By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) has reacted to reports claiming the bank disbursed N215 billion in Anchors Borrowers Programme interventions.According to the bank in a statement on Thursday, the correct figure, as verified by the bank’s records and which the Bank has shared during public sessions, is N51 billion—a significant discrepancy that demands public correction.

The statement further reads, “Recent media coverage erroneously inflated NMFB’s disbursement totals, potentially causing confusion among stakeholders. “For the avoidance of doubt, our verified Anchors Borrowers Programme (ABP) intervention loan disbursements stand at N51 billion, not N215 billion,” the bank stated.“We urge the public and press to disregard the inaccurate reports.” NMFB emphasized the importance of fact-checking in financial reporting, calling on journalists to confirm figures with the bank before publication. The notice also addressed recurring confusion between *NIRSAL Microfinance Bank* and *NIRSAL Plc.*, distinct entities with separate operations.“Media professionals must exercise due diligence to avoid misleading the public,” the bank added. The clarification aims to preserve transparency and trust in NMFB’s role in Nigeria’s financial intervention management programmes.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the persistent electricity challenges faced by communities in Ndokwa Nation, assuring that concrete measures are underway to provide a sustainable power supply to the region.Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, addressed recent protests under the “Light Up Ndokwa Nation” movement, saying the state was not unmindful of the hardship caused by the prolonged power outage in the area.

Aniagwu, who was flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Olisa Ifeajika, explained that the root of the issue lies in the long-standing exclusive control of power generation and transmission by the Federal Government.“For a very long time, power generation and transmission were under the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government,” Aniagwu noted. “Even if you generated power, you had to rely on the national grid to distribute it.”He recalled that liberalization efforts dating back to the Goodluck Jonathan administration opened the power sector to private investors, and recent reforms have further allowed state governments to explore generation and distribution within defined limits.Although the Okpai Power Project in Ndokwa is a federal initiative, Aniagwu said the state is working to tap into its potential benefits.He disclosed that the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, who hails from Ndokwa Nation, has been tasked by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to spearhead efforts toward resolving the electricity crisis.“There have been several meetings with stakeholders and power distributors, including efforts to settle legacy liabilities inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),” he stated.Aniagwu explained that the absence of power over time made the infrastructure vulnerable to vandalism. “We are now in a position where we have to rebuild and reconnect the power infrastructure to restore supply to the region,” he added.The Commissioner also highlighted several infrastructural developments in Ndokwa land, urging residents to appreciate the government’s efforts and avoid being misled by detractors.“In our last Executive Council meeting, we approved the construction of the Aboh–Akarai Road and bridge project worth N29 billion to connect communities in Ndokwa East. This is a clear demonstration of Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to developing the area,” Aniagwu said.He listed other projects including the over 5km Utagba-Uno–Eweshi Road, Ndemili–Utagba-Uno Road, Inam–Abbi Road, Obi–Ibabu Road, and the completed Beneku Bridge. Also ongoing are works on the 8km Amai–Aragba–Orogun Road and the completed Ofuegbe Street in Amai.“Oborevwori’s administration has done a lot within just two years – not just in infrastructure but in human capital development and enhancing security for businesses. We are determined to do even more in the coming years,” Aniagwu affirmed.He called on the people of Ndokwa Nation to remain patient and support the administration’s efforts to deliver lasting development.

From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived in Kaduna State, continuing his three-state working visit aimed at accelerating development across the country.His jet, a Boeing 737, landed at the Nigerian Air Force base in Mando at 1:27Pm., where he was welcomed by a host of political leaders and dignitaries.

Among those on hand to receive him were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Kaduna Governor Uba Sani; and the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli. Several governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and others, joined the reception alongside Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.The visit marks a significant moment for Kaduna as President Tinubu inaugurated a series of landmark initiatives. These included the Institute of Skill Acquisition and Development at Riga Chukun, designed to boost youth empowerment, a 300-bed specialist hospital at Millennium Square, and the rollout of 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses aimed at easing urban transportation.Security agencies intensified patrols across Kaduna metropolis, with traffic diversions enforced along major routes such as Kawo Bridge and Independence Way between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., ensuring smooth proceedings during the visit.Tinubu’s trip to Kaduna comes on the heels of his stop in Benue State, where he paid homage to victims of recent violence that claimed nearly 200 lives and displaced many. The President is expected to proceed to Nasarawa State as part of his ongoing tour focused on security, infrastructure, and economic renewal.The visit will conclude with a grand civic reception at Murtala Square, where Tinubu will interact with community leaders and stakeholders.