The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has attributed the recent decline in power supply across the South-East to low electricity frequency.

The Group Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu that the development was caused by gas constraints affecting the Generation Companies (GenCos).

“The development has necessitated the load shedding of available energy by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

“As a result, energy allocation to EEDC and daily service levels for customers served by its subsidiary companies – MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra, and EastLand – have been impacted.

“Efforts are being made by key stakeholders in the electricity supply industry to address the challenge and restore normal power distribution,” he said.

Ezeh apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers, adding, “We appreciate the patience and understanding of electricity consumers across the South-East.”

Liverpool hero Didi Hamann believes Florian Wirtz made the wrong decision joining the Reds this summer.

Wirtz, a £100m summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and is yet to register a single goal after 16 games in the competition.

Speaking with Sky Deutschland, Hamann stated that the Germany international would have adapted easily to the Bundesliga if he had joined Bayern Munich instead of Liverpool this summer.

“Christmas is approaching and he still hasn’t scored a goal or decided a match. Football is played differently in the Premier League, and he’s had little to no impact there so far.

“Liverpool signed a player for €140 million hoping he could turn around a struggling team with one or two plays.

He still hasn’t done that, and why would he now in January?

“When I watch him play, I sometimes get the feeling that he himself no longer believes in his potential. Wirtz made the wrong choice in the summer when he was faced with the choice between Liverpool and Bayern Munich.”

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM), has charged 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally joined the service.

The recruits, drawn from the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, passed out on Saturday after completing six months of intensive military training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Their formal induction was marked by a colourful Passing Out Parade, which showcased the skills, discipline and esprit de corps instilled during the training period.

Addressing the recruits as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as a testament to their dedication, perseverance and commitment to duty.

He said their successful completion of training reflected hard work, discipline and readiness to serve the nation.

The COAS said the injection of additional manpower would further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity at a time it continues to confront evolving domestic and transnational security threats. He noted that the new soldiers would play a critical role in sustaining the Army’s combat readiness across the country.

He reminded the recruits that they had been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, urging them to serve with honour, courage and professionalism. According to him, their induction underscored the Army’s resolve to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training system. He assured that the depot would continue to receive strong support in logistics, training infrastructure and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.

The COAS further urged the new soldiers to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all their operations, stressing that these values form the foundation of professional soldiering. He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, warning against any conduct that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and other security agencies for their support to the Nigerian Army. He also praised the Commandant, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in training the recruits.

Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly inducted soldiers, their parents and guardians, and wished them safe, exemplary and fulfilling careers as they are deployed to various Army formations across the country.