Author: user user

Initiative holds Evolution Workshop 2026 in Lagos

Her STEAM Impact Initiative, in partnership with Tecpal, has held the Lagos edition of The Evolution Workshop 2026, bringing together women from different backgrounds for discussions on personal and professional development.

The workshop took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Lagos, with young women, entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, industry leaders, and other participants attending.

The programme focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal development, mental, emotional, and physical well-being, beauty entrepreneurship, personal branding, innovation, technology, and future readiness.

Participants engaged in panel discussions, fireside conversations and practical learning sessions aimed at providing insights and tools for navigating personal and professional development.

The workshop also gave participants opportunities to share experiences, network, and discuss issues related to their careers, businesses, and personal growth.

Speaking on the Lagos edition, Juliet Ibrahim, founder of Her STEAM Initiative, described The Evolution Workshop as more than an event.

‘The Evolution Workshop is more than an event; it is a growing movement designed to equip women with the knowledge, confidence, community and opportunities they need to evolve and thrive,’ Ibrahim said.

‘The Lagos edition demonstrated what becomes possible when women are given a safe and intentional space to learn, connect, share their experiences and prepare for the future.’

The event featured speakers, facilitators and moderators drawn from different sectors.

They included keynote speaker Gboyega Akosile, Juliet Ibrahim, Sam Nduka, CEO of TecPal, Sharon Ifeoma Asika-Anene, Sonia Ibrahim, Adekunle Olopade, Aishat Abdulkabir, Victoria Nkong of Bridge Afric, Dr Omobolaji Mogaji, Dabota Lawson, Abbyke Domina, Amb. Dr Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Ogwus Chinedu, Ramat Babah, Aisha Amirah Adedeji, Oyinkansola ‘Foza’ Fawehinmi, Obinna Okerekeocha, Omolayo Olufayo and Anaturuchi Iroapali, popularly known as Mr Green.

Chioma Geraldine Ikechukwu served as moderator, while Nancy Enyioma Iheoma was the master of ceremonies.

Her STEAM Impact Initiative also acknowledged the organisations and media partners that supported the Lagos edition.

They included Tecpal, Nord Motors, East Coast Water, Lagos Food Bank, Tonnie Photography, WIFT Ghana, Ovation Media Group, Lapel Honey, Cypress Multimedia, A Slice of Naija, FWIFT Nigeria, Yaw Naija, HipTV, Wallex, Nexus TV/FM, One Twelve Fruities, Pixie Events, Juliet Ibrahim Studios and Jalent Africa.

Following the Lagos edition, the initiative said it plans to expand The Evolution Workshop to other parts of Africa, with a focus on providing women with access to practical knowledge, mentorship, professional networks and communities.

High turnout as Lagos education commissioner, officials monitor school resumption

Schools across Lagos State recorded a high turnout of students and teachers on Monday as they reopened for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, led a high-level monitoring exercise across the state to assess school preparedness and ensure a smooth start to the new term.

As part of the exercise, the Commissioner visited Keke Senior High School in Agege. During the visit, he inspected the school premises, interacted with administrators and teachers, and evaluated compliance with state government directives.

Alli-Balogun, who expressed satisfaction over the large turnout, emphasised the importance of punctuality, discipline, effective teaching, and maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment. He also urged students to remain dedicated to their studies.

‘It is very important for you to be focused, read ahead of the class, engage your teachers by asking questions, and participate in positive school activities. Learn to build a good foundation and a better future for yourselves,’ the Commissioner advised.

He further enjoined school personnel to remain committed to delivering quality education and providing learners with the support needed to excel.

A key highlight of the visit was a surprise roll call of teachers conducted by the Commissioner to enforce discipline and compliance.

In a simultaneous exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Eniola Opeyemi, monitored resumption activities at the Government Technical and Vocational College in Agidingbi and Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Grammar School in Ojodu.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Basirat Lawal, the duo assessed school readiness, reviewed attendance, and engaged with management and parents.

Speaking during the tour, Dokunmu-Adegbite commended teachers and administrators for their dedication, urging them to maintain professionalism. She also charged students to prioritise their character and skills.

‘Don’t join bad groups; learn from peers who excel. Never stop learning, and give your best to any skill you wish to acquire,’ she said.

The Permanent Secretary also admonished parents to live up to their responsibilities and remain actively involved in their children’s lives.

To ensure statewide coverage, all Ministry Directors from Grade Level 15 and above were deployed across various local government areas to provide real-time assessments of student and staff attendance.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening educational standards, supporting school administrators, and providing Lagos students with a conducive environment for quality learning.

APM terminals targets 60% export containers by rail

APM Terminals Apapa has announced plans to move 60 per cent of its export containers by rail and commence round-the-clock barge operations in the Q4 of 2026 as part of efforts to ease bottlenecks in Nigeria’s export logistics chain.

The terminal disclosed this at the third edition of its Exporters Forum, themed ‘Exports – Voice of Customers Forum’, which brought together exporters, shipping lines, logistics operators, regulators, industry stakeholders and academia.

Head of Commercial, APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the terminal was adopting a collaborative approach to addressing challenges affecting the movement of export cargo.

He said the forum was designed to identify the causes of delays in the export process and develop practical measures with stakeholders to improve cargo flow.

‘We want to understand the pain points with the export process end to end. From there, we look at the root causes of those pain points, identify those root causes, then collectively come up with an action plan on how we can address those issues to increase the export flow,’ he said.

Olufemi-Daniel said the terminal would also expand its barging operations through its dedicated Finger Jetty, which is expected to begin 24-hour operations in the fourth quarter.

He said the facility would handle both incoming and outgoing containers, allowing exporters to move cargo into the terminal, while importers could evacuate containers and bring in empty containers around the clock.

‘This gives us the capacity to handle more barges unlike the past when we had to do barging on our main quay

‘We now have additional barging capacity which will be operated on our Finger Jetty,’ he said.

He said the terminal was also strengthening communication with shipping lines, exporters, importers and regulatory agencies to improve cargo visibility and streamline operations.

Olufemi-Daniel said the goal was to attract more exporters back to Apapa and position the terminal as a major gateway for Nigeria’s exports.

‘We want exporters to come back to Apapa. We want the volumes to come back, which is why we want to ensure the ease of doing business.

‘We want Apapa to become Nigeria’s export gateway, particularly as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to diversify the economy and increase non-oil exports,’ he said.

On rail evacuation, Key Client Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Adesoji Olaniyan, said the terminal had set a target of moving 60 per cent of its export containers by rail.

He said the terminal currently operates rail evacuation arrangements through two locations, where customers can collect empty containers, stuff them and return laden export containers to the terminal by rail.

According to him, each location records about three weekly rail calls, depending on demand, with each train capable of carrying approximately 60 TEUs.

Olaniyan said the terminal’s assessment showed that rail remained the most cost-effective option for cargo evacuation.

Participants at the forum commended APM Terminals for providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss operational challenges and monitor the implementation of previous recommendations.

COSCO Shipping Lines Nigeria Customer Service Manager, Precious Idika, said the terminal’s Team View portal had simplified some processes for customers, particularly the gating process.

She said the platform enabled customers to complete payment advice while shipping lines could update relevant information, helping to facilitate access to the terminal.

A Lagos Business School faculty member, Prof. Frank Ojadi, described the forum as an important channel for sustained engagement between the terminal and its stakeholders.

Ojadi, however, urged APM Terminals to extend the initiative beyond Lagos to major commercial and export-producing centres such as Kano and Port Harcourt.

Six kidnappers in military custody after Adamawa operation

Troops conducting operations under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered a Dane gun in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The arrests followed intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill, according to the Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying troops of Sector 4 OPHK, working with local hunters, acted on the intelligence and raided the suspects’ hideout.

The statement read, ‘Following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, in conjunction with local hunters, swiftly mobilised and raided the identified hideout.’

According to him, the initial operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a Dane gun.

He added, ‘Further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six.’

Goni said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had been operating across the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA.

He said the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the abduction of several victims for ransom, as well as other violent crimes in the area.

‘They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action,’ he stated.

Meanwhile, the military said another success was recorded in Borno State after a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered to troops.

Goni said troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2 OPHK and working with Forest Guards, received the terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on September 13, 2026.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism,’ he said.

According to the Army spokesman, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, an improvised explosive device, a magazine pouch and a bicycle from the surrendered terrorist.

‘The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,’ he stated.

Goni said the operations reflected the continued efforts of Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the activities of terrorists and criminal groups across the Joint Operations Area.

‘The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling an environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive,’ he assured.

’Govt should review aviation charges’

Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema has said that Nigerian Airlines won’t succeed until there is a review of the 54 aviation charges that have become a significant barrier to the profitability and competitiveness of the carriers, both domestically and internationally.

He spoke at the 30th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos, with theme: ‘Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing government revenue demands with sector growth which held in Lagos at the weekend.

Onyema, who is also the Vice president of Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON), said the charges are among the highest in the world, adding , ‘One thing I want to mention is that there are many charges. If I were to list them, there are about 54 that airlines pay.

Even for international flights, it’s the same. I remember when ECOWAS came together.

‘Even our president signed a treaty on behalf of ECOWAS calling for a 25% reduction in taxes across West Africa. That has not been implemented anywhere yet.

‘One thing I must say is that I’m certain any day President Bola Tinubu sees us, if they allow us to see him, because I know he wants to meet with us, that will be the day there will be a revolution in the airline industry in this country. Because that man supports indigenous businesses. He does.

‘I remember a few occasions when I visited him regarding the 4% FOB customs duty. He acted within 24 hours. I happened to be at the villa that day, not to see him, and I ran into the controller general of customs, a fantastic man. These are people who think about the country, not just revenue. He said to me, ‘It’s going to hurt airlines.’ I said, ‘We are already bleeding. This 4% will hurt us.’ He said, ‘Okay, let’s go see the president.’ This man helped me. Within 24 hours, the 4% was removed. That is the power of listening.

‘The problem is that the president has not seen us. He has too many things to grapple with. When he does see us, aviation will flourish in this country. It will benefit the agencies, the government, and the flying public.’

Also speaking at the event, the spokesperson of the AON and chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed how bird strikes are inflicting severe damage on airline operations and profitability.

He expressed frustration with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for not adequately mitigating the problem and noted the financial burden of such incidents on operators who have taken bank loans to acquire aircraft.

He said: ‘Today, I have an aircraft, E-190. This is the 13th day of AOG (aircraft on ground) due to bird strike. We bought new blades and fixed them. . Imagine having borrowed 30% of funds from the bank to acquire these beautiful aircraft, only to wake up and face a bird strike. It happens continuously within one month. It is very painful.’

Okonkwo also spoke on unruly passengers narrating an incident where passengers refused to disembark from a United Nigeria flight that was forced to return to Lagos due to heavy rain affecting Kano’s runway. He said passengers refused to leave the aircraft and spent the night on the ramp because they did not want the plane to go anywhere except back to Kano.

‘If we cannot protect airline workers, who are somebody’s wives, children, sisters, and brothers, then when there is any flight disruption, what happens? Staff disappear because nobody wants to be harmed,’ he said.

Another concern raised by Okonkwo is the speed in which Airline Operating Certificates (AOCs) are issued, warning that the airport infrastructure is insufficient to handle the growing number of operators.

Okonkwo noted that while it took him two to three years to obtain his AOC, some operators are now receiving theirs within six months.

He expressed concern about airport congestion, citing a recent incident where a United Nigeria flight sat on the tarmac for 30 minutes because passengers could not disembark due to ramp congestion. ‘More AOCs are being issued, and perhaps five more will be issued by year’s end. More competition is fine, no problem. But where is the infrastructure to accommodate these additional aircraft? If these new operators acquire aircraft quickly, the ground infrastructure is already full. I wonder if we have enough airspace,’ he said.

Okonkwo then criticized government officials for making statements that undermine the aviation industry’s reputation and investor confidence. He said that the reputation of this industry is very important and that certain words and actions used by some government officials are not good for the industry.

He called for government appointees, particularly those in communications roles, to receive training in aviation sector dynamics. ‘I appeal to those appointed to speak for government, especially those with political appointments and limited industry knowledge, to undergo training that will equip them to conduct themselves properly. This sensitivity is crucial,’ Okonkwo said.

AI could kill humans by 2030? ChatGPT boss Altman responds with two warnings

OpenAI chief executive officer Sam Altman has responded to a viral warning that artificial intelligence could kill humans by 2030, admitting that the technology could go ‘very badly’ if humanity loses control of its development.

Altman addressed the growing concerns in a series of posts on X on Sunday night, shortly after former AI researcher Jacob Coxon warned that companies developing advanced artificial intelligence were ‘gambling with our lives’.

‘There are two ways AI could go very badly and that we must avoid,’ Altman wrote.

Although Altman did not endorse the specific claim that AI could kill humans by 2030, his response acknowledged the possibility of catastrophic consequences if the technology develops without effective safeguards.

The ChatGPT boss identified the first danger as a possible loss of human control over the future of AI.

He described such an outcome as ‘unacceptable’, insisting that artificial intelligence must remain aligned with human interests.

‘We are unapologetically on Team Humanity and AI must always serve people,’ Altman stated.

According to him, safety and alignment techniques must stay ahead of the growing capabilities of AI models. He warned that allowing AI systems to become more powerful than the safeguards designed to control them could create serious risks for humanity.

Altman identified excessive concentration of power as the second danger.

He warned that if an extremely powerful AI system were controlled by one person or company, it could be used to impose that individual’s worldview on the rest of the world.

‘If an extraordinarily powerful AI is used by one person or company to impress their worldview onto everyone else, the results could be extremely dystopian,’ he wrote.

Altman’s remarks came amid renewed fears that the race to develop more advanced AI systems is moving faster than governments, researchers and companies can safely manage.

He said he was cooperating with other technology executives to slow the pace of development, stressing that slowing down did not mean stopping progress.

‘When we talk about pacing, we don’t mean stopping,’ Altman wrote.

‘Progress has been rapid and will continue to be. But it should be slower than it otherwise could be.’

He added that no pressure to win the global AI race should justify reckless development or allow AI capabilities to move ahead of safety checks and monitoring.

Coxon, who previously worked with both OpenAI and Anthropic, announced his resignation from Anthropic last week and accused the companies of racing towards self-improving superintelligence without adequate safeguards.

‘Neither company is acting responsibly. They are racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives,’ he wrote on X.

Coxon warned that future AI systems could hack almost anything, transform entire industries overnight and acquire real power and resources.

He further claimed that some people building advanced AI privately believed the technology could kill humans or wipe out humanity before the end of the decade.

Geoffrey Hinton, the Canadian researcher widely known as the ‘Godfather of AI’, has also warned that losing control of systems more intelligent than humans could lead to catastrophic consequences, including human extinction.

EXPLAINER: How to buy Dangote Refinery shares as IPO opens today

The offer, which is expected to become Nigeria’s largest-ever public share sale, will remain open until October 13, 2026.

The development gives Nigerians and other eligible investors an opportunity to acquire shares in the refinery as the Dangote Group moves to broaden ownership of the business.

At the signing of the IPO documents in Lagos on September 7, President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the offer was designed to enable ordinary Nigerians to become shareholders in the refinery.

‘What we are trying to achieve is to make sure our drivers, cooks, servants, and everybody have the opportunity of having stakes in the refinery,’ Dangote said.

How to subscribe

According to the Managing Director, Investment Banking, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr Lanre Buluro, prospective investors can subscribe digitally using a bank account, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and a mobile phone or laptop.

He said an investor can complete the process within two to three minutes, with the minimum subscription set at 10 shares.

At ?525 per share, the minimum subscription of 10 shares will cost ?5,250.

Buluro said investors could access the offer through platforms including Moniepoint, MTN MoMo, Airtel, Payaza, Piggyvest, Paga, Bamboo and Chapel Hill Denham’s Invest Naija platform.

Do I need a CSCS account?

Buluro said prospective investors do not necessarily need an existing Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) identity number before subscribing.

According to him, a CSCS account can be created for a new investor during the subscription process after the investor’s BVN and bank account details have been verified.

He explained that stockbrokers are behind the participating platforms and would contact subscribers after the transaction to provide their CSCS and Clearing House Number (CHN).

The allotted shares will subsequently be domiciled in the investor’s CSCS account.

What happens after subscription?

Investors can subscribe throughout the offer period, which runs from September 14 to October 13.

At the close of the offer, the advisers and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will assess the total subscriptions and determine the final allotment.

This means investors may not necessarily receive all the shares they apply for if the offer is oversubscribed.

Buluro disclosed that the offer has a provision to accommodate additional subscriptions in the event of oversubscription.

He said up to about 30 per cent additional shares could be issued under the oversubscription provision, potentially increasing the number of shares available from 4.1 billion to about 5.3 billion.

Before you invest

Buluro advised prospective investors, particularly first-time investors, to read the IPO prospectus carefully and seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before committing their funds.

Investors should also understand that subscribing to an IPO does not guarantee a profit. The value of shares can rise or fall after allotment, depending on the company’s performance and market conditions.

The Dangote Refinery IPO is expected to significantly deepen public participation in the Nigerian capital market by allowing more individuals to take direct equity positions in one of the country’s largest industrial projects.

Otu mourns as Cross River commissioner dies in Abuja

Gov. Bassey Otu said the death of the Cross River Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Mr Eka Williams has cast ‘a dark shadow of grief’ over the state.

Williams reportedly died on Saturday, Sept. 12, at a hospital in Abuja, throwing the state’s political and administrative circles into mourning.

In reaction, Otu ???????? in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Linus Obogo, on Sunday in Calabar described his passing as an ‘irreparable loss’ to the government and people of the state.

The governor said the suddenness of his death made the loss particularly painful.

‘His passing, so sudden and poignant, is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the solemnity of public service,’ Otu said.

He noted that William’s death was particularly devastating because he had participated in the Ikom New Yam Festival barely a week earlier, when he (governor) visited his country home in Ikom to celebrate the cultural festival.

Otu said Williams’ final public engagement in an atmosphere of cultural fellowship made his sudden departure ‘particularly depressing and heartbreaking.’

He said he brought ‘uncommon loyalty, courage and fidelity’ to every assignment entrusted to him.

He described Williams as a patriot whose memory would remain indelibly etched in the history of Cross River’s public service.

‘Williams demonstrated dedication and forthrightness both as a political leader and as a member of the State Executive Council,’ he said.

He recalled his leadership role in the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, saying his contributions to the power sector extended beyond Cross River.

‘Williams is a purposeful public servant whose stewardship of the power and renewable energy portfolio reflected his determination to contribute to the development of the state and the country.

‘He will be remembered for his dedication, forthrightness, and abiding commitment to Cross River.

‘As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his footprints in governance, politics, and public service will endure,’ he said.

Otu extended his condolences to Williams’ family, the Akparabong community, the people of Ikom, his political associates, and professional colleagues.

He prayed that God would grant the family and all those mourning the fortitude to bear the loss and receive the soul of the deceased in eternal peace.

‘May Almighty God grant us fortitude, receive his soul in eternal peace, and comfort all who mourn this irreparable loss,’ Otu said.

Until his appointment as commissioner, Williams served as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River and was regarded as a committed political associate and public servant.

Zanzibar takes new step towards political reconciliation, Mwinyi and Othman set the direction

. In a historic event filled with hopes for a new future, a Joint Committee has been launched on Monday, September 14, 2026, with leaders saying Zanzibar must now begin a new chapter.

The 10-member committee, whose terms of reference were not publicly disclosed, was launched at State House by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi to coordinate the implementation of political reconciliation in the Isles.

The move follows the joint statement signed on July 9, 2026, which has been described as a firm foundation for strengthening peace, unity and solidarity for the development of all Zanzibaris.

Speaking at the event, President Mwinyi said the formation of the committee was a demonstration of political maturity.

“I urge the members appointed from the CCM and ACT Wazalendo to use their experience, expertise, and ability to ensure this work is completed with high efficiency,” said Dr Mwinyi.

He said citizens’ expectations were high, with people wanting to see politics that build and unite rather than destroy.

‘Citizens expect to see peace and development in their daily lives,’ said Dr Mwinyi, while thanking former presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein for their contributions towards reaching this stage.

He also set a target for the committee to complete its duties within three months, although the period could be extended slightly if necessary. Othman and Zanzibar’s new story

ACT Wazalendo leader, Mr Othman Masoud Othman (OMO), called on the committee to become the writers of a new story for Zanzibar.

OMO, who is a former First Vice President, emphasised that peace and stability were not merely political issues but core pillars of economic and social wellbeing.

He said Zanzibar’s economy relied on services and investment, which could not flourish without lasting stability.

‘Money is very timid; it cannot send its funds to a place where there is no stability,’ said Mr Othman, emphasising the importance of creating a safe environment for local and foreign investors.

He added that Zanzibar must leave behind the dark and challenging stories of the past and instead learn from past mistakes to move forward with glory.

OMO urged the committee members to rise above party ideologies and put national interests first, saying such success would leave a golden mark worldwide.

Two co-chairpersons, Omar Ali Shehe and Abdi Mahmoud Abdi, lead the 10-member committee.

Mr Shehe (ACT-Wazalendo) assured citizens that they would work with great integrity.

Regarding concerns that the committee consists only of party cadres, he said that although they were cadres, the duty entrusted to them was greater than their ideologies, and they would work in the spirit of building a new Zanzibar.

His CCM counterpart, Mr Abdi said the three-month period was sufficient to complete the discussions because there was readiness and the blessing of the top leaders of both parties.

Their main duties include outlining meeting procedures, scheduling the work and submitting implementation reports to the President.

The launch signals the beginning of a new journey towards making Zanzibar a model of peace and development in the region.

Members

The members include ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General, Mr Omar Ali Shehe, who serves as chairperson of the committee, while CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General Abdi Mahmoud Abdi will serve as the co-chairperson.

Other committee members are, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, Najma Murtaza Giga, Mgeni Hassan Juma and Mohamed Nur Mohamed.

Others are Masoud Ali Mohamed, Omar Said Shaaban, Fatma Abdulhabib Fereji and Said Ali Mbarouk.

The secretariat members are Hamid Saleh Mhina, Mohamed Yusuf Nuh, Ali Salim Khamis and Abdalla Mussa Hijja, while Mwalim Ali Mwalim and Seif Khamis Mohamed will serve as co-secretaries.

Journalists’ Estate, others petition Ikeja Electric over prolonged outage

Arepo, a sprawling community of over 20 estates in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, has petitioned Ikeja Electric (IE) over what it called prolonged outage.

The community said it had been experiencing prolonged outage for over four months, with all efforts to get IE to remedy the situation not yielding results

Rather, the community said, IE had become fond of restoring and cutting supply for an hour or two on days it liked, without consideration for the consequences of such actions on residents’ electrical appliances.

Arepo is off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and has a population of over 850,000. The Journalists’ Estate is within the community

Threatening to seek legal redress for damages the residents have suffered so far, the petitioners said the power problem had made life miserable and ruined businesses that could not afford the high cost of fuel.

The community brought the petition under the aegis of the Concerned Residents of Arepo (CRA). The petition was signed by Kehinde Adeyemo, Friday Erhabor and 26 other residents from all the estates in the community.

In the petition addressed to IE Managing Director, the community said it was not reaping the benefits of its recent upgrade from Band C to B under which it was expected to enjoy a minimum of 16 to 18 hours supply daily.

Complaining that the community had been receiving far less than the stipulated

supply in the past four months, the petitioners said: ‘In the last four months, the residents barely enjoy two hours of light cumulatively per day. Things got so bad that some residents staged a peaceful protest at IE’s corporate headquarters in Ikeja on May 8 to call attention to the situation, but nothing was done by the company’.

The petitioners recalled that attempts in the past to get IE to address the problem yielded nothing.

They lamented IE’s failure to address the issue as promised, saying: ‘All promises of immediate redress by your company have yielded no fruits, as residents continue to groan under perpetual darkness, sometimes running into weeks,’ they stated.

Moreover, they added that many consumers have not been metered and were still getting estimated billings.

The petitioners said: ‘We wish to inform and remind your company that contrary to the key mandates under the enabling law, so many residents in Arepo are yet to be metered by Ikeja Electric and are therefore still operating under the old arbitrary estimated billing of the distribution company. This is not only unfair but unjust to the consumers’.

The community asked for immediate improved power supply in line with the service-based tariff arrangement, and the provision of meters to consumers with none.

To address the root cause of the problem, the petitioners also sought the upgrading of the supply feeders, including the Akute feeder and Oke Aro stations, and the rehabilitation of obsolete equipment and transformers known to ‘trip’ frequently, thereby leading to outages.

The petitioners demanded compensation for all lost hours of electricity supply in the last four months, in line with the provisions of the law.

They served IE of legal notice if something meaningful was not done about their complaints.

The petition was copied the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Forum in Osogbo, Osun State; Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).