Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • ISWAP Attack Police Headquarters In Borno

    ISWAP Attack Police Headquarters In Borno

    The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four policemen by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Friday in Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai local government area of Borno State.

    Confirming the incident to our journalists on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Nahun Daso, said the bodies of the slain police officers have been recovered.

    Similarly, sources, according to Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, revealed that the terrorists disguised themselves and sneaked into the town at about 11 am on Friday and went straight to the police quarters in Gajiram town and opened fire, killing the four policemen.

    Makama added, “Sources said mobile policemen at the police quarters engaged the terrorists in a heavy gun battle, which prevented them from burning down the quarters.

    “It was learnt that when the troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ Joint Taskforce stormed the scene, the terrorists had fled.”

    Gajiram is located about 73 kilometers from Maiduguri, the restive capital of Borno State.

  • Google Signs Power Purchase Agreement for Offshore Wind Projects

    Google Signs Power Purchase Agreement for Offshore Wind Projects

    In a significant move towards greening its power supply, technology giant Google has inked its largest-ever power purchase agreement (PPA) with offshore wind projects situated off the coast of the Netherlands. 

    This strategic initiative aligns with Google’s commitment to meeting climate targets while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

    As reported by Reuters, renewable power project developers are increasingly opting for long-term PPAs to ensure revenue security, while corporate buyers like Google are eager to secure a stable supply chain to fulfill their clean energy goals.

    Google’s landmark offshore wind PPA entails the procurement of 478 megawatts (MW) of power from two cutting-edge wind farms developed by Crosswind & Ecowende Consortia. 

    These joint ventures, helmed by energy giants Shell and Dutch utility Eneco, exemplify collaborative efforts in advancing renewable energy initiatives.

    Additionally, Google has revealed smaller-scale renewable PPAs in Italy, Poland, and Belgium, underscoring its global commitment to sustainable energy practices. 

    However, specific financial details of these agreements remain undisclosed.

    Matt Brittin, President of Google in EMEA, emphasized the company’s overarching ambition to operate on carbon-free energy round the clock by 2030. 

    This vision necessitates clean energy solutions across all grids where Google operates, signifying a steadfast dedication to environmental sustainability.

    While many companies pursue renewable energy goals on an annual basis, typically matching PPAs or renewable energy certificate purchases with their yearly electricity consumption, Google stands out with its forward-thinking approach. 

    The tech giant aims to synchronize each hour of electricity consumed with an equivalent hour of clean power production, a methodology hailed by proponents for its accurate reflection of companies’ actual energy usage patterns.

  • Why There’s Shortage Of Electricity In Nigeria – FG

    Why There’s Shortage Of Electricity In Nigeria – FG

    Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu has  attributed the ongoing poor power supply in Nigeria to a low supply of gas to generating companies (GenCos).

    Adelabu emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the issue promptly.

    Adelabu stated that following discussions with GenCos and Distribution companies (DISCOs), investigations revealed the primary cause of the setbacks in the new year to be the insufficient supply of gas to GenCos. 

    The minister personally visited facilities in Olorunshogo, Ogun State, and Omotosho, Ondo State, to assess the challenges firsthand.

    Addressing the indebtedness to GenCos by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), Adelabu acknowledged the sector’s liquidity challenge and assured that efforts are underway to validate the debt and determine a fair resolution.

    To ensure a steady gas supply, the minister urged GenCos to establish contractual arrangements with gas suppliers, recognizing that concessions may be necessary. 

    He expressed the government’s commitment to working collaboratively to stabilize the power sector and emphasized the formation of a committee involving all stakeholders.

    The committee’s mandate is to develop recommendations for resolving gas supply and liquidity challenges, aiming for a more reliable and consistent power supply. 

    Adelabu also revealed plans to initiate discussions with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to underscore the importance of prioritizing Gas to Power.

  • Kwara Governor Vows To Get Justice For Slain Monarch

    Kwara Governor Vows To Get Justice For Slain Monarch

    Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Peter Aremu, the Onikoro of Koro-Ekiti in Ekiti LGA of Kwara state. 

    The traditional ruler was brutally killed during a home invasion by gunmen on Thursday, who also abducted his wife and two others.

    In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the governor, Abdulrazaq denounced the incident as “reckless, shocking, and abominable.”

    The governor has urged security operatives to swiftly track down the perpetrators, rescue the abducted individuals, and ensure justice is served.

    “We will certainly get the perpetrators and ensure that this is their last crime against humanity,” Governor Abdulrazaq vowed. 

    “My profound condolences go to the people of Koro. Our hearts are broken, and we stand by them at this time and always.”

    This tragic event further compounds the unsettling pattern of attacks on traditional rulers, echoing the broader security challenges facing the nation.

    Just days ago, on January 29, two traditional rulers fell victim to suspected kidnappers in Ekiti state, heightening concerns about the safety of community leaders.

  • Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation the names of six Commissioner-nominees.

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the Chief press secretary to the governor on Friday,
    Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    The nominees are:
    1. Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, ACCA
    2. Mr. Olukayode A. Ajulo, SAN, OON
    3. Engr. Razaq Obe
    4. Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan
    5. Barrister Akinwumi Sowore
    6. Mr. Oseni Oyeniyi

    The Governor has also appointed the following individuals as Special Advisers:

    1. Hon. Olugbenga Omole, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy
    2. Mrs. Olamide Falana, Special Adviser on Gender Affairs
    3. Mr. Alabi Johnson, Special Adviser on Energy.

  • Insecurity: Akpabio Begs Germany To Halt Deportation Of 12,000 Nigerians

    Insecurity: Akpabio Begs Germany To Halt Deportation Of 12,000 Nigerians

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to the German government to reconsider its decision to deport approximately 12,000 illegal migrants to Nigeria. 

    The Senator expressed concern that such a move could exacerbate existing security challenges in the country.

    During a courtesy visit by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, Senator Akpabio emphasized the need for collaboration between Nigeria and Germany, citing the countries’ significant roles in their respective continents.

    “Nigeria is Germany’s second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ambassador Gunther, highlighting the economic ties between the two nations.

    Senator Akpabio underscored Nigeria’s current struggle with insecurity and called for a joint effort with Germany in areas such as security and power to foster socio-political development.

    Expressing concern about the potential security implications, the Senate President urged Germany to reconsider the deportation, stating, “Dumping 12,000 illegal immigrants in Nigeria would lead to the escalation of insecurity in the country.”

    Akpabio also called for Germany’s assistance in distinguishing genuine Nigerian immigrants among the group, given the challenges posed by individuals falsely claiming Nigerian identity due to crises in other African countries.

    The Senate President stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing security concerns and urged Germany to support Nigeria in its fight against insecurity while fostering economic development.

  • BBC Documentary: YouTube Yanks Off TB Joshua’s Emmanuel TV

    BBC Documentary: YouTube Yanks Off TB Joshua’s Emmanuel TV

    Movie streaming platform, YouTube has taken down the main channel of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Emmanuel TV.

    This is coming on the heels of the sexual and assault allegations against the late founder, Prophet TB Joshua. 

    The removal follows a controversial documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), shedding light on allegations of torture and rape linked to TB Joshua. 

    YouTube clarified that the channel was terminated for violating their hate speech policies, emphasizing their commitment to combating cyberbullying and harassment, particularly against survivors of sexual violence. 

    The development adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the religious institution.

  • Vice President Shettima Is Bereaved!

    Vice President Shettima Is Bereaved!

    The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has lost his step mother, Hauwa Kormi, in the early hours of Thursday.

    The Spokesman of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that Mrs Kormi who died after a prolonged illness at the age of 69, is survived by five children, many step children and grandchildren.

    He disclosed that the Janaiza (burial) is scheduled for 4pm today (Thursday) at Shettimari, Lawan Bukar, Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and admit her to Jannatul Firdaus, amen.”

  • PDP Gets New Women Leader

    PDP Gets New Women Leader

    Amina Arong has emerged National 
    Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Her appointment is coming after the death of the former leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe 

    Stella died on October 29, 2023.

    National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba described Arong as a prominent women mobilizer. 

    He expressed confidence that she would bring on board her intellectual capacity as well as experience as a women leader.

    Arong is from Cross River. She holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting.

    “The PDP congratulates and tasks the new national women leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great Party”, the statement added.

  • Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja

    Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted Aondo Ver, a director at the Federal Housing Authority in the Federal Capital Territory. 

    The attack occurred around 12:30 am on Thursday merely 200 meters from a military base in Pambara, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

    The assailants, firing indiscriminately, created panic before fleeing through the bushes with their captive. 

    Residents, including serving and retired military personnel, confirmed the incident, expressing shock at the audacity of the bandits given the proximity of a military base.

    Sources revealed that the targeted area, Pambara Extension, housed both civilians and military personnel. 

    The abducted director’s home was located a short distance from the military base known as ‘camp.’ Witnesses reported that despite the military presence, the bandits executed the kidnapping successfully.

    Concerns are escalating over the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, with residents and authorities expressing growing apprehension. 

    Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.