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Electricity consumers and power distribution companies have been at loggerheads for years over appropriate bills. What seems to separate this dispute is prepaid meters, but this has been scarce.

Now, the management of Holley Metering Nigeria Limited says members of the pubic especially electricity users can now heave a sigh of relief. The group says it has commenced the sales of prepaid meters for customers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States.

Holley Metering Nigeria Limited is said to be a global leader in the metering industry and licensed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a Meter Asset Provider (MAP) to bridge the metering gap in Nigeria. According to a statement from its officials, the company said it has carved a niche in top quality smart prepayment meters, metering products and systems and has a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, (PHED).

Under the partnership arrangement, the statement further said, ‘Holley Metering has been providing/deploying different types to meter customers in PHED’s franchise area but not limited to installation as well.

‘Holley Meters comes with the benefit of meeting customer needs to control their electricity consumption, avoid estimated bills, unwarranted disconnection in addition to other ancillary advantages.’

The company gave the breakdown of costs of the meters which now range from N129, 454 to N216, 206 depending on the phase of the meter, with an installation period not exceeding 10 working days after payment.

Unlike previous prepaid meter schemes that had a lot of protocol and middlemen, the new scheme is said to be open to any interested person who are free to meet them at their headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, noting that Enugu is on a pathway to economic growth and positive turnaround.

The governor sees the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration and the citizens’ huge sacrifices ultimately paying off if the nation stays the course.

These were contained in the governor’s message to Nigerians to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, where he noted that, though the anniversary may is low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated Nigerian citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today,’ he said. Continuing, the governor said, ‘the commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of the federal government that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.’

Mbah said that as Nigerians raise their flags today, they should renew their covenant to Nigeria; embrace the spirit of unity, and uphold the optimism that has carried them this far.

The governor recommitted his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, stressing that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of exponential economic growth and positive turnaround.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course, and no one will be left behind,’ he assured.

He noted that from moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, the children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via the state’s modern transport system and infrastructure, the state is, no doubt, on a pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) partnered with the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt and District to train 180 female entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta.

The training took almost all of one-week last week and ended with a colourful graduation ceremony at the impressive Horlinks Event Centre in the Marine Base area of the Garden City.

Amaka Ekaba, a fellow of ICAN, who is the Rapporteur-General of SWAN, produced a report that was read and adopted at the closing ceremony with huge applause. The report recognized Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, NDDC Governing Board; Samuel Ogbuju, Managing Director/CEO, NDDC; Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC; Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director, Projects; Ifedayo Agbegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services, the entire NDDC management team; captains of industry; ICAN Chairmen; members of SWAN; and the distinguished lady entrepreneurs. Ekaba’s report said the workshop, held at the NDDC Event Centre, Port Harcourt from 22nd-25th September 2025, was attended by 180 Niger Delta Women Entrepreneurs, 20 SWAN members (including facilitators and organizers), NDDC Directors and 11 CID staff daily for quality assurance. ‘It was declared open by Ogbuku, (MD, NDDC), represented by Antai (ED Projects).

‘In their opening addresses, Ogbuku, Ehiorobo Friday (Director, CID), and Isioma Onwo (Chairperson, SWAN) emphasized the importance of financial literacy and capacity building for women entrepreneurs, affirming that empowering women translates to empowering families and the wider nation. Participants were urged to take the training seriously for business growth and sustainability.’

On the technical papers, Ekaba reported thus: ‘Seven technical sessions were held during the training. Paper one was: Introduction to Bank and Social Media Account Opening by Franca Ikhinwmin. Bank and social media accounts are vital for SME growth, providing credibility and market access. Participants were introduced to Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, and guided on leveraging these platforms to promote their businesses.

‘Paper two was on Introduction to Bookkeeping by the 29th Chairman of ICAN Port Harcourt and District, Helen Irobuisi. Bookkeeping involves systematic daily recording of financial transactions, including tracking income, expenses, and filing source documents. Participants were advised to open key books of accounts (Cash Book, Sales Book, Purchase Book, Stock Register, etc), pay themselves salaries, and separate personal finances from business finances.

‘Paper three was on Tax Awareness. Anchored by the Pioneer Chairman of ICAN Obio Akpor and District, Chioma Ojukwu.

Nigeria’s tax system and the 2025 Tax Act reforms were explained, highlighting new exemptions, levies, VAT changes, and mandatory e-invoicing. Participants were urged to record all business expenses for tax deductions, seek professional tax advice, and consider upgrading from enterprise to limited liability company.’

The report went on to state how Paper four reviewed Record Keeping and Filing by Eme Akpa. ‘Effective record keeping requires tools such as cloud storage, scanning apps, backups, and organized physical files. Participants were cautioned against poor practices such as reliance on memory, scattered files, and lack of proper backups.

‘Paper 5 – Introducing Accounting Applications: Excel and Quick Books by Victoria Adele. Participants were introduced to Excel and QuickBooks for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and preparation of statements. Both tools were emphasized as critical for improving speed, accuracy, and automation, while reducing manual errors.’

On Paper six, ‘Internal Controls was by Peace Wills. Internal controls, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, and safeguarding assets, are crucial for protecting resources, preventing fraud, and building trust. Participants were urged to adopt tools such as vouchers, approval limits, and receipts, and to avoid mixing personal and business finances, with the reminder: What you don’t control will control you.”

Her report said Paper seven dealt with Financial Literacy by Olabisi Bamisile. ‘Financial planning emphasized budgeting, saving, building emergency funds, avoiding debt traps, and teaching financial values. Participants were introduced to a few investment platforms, cooperative savings, and insurance for wealth creation and long-term resilience.

‘Finally, Fidelity Bank Plc also encouraged the women entrepreneurs to take advantage of various packages geared towards supporting their businesses such as the ‘FUNDHER’ package.’

Giving insight into the essence of the training, Onwo, the SWAN chairperson, said: ‘Through our research, we found out that a lot of small and medium sized businesses fail just because of lack of proper record keeping. SWAN PH thought it wise that women entrepreneurs be trained so they can do business more professionally and profitably. For instance, a lot of the participants told us they did not even know they were supposed to keep their personal finances separate from their business finances.’

Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged governments at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice when dealing with issues affecting the people, especially at this difficult time.

Obi stated this on Wednesday after visiting the Lagos International Trade Fair site that was recently affected by demolition in Lagos

Obi, writing on his X handle, noted that many of the affected traders invested heavily – often through loans – in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy.

‘To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.

‘Today, alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi, George Adegeye, Labour Party Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Tanko Yunusa, we visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.’ He commended the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss.

This is as he equally commended the senators and the House of Representatives members who pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to the development, and most importantly, ensure that the situation does not occur in the future.

Obi noted that ‘a society that seeks to make progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens.’

According to him, ‘Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.’

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments under the Renewed Hope agenda.

This is just as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to service, actions and visible results as Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at a celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure, the governor joined millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the nation’s journey since 1960, describing independence as both a gift of self-rule and the dignity of identity.

According to him, despite challenges of civil strife, military rule and economic hardship, Nigeria has remained united and resilient, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic reforms across all sectors. Aiyedatiwa said, ‘As a country, we have come far. We have weathered through civil strife and military rule, and we stand tall as the largest democracy in Africa. We have made significant contributions to peacekeeping operations across the continent, proving that Nigeria is not only a giant in population but also in responsibility. Our economy, though faced with challenges, has produced world-renowned entrepreneurs, economists, scientists, artists and sportsmen who have carried the Nigerian flag to the ends of the earth. Above all, we have remained united, over 200 million people of different tongues, faiths and traditions, still bound together under one green and white flag.

‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria. We must continue to appreciate Mr President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments. Right now, indications are that, Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives of Mr President.’

Reviewing the strides of his government since assuming office on February 24, 2025, Aiyedatiwa reeled out achievements across key sectors, highlighting the ongoing dualisation of the Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda highways, the construction of walkways and jetties in riverine areas, and the approval of five kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 18 local government areas. ‘These would open up communities, ease transportation and bring development closer to the grassroots. Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people.’ the governor said.

In the health sector, he noted the expansion of the State Contributory Health Scheme, commissioning of a pharma-grade warehouse for drug distribution, renovation of hospitals, revitalisation of primary healthcare centres and recruitment of more health workers.

‘Education has also witnessed steady improvements with rehabilitated classrooms, digital learning opportunities, scholarships and bursaries, and the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.’

The governor further disclosed that his administration has secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for agricultural development, which he said will boost food security and create jobs. Aiyedatiwa listed other interventions, including the provision of 75 security vehicles fitted with modern gadgets, the construction of 32 executive council housing units, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, attention to gratuities, and prudent financial management that has reduced the state’s domestic debt profile.

‘Workers’ salaries and pensions are paid regularly and up to date. Recruitment into critical sectors is ongoing to keep our workforce vibrant and effective,’ he stressed.

Cornerstone Insurance Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading insurance providers has taken over the annuity business of defunct Niger Insurance Plc, and will continue to pay its customers on the scheme.

Niger Insurance Plc’s operational license was cancelled in June 2022 by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and handed over to liquidators following the Company’s insolvency and inability to meet its contractual obligations.

Stephen Alangbo, group managing director/CEO of Cornerstone Insurance Plc made the disclosure while addressing annuitants and stakeholders at the Company’s Annuity Forum held in Abuja.

He noted that Cornerstone Insurance Plc has successfully taken over the annuity payments of former Niger Insurance Plc customers, following regulatory approval. Speaking on the Company’s Annuity Program, Alangbo reassured Nigerian retirees of its unwavering commitment to reliability, transparency, and service excellence.

He emphasized the company’s solid financial standing and its readiness to continue delivering on its promises. He stated, ‘Our annuitants represent the trust our customers continue to place in us, the commitment of our people, and the strength of our vision. We are building a future-ready business, one that remains relevant to individuals, families, and businesses across Nigeria.’

Alangbo also spoke on the implications of the recently signed Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025), which requires significant recapitalization across the industry. He assured annuitants that Cornerstone remains financially secure and ahead of the curve:

‘Subject to confirmation from NAICOM, Cornerstone Insurance Plc does not need to raise additional capital under NIIRA 2025. We are solid, we are transparent, and we are fully able to continue paying your claims without interruption.’

Appreciating the presence of retirees, guests, and members of the press, the CEO reiterated the company’s philosophy of keeping promises and putting customers first:

‘At Cornerstone Insurance Plc, we are not like any other insurance company. We are unique. We are transparent. We keep our promises, and your trust is the foundation of everything we do.’

With over three decades of operations, strong subsidiaries in FIN Insurance and Hilal Takaful, and a reputation for integrity and customer focus, Cornerstone Insurance continues to lead with integrity, innovation, empathy, team spirit and professionalism; reassuring Nigerian retirees that their future remains in safe hands.

The event, which featured health checks, entertainment, quizzes, gifts and refreshments, provided a platform for honest conversations on enhancing customer experience and reaffirming Cornerstone’s leadership in the annuity space.

Cornerstone Insurance is licensed and re-certified by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to provide both general and life insurance services. As the first insurance company in Nigeria to offer customers an online platform for insurance transactions, its services are driven by cutting-edge technology, making them easily accessible via the internet and mobile platforms.

Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State has described the action of the state’s commissioner of police, pulling out of the March Pass ceremony marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, as an indiscretion and an affront to national unity.

Addressing crowds that gathered to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Sani Abacha Stadium venue of the ceremony, Abba accused the state commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bako, of deliberately withdrawing officers from the celebration, a move he said has embarrassed the state.

‘As you can see, on this historic and independent anniversary of Nigeria, he decided to pull out of the parade along with his own personnel.

‘This is for reasons pertinent to him and pertinent to his people. Let me say that Kano State’s Chief Security Officer, on behalf of the government, are not happy with this attitude of the Commissioner of Police.’, Governor Abba said. The governor’s remarks, made at the climax of the ceremony, underscored the fragile relationship between state officials and federal security institutions in Nigeria, where police commissioners report to the federal government rather than to governors, even though governors are constitutionally designated as their states’ ‘chief security officers.’ Abba accused the police of partisanship and warned that their absence risked undermining public trust in law enforcement.

‘Security agencies, in Kano in particular, shouldn’t be involving themselves in partisan politics, which will do no good to all of us in Kano State and in Nigeria, of course,’ he said. ‘I would like to seize this opportunity as a Nigerian, as a Kano citizen, and as the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, to condemn the unethical and partisan attitude of the current Commissioner of Police.

‘Today, every Nigerian is happy to celebrate the independence of this country,’ he said. ‘The good people of Kano are peace-loving people. They have been looking for this day, when we all gather here, to celebrate the independence of our country’, the Governor further stated.

He further described the commissioner’s last-minute decision to withdraw as politically motivated. ‘When our rights are written today in court, yet the Commissioner of Police decided to withdraw at the last minute,’ Mr Yusuf said. ‘This is unethical. This is disloyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

In concluding his address, Governor Abba commended other security agencies for attending. He emphasised his displeasure that the police, a central figure in such ceremonies, had absented themselves.

On Saturday 13th September, 2025 The Star NetworkPodcast (‘TSNP’) launched the first edition of its Business Meet and Greet series. The platform, Founded and Hosted by Zephia

Ovia-Ikem, is a Podcast and Business community thatshowcases the Entrepreneurial Journey of African Founders.From industry experts to startups and creatives, the platformshares what the African blueprint to business looks like.

Beyond story-telling, The Star Network Podcast is expanding its offerings to focused group engagements between industryexperts with over 30 years of corporate experience and young African Founders.

The first edition of the Business Meet and Greet series featured Mrs Munira Shonibare (CEO and Founder IO Furniture) Nigeria’s leading Furniture manufacturing company and interior design service. As the Business expert of the day, she shared valuablelessons with 16 young founders from The Star Network Podcast community, sharing on how to problem solve in various startup scenarios. The audience left the session enriched on amasterclass on leadership and business tools as well as connecting with other Founders

‘My vision is to support the next generation of Founders in theirentrepreneurial journey through direct access to expert-led communities, mentorship, startup tools, and avenues for funding by providing access to seasoned business leaders.Given this is the first edition, I’m excited to see how the initiative grows into different dimensions while maintaining the core goal – access for young entrepreneurs ‘ says Zephia Ovia-Ikem.

The Star Network Podcast currently has 6,000k+ subscribers onYouTube and is available on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, LinkedIn etc

President Bola Tinubu has said the Nigerian economy is recovering faster than expected due to the reforms his administration embarked on more than two years ago, adding that ‘yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.’

‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results,’ Tinubu said in a televised Independence Day broadcast Wednesday.

Tinubu, who took over from late President Muhammadu Buhari some two years ago, said he inherited a near-collapsed economy, a situation that warranted his resolve to take on bold market reforms to put the country on the path of growth.

The reforms, though unpopular, phased out fuel subsidies that crippled the country’s finances while benefiting ‘a tiny minority’ and unified the exchange rate in a bid to make it more market-driven and remove longstanding arbitrage. The consequences of the reforms were mixed. For Nigerians, it crushed spending power as inflation soared to a multi-year high and led to the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Poverty rose quickly and dried up the middle-class economy.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s economy became more resilient with annual growth now at 4.23 per cent as of the second quarter of 2025, the quickest pace since 2021, while inflation has continued to cool for the fifth straight month this year, a development that has allowed the monetary authorities slashed key interest rates by half point to 27 percent in first since 2020. ‘Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channeling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes. These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life.’

He noted that his administration has achieved 12 economic milestones, including achieving more than N20 trillion in non-oil revenues as of August. That’s more than the total figure for last year at N21.7 trillion.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has reduced to less than 50 per cent from 97 per cent, adding that with external reserves at more than $42 billion, the naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024.

According to the president, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent, with the ratio expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January.

‘Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home,’ the president said.

‘Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent.’

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna state has called all Nigerians to work together, across communities, faiths, and backgrounds so as to confront the challengesand unlock the collective potentials, describing the 65th Democracy Day celebration as a history day. Adding that, It is in unity that Nigerians will continue to give life to the dream of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani who made the call today Wednesday, /1/10/2025 while addressing the good people of kaduna state stated that, in Kaduna State, they are translating vision into action as the administration is pursuing inclusive development and renewal through strategic and peoples centred investments especially in the areas of Infrastructure and Economic Connectivity, Rural Transformation Agricultural Revival, Human Capital Development and Health Care, Agriculture as well as Food Security, Peace Building, with Justice, Equity and inclusion.

The Governor stressed that his administration prioritised infrastructure as the engine of development haven launched 85 urban and rural road projects, covering 785 kilometres across the state, nearly half of them completed, facilitating trade, reducing travel time, and improving access to markets for farmers and entrepreneurs alike with rebuilding urban roads, bridges, and essential public utilities to stimulate investment and elevate living conditions.

Uba Sani emphasized that Rural Revitalisation Agenda is reawakening the economic potential of previously marginalised communities with reopening of key markets such as the Birnin Gwari Livestock Market and the Kidandan Market in Giwa, a resurgence of local commerce and a renewed sense of community confidence, more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland have been reclaimed, equipping the farmers to produce more while enhancing food security across the state.

‘ Education and health are not luxuries – they are the pillars of our future. We are executing a comprehensive reform of our educational system to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning. This includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools. Through the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, we have successfully returned over 10,728 children to the classroom. Moreover, we have reopened 535 schools previously shut due to insecurity, reaffirming our belief that education is a right, not a privilege’. He added He added that, ‘ In healthcare, we have turned promises into action. We have upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres across the state, bringing vital services closer to rural communities. These efforts are supported by our investments in three world-class vocational institutes, which are empowering our youth and women with marketable skills to thrive in an evolving economy. Agriculture and Food Security: Recognising the strategic importance of agriculture, we have allocated over 10% of the 2025 budget to the sector – the highest in recent years. This demonstrates our commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart practices, and strengthening the agricultural value chain to ensure long-term food security and economic growth’ ‘.

He said, ‘ We understand that meaningful development is impossible without peace. This is why we have deepened our investment in community security, reconciliation, and dialogue. We are expanding community policing initiatives, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and supporting victims of conflict. Through these efforts, we are rebuilding trust across diverse communities and reaffirming our collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. Justice, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of our governance approach. We are building a Kaduna State where policy is driven by fairness, leadership is guided by empathy, and every community, no matter how remote, has a voice in shaping our shared future ‘.

Sani who expressed determination to build a Kaduna that is safe, strong, and inclusive detailed that the path ahead requires greater cooperation between government and the people. Adding that Development is a shared responsibility as such every citizen should contribute through acts of peace, through civic participation, and through unwavering belief in the promise of our state and nation. ‘Nigeria’s future remains bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. Under His Excellency,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the nation is undergoing bold reforms to secure peace, restore prosperity, and strengthen democratic governance. Kaduna stands fully in support of this vision. As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where hope thrives and unity endures. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and country ‘ he stated.