide by ethical conduct. I will not tolerate any bad act from anyone of you. While we will not tolerate any bad acts from you, we are ready to support you to do your job diligently”.

In his remarks, the Regional Manager, Alhaji Babajada Awaulu, who promised to work assiduously for the growth of the company disclosed that the region has been progressing steadily in terms of revenue collection since he assumed duty in Gombe.

The Managing Director was accompanied on the working visit to Gombe by the Chief Operating Officer, Alhaji Mammanlafia Umar, the Chief Commercial Officer, Engr Muniir Abubakar, the Head, Regional Operations, Engr John Emeruwa, the Chief Security Officer, Mallam Musa Abdullahi as well as Head of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Alhaji Nafiu Bello.

By Oriri Peter

The Benue Youths Forum, through a statement signed by its President, Mr. Terrence Kuanum, has reacted to the statement credited to o one faceless body under the pseudonym, Benue Coalition on Human Rights calling for the abolition of the Benue Sate Community Volunteer Guards, BCVGs.

In the statement signed by two individuals of questionable characters, Solomon Semaka and Okwori Onaji who claimed to be the President and Secretary, the faceless group alleged that the Benue State security outfit was being used to molest political opponents.

We want to make it clear to those enemies of Benue state that the BSCVG is a creation of the law which came into existence through a legislation that was made with input from various stakeholders across different segments of the state and can’t be abolished by mere allegations that can not be substantiated in the first place.

That the group is calling on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser who have shown little or no interest in ending insecurity in the state to orchestrate the scrapping of the body is a clear indication that those making those calls are tools in the hands of those behind the incessant killings and destruction of property in Benue state.

The creation of the BSCVGs to compliment the conventional security agencies is probably yielding results, hence the desperation of those perpetrating violence in the state to see it disbanded.

The Benue Youth Forum also wonders why a group that openly supports the creation of local security outfits and arming them with weapons in other parts of the country, will turn around to be highly against a similar outfit which has been denied the permission to bear arms by the Federal Government for obvious reasons.

Also curious is the fact be that the said Solomon Semaka who has openly declared support for the killings in Benue state and has a close tie with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who have taken responsibility for most of the killings in the state is a signatory to that nauseating statement.

While we call on any individual or groups to report any acts of misdemeanour committed by any member of the BSCVGs, we totally condemn the action of those sellouts who are out to discredit the outfit for peanuts.

It is worthy to note that the BSCVGs are not immune to the law and are operating under strict supervision of the conventional security agencies and would be sanctioned appropriately if they are found wanton in the discharge of their responsibilities.

We also want to reiterate that anyone who has any unsavory experience with the any member of the volunteer guards should go through legal channels to express his grievances, rather than embarking on a futile voyage to painting all the operatives with one brush.

The BYF once again commend Governor Samuel Ortom for observing due diligence and obeying the rule of law to create the BSCVGs which is also contributing to tackling insecurity in the state.

We equally renew our call on members of the security outfit to be law abiding and committed to the task of protecting the state legally.

We once again declare our support for the BSCVGs and urged the Benue State government not to be deterred by misguided elements, sponsored by political desperados to distract the Ortom-led administration.

The Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, has assured the Management of Dangote Cement Company of quality supply of electricity to motivate it to accept supply from the electricity distribution company.

In a statement signed by Dr Friday Adakole Elijah Head, Corporate Communications of JED Plc, Engr Mohammed promised to stabilise the network for efficient delivery of energy to the cement manufacturing company based in Yandev – Gboko, Benue State.

The Managing Director gave this assurance last Friday at the factory in his maiden courtesy visit to the cement factory to lobby the management on the need to take electricity supply from Jos Electricity Distribution Plc.

“I am here to see you and to acquaint myself with the challenges and to see how we can quickly tackle these challenges with the hope of taking supply from us”, he disclosed.

The Managing Director who commended Dangote Cement Company for a mutually beneficial business relationship said he was aware that the cement manufacturing firm has been having some challenges with the supply from the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc stressed that his coming to the plant was to explore ways to resolving the challenges.

He disclosed that Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has already commenced the process of resolving the problem saying, “I have spoken to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to mobilise the Mobitra back to the site”.

Engr Mohammed who further disclosed that Jos Electricity Distribution Plc had secured a mobile breaker also stated that they are putting together Isolators at the explosive sites adding, ” We are talking with the TCN to conduct proper relay coordination to enable more available of reliable supply”.

The Managing Director who expressed optimism about quality supply availability to the cement factory however advised Dangote Cement to upgrade its City to 1200.

In his response, the Plant Manager, Mr Louis Raj, who was visibly elated by the visit said that the cement manufacturing company could take up to 30 to 40 KWT of energy if the supply is properly stabilised.

He commended the staff of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for their expeditious resolution of faults.

It will be recalled that Engr Mohammed has since assuming duty as the Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc embarked on a diplomatic shuttle to large consumers of energy who were not taking their electricity supply from the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc to persuade them to take supply from the public utility.

Only recently, he paid a similar visit to the Group Managing Director of NASCO groups of Companies in Jos.

With the House of Representatives passage of the bill to establish the national commission for the coordination and control of the proliferation of small arms and light Weapons, NATCOM in Nigeria, A coalition of civil societies organization believes that creation of the Commission is largely seen as a measure to help advance the war against insecurity.

This is a considered concurrence to the same bill recently passed by the Senate.

A statement from the media office of the coalition says there was also an urgent need to compliment government's efforts in creating gainful employment to the teeming youth population as well as boosting the nation's economy aside security.

The coalition salutes efforts of president Muhammadu Buhari and his vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the president of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan and all other distinguished senators, house of Representatives speaker Rt.Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and all the Honorable members of the house, the national security adviser general Babagana Monguno retired and other stakeholders especially civil society organizations, the media and Dr. Baba Mohammed who championed the need in a presentation to the public hearing for the need to establish NATCOM in line with article 24 of the economic Community of west African states, ecowas convention on the proliferation of small arms and light Weapons to which Nigeria is signatory, for recognizing the need to bring proliferation of illegal arms and light Weapons to an end in the country.

The coalition appealed for a quick Presidential assent to the bill.

By Oriri Peter

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has expressed determination to meter about 400,000 of the company’s customers within the shortest period.

In a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah, noted that this was disclosed last Thursday in Jos by the Managing Director, Engr Abdo Bello Mohammed during an interactive session with vendors handling the company’s Meters Asset Providers (MAP) programme.

Engr Mohammed who decried the millipedeous speed with which the meter vendors were going about customer metering said more efforts should be put in place towards achieving the metering goals of the company.

“If you look at the number of meters installed by MAP is not impressive”, disclosed the Managing Director.

According to him, “we still have a very long way to go. We will need to expeditiously bridge the metering gap to safeguard our revenue”.

The Managing Director, therefore, requested all the vendors to submit to him their meters deployment plans for 2023 before the end of Next week saying that all their plans must be strictly adhered to.

Engr Mohammed who expressed optimism that most of the company’s customers would soon be metered said MAP was introduced to ensure access to meters by customers to eradicate billing disputations.


In their separate responses, the representatives of Mojec, Triple seven, Skyruns and Momas all promised to live up to their mandates of metering customers.

It was a crowd surge as the Director Operation and ICT of the National Youth Campaign Council (NYCC) Mr Andrew Abu played host to the Chairperson of the NYCC Hajia Hauwa Atiku Uwais on Sunday at the traditional Headquarters of the Idoma Nation Otukpo LG.

The event which held at the Hall of the Leach Hotels had different groups including women and youth groups, and a solidarity from the PDP New Generational Structure from Zone A and Zone B led by Comrade Regina Ikyor the State Coordinator who turned out to Herald the arrival of the chairperson and her entourage.

The event which targeted a rejigger of the PDP in Benue South and rekindle the commitment of delivering the PDP from state assembly to Presidency was the first of its kind in recent times.

Hajia Hauwa Atiku Uwais was shown total acceptability as the zone C women led by Mrs Dina Obinya and Patriot Shelly Ajuma Akpa robed her in the Idoma attire and as the women named her Ojema; a title that describes her friendliness and meekness.

In her response Hajia Uwais thanked the women and all the groups for the endorsement of the candidature of H E Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate H E Sen Ifeanyi Okowa and assured the good people of Zone C that this gesture cannot be forgotten stating that this was a familiarisation visit.

The event was brought to a close with the vote of thanks by Comrade Gabriel the North Central Coordinator of the PDP New Generation

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Landlady enterprise Limited Sorinola Omolara says, Landlady enterprise is leading and their mark.

Speaking recently, She said, “The Nigerian real estate industry has experienced exponential growth over the past few years due to rising foreign direct investment, growing urbanization, and robust corporate demand.

With this growth came the rise of firms and business who are committed to the longevity and profitability of the industry and Landlady Enterprise limited is one of those.

Landlady Enterprise Limited is a real estate development and sales firm in Lagos, Nigeria. Their aim is to make Land/home ownership effortless for people. Landlady Enterprise undertakes some aspects of property brokerage like purchases and leasing of commercial and residential properties across Nigeria. Their industry acumen and experience ensures that favorable financial and legal terms are obtained for clients and can give quick advices on marketing and purchasing properties.

She is currently working towards developing more estates being among the top 3 trusted real estate firms in Africa. Sorinola is a mother of three. She is inspired by the likes of Ibukun Awosika and David Oyedepo as she is a devout Christian.

Landlady Enterprises Limited also renders advisory services after doing comparative analysis on key estates in Lagos, Nigeria.

They are capable of advising you on making profitable investments. They have their offices around Lagos and Ogun state, Nigeria. Their properties are also free from government acquisition and Omo Onile encumbrances. Their industry acumen and experience ensures that favorable financial and legal terms are obtained for prospective/existing clients.

By Oriri Peter

Following the vigorous campaign against vandalism by the Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, no fewer than 12 suspected vandals have been apprehended by security apparatchiks in the Bauchi and Benue states.

In a press statement officially signed by Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, Head Cooperate Communications of JED, noted that the suspected criminals were nabbed while carrying out the act by members of vigilante groups in the two states.

In Bauchi, the suspected vandals numbering eight ( had succeeded in vandalising the 300KVA substation at Yankari 33kV Feder in Alkaleri Local Government Area by cutting 30 meters of 70mm2 and 6 meters of 150 mm3 as well as draining the transformer oil.

The arrested suspects were as follows – Nuhu Ibrahim (18), Suleiman Abubakar (18), Umar Musa (24), Ahmed Bala (25), Bashir Yunusa (24), Bashir Halilu (23).

Adam A. Adam (40) and Salish Ibrahim who were the receivers of the vandalised items were equally apprehended by the police.

Similarly, in Otukpo, Benue State, at about midnight of 2nd Nov 2022, one Audu Usman was seen vandalising JED Plc’s electric wire at number 38 Lagos street Otukpo.

He was arrested by volunteer guard/vigilante men on patrol at Lagos street.

After interrogation, he confessed that he and others yet to be arrested were majorly behind so many cases of prepaid meter bypass in the area.

In the same vein, one Mr Terpase Samuel age 27, was caught in the process of removing a Feeder Piller bar and its Units of 300kva Hillside Transformer at Adi Agor Road, GRA, Gboko by a Youth.

All the arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for interrogation and prosecution.

Commenting on the spate of the arrest, the Chief Security Officer of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi commended the local security outfits and the youth and said that there would be no more hiding places for energy criminals in the company’s franchise areas.

In his response, the Managing Director of the company, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, thanked the youth and the various vigilante groups for their patriotic act which culminated in numerous arrests.

He charged members of the public to challenge suspected movements around electricity installations to ascertain the genuineness of the person.

“If the suspected person in our facilities can not give a cogent reason as to why he is there or can not properly identify himself, arrest and take him or her to the nearest police station”, he ordered.

It would be recalled that shortly after assuming office as the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bell Mohammed paid a courtesy visit to some communities and security agencies within the company’s areas of operation where he pleaded with them to go hard against electricity vandals.

By Oriri Peter

The organizers of Nigerian Youth Achievers Award has nominated the founder of Ajoke Welfare Foundation, Ms. Ajoke Akintunde as Woman of the Year.

The Director of Project for the event, Ambassador Abraham Lawal who made this known in a press statement on Wednesday in Abuja, disclosed the theme for the 6th edition as “Power of Youth in Leadership.”


Ahead of the 6th edition of the Nigerian Youth Achievers Awards, Ms Ajoke Akintunde, Founder of Ajoke Welfare Foundation has been confirmed as one of the award recipients, and would be recognized as “Woman of the Year Award” at the event slated to hold on the 29th of January 2023 at the prestigious Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ms Ajoke who is believed by many to be a person with a big heart, has been widely celebrated for her uncommon philanthropic gestures . She started the Foundation in October 2006, with the very goal of providing food, clothes amongst other things to the poor and the people who are in dire need.

Ambassador Abraham in his remark, noted that the organization has found her worthy for the award considering her humanitarian services both locally and internationally.

The goal of the Foundation is to make a difference and make an impact in the lives of people. This will go a long way to let people know they are not forgotten, to make them feel loved and cared for.

The Foundation hopes they can always feed & care for this people daily, yet this little gesture will go a long way.

Ajoke Welfare Foundation reaches out to the elderly and the deprived individuals in communities that are deemed so. With the help of her sponsors and partners, they have been able to provide relief to many people who need such.


On October 15, 2022; the Foundation celebrated her 16th Anniversary of showing care, providing relief to the elderly, and empowering the youths across the western cities of Nigeria and USA. The 16th Anniversary was graced by the Chief of Police, Thomas Vaughn, Southport Police Department Indiana, USA and all the sponsors and supporters of the Foundation.

Likewise at the anniversary, food packages were also given to individuals, ages 50 and above. All the guests had a great time celebrating the outstanding success of the Foundation.


Ajoke will be honored among other eminent young Nigerians that have distinguished themselves in diverse field of lives.

The Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed has assured that staff will become shareholders of the company if they reverse its poor fortune for good.

Dr Friday Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications noted that the Managing Director had gave the assurance in Bauchi last Tuesday during a parley with management and operational staff of the Bauchi region.

Engr Mohammed who admonished the staff to urgently reverse the abysmal poor revenue collection in Bauchi State said staff would enjoy most when the revenue status of the company is improved upon.

“When you take ownership of this company and take it to the desired level, staff will be allowed to buy shares and become owners of the company”, he disclosed.

Engr Mohammed, therefore, charged staff to work assiduously towards revamping the poor revenue collection status of the enterprise.

The Managing Director who revealed that the company was generating only about 40% of its expected revenue charged staff to improve their attitude towards revenue collection.

To spur staff to high feat, the Managing Director divulged, “we are going to introduce a performance-driving regime. We will provide an incentive and when you achieve your target, you are going to be given incentives”.

Part of the incentives according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer would be staff promotion, payment of outstanding arrears and increase in salary.

Engr Mohammed also advised the staff to exhibit a high premium of responsibility by shunning all vices that could inhibit the progress of the company saying, ” anyone caught in financial impropriety will be dealt with no matter how related you are to me”.

The Managing Director who decried the effects of vandals and energy thieves on the operations of the company disclosed that “there is a cartel in Bauchi going round and stealing meters and encouraging bypass. You will have to be vigilant and expose them. We have informed the Police and the DSS about their activities.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Regional Manager, of Bauchi, Engr Hafiz Saleh, had assured the Managing Director of the region’s determination to increase the revenue generation of the company in the region.

By Oriri Peter

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission alongside the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution in an official statement through Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications of JED plc has urged the Bauchi Emirate Council and the Nigerian Police to help stem the tide of energy theft and vandalism of Electricity facilities in the state.

The Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr Musiliu Oseni made the call during a courtesy visit on the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman in his Palace and the Commissioner of Police Mr Umar Mamman Sanda last Monday.

Dr Oseni who decried the menace of vandals and energy thieves in the country called for a concerted effort by the Royal fathers as well as the police to tackle the problem which he said was dangerously bedevilling the industry.

In his words, “Your Royal Majesty, we are here to seek your support to enable the company to function effectively, especially in the fight against vandalism.

He stated further that, “the various communities in your domain should be enlightened on the dangers of vandalism and energy theft because when these facilities are vandalised, it is the community that will be affected most as it will be without light until it is repaired or replaced”.

He also urged the Emir to help in sensitization of his subjects to pay for their consumed energy when due saying that on the part of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, it will ensure that the customers are adequately protected.

According to him, ” we are here to see that customers are given adequate power supply. We have seen their customers’ processes”.

Responding, the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu, CFR, who expressed appreciation for the visit assured them of his support.

He, therefore, commended the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for the stable power supply they have been enjoying in Bauchi State recently.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police assured the Vice Chairman and the Managing Director of cooperation within the mandate of the police force.

By Oriri Peter

The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr Musiliu Oseni has charged the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc to ensure that all customer complaints brought before it was expeditiously tackled.

Dr Oseni gave the charge in Bauchi (Monday, 7th November 2022) during his official working visit to the state to ensure total compliance with all the established regulations, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah
Head, Corporate Communications of JED PLC in an official statement noted that Dr. Oseni had earlier reacted that the electricity distribution companies must devise strategies aimed at customer satisfaction which would ultimately attract corresponding positive attitudes from the customers in terms of payment for their consumed energy.

The Vice Chairman also charged the staff of the company to ensure regular availability of electricity in the company’s areas of operations owing to its importance to the socio-economic interest of the country.

Dr Oseni admonished the management of the company to place more attention on large customers that could generate more revenue for the company in addition to the retail customers.

“You should endeavour to work up the revenue. It is only when the business is doing well that the welfare of the staff could be guaranteed. You should therefore put in your best”, he counselled.


Responding, the Managing Director, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed who took the Vice Chairman around the various offices visited promised that the company would adhere strictly to all the rules and regulations governing the business of electricity distribution in the country.

Engr Mohammed also disclosed that to promptly resolve issues of faulty Distribution Transformers on the company’s network, management under his leadership has decided to establish functional workshops.

Ahead of the 6th edition of the Nigerian Youth Achievers Awards, Amb. Dr. Hillary Emoh, Founder & Principal Partner of Leaders Without Borders Development Centre (LWBDC) has been confirmed as Keynote Speaker for the event slated to hold on the 29th of January 2023.

Director of Project of the event, Amb. Abraham Lawal who made this known in a press statement on Monday in Abuja, revealed the theme for the 6th edition as “Power of Youth in Leadership.”

Amb Lawal while speaking about the keynote speaker, noted that Dr. Emoh is a prolific speaker, bilingual and an effective communicator with in-depth at managing simultaneous projects, raising brand awareness among other expertise.

“Amb. Dr. Emoh has over 18 years of active experience as a Business Development Executive with vast knowledge in Strategic Planning, Resource Mobilization, Project Execution & Delivery, Dr. Emoh’s has been instrumental to the successful hosting of several Global Investments Summit/Conferences held all over the World.

He said the event will be holding in Lagos and promises to honor young Nigerians that have been instrumental in diverse fields of the economy.

Dr. Emoh is also the convener of the Africa-Dubai Investment Business Summit & Global Honors, and the convener of the Leaders Without Borders Annual Business Summit & Global Honors held in United Kingdom, UAE, and several African Countries.

We look forward to receive your nominations through this WhatsApp number +2347062111207 or reach Us On instagram @youthachievers_awards.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/6th-edition-nigerian-youth-achievers-award-name-hillary-emoh-keynote-speaker/

By Oriri Peter

It was an exciting moment for African Women last week as the organisers of Face of African Concept honored top 50 Most Industrious Women in Africa.

The event which took place at the prestigious Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday 23rd October, 2022 brought together high profiled women, hard working, innovative, business owners and captain of industries from across Africa.

The aim of the award was to celebrate, recognize and honor the standard achievements of women creativity in Africa especially in Nigeria within the African business space.

The award also honored womens contributions in excellence in their diverse fields of service.

The keynote speaker Mrs. Beulah Marshall. Founder Centre for Teachers Development and Training urge the awardees to be diligent in their daily life activities noting that the space of a woman is a completer of everything and the Award should be seen as an added advantage of everything to their lives.

Some of the award recipients includes one of the youngest CEO in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Ms. Jael Ajiri Okoro CEO Jeph Kebbi International Limited, Mercy Alexander (Founder Alexander Mercy Foundation & D’ Gallery TV), others include Nollywood Screen Diva Imade Osawaru among others.

The program director Amb. Abraham Lawal appreciates the CEO of AJOKE WELFARE FOUNDATION, Sherifat Akintunde, all other partners and sponsors who made the event a reality and promises to make the second edition more eventful.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/jael-ajiri-imade-osawaru-mercy-alexander-others-honored-as-most-industrious-women-in-africa-stunning-photos/

Oriri Peter

No fewer than 121 staff of the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc whose fates have been hanging have been confirmed by the new Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed less than a week after assuming office.

Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed
Engr Mohammed announced the confirmation yesterday during an interactive meeting with the staff of Jos Metro Region at Gangere to thunderous applause from the staff.

In a press statement by Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah Head, Corporate Communications noted that the Managing Director who since his assumption of duty had embarked on practical and motivational reforms towards the transformation of the company urged staff to put in their best to galvanise the company to success saying, “we are also working on your promotion that has been stalled for long”.

According to him, “the only way that we can expeditiously achieve this is to work towards revamping the current abysmal fortune of the company.

Read Also: Jos DISCO To Partner Judiciary, DSS Against Energy Theft & Vandalism

” you must change the fortunes of the company for good. We are going to task all of you on KPIs. We will empower you to do your work”, he asserted.

He, therefore, charged staff to ensure that customers enjoy a qualitative supply of electricity regularly as a precursor to customer satisfaction.

Engr Mohammed called on staff to enhance the collection efficiency of the company by ensuring that customers pay for their consumed energy when due adding that indolence would not be tolerated.

The Managing Director who advised indiscipline staff to change for the better declared that bad eggs would be weeded out of the system.

Responding on behalf of the staff of Jos Metro, the Regional Manager, Alhaji Sarki Suleiman promised that the region would not disappoint the management in terms of collection efficiency.

It will be recalled that those confirmed have had their confirmation stalled for close to two years instead of the mandatory six months.

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has solicited the cooperation of the judiciary and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) to tackle energy crimes in its areas of operation.

According to a statement by its head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, the solicitation was made last Thursday (26/ 10/ 2022) by the Managing Director of the company, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed when he individually paid the Plateau State Chief Judge, Justice David Mann and the State Director of DSS, Albert Ogbole, courtesy visits in their respective offices in Jos.



Engr Mohammed who accentuated the dangers posed by the energy depredators told the Chief Judge that there was the need for expeditious disposition of cases regarding vandalism and energy thefts brought before judges in the state.

According to him, “vandalism leads to willful destruction of the company assets just as it also obliterates economic and social life of the affected communities. It is therefore a crime against society. And so, we should collectively fight against it to stamp it out, hence your maximum cooperation is required”.

The Managing Director explained that even though the energy sector has gone through a transformation in consonance with the privatisation policy of the federal government disclosed that members of the public still view the company as Nigeria Electricity Power Authority ( NEPA).

To change this perception, Engr Mohammed promised to organise workshops and seminars for judicial officers in the company’s franchise States to keep them abreast with the legal and regulatory framework of the reform power sector.

Read Also: Jos DISCO Urges Security Agencies To Fight Vandalism Of Electricity Installations

Responding, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann who said that the judiciary in the state has been doing its best in the area of the dispensation of Justice disclosed that he has initiated some reforms that would expedite the dispensation of justice which would benefit the company.

Justice Mann, “Presently, there are a number of measures put in place to ensure that justice is expedited. We are in the process of digitising our operations here.

” We are establishing a small claims court. When designated across the state, it will take care of cases that have to do with N5,000,000 claims. This will lead to the decongestion of the courts for more cases to be heard by the high courts. It will help ease doing business. I am sure that your organisation will be one of those that will benefit from this”, said the Chief Judge.

On his part, the Director of DSS, Albert Ogbole who thanked the Managing Director for the visit praised the electricity distribution firm for what he described as a stable power supply in the state.

He said the service would do all within its mandate to support the company in its quest to tackle the menace of vandalism and energy theft.

The Managing Director, of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, has promised to push for the completion of the 132 KV (TCN) line to pantshin, 2×40 MVA, 132/33KV transmission station to service the entire central and Southern plateau (13 LGA) of the plateau state.

In a statement issued by the Head Corporate Communications of JED, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah noted that the Managing Director made the promise today (26/10/2022) at the Government House, Jos when he and his team paid the Governor a courtesy visit.

Engr Mohammed who commended the development efforts and peace initiatives of Governor Lalong promised to collaborate with the state government in all areas of electricity distribution in the state.

According to him, “we will participate in lectricity expansion in rural communities or to urban areas that will support the economy of the industry that we are involved in the state. Places like the industrial clusters and the Makeri areas have some challenges with under-frequency relay operation.

He, therefore, assured that the problem would soon be tackled stressing that “we have already gotten approval from the TCN to move it away. We will ensure that the fluctuations in the area are eliminated”.

In his response, the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon Solomon Lalong promised to support the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc in its quest to deliver constant and quality electricity to the state.

The Governor who was visibly delighted at the visit said, “I have a strong passion for energy. Lack of energy has been the problem of Plateau and so if there is anything I want to do in Plateau State is to ensure that energy is taken to the peak”

Governor Lalong who extolled the significance of energy to the economy of the state disclosed that ” we are into a lot of things. We are into agriculture. We are into processing but we can not process because of lack of energy”.

He, therefore, declared that the state government under his leadership would cooperate maximally with Jos Electricity Distribution Plc to enable more industries to spring up and even those that run away from the state to come back”.

“We will support the company to address the Maker issue so that the central part of Plateau State including part of Taraba state will enjoy full energy”, he added.

By Oriri Peter

To stem the tide of energy theft and vandalism of electricity installations, the Managing Director, Jos Electricity Distribution ( JED) Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed has appealed to security agencies for help.

Mohammed made the appeal last Tuesday (25/10/2022) when he paid courtesy visits to the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Batholomew Onyeka, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Jos Metro, Bello Mohammed Tambuwa and the Plateau State Commandant of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Alexander Bissa Barunde in their offices.

The Managing Director who decried the evil of vandalism in the energy sector called for concerted efforts by the security apparachiks to stamp out the menace by protecting electricity installations and networks in their areas of operations.

He said it was disheartening to see the way electricity facilities were being destroyed by unscrupulous elements in the society stressing that their infamous activities were colossally impeding the mandate of his organization.

In a statement issued by the Dr Friday Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications noted that Engr Mohammed also urged the police boss and his NSCDC counterpart to help in fighting the scourge of energy theft and staff assault.

The Managing Director who commended the police and the Civil Defence Corps for their assistance in tackling the danger posed by vandals and energy crooks however disclosed that the company was losing humongous amounts of money to energy theft regularly.

He, therefore, sought the support of security to enable the company to tighten the noose against those bypassing the meters, looping, hooking, and tapping of electricity as well as illegal connections saying, “with your support, hard times await those depredating our energy”.

In their separate remarks, the trio of the Commissioner of Police, Batholomew Onyeka, ACP Mohammed Tambuwa Bello and the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Alexander Bissa Barunde who thanked the Managing Director for the visits said that they had a very good and cordial relationship with the company.

According to them, it was their responsibility to safeguard all national assets within their areas of jurisdictions stressing that many arrests as regards vandalism, and energy thefts have been made by the security forces in the state.

They promised not to abdicate on their duty saying, Our doors are open to you any day and anytime. Whenever you need us, let us know”.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/jos-disco-urges-security-agencies-to-fight-vandalism-of-electricity-installations/

The Makurdi office of the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc was thrown into an ecstatic mood this morning following the unsealing of the premises by the staff of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).

In a statement issued on Monday morning by Dr Friday Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications noted that the unsealing of the premises in Benue State was a sequel to a high-level diplomatic shuttle embarked upon by the new Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, less than 24 hours after he assumed office last Wednesday.

Engr Mohammed first visited the Executive Governor of Benue State in Abuja where he pleaded with him on the need to urgently pressurise the revenue body to unseal all JED Plc offices in Benue State.

Based on the appeal, a compassionate Governor Ortom directed the board to unseal the premises, a situation that was complied with today (24 October 2022).

Addressing the staff shortly after the Makurdi office was unsealed at about 9 am, the Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, who stood for the Managing Director thanked the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and the Executive Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Service for their understanding.

He charged them to buckle up their belts for the challenges ahead.

Dr Elijah told the staff that in the new reformation and transformation, Mr Joseph Kwaghgba has been returned to Makurdi as the Regional Manager.

He, therefore, charged the staff to accord him all the necessary supports that will enable him to succeed saying, “his success is your success. His failure is your failure. You should help him to succeed so that collectively all of us will be proud of you”.

In his brief address, the Regional Manager, Mr Joseph Kwaghgba urged the staff to brace up for the challenges ahead.

He tasked the staff to work harder to improve the revenues of the region.

Several customers and members of the public expressed appreciation to the New Management for resolving the impasse which led to the sealing of the company’s premises across the state less than 24 hours after assuming the office.

In other to halt the high spate of vandalism and energy theft, the Director, Advocacy and Research, Association of Electricity Distributors of Nigeria (ANED), Chief Sunday Oduntan has called for collective efforts by members of the public to fight the menace in the country.

Chief Oduntan made the call last Thursday during a stakeholders forum organised by ANED / Mac Arthur Foundation for Jos Electricity Distribution Plc customers at Crest Hotels, Jos, Plateau State.

The Director who decried the activities of vandals and energy thefts in the country said no country would grow industrially if criminals were allowed to continue to depredate and decapitate electricity facilities unchallenged.

In a statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), Dr Friday Adakole Elijah the Director called on members of the public to patriotically take ownership of the electrical installation in their domain by safeguarding them stressing that the facilities were for the common good of all.

In his remarks, the Head of Revenue Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Mr Oyebode Aiyelero who disclosed that customers were heavily indebted to the company urged customers not to default in paying for their consumed energies.

He said for the company to continue to satisfy its customers in terms of delivery of energy, customers must endeavour to keep to their part of the bargain by paying for their consumed energy.

In his presentation, the Head, of Retail Metering, Engr Nasir Mohammed Suleiman who explained the procedure of metering customers called on customers to take advantage of the Meters Asset Providers (MAP) to be metered.

He disclosed that desiring customers would be metered in not more than ten days after payment which he said must be through the banks.

Also speaking on JED Plc’s Efforts at improving service delivery and new initiative, the Head, O and M, Engr Umar Isawa, said that the company was strengthening its network in all its franchise States for quality supply of energy to its customers.

On his part, the Head, of customers’ complaints and relationships management, Lucky Akpobi called on customers not to hesitate in channeling their complaints to the company in writing assuring that complaints received would be expeditiously attended to.