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IHRC-RFT Nigeria Calls for Urgent Action on Power Grid Failures

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The International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter has expressed deep concern over the ongoing collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which has experienced its ninth disruption in 2024. This persistent instability poses a severe challenge to Nigeria’s economy, impacting the daily lives of citizens and undermining the productivity and competitiveness of Nigerian industries.

In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the union, Ambassador Ashiru Shehu Kachako, the Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter, Ambassador Captain Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu (Rtd), urged the government to address this pressing issue with immediate and strategic interventions. “This crisis affects millions of Nigerians, forcing businesses to rely on expensive, self-generated power and discouraging foreign investors, who are vital to national economic growth,” the statement read.

The recurring failures of Nigeria’s power grid also infringe upon fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Nigerian Constitution. Article 25 of the UDHR emphasizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including conditions that promote health and well-being. “A stable power supply is essential for ensuring safe living conditions, proper healthcare, and a functional economy,” the IHRC-RFT emphasized.

Article 22 of the UDHR addresses the right to social security, which includes economic, social, and cultural rights necessary for dignity and personal development. “Power grid failures compromise Nigeria’s ability to provide these social securities, as industries, education, and healthcare are severely impacted,” the statement added.

Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that the welfare and security of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. “Ensuring consistent electricity aligns with this duty, as reliable power is crucial for the well-being and security of the populace,” IHRC-RFT noted.

The statement identified several root causes of the power grid collapses:

1. Aging Infrastructure: Much of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, and minimal upgrades have led to frequent malfunctions and outages.
2. Underutilization of Funds: Despite significant allocations for power sector reforms, financial mismanagement has prevented meaningful improvements, leaving the grid vulnerable to recurrent failures.
3. Insufficient Power Generation: Nigeria’s power generation capacity does not meet the demands of its rapidly growing population, further straining the system.
4. High Transmission Losses: Nearly 30% of generated electricity is lost during transmission, further destabilizing power availability for end users.

“These issues place a heavy burden on the Nigerian people and economy,” IHRC-RFT stated. In the short term, the commission urges the government to implement effective emergency response measures to mitigate the impact of future collapses. In the long term, IHRC-RFT calls on the government to fast-track upgrades to transmission and generation infrastructure, allocate funds transparently, and work towards providing reliable electricity to meet national demand.

“We stand with the Nigerian people in demanding sustainable, reliable power solutions that will promote economic development, improve quality of life, and support human rights. Addressing this issue is a critical government responsibility that requires swift and sustained action,” the statement concluded.

 

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Private Schools: A Backbone of Youth Employment -Imam Zubair

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Private schools in Kano State have emerged as a significant industry fostering youth employment across various sectors, according to Alhaji Imam Ahmad Zubairu Galadanchi, MNI, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Kano State chapter.

In an exclusive discussion with journalists, Alhaji Imam Galadanchi highlighted the economic impact of private schools, stating that each institution employs over sixty staff members—including teachers and non-academic personnel—who receive regular monthly salaries. Beyond direct employment, he noted that these schools stimulate local businesses by commissioning sportswear and student uniforms from tailors within the community.

With over 4,000 private schools officially registered with the Kano State Government, the sector plays a vital role in shaping education and economic development. Galadanchi called on parents to continue enrolling their children in neighborhood schools to ensure quality education and promote their children’s growth. He stressed the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education, advising parents to monitor lesson notes and assignments actively.

Furthermore, he urged parents to prioritize their children’s well-being by supporting their education, nutrition, and healthcare needs.

The private school industry in Kano remains a cornerstone for employment and local economic growth, reinforcing the importance of community-driven education.

Signed:
Ahmed Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Zonal Information Officer, Municipal Zone 1

 

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NUJ Kano State Council Urges Government to Provide Fertilizer Ahead of Raining Season

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on the Kano State Government to ensure the timely provision of adequate fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to farmers in preparation for the upcoming rainy season. This appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the council’s congress meeting, which brought together representatives from various chapels under the union.

The congress, presided over by the council’s chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, focused on addressing issues affecting journalism, the unity of its members, and broader concerns impacting the state. In his opening remarks, Dederi commended members for their dedication to their professional duties and emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering dialogue and collaboration.

During the session, the congress reviewed and adopted the council’s secretariat and financial reports. Members also deliberated on a range of pressing issues, leading to several resolutions:

1. Environmental Concerns: The congress expressed alarm over the rampant felling of trees and indiscriminate bush burning across the state, which threaten the ecosystem and ozone layer. It urged the government and relevant stakeholders to address these practices and called on individuals to desist from such harmful activities.

2. Health Initiatives: The congress appealed to the state Commissioner of Health to implement measures to combat mosquitoes and prevent malaria outbreaks in both rural and urban areas.

3. Sports Development: A recommendation was made to the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports to procure a luxury bus for Kano Pillars, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges faced by the team.

4. Power Supply: The congress highlighted the adverse effects of incessant power outages on the socio-economic lives of Kano residents and called on stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

5. Agricultural Support: The council reiterated its plea for the government to provide farmers with necessary inputs, including fertilizer, to ensure a successful farming season.

In addition to these resolutions, the congress extended commendations to the Kano State Government for its efforts in reviving education and improving infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and street lighting. The council also lauded the Correspondents Chapel for raising one million Naira to support the family of a deceased member, Mr. Ted Odugwu, and congratulated the newly inaugurated Online Chapel on its achievements.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the council’s chairman, and Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, the council’s secretary. The drafting committee included Abdullahi Yusuf, Abubakar A. Dangambo, and Farida Umar Abdu.

The NUJ Kano State Council remains committed to advocating for the welfare of its members and addressing issues of public interest.

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Bandits Kill Abducted Chief Imam of Historic Maru Central Mosque

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Malam Salisu Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of the First Jumu’at Central Mosque in Maru, the headquarters of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and his two sons, who were abducted by bandits, have been killed.

The Imam was abducted alongside his children, a newlywed couple, and several others on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The terrorists invaded Maru town during a midnight raid that lasted for about two hours.

The newlyweds, Muhammad Suleiman and his wife, Balkisu, were kidnapped on the first night after their wedding ceremony.

Security analyst Bakatsine confirmed the sad development on Tuesday, April 29, stating that the bandits also killed his family members.

Nigerian Tracker reports that, during the colonial era, prominent Northern Nigerian scholars, including Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and Malam Aminu Kano, taught in Maru schools.

 

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