The attention of KEDCO has been drawn to publications in some major media publications regarding the status and ownership of KEDCO. The Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has said the DisCo was not under the jurisdiction of any Bank or the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

In a statement issued by KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, he refuted the reports that flooded the media space and claimed that KEDCO was one of the DisCos currently being managed by AMCON or the Banks, thus ordered for sale.

Sani further informed that, “Since November 2023, new investors – Future Energies Africa (FEA) Limited acquired control of 60 per cent shares of the DisCo, while the Federal Government retains 40%.

The Company’s spokesperson recalled that, In July 2022, KEDCO, alongside four other DisCos were restructured by the Federal Government and appointed an interim Board and Management to steer the affairs of the Company for transition to new investors, which was concluded and handed over to the current investors.

On the Company’s current performance metrics, Sani said the DisCo had improved significantly in its operational efficiency under the stewardship of the current MD/CEO, Abubakar Yusuf, and a crop of seasoned professionals on the Board of Directors led by Engr. Ibrahim Adamu Gumel, by creating a modernized electricity distribution system that has enhanced service delivery, a friendly customer atmosphere, and a reduction in ATC&C losses, within 6 months of the takeover.

KEDCO, under its current ownership, is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States and environs. Through innovative solutions and partnerships, the Company aims to lead the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.

By Asile Abel,jos

The Plateau State Government has began monthly Ministerial press briefing to inform citizens on government activities in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs)

The monthly briefing start with 4 Ministries held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Education Building, JD Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos, Plateau State.

Declaring the briefing open, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ashoms, stated that the event was a core mandate of the Ministry of Information and Communication, expected to bolster its vision for an enlightened, educated and informed populace.

He added that the event also corresponds with the present administrations idea of carrying citizens along in accordance with the first focal point of the Green Cap Policy Thrust, which is “Good Governance and Citizens Participation in Sustainable Development.”

“I therefore make due acknowledgment to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his enthusiastic support and expedited approval.

“…It is this attitude that drives the vigorous activities across various sectors and across the state, turning it into a huge project site for massive infrastructural development and an incubator for robust public policy initiatives.” He added.

Office of the Head of Civil Service hit the ground running with their report, where they enumerated responsibilities, successes and challenges of the office to members of the media community.

The Plateau State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Rauta Dakok, said the office is the engine room of government and the administrative machinery for implementing the State Government’s Policies and Programmes.

Some of the achievements she captured were the physical verification of staff and pensioners for the offset of Salary/Pension Arrears inherited from immediate past Administration.

She said the office also obtained approval for the release of Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000,000.00) Monthly to settle arrears of pensions/gratuities and death benefits from 1986 to date, adding that promotions for deserving civil servants is almost up to date.

“The establishment of Information and Public Relation Officer Cadre Structure on SGL 08 – 17 and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) Cadre Structured on SGL 06 – 14 in the Schemes of Service.

Barr. Rauta said the implementation of recalled workers into the mainstream civil service whose employments were initially suspended is at about 80% completion

The Head of Service also highlighted some challenges faced by the office to includes Inadequate Office accommodation, shortage of manpower in view of batched retirement and non availability of copies of current Public Service Rules and other relevant Government documents.

Others she said are indiscriminate encroachment on lands adjoining to Government quarters by
unscrupulous persons and how retired civil servants are still holding unto Government quarters by preventing the
serving civil servants from enjoying same.

Also, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ephraim Usman gave a scorecard of his ministry within the 11 months of the “Time is Now” administration which includes payment of salaries and pension arrears from the previous administration at the LGAs level.

Ephraim said, “The ministry in collaboration with ALGON purchased 35 Hillux vehicles for operation Rainbow to strengthen the security architecture at the grassroots level.”

He said the ministry in conjunction with the 17 LGAs is working on digitalization of indigene forms and marriage certificates with link to NIN.

On Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner said the ministry conducted the selection and coronation of the new Ngolong Ngas on first class status and also the selection of the new Mou Youm of Garkawa on second class status, noting that his coronation will soon take place.

Other ministries who gave their scorecards on the first press briefing were Ministry of Education, (Secondary) and Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development.

Kano state Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf has arrived United States of America for high powered symposium organized by US Institute of Peace.

The three days conference being attended by Governors of Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa,and Plateau states, was designed to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria and better option to mitigate the challenge.

The intensive executive engagement will enable the Governors of some of the trouble state deep understanding on the dynamics of security threat, it’s socioeconomic dimensions, and near-term opportunities to drive stability in Northern Nigeria.

The US Institute of Peace would also broaden knowledge on strengthening conflict prevention in the region, through a non-violent strategies for engaging the armed groups as alternative for conflect resolution.

The strategic engagement being anchored under the tutelage of Dr. Joseph Sany, Vice President, Africa Center for US Institute of Peace, will also focus on policy coordination and management of peace and stability in Nigeria.

The symposium which ends 25th April, 2024 is part of the ongoing efforts of the northern Governors especially those from northwest to set a regional development agenda.