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KEDCO Revamps, Slashes Losses In 6 Months

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Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has recorded significant performance improvement and reduction in aggregate technical, commercial, and collection (ATC&C) losses since its acquisition by the new core investor – Future Energies Africa (FEA).

KEDCO recorded 80% Billing Efficiency in June 2024 up from 75% in January 2024 and also reduced ATC&C by almost 20 percentage points to a record of 42%.

Recall that in November 2023, Future Energies Africa (FEA) acquired the highest stake in KEDCO and have since embarked on reforms geared towards business turnaround and sustainable transformation of the Company. Currently, about 52 feeders receive between 20 to 24 hours of supply (including 11 recently upgraded) through investments and improved service delivery.

These achievements are not merely coincidental but conscious efforts by KEDCO’s Board and Management, with ample support from the core investor, Future Energies Africa through investment efforts and constant adoption of effective mechanisms to expeditiously address extant challenges towards making KEDCO financially self-sufficient.

Prominent among the recent challenges overcome was the dispute with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), over the April 2024 supplementary tariff order which has now been resolved and KEDCO, in its customer-centric spirit urged for a round-table reconciliation approach, while reaffirming its continuous support for the prosperity of businesses and economic activities in the area.

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KEDCO recently revamped top management with the addition of a new Chief Technical Officer (CTO) – Engr. Kassim Burkullu, who recently managed AEDC’s large network; a new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) – Dr. Abubakar Jimeta, a seasoned industry professional; and two Special Directorates for Special Projects and Customer Solutions, manned by veterans – Engr. Inuwa Daneji and Engr. Shuaibu Adeiza.

During this period, the Company has invested over ₦1bn to deploy over 100 High Voltage smart Maximum Demand (MD) meters. Also, the deployment of over 3,000 prepayment meters on Band A feeders, through MAP vendor financing, all geared towards mitigating billing and commercial losses. Similarly, check meters have been installed on all major commercial feeders with high losses and bifurcation of those feeders, for improved power distribution, efficiency, and energy accountability which has led to a significant reduction in losses and improved collection efficiencies.

In the area of network reliability, the management has initiated expansion efforts in a bid to foster efficiency in service delivery and meet service-level agreement commitments. KEDCO’s projection is to achieve 25 percent ATC&C losses by year-end while meeting 100 percent market obligations as the NESI transitions to a Bilateral trading market.

KEDCO’s management has been tasked with turning the business around and are working round the clock to continue driving improvements. The Acting Managing Director, Abubakar Yusuf stated that, “ At all levels, we have prioritized collaboration, partnership, and regular stakeholders’ engagements within the government, traditional, security, political, religious, and community partners to drive progress. If KEDCO succeeds our communities succeed so it has to be a team effort.”

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Hon. Bichi Sponsors 200 Postgraduate Scholarships in Constituency

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The Kabir Abubakar Bichi Foundation led by Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, the member of the House of Representatives for Bichi Federal Constituency from Kano State and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has sponsored 200 constituents for postgraduate studies in various Nigerian universities.

The secretary General of the Foundation Zahraddeen Bello stated this to newsmen in Kano

He said among the beneficiaries of the scholarship program are 37 PhD candidates and 163 students pursuing master’s degrees.

According to him ,the lawmaker has allocated over N46 million (N46,171,792.50) to fund the scholarships. His sponsorship initiative also includes providing support for students from Bichi Local Government Area studying in various Nigerian universities. Additionally, he sponsors all science and technical boarding students from Bichi and the distribution of educational and instructional materials to all SS 1 students of the constituency.

The distribution of beneficiaries spans several institutions, including:

1.Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU) – 3

2.Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 19

3.Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil – 26

4.Al-Qalam University, Katsina – 3

5.Bayero University, Kano – 95

6.Federal University Dutse, Jigawa – 3

7.Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina – 22

8.Federal University of Technology, Minna – 5

9.Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola – 3

10National Open University of Nigeria – 1

11.Sa’adu Zungur State University, Gadau – 1

12.Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina – 2

13.University of Benin – 1

14.University of Ibadan – 1

15.University of Jos – 1

16.Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – 1

17.Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano – 13

He pointed out that the initiative is part of Honourable Bichi’s broader commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in his constituency.

Accordingly ,the distribution of the postgraduate scholarship by Rep. Bichi through his foundation is a yearly gesture since his election as member of the House of representatives in 2019 and 2023 respectively .

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Nigerian Youth Movement Mulls Over Strategy to Capture Power from Establishment

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A Nigerian youth movement is considering strategies to wrestle political power from the nation’s establishment in a bid to reposition the country, according to human rights lawyer Barrister Abba Hikima.

Hikima, in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tracker, revealed that the movement aims to address the challenges facing Nigeria by reorganizing the country’s political structure. “The youth movement is borne out of the present situation; there is a need to reorganize Nigeria,” Hikima said. “The youth are at the receiving end, and we want to come up with a political solution, either by contesting or by presenting good people to contest.”

He emphasized the importance of youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that they constitute the largest demographic. “Youth are the highest in number. Repositioning Nigeria is a must, and since democracy is a game of numbers, let the youth start,” Hikima stated.

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Highlighting the dissatisfaction with current leadership, Hikima urged the youth to take action if they believe those in power are not governing effectively. “If we say somebody is not doing the right thing, let’s use our numbers,” he added, suggesting that the movement could establish its own political party or align with an existing one. The goal, according to Hikima, is to “retire the present tyrannical leaders.”

Barrister Abba Hikima

Barrister Abba Hikima

The lawyer disclosed that the movement has its origins in Northern Nigeria but plans to expand across the federation in the near future. “The idea started from the North, but in the near future, the movement will spread all over the federation,” he concluded.

The group has yet to formalize its structure but has already sparked interest among Nigerian youth who are eager to see a shift in the country’s political landscape.

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KANSIEC Praises Police Efforts in Safeguarding Democracy

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Prof Sani Lawal Malumfashi KANSIEC Chairman

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has described the Nigeria Police Force as a crucial institution in any political dispensation. Prof. Sani Lawal Manumfashi emphasized that as custodians of law and order, the police also play a key role in safeguarding democracy.

The Chairman made this statement during a visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1, Ari Mahd Ali, at his office on Tuesday.

Professor Manumfashi noted that the police are key players in providing security, protecting the electoral process, and maintaining law and order in society during and after elections. He stressed that this vital role makes the police force the true guardians of democracy, as their presence is essential in every electoral process.

He further added that with Kano being the most populous state in the country, having 44 local government areas, 484 wards, and 11,222 polling units, the need for police service in the state is paramount.

In his remarks, AIG Ali assured that his command is fully prepared to provide maximum support and cooperation to ensure the success of the upcoming local government elections in the state. He also mentioned that his phone line is available 24 hours, and the commission can reach him whenever necessary. AIG Ali commended the Commission Chairman for demonstrating his academic expertise by providing essential information about Kano during his brief speech.

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In a statement signed by Director public enlightenment of the commission Bashir Habib Yahaya said the visit included the presentation of election guidelines and the 2024 election calendar to the AIG by the Chairman of the Commission.

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