News
Power Restored to Northern Nigeria After Weeks of Blackout
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful restoration of bulk electricity supply to parts of Northern Nigeria, bringing relief to residents after weeks of power outage.
The blackout, which affected several northern states, began on October 21, 2024, when insurgents reportedly vandalized the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, plunging a majority of the region into darkness.
In a statement, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah confirmed that power was restored on Wednesday at approximately 4:56 pm, following the repair of the 330 kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line.
This major line feeds key areas including Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states.
With the line operational, electricity transmission to these regions has resumed, bringing a significant boost to local businesses and daily activities disrupted by the blackout.
Mbah added that TCN engineers are now focused on repairing a second 330 kV transmission line that was also damaged in the attacks.
She emphasized that all necessary repair materials are ready and that work will commence once the area is secured to ensure the safety of personnel.
Meanwhile, TCN teams are actively patrolling the 330 kV line to detect any other areas impacted by vandalism, ensuring repairs can continue smoothly.
The government has shown urgency in addressing this prolonged outage.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently issued a directive to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, instructing him to expedite efforts to restore electricity across the affected northern states.
This development underscores the administration’s commitment to tackling infrastructure challenges and improving power stability across Nigeria, especially in regions facing insecurity.
Residents and businesses in Northern Nigeria, long accustomed to power interruptions, have welcomed the progress and are hopeful for more permanent solutions.
The blackout had a significant impact on various sectors, including health services, small businesses, and local economies that rely on steady electricity.
News
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Eases Travel Restrictions for Nigerians
South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa announces Nigerian can now apply for Visa to the country without submitting a passport. This announcement was made on Tuesday during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town. President Bola Tinubu was also in attendance and witnessed the announcement made.
President Cyril stated that this new process with make travelling easier for Nigerian business and tourists.
The President shared a speech during the announcement “Our efforts to create a favourable environment included simplifying the visa process for Nigerian business people travelling to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people were granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”
News
VeryDarkBlackMan Speaks on Fate and Declares ‘Nobody Can Cancel Me’
Popular social media personality, VeryDarkBlackMan, has shared an intriguing post online. In a tweet with the hashtag #MindYouNobodyFitCancelMe and mentions of Naira Marley and Zinoleesky, he reflected on an encounter with a group he called “innocent rough men.”
He revealed that he asked the men about their situation, and they responded, “Na God hand e dey,” meaning their fate rests in God’s hands. The phrase has resonated with fans, sparking discussions about faith and resilience.
In the same post, VeryDarkBlackMan boldly declared that no one has the power to cancel him, showcasing his confidence and determination to rise above challenges. The post has drawn reactions across social media, with many admiring his fearless attitude and thought-provoking words.
News
Reps Call on Tinubu to Unfreeze NSIPA Accounts and Settle Outstanding N-Power Payments
The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by directing the unfreezing of the accounts belonging to the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) within 72 hours.
This decision was reached on Tuesday after a motion was presented by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and supported by 32 other lawmakers.
The suspension was a response to widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the sector.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the continued freezing of NSIPA’s accounts is hindering critical programs aimed at reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The NSIPA is responsible for managing key social intervention schemes, including N-Power, which provides skills and employment opportunities for Nigerian youth; the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which offers microloans to small business owners and artisans; the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), designed to provide direct financial support to poor households; and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which delivers meals to schoolchildren across the country to improve enrollment and nutrition.
During the plenary session, Ben Kalu emphasized the importance of restoring NSIPA’s financial operations, stating that doing so aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
He stressed that unlocking the agency’s accounts would ensure that these social programs remain efficient, effective, and impactful, particularly during a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships.
The House urged the federal government to promptly release funds to NSIPA to enable the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries across the country.
The delayed stipends have caused significant hardship for many young Nigerians who depend on the program to sustain themselves and their families.
In addition to addressing the financial constraints of NSIPA, lawmakers called for a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations to prevent future mismanagement and ensure transparency in the use of public funds.
They noted that resolving these issues swiftly is crucial for maintaining momentum in the administration’s poverty alleviation goals and rebuilding public trust in government-led social intervention programs.
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