KEDCO restore power after months of blackout in Jigawa

Residents of Dutse Metropolis have expressed their appreciation to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, for rehabilitating their burnt substation, which left them without electricity for months. During the prolonged outage, residents faced significant challenges, including disruptions to daily life and a shortage of water supply. Many small businesses, such as welders, tailors, and barbers,
KEDCO restore power after months of blackout in Jigawa

Residents of Dutse Metropolis have expressed their appreciation to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, for rehabilitating their burnt substation, which left them without electricity for months.

During the prolonged outage, residents faced significant challenges, including disruptions to daily life and a shortage of water supply. Many small businesses, such as welders, tailors, and barbers, were unable to operate, causing economic hardship. However, with the restoration of power, normalcy has returned.

Aliyu Mohammed, a resident, described the development as a major relief, noting that businesses have resumed operations and the community is once again thriving.

KEDCO’s spokesperson, Sani Bala Sani, confirmed that the company had successfully rehabilitated the Dutse Old Substation in Jigawa State. The restoration work included refurbishing the damaged 7.5 MVA transformer, replacing all power and control cables, enhancing safety and security measures, and carrying out a complete renovation of the switchyard and office buildings.

He further stated that the repaired substation now supplies electricity to key feeders, including 11kV Garu, 11kV Limawa, and 11kV Government House.

KEDCO’s core investor, Future Energies Africa, FEA, alongside the company’s management, has been making strategic investments to modernize the electricity distribution network and address energy challenges in the region. These efforts aim to improve power reliability and drive socio-economic growth.

According to Sani, this achievement reflects the commitment and support of the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, and the Commissioner of Power and Energy, Engr. Suraj Musa. He praised their visionary leadership, which he believes will further enhance electricity supply across the state.

KEDCO restore power after months of blackout in Jigawa

Israel signals ceasefire, insists Hamas must release three hostages by saturday

Israel has reportedly conveyed to Hamas through mediators that the ongoing ceasefire agreement can remain in place if the terror group releases three more hostages by Saturday. According to a report by the Israeli news site Walla, the message follows conflicting statements from Israeli officials regarding the number of hostages Hamas must release for the
Israel signals ceasefire, insists Hamas must release three hostages by saturday

Israel has reportedly conveyed to Hamas through mediators that the ongoing ceasefire agreement can remain in place if the terror group releases three more hostages by Saturday.

According to a report by the Israeli news site Walla, the message follows conflicting statements from Israeli officials regarding the number of hostages Hamas must release for the ceasefire to hold.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that the truce would end if hostages were not freed by Saturday noon but did not specify an exact number.

A senior Israeli official told Walla, “We are working hard with the mediators to get the deal back on track.” As of Wednesday, the agreement appeared less at risk of collapse than earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, Egyptian sources quoted by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed indicated that negotiations were moving toward a breakthrough following a meeting between Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad and a Hamas delegation in Cairo.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff have reportedly resolved some outstanding issues, including approval for international organizations to deliver fuel and medical supplies to Gaza.

However, Israel has yet to approve the entry of additional caravans and tents for displaced Gazans. If approval is granted by Thursday, Hamas is expected to announce the names of three hostages to be released the following day.

Earlier this week, Hamas suspended hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the deal by restricting certain aid items.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated that discussions on the second phase of the hostage agreement were premature while the fate of the first stage remained uncertain.

“There is no point in discussing the second phase because it is just a hypothetical issue at the moment,” he was quoted as saying by Channel 13 News.

The second phase is expected to involve Hamas releasing all remaining living hostages in exchange for an end to hostilities.

The current ceasefire agreement, now three weeks old, temporarily halted hostilities that began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Under the agreement, Hamas is required to release all hostages in exchange for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners and a cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock pushed for Israel to re-arrest hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released under the truce if Hamas fails to release the three hostages on Saturday.

Security officials rejected the proposal, warning that such an action could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. The cabinet ultimately decided against the move.

Israel signals ceasefire, insists Hamas must release three hostages by saturday

Stop intimidating El-Rufai – Islamic group MURIC warns ‘Aso Rock cabals’

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has warned agents of the federal government against intimidating Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State. The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Founder/Executive Director of MURIC. According to him, intimidating the former governor would tarnish
Stop intimidating El-Rufai – Islamic group MURIC warns ‘Aso Rock cabals’

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has warned agents of the federal government against intimidating Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Founder/Executive Director of MURIC.

According to him, intimidating the former governor would tarnish the image of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

DAILY POST reports that the warning is coming in the backdrop of the recent clash between El-Rufai and some Aso Rock cabals following the former’s criticism of Tinubu’s government.

Recall that El-Rufai had raised the alarm, alleging that there were plans to get him arrested over his alleged romance with some opposition leaders ahead of the next general elections.

Reacting to the events, MURIC said, “Considering the immense contribution of former Governor El-Rufai to the victory of the ruling party at the 2023 general elections, as well as the big role played by him in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the indisputable occupant of Aso Rock today in spite of all odds, we would like to advise the federal government against intimidating the former governor if the rumour is true.

“Doing so will stain the good name of the Tinubu administration as a democratic government and portray it as one willing to crack down on dissent.

“On the contrary, with the realisation that we now live in a global village, allowing El-Rufai to move freely in and out of the country will continue to earn the FG humongous modicum of respect from the rest of the world.”

Stop intimidating El-Rufai – Islamic group MURIC warns ‘Aso Rock cabals’

Edo Revenue Service bans unions’ dues collection at haulage fee points

The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS, has banned the illegal collection of dues by unions at the designated points of collection for haulage fees. DAILY POST reports that Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the Executive Chairman of the Revenue Service, announced the ban in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin. Bankole-Balogun said security agencies have
Edo Revenue Service bans unions’ dues collection at haulage fee points

The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS, has banned the illegal collection of dues by unions at the designated points of collection for haulage fees.

DAILY POST reports that Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the Executive Chairman of the Revenue Service, announced the ban in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin.

Bankole-Balogun said security agencies have been informed of the illegal collection for appropriate enforcement.

According to him, “It has come to the notice of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS, that certain unions have been illegally collecting their union dues and issuing tickets where not appropriate; this is unacceptable.”

“The Edo State Internal Revenue Service prohibits the collection of union dues at beats designated for haulage fee collection. This decision aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency and transparency in the haulage space.

“The rationale behind the decision to separate the collection of union dues from haulage fee points (beats) is aimed at eliminating potential confusion and improving the efficiency of our operations.

“Only our Revenue Collectors are saddled with the responsibilities of collecting the haulage fees through the issuance of the Revenue scratch cards and ensuring that haulage fee points (beats) remain dedicated to their primary purpose, minimizing disruptions and ensuring smoother operations.

“Unions will need to adopt alternative methods for collecting dues from their members. The government is committed to working with the unions to make sure that there is peace and orderliness in our great state (Edo State).

“Haulage fee beats are to exclusively handle the collection of haulage fees, promoting greater efficiency and focus in their operations without the added task of union dues collection,” he said.

Edo Revenue Service bans unions’ dues collection at haulage fee points

Executive Secretary not under ICPC probe – NBTE

The National Board for Technical Education has denied reports that its Executive Secretary, Prof Idris Bugaje, is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. In a statement issued by the Head of Media Unit, Office of the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, in Kaduna on Thursday, the NBTE described the
Read More

The National Board for Technical Education has denied reports that its Executive Secretary, Prof Idris Bugaje, is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. In a statement issued by the Head of Media Unit, Office of the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, in Kaduna on Thursday, the NBTE described the

Read More

Russia vs Ukraine: Putin, Zelenskiy want peace – Trump

President Donald Trump of the United States has said that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed a desire for peace in separate phone calls with him on Wednesday. This is as Trump directed top US officials to begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The telephone conversations came after
Russia vs Ukraine: Putin, Zelenskiy want peace – Trump

President Donald Trump of the United States has said that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed a desire for peace in separate phone calls with him on Wednesday.

This is as Trump directed top US officials to begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine.

The telephone conversations came after Trump’s defense secretary earlier said Kyiv would have to give up its long-held goals of joining the NATO military alliance and regaining all of its territory seized by Russia, signaling a dramatic shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict.

DAILY POST reports that Trump, after speaking with Putin for more than an hour, said the Russian leader, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, wants the war to end, adding that they discussed getting a ceasefire in the not-too-distant future.

“He wants it to end. He doesn’t want to end it and then go back to fighting six months later.

“I think we’re on the way to getting peace. I think President Putin wants peace, President Zelenskiy wants peace, and I want peace. I just want to see people stop getting killed,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Recall that Trump has long said he would quickly end the war in Ukraine, without spelling out exactly how he would accomplish this.

The Kremlin earlier said Putin and Trump had agreed to meet, and Putin had invited Trump to visit Moscow.

According to the US President, their first meeting would probably take place soon in Saudi Arabia.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff would lead negotiations on ending the war.

Russia vs Ukraine: Putin, Zelenskiy want peace – Trump

Rivers: PANDEF moves to reconcile Fubara, Wike

The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Peace and Reconciliation Committee has appealed for mutual respect and political stability in Rivers State, calling on all parties to prioritise the wishes of the people. The Chairman of the Rivers Elders Forum, Rufus George, who made this call at a closed-door meeting on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, expressed
Rivers: PANDEF moves to reconcile Fubara, Wike

The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Peace and Reconciliation Committee has appealed for mutual respect and political stability in Rivers State, calling on all parties to prioritise the wishes of the people.

The Chairman of the Rivers Elders Forum, Rufus George, who made this call at a closed-door meeting on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, expressed optimism about the reconciliation efforts, stating that progress had been made in resolving the crisis.

According to him, peace was achievable if all parties respected the people’s mandate.

DAILY POST reports that the main focus of the meeting was on fostering unity between the two political factions in the state, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

He also charged President Bola Tinubu to wade into the matter in ensuring a peaceful resolution.

On her part, Niger Delta activist AnnKio Briggs applauded PANDEF’s intervention, stressing that political stability in Rivers State was crucial for the entire nation.

She urged the committee to prevail on the presidency to engage the minister in achieving a lasting solution.

DAILY POST reports that PANDEF delegations at the meeting included former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Victor Attah (Chairman), Senator Roland Owie, Senator Emmanuel Essien, Col. Pam Ogar, Senator Stella Omu, Engr. Dagogo Jack, amongst others.

Rivers: PANDEF moves to reconcile Fubara, Wike

Ogun customs boss urges seamless cross-border trade

The Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Mohammed Shuaibu, has underscored the importance of seamless cross-border trade in driving sustainable economic growth and national prosperity. Shuaibu made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the 4th Art for Economic Development Festival held in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Read More

The Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Mohammed Shuaibu, has underscored the importance of seamless cross-border trade in driving sustainable economic growth and national prosperity. Shuaibu made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the 4th Art for Economic Development Festival held in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Read More

‘He was a rare breed,’ CJN mourns Justice Alagoa

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has described the late Justice Alagoa as a rare breed, devoid of arrogance and elitism. Speaking in Abuja at a valedictory court session held in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, she said he was a courageous and dogged fighter for his
Read More

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has described the late Justice Alagoa as a rare breed, devoid of arrogance and elitism. Speaking in Abuja at a valedictory court session held in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, she said he was a courageous and dogged fighter for his

Read More

JUSUN threatens strike, issues FG seven-day notice

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the new national minimum wage and other benefits or face an indefinite strike. This ultimatum was conveyed in a communiqué released on Wednesday after an emergency meeting held at the JUSUN Secretariat in Abuja. According to the communiqué,
Read More

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the new national minimum wage and other benefits or face an indefinite strike. This ultimatum was conveyed in a communiqué released on Wednesday after an emergency meeting held at the JUSUN Secretariat in Abuja. According to the communiqué,

Read More

Business & Economy

NUPENG, IPMAN suspend strike after agreement with Dangote Refinery
AI, energy transition among Africa’s ‘opportunities in disguise’ – Shettima
FG says no immediate plan to implement  5% fuel surcharge
Nigeria publishes new tax reform laws in official gazette
Reps to meet ministers over 2025 budget implementation crisis – Lawmaker
Strike: Talks with NUPENG deadlocked as Dangote Refinery representatives stage walkout
Experts fault Nigeria’s forest economy plan for sidelining charcoal, urge policy reform
40 countries indicate interest in Abuja Trade Fair – Official