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Transcorp President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Owen Omogiafo, OON, has urged urgent action to expand Africa’s energy supply, stressing that energy access is fundamental to the continent’s economic growth and inclusion in the global sustainability drive.

Speaking at the 9th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a high-level plenary session themed “Board of Changemakers: The Energy Trilemma,” Dr Omogiafo said that while global conversations centre on energy transition, Africa’s priority must remain access and affordability.

“What we are looking at is not so much about whether we are transiting; it is creating greater access to energy for all. The gap is huge, and we all need to be conscious of it in energy conversations,” she said.

Dr Omogiafo lamented that 70 to 80 per cent of people without electricity globally live in Africa, describing it as a pressing development challenge that fuels migration and limits industrialisation.

“People who are migrating are not doing so because they hate their homes or families, but because they feel they have to,” she explained.

ddressing affordability concerns, the Transcorp boss noted that renewable energy is not yet cheaper in Nigeria except for hydro sources, which constitute only 12 per cent of the national grid supply. The rest, she said, comes mainly from fossil and gas-fired power plants.

She called for a pragmatic and inclusive energy strategy for Africa that leverages both on-grid and off-grid technologies, including mini-grid solutions, to accelerate access and support the continent’s growing youth population.

“It is not either-or; we do need to expand access, leveraging technologies to ensure that the Continent that has the largest number of young people in the world is included in energy solutions, with industrialisation at the core of it,” she said.

Dr Omogiafo’s remarks came as global energy leaders from Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia discussed maintaining energy security amid the accelerating AI revolution and the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Her advocacy at the global forum underscores Transcorp Plc’s leadership role in Africa’s energy transformation and its unwavering commitment to “Improving Lives and Transforming Africa” through strategic, sustainable investments.

President Bola Tinubu has tasked the newly decorated service chiefs with confronting the rise of new armed groups across the country, a challenge that appears to be their first major assignment.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja during the officers’ decoration on Thursday, the President said their appointment marks the start of a renewed drive to restore peace. He warned that fresh armed groups must be stopped early. “New snakes must be smashed right in the head before they grow,” he said.

Tinubu told the chiefs that Nigerians expect results, not excuses, and asked them to use innovation, intelligence and technology in fighting insecurity. “Be innovative, pre-emptive and courageous. Deploy technology where necessary,” he said, promising the military the full backing of his administration.

The President named the new service chiefs as General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shuaib (Chief of Army Staff), Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff) and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff). The officers were confirmed by the Senate a day earlier after a closed-door screening.

Tinubu praised the armed forces for recent gains against terrorists, noting that troops have reclaimed territory and rescued victims of abduction. But he warned that the security situation is changing and more must be done. “We cannot allow these threats to fester,” he said, urging the military to act before problems deepen. “We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.”

He also called for better information sharing and cooperation with other security agencies. “Work with other security agencies to defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” Tinubu said.

The President singled out Lt-Gen Shuaib for praise, noting the army chief’s courage after he was injured during earlier counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

The decoration ceremony was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, senior government officials and the service chiefs’ families. The promotions come less than a week after Mr Tinubu carried out his second major reshuffle of the armed forces since taking office.

The Kano State House of Assembly has criticized the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) over what it described as a grossly lopsided recruitment exercise that undermines the interests of the state and violates the principle of federal character.

During plenary on Wednesday, the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, representing Dala Constituency under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), alleged that the ongoing recruitment process heavily favoured candidates from southern Nigeria, particularly Lagos and Ogun states.

Dala noted that a total of 1,785 candidates were recruited nationwide, with only 651 slots allotted to the northern region, while the majority went to the southern states.

He described the imbalance as “unacceptable and unjustifiable,” urging the NCS to cancel the recruitment and initiate a fair, inclusive process that ensures equitable representation across all regions.

The lawmaker also raised concerns about escalating cases of banditry in the Shannon area of the state, reportedly carried out by criminals crossing over from neighbouring Katsina State.

Other members of the Assembly supported Dala’s motion and called on northern lawmakers in the National Assembly to intervene and push for corrective measures.

Speaker of the House commended Dala for his “patriotic intervention,” directing the relevant committee to investigate the recruitment figures and report back with recommendations for further legislative action.

The entire Enugu State caucus in the House of Representatives has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection was announced on Thursday by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) during plenary. The event was witnessed by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.

The defectors said their move was prompted by unresolved internal crises within their former parties, which they said threatened the stability of the opposition.

fter the 2023 general election, the Labour Party won seven of Enugu’s eight House seats, while the PDP took one. With Thursday’s defections, the APC now controls the entire Enugu caucus in the House of Representatives.

Speaking to journalists, Nnolim Nnaji, member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency and spokesman for the defectors, said the decision was influenced by the need to support Governor Mbah’s project-focused administration.

“Just come to Enugu and see what is happening. The governor is doing a lot for our people. We also want to bring our state to the centre. This is not just a political move, it is a bold step into the future, borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Nkanu East and West for greatness,” Nnaji said.

He added that aligning with the APC would connect their constituencies to national development, bringing more projects, jobs, better infrastructure, and empowerment for youths, women, and communities.

The six defectors at Thursday’s plenary include Martins Oke, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nnamdi Agbo, Nnolim Nnaji, and Mark Obetta. Separately, Daniel Asama, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, also left the Labour Party for the APC.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has disclosed that the Federal Government has successfully reclaimed more than 90 mining sites from illegal operators across Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday in Akure at the ongoing South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue jointly organised by Afenifere, the DAWN Commission, and the South-West Governors’ Forum, Alake said the government’s renewed focus on the mining sector was yielding tangible results.

The dialogue, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, and regional stakeholders.

ccording to the minister, over 300 illegal miners have so far been apprehended, with 50 of them currently facing prosecution and more than 20 already convicted since the start of the current administration.

lake revealed that the ministry, in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had established a special task force known as the Mining Marshals to safeguard mining locations and enforce compliance with mining laws.

He also announced that the ministry generated 28 billion in 2024, surpassing its budgetary target for the year.

“Our policy is clear — no raw mineral should leave the shores of Nigeria without undergoing local value addition.

This ensures that our communities and industries benefit from the wealth beneath our soil,” he stated.

lake further cautioned traditional rulers and local leaders against aiding illegal miners, warning that short-term gains must not compromise the nation’s long-term economic stability.

Representing the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, urged South-West leaders to rise above partisan divisions and work collectively for the region’s progress.

He warned that discussions at the summit would be futile if resolutions were not implemented.

“We must move from dialogue to action if we truly desire unity and development,” Adeleke said, calling on the descendants of Oduduwa to embrace forgiveness and mutual understanding.

The governor also decried what he described as the politicisation of federal projects in Osun, alleging that federal initiatives were being directed through partisan channels rather than the state government.

“Partisan considerations now determine federal interactions with Osun State. Some federal operatives have chosen an adversarial approach, excluding the state from access to national opportunities,” he lamented.

On his part, the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Dr. Seye Oyeleye, emphasised the importance of institutional cooperation within the region.

He said, “This summit offers a platform to strengthen collaboration rooted in shared values, heritage, and destiny. History teaches that real progress is built on partnerships, not isolation.”

Oyeleye urged stakeholders to make the forum an enduring mechanism for engagement between the South-West and the Federal Government. (Source:

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to seek justice for 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, whose tragic death in 2018 sparked nationwide outrage and the #JusticeForOchanya campaign.

Ochanya, a student of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, reportedly died from complications of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) after years of sexual abuse allegedly committed by her guardian’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja.

ndrew, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son were accused of repeatedly assaulting Ochanya from the age of eight, a crime that led to severe medical and psychological trauma.

However, Senator Natasha revealed in a statement on Wednesday that she recently discovered both suspects had been discharged and acquitted by the court.

“Seven years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” she wrote.

The Kogi Central senator then urged the victim’s family to formally petition her office to enable her to take up the case at the National Assembly.

“The family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me at Room 2:05, Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” Senator Natasha said.

Ochanya was buried on November 2, 2018, in Ogene-Amejo village, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Her case remains one of Nigeria’s most disturbing stories of child abuse, and the senator’s renewed interest has reignited public calls for accountability and justice.

By Constance Athekame

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has said residents of some communities in FCT and Nasarawa State will experience interruptions in their power as it commences phase load management exercise

While announcing this on its website in Abuja on Thursday, the electricity distribution company said the exercise was a result of the ongoing road construction in FCT by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

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

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

“The first phase of this exercise will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

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

EDC listed others as 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, “it said.

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

By Emmanuel Mogbede

An All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Chief Ayiri Emami, has noted that chances of the party in Delta and the South South generally were currently looking brighter compared with the situation ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The APC chieftain said with the projects going on the in zone, the people had now been convinced that Tinubu had the region’s interest at heart. (NAN)

Emani stated this while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja,

He also predicted that the APC will take over the South-South in the 2027 general elections.

Emami said this was because APC is becoming more popular in the zone.

said that the party would particularly have a better outing in Delta in 2027 compared with 2023 when it lost the state to the rival Labour Party.

ccording to him, Peoples Democratic (PDP) and Labour Party in Delta are made up of aggrieved politicians who do not have political clout to win elections.

“I tried to check those in Labour Party and they are either APC or PDP. The party doesn’t have structure.

“It is made up of aggrieved people from APC and PDP, and anywhere, they are just aggrieved; they don’t know why they’re going to Labour Party,” he said.

Emami said that all political stakeholders in Delta were now in one boat, that is , APC, adding that consultation was still ongoing among leaders to bring on board all aggrieved members.

“I know that, at least, 80 per cent of our members are together. I cannot tell you that the remaining 20 per cent are not important. So we must do everything to bring everyone on board.

“The 20 or 30 per cent that is left is still important, because in politics, everybody is important. Nobody has to be left behind,” he stated.

He noted that APC’s chances in Delta and the South South generally were currently looking brighter compared with the situation ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“To me, I believe that if the national is APC, the state, one day, will be APC, and Delta is now APC. So I think we are going to do better in 2027, both in the governorship and presidential elections,” he said.

Emami said that he remained a loyal supporter of President Bola Tinubu and APC.

“You know I’m a true supporter of President Tinubu. I don’t just support because of money. I support because of my conviction that Tinubu will turn things around,” he said.

The APC chieftain expressed happiness that those who were criticising him and a few others in Delta for supporting Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election were now card-carrying members of the party in the state.

“We were almost crucified in the Niger Delta region when we were supporting Tinubu, but we thank God.

“The most important thing in life is when you are convinced and you have a belief, and you follow that belief,” he said, adding that he had always believed in his political ideology and in Tinubu.

“I believe in his person and in his virtue because as a young man, I had sat with him, I had listened to him and I had seen him performing.

“So I have a lot of conviction that if he became president, we could turn things around,” he APC said.

Emami, however, said it was regrettable that some politicians in the country lacked political ideology.

He said it was only those with shady deals and businesses in the Niger Delta region who were opposed to Tinubu’s presidency, ahead of his election in 2023.

Emami said such people were only afraid that their shady deals would collapse under Tinubu’s administration because he knew too much about the area.

“I have had several conversations with a lot of people from my region; they will tell you they prefer a president from other regions because they don’t know more about our area.

“Maybe because of the shady deals they will be doing around, but I don’t think that there’s any story we want to tell Tinubu about our region that he won’t understand.

“So I now found out that those opposed to him actually don’t have one serious reason, and when you ask them, they will say let us be with northerners that don’t know much about our area,” he said.

Emami noted that since Tinubu assumed office as president, a lot of loopholes in the petroleum sector in the region had been blocked.

He further noted that those with shady deals and businesses in the region had been complaining, not because Nigeria was not moving forward, but because their shady practices had been blocked.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has charged the participants of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to carry the spirit of the conference back to their communities, urging them to ensure that the conversations become actions, and the inspiration shared becomes a tangible impact.

The Governor made this call today at the Closing Ceremony of the 25th Annual National Women’s Conference, organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the next 25 years will depend on how boldly participants continue to mentor, to serve, and to lead in their various capacities and abilities.

ccording to him, “Every session, every dialogue, every moment of reflection during this conference has deepened our understanding that women are not only development partners, they are drivers of progress. From the inspiring discussions on leadership and innovation, to the moving stories of courage and transformation, COWLSO has once again shown that when women rise, societies thrive.”

The Governor reiterated that during the 25th Anniversary of the Conference, the participants have not only celebrated a legacy but have renewed a movement.

He noted that “We have reflected on twenty-five years of purpose, passion, and progress. Together, we have envisioned the next generation of women who will carry this legacy forward,” said Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the conference gala night raffle draw has gone beyond the thrill of winning; it has brought genuine transformation to many lives.

“The stories of women and families whose fortunes have changed from owning a car to receiving a home, as well as initiatives like the collaborations announced during this conference, which provide POS machines and seed support. Though they are the small but catalytic investments that convert ideas into income, and income into opportunity, which remind us that empowerment can take many forms, and that generosity, when guided by compassion, creates lasting impact,” said the Governor.

Speaking on the President’s reform, the Governor said they are beginning to yield fruit, and people are beginning to see their effect in the prices that are dropping in the markets; the stability of the foreign exchange market; students having unhindered access to funds for school fees, among others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu expressed profound joy and gratitude to God for the success of the Silver Jubilee edition of the conference, which had the theme: “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation.”

She described the 25th anniversary edition as a true celebration of women’s strength, brilliance, and resilience, adding that the conference had provided participants with valuable insights and renewed purpose to drive change in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

“Our interactions over the past three days have once again shown that when women come together with passion and focus, the results are always inspiring,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.

The First Lady commended all the distinguished guests who graced the conference, particularly the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, who joined virtually during the opening ceremony with a heartwarming goodwill message.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu further lauded the Conference Planning Committee led by Dr. Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu for their commitment and meticulous execution of the landmark edition.

She extended appreciation to all COWLSO members, development partners, sponsors, and the media for their invaluable support.

Reaffirming COWLSO’s mission to continue inspiring and mentoring women, the First Lady charged participants to uphold the spirit of the Silver Jubilee by spreading the values of leadership, compassion, and service.

“Let us go forth as ambassadors of COWLSO’s Visionary Legacy, inspiring others and transforming our communities in ways that truly reflect the spirit of this Silver Jubilee,” she urged.