From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has presented a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for a parcel of land earmarked for the construction of a 132/33KV transmission substation in the Southern part of Plateau State.

The development is part of his commitment toward revitalizing the power sector in Plateau State aimed at promoting industrialization.

Presenting the C of O to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, at her office in Abuja, the Governor expressed optimism that the project, when completed, will transform the social and industrial landscape of the benefitting areas.

Mutfwang through his Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere noted thus, “This landmark project is aimed at extending electricity transmission from Lafia in Nasarawa State to Shendam, Plateau State, covering the Southern and Central Senatorial Districts. The initiative is expected to stimulate industrialization and enhance business activities across the zones.

“The substation would address the longstanding electricity challenges faced by the Southern and Central Senatorial Districts of the state.” He noted

Mutfwang explained that the substation will support the smooth commencement of the Special Agro-Processing Zone by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and attract private sector investments to Plateau State.

The Governor acknowledging the contributions of NDPHC to Nigeria’s electricity generation and transmission, and appealed for the priority of the project, adding that Plateau State has the potential for generating wind and solar energy, hinting recent legislative advancements in the state on power which includes the Electricity Market Law and Energy Corporation Law to enable the state generate and sell electricity to neighboring states.

The Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Jenifer Adighije noted that the Governor is the first state governor to visit her since her appointment and commended his commitment to transforming Plateau State’s industrial landscape and assured him of the NDPHC’s dedication to execute the project.

“You are the first governor to visit us, and we are compelled to match your zeal with our commitment. With our generation capacity far exceeding demand, partnering with you is a pivotal opportunity. Your passion for industrialization is inspiring, and we are eager to collaborate with you to realize this vision,” Adighije stated.

By Nasir Dambatta

Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities, attending both the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol and a Maulud celebration in Zaria within the same week.On December 21, the Governor graced The 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi Highcost, an event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter.

The Carol, an annual tradition, brought together Christians from across the state in a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. Governor Sani’s presence at the event highlighted his inclusive leadership and his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in a state known for its rich religious diversity.Shortly after, on December 22, Governor Sani attended a Maulud celebration in Zaria, organized by the Fityanul Islam group. Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, prayer, and communal unity. The gathering in Zaria was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious scholars who reflected on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and peace—values that resonate deeply with the Governor’s vision for Kaduna.Observers said the Governor’s presence at both events was a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state. “Through these actions, Governor Uba Sani is leading by example, demonstrating that religious celebrations and dialogue can serve as a foundation for a united, progressive society.”, one of the observers said.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.

No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church. The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligenceMeanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions. (NAN)