The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin

  • Benin Disco and Ahunwan Relief II transformer

    SIR: We have been without power since March 4, when the transformer feeding us failed at about 10:43pm. All efforts to make Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) get us a higher capacity transformer (500KVA) has failed. Our mini substation is Ahunwan Relief II Transformer situated along Ighomo-Aihie Street by Eregie Street Junction, off Uwasota Road, Ugbowo Benin City, Edo State.

    After the meeting held between some selected members of the community and Fidelis Obishai, Engr. Agboola both of BEDC on Thursday May 18, at their premises at Akpakpava Road, BEDC has still not thought it fit to replace the failed transformer. Given the fact that there is a failed transformer which would have necessitated temporary closure of all analogue bills, BEDC has continued to manufacture estimated bills to the affected customers.

    Take the case of Mrs. V.M. Agbro of No. 16 Edobor Okundaye Lane with Old A/C No. 443838133401, EBMS Acct. No. 0000131817. Her outstanding for March which is for February bill period was N40,242.14 but the list brought before the community in May for outstanding debtors shows she is owing N45,666.52 . This is same for most customers using analogue meters feeding from that failed transformer.  The transformer in question failed on the March 4, and according to BEDC they take their monthly readings between 27th and 29th of every month.  It is clear from this list that consumers are still debited despite the absence of a transformer in the area. So in less than seven days, she consumed over N5, 000. This is absurd for a non-commercial account.

    It is also unfortunate that the Customer Complaints Section does not liaise with the management for faults reported and resolutions taken. A resident of the community, James Ojo, called the Customer Complain Centre on March 6, to lay a complaint on the failed transformer. He was given a ticket No. of 130594. He called back later towards the end of April only to be told that it has been resolved since April 10. This is not true.

    It is obvious BEDC does not have provisions for upgrade of transformers; rather they wait for the transformer to fail before putting the debt burden on the community. This is the case we are currently faced with at Ahunwan Relief II.

    It is surprising that an organization such as BEDC does not to know the coverage area of a particular transformer. This is because the sum of N11 million allegedly owed under Ahunwan Relief II are anomalies. We had to sort out the houses and streets feeding from Ahunwan Relief II with BEDC marketers who should had been the ones to do so from the list they brought. This is unprofessional.

    There is a particular building along Ighomo Aihie Street that has been dilapidated for over 10 years. Is it not expedient that the marketer place that account on temporary closure pending further actions? Rather, BEDC kept billing the house knowing that the landlord was dead. Now someone just renovated that building only to discover that the bills kept coming in. We also noticed that some of the so-called debtors from the list provided by BEDC had migrated to PPM without any payment plan on their accrued debts. Yet they kept the analogue bill running unknown to the customer. Take the case of R.O. Slater of No. 6 Charity Ola Street with Old Account Number 443838122701 EBMS Account Number 0000131794 who migrated from Analogue to PPM for almost two years yet his analogue bill kept counting without his knowledge.  Now who should be blamed for this mistake?

     

    • Sir S.E. Ugiagbe,

    Ugbowo, Benin City.

  • Reekado Banks, Runtown, Olamide rock Benin on Glo Tour

    Reekado Banks, Runtown, Olamide rock Benin on Glo Tour

    Last Saturday, it was the turn of residents of Benin, the Edo State capital, to be thrilled as A-list artistes performed at the ongoing Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour which held at the Best Western Hotels, Etete, Benin.

    With DJ Lambo playing music to set the tone, the fun heightened with the introduction of the delectable duo of Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the Kogi-born actress and Ebube Nwagbo. They were complemented by two Nollywood legends, Patience Ozokwor, also known as Mama G and Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), who made special appearances at the show.

    The stage was subsequently thrown open to budding local artistes with Rasman Sugarrman, 2Soul, Miyake, Waziri Jnr., 3.6, and Viscular making the line-up.

    The first headline act was Marvin Records member, Reekado Banks, who released in quick succession his most popular tunes including Ada, Gbedu and Noni. Music diva Omawumi took over from him and yielded the stage to ladies’ sweetheart, Kiss Daniel who performed Mama, New King, Gobe and Woju. The fun was turned up several notches by dancehall king, Runtown, who sent the hall into a wild reverie with his monster hit, Mad Over You.

    Highlife maestro, Flavour, took over and did not only sustain the tempo, but also raised it even higher with his energetic performance. The excitement in the hall continued when the popular Igbo rap artiste, Phyno took over. Phyno was midway into his hit track, Fada Fada when his music twin brother, Olamide, spotting a grey hairstyle, arrived the stage to a tumultuous reception.

    The next stop for the train of the concert is Old Parade Ground, Abuja this Saturday. Interested Glo subscribers wishing to attend the Abuja show are expected to recharge their lines with up to N2,000 credit and sms ‘MUSIC ABUJA’ to the short code 207.

  • Local governments lack capacity to manage huge funding – Gov

    Local governments lack capacity to manage huge funding – Gov

    Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, said that it would be unwise to consider releasing more resources directly to local governments in Nigeria.

    Dankwambo stated that local governments in Nigeria have weak managerial and administrative capacity to effectively implement programmes and projects for the welfare and wellbeing of the people.

    He spoke while delivering a lecture titled: “The States in the Nigeria Federation” at the 18th Founders Day lecture of the Igbinedion University, Okada in Ovia North East local government.

    The Gombe governor noted that better educated people never think of working in the local government system but opt to search for jobs in the urban areas.

    Dankwambo stated that the best strategies was increase allocation to states along with new framework on how they will utilize the resources at the local level and improve accountability.

    He said the capacity of the local government should be gradually strengthened by providing attractive remunerations and better conditions of service to attract better and well qualified manpower.

    His words, “There is the need to increase the allocation to states to strengthen their capacity to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.

    “Local governments do not have the capacity as the states but that could be addressed gradually and in synergy with the State government.

    “However, the states should be more accountable. If there is prudent management of resources, states could really transform lives in their areas of jurisdiction”. 

    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State noted that the gains of the private institutions in the country cannot be overemphasized as it has made education available to all.

  • Enugu farmers lament scarcity, high cost of cassava

    Farmers in Enugu State on Wednesday lamented the acute scarcity and high cost of cassava stems for this year’s cultivation.

    The farmers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the scarcity had become a source of concern to cassava farmers in the state.

    A big-time cassava farmer, Mr Onyekwere Ikem, said that getting cassava stems for cultivation had never been a problem before now.

    Ikem said that before now, all one had to do was ask a friend or neighbour for some stems to cultivate.

    “The stems are hardly sold in the market because people are always ready to provide it for whoever cares to have it.

    “However, because of its scarcity, people have started to hoard it and will rather prefer to sell it in the market than give it out due to its high price,’’ Ikem said.

    Mr Obiora Ugwu, another cassava farmer, said he had gone from house to house, and from farmer to farmer in his quest to get cassava stems to plant.

    “This is unbelievable, I have been searching for cassava stems from one farmer to another and from house to house so that I can have enough to cultivate, but to no avail.

    “I was able to get a few bundles which will not be enough for me because my plan is to have much cassava next year,’’ the farmer said.

    Ugwu said it was hard to explain why the stems had become so scarce.

    A seller of cassava flakes, otherwise called “Garri’’ in local parlance, Miss Ebere Ekwo, said that if the scarcity of cassava stems persisted it would increase the price of commodity next year.

    Garri is a popular West African food made from cassava tubers. The spelling ‘garri’ is mainly used in Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo and ‘gari’ in Ghana. In some sub-Saharan regions of Africa, it is referred to as ‘gali’.

    Ekwo said that farmers who were desperate to get the stems now bought from markets at high price so as to have some to cultivate.

    Another farmer, Madam Ego Ibezim, said that a bundle of cassava stems which formerly sold between N300 and N400 now went for between N1000 to N1, 500 at the rural markets in Enugu.

    Mr Azubike Okoye, a cassava farmer, expressed fear that the situation might result in poor or low yields and late harvest in the year.

    Okoye called on the State Ministry of Agriculture to come to the aid of farmers by providing them cassava stems at subsidised rates.

     

  • AFAN calls for provision of tractors, other implements

    The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo chapter, has called on the state government to provide tractors, bulldozers, graders and other farm implements for farmers in the state to hire.

    The state Chairman of AFAN, Chief Emmanuel Odigie, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Sunday.

    Odigie said the association was willing to pay an agreed amount to the state government on a monthly basis for the use of the equipment if provided.

    He said “the idea is to enable our members to hire them at affordable rates to prepare farmlands and construct roads leading to the farms.

    ”Our investigation revealed that farm produce waste away in the farms due to inaccessible and deplorable state of our farm roads.

    “If the roads were graded, farmers would evacuate their produce and avoid the waste,” he said.

    The chairman further said that the lack of the equipment and irrigation, as well as poor state of roads posed very serious challenge to farmers in the state.

    Odigie explained that the use of the equipment would promote large scale farming and make farming easier in the state.

    He however commended the efforts the state and Federal Governments toward improving agriculture through various programmes.

     

  • Hotel staff arrested over death of two teenagers in swimming pool

    Hotel staff arrested over death of two teenagers in swimming pool

    Some staffers of the Play House hotel located along Okhoro road in Egor local government area have been arrested over the death of two teenagers in the hotel swimming pool.

    The two teenagers, Emmanuel Obuzu aged 16 and Ikpomwosa Isibor aged 17, paid to use the swimming last Saturday.

    It was gathered that the teenagers were brought out of the pool dead after somebody raised an alarm.

    When our reporter visited the hotel on Wednesday, the swimming pool area was sealed off while businesses continued.

    A staff of the hotel who claimed to the manager but refused to give his name said the police was already handling the matter.

    When asked what safety measures was out in place to prevent such incident since somebody also died in the pool two years ago, the man said, “It is left to the police. They are investigation the matter. You can meet the police to tell you more.”

    A source at Okhoro Police Station where the matter was first reported said the staffers on duty were arrested for interrogation on what led the death.

    It was gathered that the matter has been transferred to the homicide department at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command.

  • Tragic: Man beheads mother after raping own daughter

    Tragic: Man beheads mother after raping own daughter

    Residents of Uzebba community, Owan East local government were thrown into mourning on Friday afternoon after a 36-year old man identified as Segun Odihiri beheaded his 83 years old mother after allegedly raping his own daughter.

    Head of the victim identified as Maria Odihiri was severed with a cutlass.

    Witnesses told The Nation that the lifeless body of the deceased was still in the pool of blood when residents trooped to the area to have a glimpse of the incident.

    An eyewitness, Mr Ekemeiren Ojekhugbo, said Segun killed his mother for raising an alarm that he (Segun) was raping his own daughter.Murd

    Ojekhugbo said that Segun was apprehended while trying to dispose of the body of her late mother.

    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#ddb373″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]He threatened to kill his mother each time they had misunderstanding.

    Trouble started when Segun was caught sleeping with his daughter. His late mother caught him in the act and started screaming.[/quote]

    “For him to cover his shame, he took up a cutlass and cut off his mother’s head while the daughter ran for safety.Murderer

    “Segun was apprehended by some youths after he injured two of them before he was eventually apprehended by the vigilante members.

    The culprit has been taken to the Owan West Divisional Police Command Sabongidda Ora for interrogation and investigation.

  • Alleged police brutality: AIG vows to sanction erring officer

    Alleged police brutality: AIG vows to sanction erring officer

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 5, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu  Mohammed has promised to give appropriate sanction to any police officer found wanting in the alleged beating of two sisters at the Oleh police station in Delta State.

    Alhaji Abubakar said an ongoing investigation was yet to be completed in the petition written by the two sisters, Erowo and Joy Ekere.

    The AIG spoke in a press statement issued and signed by its Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Emeka Iheanacho and made available to newsmen in Benin City.

    Abubakar explained that investigation into the alleged beaten and harassment was still on-going when the two sisters went to the press to issue seven days ultimatum.

    He said Miss Erowo in her petition alleged that she was arrested on February 28, 2017, by the investigating police officer at Oleh police station following a complaint made against her by one Egbaoghene Oke whom she accused of stealing her 14 birds valued at N42,000.00.

    The AIG said the suspect was not happy about the accusation and went to Oleh police station and lodged a complaint against the petitioner (Miss Erowo), which warranted her arrest.

    He noted that as the investigation was ongoing, both parties opted for amicable settlement which later collapsed as both the petitioner and the suspect could not reach a compromise.

    He stated there was a serious argument between the petitioner’s elder sister and police women on duty at the charge room and the women police on duty at the charge room was assaulted.

    “It was the assault that angered one of her colleagues who incident a case of assault against the petitioner’s sister which led to her arrest and detention.

    “I wish to state that investigation into the matter is almost concluded. An appropriate sanction would be meted or applied as soon as the investigation police officer forwards his findings to the Assistant Inspector General of Police.The AIG is a very distinguished and seasoned administrator who has

    “The AIG is a very distinguished and seasoned administrator who has a track record of impeccable reputation in terms of discipline who at all time uphold the tenets of equity, fairness and justice and would not hesitate to apply same in this matter irrespective of whose horse is gored.

    “Let me reassure that the AIG will soon come up with his findings and subsequently appropriate sanction to whoever that is found wanting, please,” he said.

  • Flavour, Psquare, Omawumi to thrill Benin City fans at Glo Music show

    Telecoms giant, Globacom said arrangements have been concluded for top A-list music and comedy artists to thrill fans at its Benin City music and comedy show.
    It said Benin City was picked to host the first show because of it large subscriber base.
    Speaking at an informal media luncheon hosted by Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, Mid-West Territory, Mr. Augustus-ndi Offor, said the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour and the Glo Laffta Fest was to reward its customers in the State.
    Mr. Offor explained that the two shows would also go round other 26 major cities across the country
    Among the first-rated artistes to perform in Benin City included Olamide, Flavour, Runtown, Omawumi, Yemi Alade, PSquare, Phyno, Timaya, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di’Ja and Kiss Daniel.
    Expected comedians are Gordons, Basketmouth, Bovi, Salvador from Uganda, I Go Dye, Dan D Humorous, Bash, Seyi Law, Omobaba, Acapella, Senator, Helen Paul, Osama, Princewill, Mr. Patrick, Frank D Don, MC Tagwaye, Kenny Blaq, Funky Mallam, Arinze Baba, 2CanTalk, Maleke, Still Ringing and AB Simple.
    He further disclosed that the  Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour would commence in Benin on April 7 at the Best Western Hotel, Etete, GRA, Benin City and Glo Laffta Fest comedy shows will commence on April 9 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and then move to 26 other cities.
    According to him, “we are running the spectacular shows as a way of saying thank you to our teeming subscribers across the country for their loyalty, support and abiding faith in the Glo brand over the years.”
    “The shows are specially designed to celebrate and reward our teeming subscribers and to demonstrate to them that we will spare no efforts at delighting them at all times as they are the reason why we are in business. The icing on the cake is that all these arrays of mega-stars will be entertaining our esteemed subscribers in all the locations free of charge”, the telecommunications giant added.
    “Subscribers who desire to be invited for the Glo Mega Music Tour are required to use N3,000 one month preceding each show and text “Music” and their preferred location to 207. A subscriber who wishes to attend the Ibadan event for example, should text  “Music Ibadan” to 207.  Subscribers wishing to attend the Glo Laffta Fest shows are also encouraged to use N3,000 before the show and send “LOL” to a short code, 240.
    “Benin city will be hosting the first show because of the importance of the city to Globacom business, while the first Glo Laffta Fest will hold  at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, April 9.”

  • Benin Catholic Diocese lifts prison

    The Edo Command of the Nigerian Prisons  Service on Wednesday confirmed the receipt of  a generator and training items from the Catholic Archbishop of  Benin  Diocese,  Augustine Akubueze..

    The  command’s  Public Relations Officer, Mr Aminu Suleman, told  the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin that  Akubueze  made the donation on behalf of the diocese.

    He  said the donation  followed the request of the state Controller of Prison , Mr Amadin Osayande, requesting  for partnership with the diocese.

    Suleman  listed the items  donated to include  a  generating set, a set of HP desktop computer and IT camera  and a  Desktop Colour Printer.

    Others were   vehicle tyres, four industrial standing fans, a butterfly sewing machine  an office file cabinet and cash.

    ” The donation is in response to a request made to the Catholic Archbishop for his support in improving and enhancing the operational duties of the command.

    ” Part of the partnership request includes the training of inmates as well as  reformation and rehabilitation,” he said.

    The items, he added,  would enhance  effective service delivery in   the command.

    “These  items will also reduce the hardship faced due to poor power supply as well as facilitate the training of the inmates in skills acquisition,  especially in the area of tailoring,’’ he said.

    He called on the state government, NGOs and wealthy individuals to emulate the  gesture of the archbishop.

    `The Nigerian Prisons Service cannot achieve these alone without external support of well meaning Nigerians.

    ” We seek support for  the prisons service in its onerous task of humane and safe custody, inmates reformation as well as  rehabilitation and reintegration into the society,’’ he  said.