Author: user user

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says it has commenced a phased load management exercise following the ongoing road construction by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Phased load management refers to how electrical loads are distributed across the phases of an AC (Alternating Current) power supply.

The AEDC issued this statement on its website in Abuja on Thursday.

According to the statement, the road construction has affected the 132 Kilo Volt (kV) Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo Line 2.

It said that to effectively manage the interruptions, the exercise would run in three phases.

‘The first phase of this exercise will run from October 28 to November 2, between 9am and 5pm daily,’ the statement detailed.

‘During this period, there may be temporary power interruptions in parts of Apo, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Kabusa, Games Village, Guzape, Asokoro, Wuye, and Utako.’

Other affected areas include Jabi, Idu Industrial Area, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Jikwoyi, Ado, Keffi, Nasarawa Toto, Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and surrounding areas.

‘We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that the exercise is necessary to enhance network reliability and support ongoing infrastructure development,’ the statement concluded.

The statement also said that AEDC teams would be on the ground to ensure quick restoration each day, adding that customers will receive timely updates ahead of each subsequent phase.

Labour unions in the public utilities sector and a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called for the reversal of all privatisations in Nigeria’s electricity, water, and waste management sectors, insisting that the policies have failed to serve the public interest.

The demand was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 2025 National Public Utilities Summit held in Abuja.

Signatories to the communiqué included Comrade Alo Lawrence, Acting General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE); Comrade Opaluwa Simeon, Assistant General Secretary (Liaison) of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE); Comrade Yusuf Zambuk of the Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF); and Philip Jakpor, representing the CSOs.

They called for the urgent reversal of privatisation in the electricity sector and all existing privatisation arrangements in the water and waste sectors, urging the federal government to suspend ongoing or planned discussions with the World Bank and other international financial institutions (IFIs) on privatisation of public assets.

‘We also recommend suspension of ongoing or planned discussions with the World Bank and other IFIs on the privatisation of public assets,’ the communiqué said.

The forum proposed the adoption of Public-Public Partnerships (PUPs) as a sustainable, democratic, and equitable alternative, highlighting that PUPs have demonstrated success in delivering quality public services without profit motives.

They cited successful examples, including the Lagos-Kebbi rice farming and milling partnership (LAKE Rice), as a model of cooperative public sector collaboration that benefits citizens directly.

The summit further emphasised the need for reinvestment in human capital within the public sector, urging governments to allocate adequate resources for the training, motivation, and retention of public workers to drive efficiency, innovation, and transparency.

Participants also underscored the importance of social dialogue and collaboration among civil society, trade unions, and key stakeholders to ensure government accountability.

‘Governments should put people before profit by halting the privatisation of essential services, reaffirming the public sector as the cornerstone of democratic development, equity, and sustainable livelihoods,’ the communiqué added.

Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper will team up to represent Great Britain at the 2026 United Cup, the mixed-teams event that kicks off the tennis season in Australia in January.

The event is set to mark the British No 1s respective returns to tour events after injuries ended their 2025 campaigns early. Both players will be making their debut in the tournament.

The fourth staging of the event, which is being held in Perth and Sydney on January 2-11, will feature 18 countries with teams of up to six players – three men and three women – from each.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Forum of Disability Commissions and Agencies in Nigeria (NAFDCA) to strengthen inclusive development and institutional coordination across Nigeria.

The launch took place during a two-day workshop held from Monday, 27th through Tuesday, 28th in Abuja.

The initiative, organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, with support from International IDEA through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Sightsavers, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), German and Swiss Governments, the European Union (EU) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH GIZ Nigeria and RedAid Nigeria, brings together state-level disability commissions and agencies, and development agencies.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Adebayo Adebukola, Technical Adviser to the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, described the Forum as ‘a vital coordination platform to harmonize our efforts, share good practices, and ensure that no person with a disability is left behind in our national development agenda.’

The keynote speaker, Dr. Deji Ademefun, in his address on the theme ‘Progressing on Disability Inclusive Development in Nigeria: Moving from Policy to Practice through Effective Inter-Governmental Relations,’ focused on translating Nigeria’s disability laws into action.

Delivering the welcome address, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of NCPWD, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive governance. ‘Our dream of a disability-inclusive Nigeria cannot be realized without the synergy and shared vision of each state’s disability commission or agency,’ he said.

He emphasised that the Forum would enhance accountability, policy coherence, and resource mobilization. ‘The National Forum will not only improve coordination among disability institutions but also give a stronger voice and visibility to persons with disabilities at all levels of policy making,’ Gufwan added.

‘This is the beginning of a new chapter in disability governance in Nigeria. Inclusion is not an act of charity – it is an act of justice and an investment in national development,’ Gufwan said.

The Forum aims to institutionalize structured engagement between government, OPDs, and development partners, focusing on inclusive budgeting, data systems, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.

The forum adopted its Terms of Reference and elected its leaders during their first inaugural meeting.

Fresh indications have emerged that the reported plan by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is nearing completion, following a series of high-level consultations and discreet meetings in Abuja.

Findings by Daily Trust revealed that the governor recently met with APC youth stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, where he reportedly confirmed his intention to join the party once ongoing arrangements are finalised.

The meeting, held on Wednesday at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Asokoro, Abuja, was led by Comrade Abubakar Gembu and attended by APC youth representatives from the state’s 16 local government areas.

Before the Abuja parley, Governor Kefas had dispatched his loyalists to the 16 LGAs for grassroots consultations on the proposed defection. A former senator, Dahiru Bako, led the consultation team. Sources said most of those consulted, including PDP members, supported the governor’s move to realign politically.

At the Abuja meeting, Kefas reportedly told the APC youths that Taraba could no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He said his decision to engage with the ruling party was driven by the need to attract greater development, security, and federal attention to the state.

The APC youth stakeholders commended the governor for what they described as his foresight and courage to prioritise the collective interest of Tarabans above partisan considerations. They hailed his anticipated move as a masterstroke that could reposition the state for progress and prosperity.

Governor Kefas’ planned alignment with the ruling party is already being viewed in political circles as a defining moment that could reshape Taraba’s political landscape and bridge the long-standing gap between the state and the centre since 2015.

The APC state chairman, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, also welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for the party. He told Daily Trust that Kefas’ potential defection would strengthen the APC’s support base, assuring that the move would not marginalise existing members.

‘It would be suicidal for the party to shut its doors to people interested in joining the APC,’ El-Sudi said.

Reliable sources told Daily Trust that Governor Kefas has secured the approval of his political mentor, General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), to proceed with the defection. Close associates also confirmed that Kefas had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finalise the plan.

‘It is no longer a secret that Governor Kefas is defecting to the APC. It is only a matter of days or weeks before it is officially announced,’ one PDP member in Taraba said. ‘Consultations with PDP leaders and supporters have been concluded, and the APC national chairman is fully aware and supportive of the move.’

Another PDP stalwart, who spoke anonymously, said politicians in Taraba eyeing elective positions in 2027 had already begun lobbying, noting that Kefas’ defection would make him the new leader of the APC in the state.

On the fate of the party’s current leadership, another PDP member, Lawal Rabiu, said a realignment of interests was likely. ‘It will be difficult for the old members of APC to retain the party structure completely,’ he said. ‘But there will be agreements and give-and-take arrangements so that nobody is short-changed.’

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Kente, described the planned defection as ‘a pragmatic and strategic decision’ that could accelerate Taraba’s development and strengthen its partnership with the Federal Government.

He commended the governor for consulting widely before taking such a step, adding that the process demonstrated political maturity and inclusiveness.

The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance through active citizen participation in the state’s budget preparation process.

Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, stated this during the opening ceremony of the Citizens Engagement on the 2026 Budget, held yesterday in Gombe.

He described the engagement as a vital component of participatory governance, which demonstrates the administration’s firm belief that governance must be participatory, inclusive, relevant, and responsive to the people’s needs.

‘An effective budget is not merely a financial document; it is a roadmap for delivering the aspirations of our people and a reflection of our collective priorities as a state,’ he said.

The Deputy Governor explained that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya-led administration had institutionalised a consultative process that ensures every budget cycle begins with active dialogue between the government and the citizens it serves.

He noted that the forum provides an opportunity for traditional leaders, women, youth, civil society organisations, and opinion leaders to make meaningful contributions that will shape the 2026 fiscal plan.

He highlighted the administration’s progress in fiscal responsibility, budget discipline, and public financial management reforms, noting that Gombe State consistently ranks among the top states in transparency and ease of doing business.

Dr Jatau reiterated that the 2026 budget would consolidate ongoing reforms while deepening investments in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, and human capital development.

He urged participants to freely share their ideas and community priorities, assuring that every contribution would be carefully reviewed and integrated into the final budget.

‘Our government remains resolute in promoting fiscal prudence, expanding the revenue base, and ensuring that every naira spent delivers maximum value to the people of Gombe State,’ he added.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mohammed Abubakar Luggerewo, described the consultative forum as a critical stage in the budget process, ensuring that the voices of citizens are reflected in policy implementation.

He assured that the House of Assembly would use its legislative instruments to ensure all inputs from the engagement are captured in the 2026 budget to promote transparency and accountability.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, welcomed participants and described the forum as an avenue to deepen citizen participation in governance.

He emphasised that the Ministry is committed to fostering transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in the budgeting process.

‘A successful budget is one that reflects the needs and contributions of all members of the community. Your insights and feedback are invaluable in ensuring that resources are effectively used to improve the lives of our residents,’ Alkali stated.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the discussions, stressing that the event was not merely about figures but about building a stronger, more responsive society.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested two notorious armed robbers who allegedly snatched a vehicle belonging to a Nigerian Air Force officer at gunpoint in Abuja.

The suspects were apprehended along the Kano-Zaria Expressway following a swift, intelligence-led operation.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the incident occurred in the early hours of October 29, 2025, when armed robbers invaded a residence in Karu, Abuja.

The statement further revealed that during the attack, the robbers carted away cash, mobile phones, and a Ford Escape vehicle belonging to the officer.

‘Intelligence reports later revealed that the suspects were heading toward Kano. Acting on this information, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad mounted surveillance and intercepted the stolen vehicle near Salbas Filling Station along the Kano-Zaria expressway,’ the statement revealed.

The statement noted that when confronted, the suspects opened fire on the police, prompting an exchange of gunfire that led to their arrest. The two apprehended suspects were identified as Adamu Adam Abubakar of Zoo Road, Kano, and Umar Bello of Nasarawa Dirkania, Kaduna State.

The statement further stated that a third suspect, identified only as Dan Malam, escaped the scene with a pistol and some stolen valuables. Police say efforts are ongoing to track him down.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has said that its undergraduate scholarship scheme is free, explaining that the process does not involve any payment.

The PAP also alerted members of the public, particularly Niger Deltans, that some PAP stakeholders and dubious individuals are allegedly collecting money from parents and guardians with all sorts of fake assurances of admissions.

Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the administrator of the PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro, explained that the office does not accept money or encourage the same in exchange for service.

He said the management of PAP will take drastic measures against anybody caught involved in this nefarious act.

He said: ‘The PAP does not accept money or encourage the same in exchange for services, including the placement of successful applicants in institutions for admissions in any academic year.

‘This clarification has, again, become necessary following complaints to the Office of the Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, that some unscrupulous PAP stakeholders and dubious individuals are allegedly collecting money from parents and guardians with all sorts of fake assurances of admissions.

‘We have warned against this fraudulent act before now. No applicant, parent or guardian should pay money to anybody for the PAP scholarship programme. If you pay money to anybody, you do so at your own risk,’ he said.

Troops operating under OPERATION LAFIYA NAKOWA, from 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued a kidnapped victim, Alhaji Ali Adamu, in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The troops rescued the victim on Wednesday after receiving a distress call from the victim’s neighbours in the Lau area.

Lieutenant Umar Mohammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, said in Jalingo, Thursday, that the troops were operating in the Lau area to flush out kidnappers and other criminal elements.

He said the rescued victim was kidnapped while sleeping outside his compound.

According to the Army spokesperson, the troops, after receiving the distress call, acted swiftly and launched a hot pursuit of the kidnappers.

‘On realising that the troops were closing in, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into nearby bushes. The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with his family without any ransom being paid,’ the Army spokesperson stated.

Lieutenant Umar, also revealed that local vigilantes and hunters on patrol around Maraban Kunini in the Lau area, in the early hours of Wednesday, apprehended a suspected kidnapper identified as Mr Lalau Adamu.

He said the suspect, aged 30 years old, was alleged to have been involved in the abduction.

The arrested suspect, who was injured, was immediately evacuated under military protection to a medical facility for treatment while further investigation continues, he added.

Residents of the Tudun Wada community in Shendam town of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State have staged peaceful protests at the National Assembly, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

The protesters accused the Plateau State Police Command of allegedly providing cover for individuals they described as hoodlums who demolished their houses in the community.

During the protests, the residents said the demolition began around 5am on Wednesday, when armed police officers reportedly stormed the community, giving protection to individuals they described as hoodlums.

They alleged that despite possessing valid documents for their land and living there for years, the Fuanter family-in alleged collusion with the police-carried out the demolition, even though the matter is still pending before the Court of Appeal.

Isa Muhammad, a victim, said, ‘My parents are Gmai by tribe. I bought the land and built my house about 18 years ago. In 2022, the former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Festus Fuanter, took us to court.

‘We appealed the case, and it’s still before the Court of Appeal. Unfortunately, before judgment was delivered, the former commissioner connived with the police to destroy our houses without any court order or notice.’

Dalladi Abdullahi, another victim, said, ‘We are peaceful citizens of this country, and that’s why we came here to seek justice. We were asleep when hoodlums, supported by the police, invaded our community, chased us out, and destroyed our homes. Many of the houses are worth over N20 million. We are calling on the Federal Government to investigate the incident.

When contacted, former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Festus Fuanter, who was accused of colluding with the police, denied involvement, saying he was not among those sued in court over the disputed land.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said the command was not aware of the demolition but would investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the affected residents are appealing for justice, saying they have nowhere else to call home.