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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.

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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Kano Government Reverts Sa’adatu Rimi University to College of Education

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Abba Kabir Yusuf,2019 Gubernatorial Candidate

In a move aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring effective management in the state’s higher education sector, the Kano State Executive Council has approved the conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education back to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso. The institution will remain a degree-awarding body despite the reversion.

The decision was made during the council’s 18th sitting, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the recommendations of a high-level committee appointed by the state government. The committee was tasked with assessing the university’s status and proposing ways to enhance its academic quality.

In a statement signed by the states commissioner for information Baba Halilu Dantiye said the following

The committee’s findings reflected concerns from both the academic and non-academic communities, as well as other stakeholders, about the challenges associated with the transition from a college to university status. One key issue was the institution’s strategic location, which serves students from non-metropolitan areas. Stakeholders feared that the transition could have a negative impact, including the potential loss of experienced lecturers, salary-related disputes, and administrative challenges that could compromise the institution’s operational efficiency.

The Council highlighted that similar institutions across the country have operated successfully as colleges of education while offering a range of degree programs without converting to university status. The “Dual Mode” system, introduced by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), allows colleges to offer both certificate and degree programs, providing a flexible academic structure.

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The Kano State Government reassured students that the conversion will not affect their current academic pursuits. Existing undergraduates will continue their studies without disruption, and the university’s certification will be preserved for future use. Additionally, the institution will maintain its traditional courses and continue to offer degree programs under its new expanded mandate as a college of education.

As part of the restructuring, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the immediate dissolution of the university’s management. The Vice Chancellor has been directed to hand over the institution’s affairs to the most senior deputy, pending further announcements.

This decision underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to stabilizing and enhancing the performance of its higher education institutions, while addressing stakeholder concerns to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency.

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Breaking:Government Declares Monday As Another Public Holiday

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Kano state Government North Western Nigeria has declared Monday 23rd September as public Holiday .

The signing of the Holiday was contained in a statement from the office of the Head of civil service.

In a statement signed by Abba Danguguwa Permanent secretary Human resources office of the Head of civil service Abba A Danguguwa said its in commemoration of the 7th day of the birth of the holy prophet .

Kano people celebrate it as Ranar Takutaha

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Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To 79Th UN General Assembly

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President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.

The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the President on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.

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