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Nigeria Spends ₦29.3 Billion Fixing Vandalized Power Towers

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The Nigerian Federal Government has spent a staggering ₦29.3 billion to repair 266 damaged electricity towers across the country, a financial strain caused by ongoing vandalism of critical infrastructure.

Each tower repair cost roughly ₦110 million, a figure that highlights both the scale of the destruction and the expense involved in keeping Nigeria’s power grid functional.

This update was posted by the National Grid on their X account, bringing renewed attention to the impact of vandalism on power availability nationwide.

Vandalism of these towers, a core component of Nigeria’s electricity transmission system, has been an ongoing issue, resulting in frequent power outages that ripple across industries, homes, and businesses.

The losses are significant—Nigeria loses approximately $26 billion every year due to power failures, which are often worsened by damaged infrastructure and frequent grid disruptions.

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Electricity towers, or pylons, are essential for transporting high-voltage electricity across long distances.

When they’re compromised, the effects are immediate: electricity distribution networks are forced to shut down lines, leading to blackouts in cities and towns that rely on the damaged towers.

Vandals target these towers for various reasons, including the valuable materials used in their construction, which they then sell on the black market.

The costs go beyond just replacement materials; they include labour, transport, and securing the areas affected, making each repair expensive and time-consuming.

Efforts by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to curb these incidents have included increasing security around infrastructure and raising public awareness about the damage caused by vandalism.

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Yet, challenges persist. Some of these towers are located in remote, less secure regions where monitoring and security are difficult to enforce, making them vulnerable to theft and destruction.

The TCN is responsible for managing, maintaining, and expanding the national grid infrastructure, including these towers, which serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s electricity transmission.

In the bigger picture, vandalism not only affects electricity availability but also weakens Nigeria’s industrial growth.

Frequent power interruptions have forced many businesses to rely on costly backup power, pushing operational costs higher.

This heavy reliance on generators and other alternatives only adds to the financial burden of operating in a country where power stability remains a major concern.

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Sylvester Stallone’s Painting Raises $410,000 for AIDS Research at amfAR Gala

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Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone displayed his artistic and philanthropic sides at the amfAR gala in Las Vegas, where his painting, Knocking Heads, sold for an impressive $410,000. The event, held at The Wynn Hotel, aimed to support AIDS research, and Stallone’s contribution made a significant impact.

The vibrant multicolored artwork, featuring thoughtful faces and a nod to his iconic character Rocky Balboa, sparked an intense bidding war, earning a standing ovation when the auction concluded. Stallone, visibly delighted, expressed pride in helping the cause.

The night was further memorable for Stallone, as he received a special award from Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee. Additionally, Stallone auctioned a role in his series, Tulsa King, raising an extra $300,000 for the foundation.

The gala blended art, charity, and entertainment, with Stallone’s efforts showcasing a different side of the celebrated actor and solidifying his legacy beyond Hollywood.


 

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Two Cows Worth ₦1.9 Million Stolen From Oyo Church Ahead of Thanksgiving

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The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Testimony Parish in Egbeda, Oyo State, has reported the theft of two cows valued at ₦1.9 million.

The cows, intended for the church’s annual adult harvest thanksgiving on November 17, 2024, were stolen from the church premises on November 11 during preparations for the event.

Despite ongoing efforts, the stolen cows have not been found, prompting the church to seek financial assistance to replace them.

In a Facebook post, the church appealed for prayers and support from the public:

“These two huge cows were stolen from the church premises at CCC Testimony Parish, Elerumoke Area, Egbeda, Iyana Ajia. They were meant for the 9th adult harvest thanksgiving this Sunday.”

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The church has called on anyone with helpful information to come forward and assist in recovering the cows or ensuring the success of the thanksgiving celebration.


 

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Obasanjo Shares How He Almost Fell Into Drug Addiction

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria has opened up about how he came dangerously close to becoming addicted to drugs in his youth.

He shared this personal revelation in Abeokuta while addressing attendees at the second edition of the ‘Fly Above The High’ anti-drug campaign conference.

The event was organized by the Recovery Advocacy Network, a group committed to combating the growing menace of drug abuse in the country.

Reflecting on his past, Obasanjo revealed that his youthful experimentation with smoking led to a troubling period of chronic coughing.

According to him, what seemed like a harmless act at first could have easily spiraled into a full-blown addiction had he not stopped.

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Sharing this personal struggle, he warned young Nigerians about the dangers of drug abuse and emphasized its destructive nature.

He noted that while drug users might initially believe substances provide an escape or enhancement, they ultimately lead to ruin.

He further explained that addiction is not just difficult to escape but often comes with long-lasting consequences.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted,” he said, stressing that once a person falls into the trap of substance abuse, it becomes an uphill battle to break free.

Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the rising rates of drug abuse among Nigerians, particularly among students and young people.

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He pointed out that drug abuse is not just a Nigerian problem but a growing crisis across West Africa.

He recalled that over a decade ago, West Africa was already becoming a hub for drug consumption, and the situation has since deteriorated.

“Whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa,” he added.

The former president also touched on the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding addiction.

He emphasized that those struggling with addiction need help and support rather than judgment.

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Obasanjo urged families, communities, and governments to work together to create an environment where individuals battling addiction can seek help without fear of condemnation.

The anti-drug campaign in Abeokuta was part of a larger effort by the Recovery Advocacy Network to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and provide resources for those affected.

The initiative also aims to educate young people on the importance of making informed decisions and staying away from substances that could jeopardize their future.


 

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