Energy

FG Adopts Smart Metering System

By Web News 389

By Olawale Asake

In a bid to enhance revenue collection, reduce energy theft and provide accurate billing in the power sector, Nigeria has adopted Smart Metering Systems as part of notable transformations in the sector.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu made this known while delivering a Lecture on “Digital Transformation, Journalism, the Power Sector and the Future of Nigeria” at the 2024 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council held at Dapo Aderogba Hall, Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Chief Adelabu said, Nigeria was embracing Smart Metering Systems in the Nigerian Power Sector through the Presidential Metering Programme that would supply two Million Meters to Nigerians by the first quarter of 2025 to reduce the estimated billing practices in the sector.

The Minister who condemned the idea of estimated billings noted that digital transformation had significantly impacted the power sector by ensuring reliability of power supply and creating new opportunities for energy production and consumption.

Chief Adelabu urged media professionals in the country not to relent in their efforts at promoting national development, unity and stability through adequate and verified information dissemination to the public.

Earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, Chief Ademola Babalola who appreciated Journalists in the State for being alive to their responsibilities without compromising ethics of the profession, commended the Minister of Power for making the Oyo State proud.

Some Dignitaries including the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East in the House of Representatives, Engineer Remi Oseni were given Awards for their contributions to national development.

In attendance were Professor of Law, LeadCity University Ibadan, Aderonke Adegbite, President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Alhaji Ajeniyi Ajewole, Vice-President, NUJ B Zone, Mrs Aderonke Samo, Former General Manager, Premier FM Ibadan, Alhaji Bashir Omotoso among others

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Politics

LG Elections: We won’t leave any stone unturned – APC

By Web News 730

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state have told candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and those of other political parties in the forthcoming local government council election to be prepared for heavy defeat as it would not leave any stone unturned “to rescue the third tier of government from total collapse”.

The stakeholders which comprised some notable leaders, chieftains and members from across the 33 local government councils in the state spoke in similar terms at a meeting held on Sunday at the Oke-Ado State Secretariat of the Oyo APC. The meeting was at the instance of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and deliberations were centred on how APC candidates would emerge victorious in the poll slated for April 27, 2024.

In his opening address; the state secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, who stood in for the Chairman, Mr Isaac Omodewu, explained that the participation of Oyo APC in the council poll was a clear indication that the party was not ready to disappoint its members and the entire citizenry on matters relating to democracy, rule of law and good governance as it was prepared to change the narrative of the party in power writing results for its candidates to win all seats.

While delivering his speech; the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election and the current Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, charged all party faithful to do extra work for the success of APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates as he was determined to do. His words; “we are mindful of the fact it is not going to be an easy thing because local government poll is usually the most difficult, especially for a party in opposition but with unity of purpose, commitment and dedication, we can do it.

“As an individual party member, I will do everything within my power to support all our candidates across the 33 LGAs and 351 Wards in the state. We shall begin to walk the talk from today by giving cash support to them. We are not even going to stop at that, we will reach out to other stakeholders in Abuja and elsewhere to mobilize them for the task at hand. I have also asked our supporters, who rejoined Oyo APC with us last December, to cooperate with the party handlers and the candidates of our party. If we are able to work together as progressive family members, victory is sure anytime.

The former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also used the opportunity to explain the cause of the challenges facing the power sector in the country and the measures being put in place by his Ministry to tackle the problem headlong. “Electricity is so important that no serious government can toy with that sector. The problems we are facing at the moment started about 60 years ago but we would not use that as an excuse. We are doing a lot and very soon, Nigerians will a cause to smile as power supply will become stable nationwide.” Adelabu added.

In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi who spoke on behalf of all party leaders who were present at the meeting, described Chief Adelabu’s decision to identify with the party and its candidates for the council poll as a morale booster coming at the right time. He then urged not to relent in working with others to move the party forward and also ensure that peace and harmony reign supreme with Oyo APC of the 2027 general election when it is hoped that the party would reclaim power in the state.

Party dignitaries who graced the meeting included; Engr. Dayo Lawal, Alh. Mufutau Adisa (Gbayawu), Alh. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Chief Francis Babalola, Chief C. A Ajibade, Alh. Bello Oladeji (BAO), Hon. Adeyemi Adekola, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, Hon. Tunde Oloyede, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, Alh. Wale Sanusi among others.

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Energy

Minister of Power Vows to End Vandalism of TCN

By Web News 402

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has declared war against vandals working against improvement in the power supply and vandalising power facilities.

He said his ministry has the support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to deal with vandals and saboteurs in the Power sector. 

The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during his inspection of the 46-year-old Ayede sub-regional station in Ibadan as part of his working visit.

The Minister who decried the level of vandalisation of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by nefarious saboteurs across the country, said the present administration would deal decisively with saboteurs who are making money from the menace.

He urged the staff of the Ayede to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its renewed hope agenda and expose anyone found working against the efforts of the government in the power sector.

The Minister said: “We must live up to expectations. We will not relent until we achieve improvement in power supply. We are working with everyone to protect national assets. We are working with the NSA for adequate protection of power facilities. We can see the saboteurs at work.

“Some people are not happy that we are improving supply, but we cannot be intimidated. They will meet us there. We have the support of the President and the National Security Adviser to deal with saboteurs who are poised to vandalise the nation’s installations, destroying power distribution activities. 

“They are not happy about our efforts at repositioning the sector and delivering ourselves from their clutches because that is where they are making money. But we shall not relent. Let no one intimidate you. The rate of destruction going on in the northern part of the country is alarming. These installations being destroyed cost the Federal Government billions of naira to put in place. This is a fight we must fight jointly”.

The Minister also charged the staff of the sub-station to be committed and dedicated, saying their efforts would be rewarded. 

Adelabu said: “Whatever we can do to improve your people’s welfare to improve on your job, I will do. We are going to implement whatever good suggestions you bring to our attention. Good performance will be rewarded, but more reward means more work”.

The Minister later paid courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde to seek areas of collaboration with the government to improve the Power supply in the state. 

Responding, Governor Makinde lauded all the plans and initiatives put in place by the Federal Government and assured the minister of his administration’s support to actualise all the plans. 

Places visited by the minister include the headquarters of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and 132 KVA sub-station, Oluewu, Oyo

The minister is expected to Commission a Power plant in Ogbomosho. 

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Lifestyle

Minster Escapes Death as Jet Skids Off the Runway

By Web News 338

By Abisola Oluremi

A disaster was averted in Ibadan on Friday as a private jet, allegedly conveying the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu and some of his aides skidded off the runway at the airport in Alakia.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the incident occurred at about a quarter past eight in the evening.

A source who does not want his name mentioned, explained that the aircraft coming from Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja, skidded off the runway into a nearby bush at the airport due to alleged power outage.

The source added that if not for the timely intervention of the rescue team of the Oyo State Fire Service and staff of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, who curtailed the situation, it could have been disastrous.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the passengers on board were taken to a private hospital close to the airport and were all discharged thereafter.

Radio Nigeria efforts to speak with the General Manager of the Airport was not fruitful as she did not pick up her calls.
Attempts to see the said private jet were prevented as the security officers on duty said it was only their boss that could give such a directive.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager, Oyo State Fire Service, Akinyinka Akinyemi said the accident was true.

He said that his men arrived the scene of the incident on time to avert any eventuality.

On whether there was any casualty, Mr Akinyemi said all the passengers were rescued alive and no property was lost.

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Politics

Accord Loses House of Representatives Candidate

By Web News 1150

The Accord Party in Oyo State has suspended its ongoing consultation and campaign activities for seven days to mourn the sudden death of its House of Representatives candidate for Atisbo, Saki East and Saki West Federal Constituency, Mr Jacob Funmi Ogunmola.

A statement by Mr Bolaji Tunji, Director of Media, Bayo Adelabu Campaign Organisation (BACO) says the late Ogunmola died on Sunday night following a minor complaint of chest pain.  

In a reaction, the Accord Party governorship candidate for the 2023 General Elections in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu who expressed shock, said the late Ogunmola played a key role during his various consultations to Oke Ogun and other parts of the State and he looked quite okay.

Chief Adelabu, described the deceased as humble and generous, directing that all flags be lowered at half mast at the BACO office in Jericho, Ibadan to complement the seven–day mourning period declared by the party.

“This came as a total shock to me and members of our team. He was with us during our various consultations to Oke Ogun and other parts of the State and he looked quite okay, Ogunmola’s death is like a dream, I do not want to wake from”.

He condoled with the late Ogunmola’s wife, children, other members of his immediate and extended families, the Accord Party in Oke Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria and prayed to the Almighty God to grant his soul peace repose.

The late Jacob Funmi Ogunmola served as Caretaker Chairman, of Atisbo Local Government under the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led administration.

He was also the founder of the Jacob Ogunmola Foundation which had helped thousands of people through empowerment and skills acquisition programmes.

Temidayo Adu

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Politics

Let your campaign be based on issues – Ladoja charges politicians

By Web News 548 Post a comment

Governorship candidates in Oyo State have agreed to allow a level playing ground before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

The candidates made the pledge while signing a peace agreement in Ibadan, organised by the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams. 

While briefing the candidates on the importance of peace, the chief convener of the Peace Accord committee and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja said they should all eschew violence and embrace peace before, during and after the coming elections. 

Senator Ladoja cautioned them against a campaign of bitterness which he said could create rancour in the state.

  • Governor Seyi Makinde who is running for a second term on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party signing the Peace Accord
  • Accord Party Gubernatorial Candidate in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu signing the Peace Accord

He admonished them to focus on issue-based campaigns for the betterment of all the citizens. 

Senator Ladoja noted that the candidates should remember that life would continue after the elections, hence the need for free and fair campaigns and elections. 

On his part, the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Raman Tella, said the peace agreement signed by the candidates indicated that the elections would be conducted in a peaceful manner.

He said INEC was ready to deliver and put all necessary machinery in place to ensure that the elections were free, fair and balanced.

The REC, therefore, called on the residents of Oyo State who were yet to collect their PVCs to do so as INEC had 743,690 uncollected cards with them.

He added that INEC in Oyo State had extended their polling units to 6,390 to reduce the stress people go through while trying to exercise their rights on election days.

One of the governorship candidates in Oyo State and the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde said the signing of the peace agreement among the candidates would go a long way at ensuring and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after elections. 

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams said the signing of the peace accord became imperative as the nation navigated towards the general elections.

Mr Williams noted that there was the need for repeated emphasis on peaceful electioneering before, during and after the exercise to enable members of the public to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation from anyone.

The parties, their candidates and their supporters were therefore enjoined to be guided by the guidelines for political rallies recently released by INEC.

“So far, the command and indeed the security space is concerned about the disturbing extremities and desperation displayed by some political gladiators. Recently, Oyo State witnessed needless destruction of billboards and defacing of posters of opposing aspirants to stir up provocations and bloody reprisals but for the prompt intervention of security operatives.”

“Hence, the need to reach out to leaders wielding diverse degrees of influence within and outside Oyo State was inevitable for the purposes of guidance and preservation of the state’s relative peace from agents of anarchy and mischief.”

The Commissioner of Police stated further that this process would encourage issue-based campaigns at all levels, devoid of religious, ethnic and tribal incitement by political actors or their supporters acting in the capacity of their principal.

“Dissuade aspirants and any other persons, acting in the capacity of their principals from inciting violence through provocative utterances and hate speeches.”

“Support all institutions of government including INEC, police and other security agencies towards ensuring that the electorates exercise their franchise without fear of harassment or molestation.”

While assuring the electorates of their safety before, during and after the elections, the Police Commissioner also promised to leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with any individual or group that planned to disrupt the process regardless of their interests or affiliations.

Rasheedah Makinde

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Politics

I will support LG Autonomy if elected – Adelabu

By Web News 483

The Accord Governorship Candidate for the 2023 election in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu says a better package awaits monarchs and chiefs in the state if elected.

Chief Adelabu who made this known in Igboora during his ongoing consultations across the zones in the state, assured monarchs of adequate welfare by ensuring the prompt release of five per cent that was allocated to them adding that there would be more welfare package for the monarchs and chiefs. 

“I solicit your support by voting for All Accord candidates in Oyo state in the February and March 11 governorship election to correct the anomalies in the present administration in the State and to bring good governance to the people of Oyo.”

I urged you to use your vote to elect me as Governor of Oyo State come 2023 and shun violence before during and after the election”, Adelabu said

Chief Adelabu who expressed disappointment that the Local Government administration had performed below expectations since they were elected over 18 months ago, promised to support local government autonomy to drive rapid development in the grassroots.

He also met with traders and artisans in Igboora where he promised to support them through free loans to boost their trades.

Dayo Adu

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Politics

Adelabu Pledges Vast Development of Ibarapa Land

By Web News 472

The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in the upcoming 2023 General Elections in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has promised to prioritise the needs of the people in Eruwa and Ibarapa land if elected.

Chief Adelabu who said he had visited Eruwa and Ibarapa land on many occasions, noted that he was aware of the various challenges, such as security, road networks, hospital and other basic amenities saying it would be given utmost priority in his administration.

“I can assure you that I know where the shoe pinches while the welfare of the people of Eruwa, Ibarapaland will be my priority,” Adelabu said.

At separate consultation meetings with the Council of Elders, Imams and Alfas in Eruwa, Chief Adelabu scored the present administration low in the area of project delivery and affirmed that no geopolitical zone would be left out in his development plans.

He, however, solicited the support of the stakeholders in the March 11, 2023 governorship poll to enable him to realise his gubernatorial ambition.

Dayo Adu 

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Politics

2023: I’m supporting Tinubu, Adelabu – Senator Adeseun

By Web News 644

A one-time senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ayo Adeseun has said the 2023 general elections should be focused on personalities and not political parties.

He stated this in a chat with Radio Nigeria in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Senator Adeseun who said political parties were mere labels under which people hid to commit havoc, atrocities, and send people into penury, submitted that it was time more priority was given to personalities with laudable qualities.

“There was a time in Yorubaland when Afenifere was the inward in politics, all manners of crooks hid under the Afenifere banner to milk the resources of our nation. This 2023 election, we are going to vote for people and not for political party labels. You find some people who are terrible in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, some who are worse in the All Progressives Congress, APC and some who are even much worse in other parties formations. So, we will look at people who have track records and have proven themselves to be people-oriented, willing to serve to help our community to develop,” he said.

Senator Adeseun, while reeling out his plans for the 2023 general elections, pledged to support the APC’s Presidential flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Adebayo Adelabu of Accord Party as the governorship candidate in Oyo State.

“For the 2023  general elections, I will be supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the APC for two reasons. One is the fact that I am a Yoruba man and I think this time, a Yoruba man ought to be given a shot at it because of his contribution to get President Buhari’s administration into place. I also believe Tinubu has a record of picking those who are gifted and capable and he has shown that over and over again. He was Governor of Lagos State for eight years and he turned the state around to the extent that he ran Lagos state without Federal subvention. That tells you that the man is a genius, He also brought out Fasola and imagine what Fasola did in Lagos. One of the hallmarks of a good leader is the ability to identify quality people and put them into appropriate positions. At the state level, I am absolutely convinced that there are some people whom are not worthy of being allowed to sit at the helms of affairs in our state. Having seen all of the people that have been offering themselves for the leadership at the state level, I am absolutely convinced that Chief Adebayo Adelabu is shoulders and heads above any of those other ones who are competing. He has a track of absolute performance at every level of engagement. Penkelemes has proven himself to be capable. He is an investor who has created employment opportunities for the people  of the state.” Adeseun opined.

On the state of the nation, Senator Adeseun decried the spate of insecurity which he noted had affected the national economy.

While blaming leadership at various levels for the decay on the nation’s fabrics, the former senator described the recent attack on the Kuje Correctional Service as barbaric and a bad omen.

“A lot of the blame must be placed on the doorstep of our leadership. By leadership, I am also included. None of us can escape taking responsibility. Just a few days ago, some miscreants went to Kuje Prisons and bombed their way into that facility, releasing hundreds of terrible Boko haram suspects, with some of them being convicts. How do you explain that in a nation such as ours? The information we get is that they came in their hundreds with weapons that outmatched that of our security personnel ,which is a sad commentary on all of us.”

“ How could thugs come in such numbers without anybody seeing them or raising alarm. We can’t say a serious nation should find itself in such a quagmire.”

“The leadership has to be up and doing, even the followership ought to be blamed, a hundred men came on either bus or motorcycle and nobody cared to raise an alarm, something is wrong with us also”, the former senator submitted.

On the way out of the security challenges, Senator Adeseun advocated recruitment of more police officers to meet the needs of the public expressing the view that the country was under-policed.

“Nigeria has a population of about two hundred million, you can’t have a police force of five hundred thousand to police that number, coupled with the fact that some were attached to VIPs while some others are assigned to guard public facilities. Those who are left are around two hundred and fifty thousand, there is the need to increase the personnel components and they must be properly equipped and remunerated to be able to deliver their duties“. He added

Senator Adeseun urged authorities to be holistic in assessing the nation’s situation and put the necessary machineries in place, adding that results may not come immediately.

Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

Oba Saliu Adetunji was a forthright ruler – Tinubu

By Web News 608

The national leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has enjoined the families of late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji to take solace in the almighty Allah.

The APC National Leader, who paid a condolence visit to the Popoyemoja Palace of the late Olubadan, commiserated with the families, Ibadanland and residents of Oyo State, describing the monarch as a forthright traditional ruler whose reign facilitated relative peace.

In an interview, one of the daughters of the late Olubadan, Princess Kehinde Adetunji appreciated the visit by the APC national leader and wished him well in his political endeavours.

The condolence visit attracted APC leaders and loyalists in the ancient city among whom was the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress in the 2019 election in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

Funmilola Obagbayegun/Rotimi Famakin

News

APC Chieftains Call For New Date For Oyo Congress

By Web News 521

– Request for authentic delegates list 

– Claim sitting Senator, ex-Governor behind the manipulated list. 

A group of chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State has called for a new date for the party’s state congress.

The group made the call in Ibadan at a news conference on their positions regarding Saturday’s congress of the party.

The leader of the group, Senator Ayo Adeseun said the delegates’ list for the planned congress has been totally manipulated.

He explained that for the congress to hold, the national body of the party must produce the authentic delegates’ list for the exercise.

Senator Adeseun claimed a sitting senator and former Governor of Oyo State were behind the doctored list claiming the national leadership of the APC must ensure that the consensus list which is still in possession of the current leadership of APC in the state is considered for the election.

The party chieftains at the news conference include Minister for Youths and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, Governorship candidate of the party in 2019, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Professor Adeolu Akande and Barrister Sarafadeen Aĺi.

Others are Mogaji Joseph Tegbe, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, Hon. Tolu Sadipe and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.

Meanwhile, scores of the party’s chieftains are still at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, the venue of the planned State Congress. 

The main bowl of the stadium is under lock while party members were restricted to open field in the place. 

The party loyalists in different attires were seen singing various solidarity songs in support of their aspirants.      

Banners with inscriptions of aspirants contesting for various positions were seen all over the premises of the stadium while heavy security presence was on the ground.

Lilian Ibomor/Ridwan Fasasi

Lifestyle

#EndSARS: Adelabu Assists Widows of Slain Policemen

By Web News 675

The All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate in the 2019 election in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has presented a cash of N400, 000 each to the widows of the five police officers killed in Ibadan during the #EndSARS protest.

Chief Adelabu made the presentation at his constituency office at Jericho area of Ibadan.

The beneficiaries included Mrs.  Feranmi Oladele , Mrs. Esther Alidu, Mrs. Bolanle Adegoke, Mrs. Peter Abegunde and Mrs. Beauty Akanmu.

The politician encouraged the widows not to worry on how to survive but should rather focus on the Almighty who can do all things.

Chief Adelabu, who was also a former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, said his father’s death when he was just four years old did not deter his vision of being great.

He also admonished the widows to see their slain husbands as heroes that fought gallantly for the nation.

The widows were all showering prayers on the philanthropist for extending hands of love to them during this period of their lives.

Abisola Oluremi