News

KEDCO to Invest ₦1.2bn in Network Expansion

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2024

Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) said it has concluded plans to invest ₦1.2billion Naira in network expansion and improvement in power supply to the famous Dawanau International Grains Market, in Kano.

Network expansion and power generation are some of the Company’s major plans to improve power supply in an accelerated fashion, especially in areas such as Dawanau International Grains Market, being the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with numerous cottage industries.

The Company is prioritising the Dawanau project amongst a string of similar projects due to its current dilapidated network leaving the area underserved, thus hindering the potential of the market as a catalyst for economic growth of Kano state and the northern part of Nigeria.

Commenting on the development, the Company’s Ag. Managing Director and CEO, Abubakar Yusuf said, “We have engaged 3 reputable companies to actualise construction of 35KM of 33kV high tension (HT) line from Bichi Transmission Sub-station to Dawanau market, installation of 2Nos 500KVA 33/.415 transformers, and low tension (LT) lines to serve the area and environs at the cost of ₦1.2bn.

He added that “the project is aimed at improving quality and efficiency of power supply to industrial and commercial clusters in the grain market, which is equally in line with our vision to enable re-industrialization and economic empowerment within our franchise states”.

In his remarks, the Company’s Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Inuwa Bala Daneji said, “Upon completion of the project, we forecast an increase in energy offtake by 200% and an equivalent growth in revenue for KEDCO”.

On takeover in November 2023, the new core investor (Future Energies Africa) immediately embarked on network rehabilitation and expansion aimed at improving access to quality and reliable power supply for the socio-economic growth of KEDCO’s tri-state of operation.

In a statement signed by the head corporate communications Sani Bala said While these initiatives will further strengthen the existing relationship among stakeholders and explore other business opportunities within the same space and beyond, the investors remain unrelenting in the same trend across the franchise area.

News

ECOWAS Parliament to Set Up Mediation Committee to Re-Coopt Aggrieved Members

Published

1 hour ago

May 21, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

ECOWAs parliament extra ordinary session opening in Kano

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

KANO, Nigeria – The ECOWAS Parliament has announced plans to establish a mediation committee aimed at re-integrating aggrieved member states.

This decision was revealed by the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibril, while opening the second extraordinary session of the Parliament in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Addressing the session, Senator Barau emphasized the critical need for Parliament’s intervention in regional issues, as highlighted by the President of the ECOWAS Commission during the Inaugural Session.

Barau said the President had called for urgent efforts to prevent the disintegration of the regional bloc, particularly with the potential departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He also stressed the importance of confronting non-state groups vying for control of resources and marginalizing states, which has led to severe insecurity, especially in the Sahel region.

“In consultation with my colleagues on the Bureau, I will propose the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee,” Senator Barau stated. “The committee’s mandate will be to work with all stakeholders to encourage our brothers to rescind their decision and come back, and to promote dialogue to resolve conflicts in the region. Our strength lies in unity, and there is no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful, and secure ECOWAS.”

Senator Barau also mentioned a Parliamentary Fact-Finding mission dispatched to Togo. The delegation investigated the reasons behind the notable absence of the Togolese delegation, who, according to the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament, should hold the Speakership. Discussions with national stakeholders yielded positive responses, and Senator Barau reported that Togolese authorities assured the imminent inauguration of their parliamentary representatives.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, in his remarks, urged the ECOWAS Parliament to strive for the development of West African countries and to promote economic diversification.

The session in Kano also saw the swearing-in of new members, marking another step in strengthening the legislative body’s capacity to address regional challenges.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation among member states

News

ECOWAS Parliament Meeting in Kano is to Bring Legislature Closer to the People-Barau

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Senator Barau Jibrin first Deputy Speaker ECOWAS parliament

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Apart from their usual meetings in Abuja, the ECOWAS Parliament has brought its second extraordinary session to Kano.

Addressing the press after a closed-door session of the ECOWAS Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, said the meeting will bring the legislature closer to the people and make them aware of the happenings.

Senator Barau said Kano, being the commercial nerve center of Northern Nigeria, is pertinent to hold the second extraordinary session in Kano.

Senator Barau said the ECOWAS Parliament’s session in Kano will discuss issues of economy, security, and other social happenings for the overall benefit of society.

According to the First Deputy Speaker, the legislatures of the 15 member countries of the subregion are here in Kano, and it’s meant for Kano people to know them and also for the Parliament to know Kano.

News

Governor Muftwang Of Plateau State Bids Farewell To Muslim Pilgrims

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

BY Asile Abel,Jos

The Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has encouraged intending pilgrims from the state to embody the values of love, peace, and tolerance as they embark on the sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

while bidding farewell to the departing pilgrims from Plateau, Governor Mutwang enjoined them to not only pray for themselves and their families but also for the restoration of lasting peace in the state.

“As you embark on the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry not only your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state. The Hajj is a journey of profound reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to righteousness.”

He emphasized the significance of this act of worship by highlighting his administration’s unwavering support for the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ensuring the spiritual growth and welfare of Muslims in the state.

As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to upholding fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or background. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, prioritizing the unity and prosperity of Plateau State.

“In your prayers and supplications, remember our dear State, not only for immediate peace but for sustained harmony and unity,” he urged.

Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support of the Muslim community in the state.

He noted that the Governor’s sponsorship of 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims, the approval of funds for the resettlement of backlog deposits and the procurement of a bus for the board demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

He called on all to pray and support the efforts of Governor Mutwang in providing transformative leadership for Plateau State.