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Tag: Emeka Ezeh

  • EEDC commences upgrade of injection sub-stations in Enugu, Awka

    Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has commenced upgrade of its Agu-Awka Injection Sub-station from 7.5MVA to 15MVA capacity, having taken delivery of a brand new 15MVA power transformer.

    “This is coming in less than 24 hours after upgrade of Ebeano Tunnel Injection Sub-station in Enugu from 7.5MVA to 15MVA capacity was completed,’’ Head of Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement on Saturday in Enugu.

    Ezeh said that the upgrades were meant to match the rapid increase in electricity load demand by customers, as well as significantly improve the quality of power supply to the affected areas.

    He said that the upgrade of Agu-Awka Injection Sub-station was planned to last for three days, adding that it would commence on Saturday, April 6.

    According to him, as a result of this development, electricity customers served by the sub-station will be out of supply during the period of the upgrade.

    “The areas to be affected are Agu-Awka GRA, UniZik, parts of Nkwele Awka, Amenyi Awka, CBN area, Juhel Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Millennium Industry and Nodu Okpuno.

    “EEDC, therefore, appeals to its customers to make alternative power supply arrangements during the period of the upgrade and sincerely apologise for the inconveniences this will cause her esteemed customers in Awka.

    Read Also: Teenager raped to death in Enugu

    “It is all geared towards improving the quality of service we offer to our customers,’’ Ezeh said.

    The EEDC spokesman also added that these capital intensive upgrades embarked on by the company were in addition to the ongoing construction of a 1 x 7.5MVA Injection Substation at ABS, Awka.

    He noted that the 1 x 7.5MVA Injection Substation at ABS, Awka would improve electricity supply to Okpuno, Isuaniocha, Mgbakwu, Urum, Amanuke and the university communities.

    “These efforts underscore our organisation’s commitment to strategically addressing the power supply needs of our customers.

    “Customers are also encouraged to reciprocate this gesture by paying their electricity bills and desist from acts capable of undermining the efforts of the company in providing quality and reliable service to its esteemed customers,’’ he said.

    In 2018, EEDC delivered major network enhancement projects ranging from de-loading of feeders, deployment of relief transformers and replacement of failed transformers.

    In Enugu State, EEDC completed and commissioned the 1 x 7.5 MVA Nike Lake Injection Substation at Nike, and also constructed three feeders to improve supply to her customers in Nsukka, they are the UNN 33KV, Orba 33KV and Wilson 11KV feeders.

    This has significantly improved power supply to the area and resulted to the deloading of Eha Amufu 33KV line, with resultant improved supply in Ehamufu, Ikem and some communities in Ebonyi State.

    NAN

  • Vandalism: EEDC secures conviction, remand of offenders

    Vandalism: EEDC secures conviction, remand of offenders

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company ( EEDC ) has secured the conviction of one person and remand of two others in Enugu Maximum Prisons over vandalism within the past two weeks.

    Mr Emeka Ezeh, the EEDC’s Head of Communications, said in a statement in Enugu on Sunday that vandalism was on the increase in the zone.

    “At the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, one Abdulkarim Haruna, was sentenced to one year imprisonment by Justice Mohammed Lawal-Abubakar for vandalizing earthen copper cables property of EEDC.

    “Chinonso Nwankwo who was arrested for vandalising Solid Base Sub-station located in Udoye by Mba Nwangwu Street, Trans-Ekulu in Enugu was arraigned by the police at Chief Magistrate Court 8, presided over by Magistrate C. E Ugwu (Mrs).

    “He was subsequently remanded at Enugu Maximum Prisons.

    “Furthermore, Nnamdi Madu who vandalized Umuatugboma Sub-station, located at Akegbe in Nkanu West LGA was arraigned at Enugu Magistrate Court.

    “He was slammed with one count charge of vandalism under section 1 (9) of miscellaneous offences Act cap. M17 laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

    “The magistrate subsequently directed that the vandal be remanded at Enugu Maximum Prisons,’’ he said.

    According to him, youths engaged in the act of vandalism have refused to heed the call by EEDC to shun this act and engage in meaningfully ventures.

    Ezeh said that the company would intensify collaboration with critical stakeholders, vigilante groups and other security agencies in curtailing vandalism in the zone.

    “Customers are therefore encouraged to be on the alert and join hands with EEDC in protecting these installations serving them,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Police nab 12 for stealing EEDC’s property

    Police nab 12 for stealing EEDC’s property

    The Police have arrested 12 persons over alleged vandalism of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company’s ( EEDC ) cables and installations within the South-east.

    The EEDC’s Head of Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in a statement on Friday said the vandalism took place within the company’s areas of coverage in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States.

    Eze also said the police had successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of two persons, who vandalized its property.

    He said that the vandals were apprehended “red-handed’’ through the instrumentality of various vigilante groups and police in communities within the zone.

    “Onyedika Nwosu, Chizoba Ezedialu and Chinonso Ezenwaume were arrested by the Achina Community Vigilante in Anambra State for vandalising EEDC’s Sub-station, located at Oye Mraket in Achina, while Chidiebere Ezenwa and Obinna Ubah were arrested for receiving stolen properties of EEDC.

    “The duo of Stanley Nwaemeka and Abumchukwu Nwele were arrested by the Umuogharu Community vigilante group in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State for vandalising Okposi Umuogharu three Sub-stations and also carted away some armoured cables belonging to EEDC.

    “At Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, one Maduka Udechukwu of Umumillo village, was arrested for vandalising aluminium bare conductors belonging to EEDC in Umumillo village.

    “In a related development, one Damian Onu along with two members of his gang identified as Chinwendu Ebie and Kenechukwu Okoye were arrested for vandalising Ihie Ishiagu Community 500KVA Sub-station.

    “While Ikechukwu Nwankpa was arrested by vigilante group for vandalising Water Works 160KVA Sub-station, located at Tipper junction, Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area in Enugu State,’’ he said.

    The spokesman said the arrested vandals had been handed over to police for interrogation, investigation and possible prosecution.

    According to him, the current arrest is expected to reduce the increasing rate of vandalism in the areas.

    Meanwhile, Ezeh said that the company had secured two convictions against persons, who vandalized its property within the past two weeks at a Federal High Court and a Magistrates’ Court in the zone.

    “At the Federal High Court, Abakaliki; one Okechukwu Anoke, was sentenced to three years imprisonment by Justice Akintayo Aluko after he pleaded guilty for vandalising aluminium conductor cables of EEDC at Onicha Isu in Ebonyi State.

    “In the same vein, one Matthew Moses, was sentenced to one year imprisonment by Mrs U.M. Ozoeze, Chief Magistrate Grade II, at Court 9, Enugu-North Magisterial District, Enugu State for receiving stolen property belonging to EEDC,’’ he said.

    “We commend the efforts of the various vigilante groups, Army, police and civil defense for their unalloyed support in ensuring that these elements are apprehended and brought to book,’’ Ezeh said.

    NAN

  • Enugu electricity firm to reveal identities of energy thieves

    Enugu electricity firm to reveal identities of energy thieves

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) said on Saturday it would henceforth publish the list of individuals and companies caught stealing electricity.

    The Head, Communications of EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed this in a statement in Enugu, said the decision is aimed at addressing the increasing rate of electricity theft.

    Ezeh said the management of EEDC decided to expose any individual or group stealing electricity for the public to read and see.

    He said the publication would be after service of the statutory fine, loss of revenue and handing over the thieves to law enforcement agents for prosecution.

    He said: “To tackle this menace, we have set up a special taskforce to monitor and carry out routine check on our customers to fish out those engaging in this criminal act.

    “It is quite disappointing that customers who are neck-dip in this activity are the high energy users.

    “This is a big challenge to us as a business and we can’t afford to treat this with kid gloves any longer, else it will drown the entire business.

    “A situation where some individuals feel it is their right to use electricity without paying for it has to stop.

    “This singular act contributes largely to the issues faced by the electricity service industry in the country.

    “The customers were, therefore, encouraged to report any one engaging in this act to the nearest EEDC office or “call our Whistle Blowing line (084 700 110) to report such persons.

    “This act, where the perpetrators fraudulently use electricity supply without paying for it is highly prevalent in the South-East and has seen EEDC consistently loose average of 43 per cent of its revenue monthly.

    “This activity is negatively impacting its business and is quite discouraging.”

    NAN

     

  • Eckankar spiritual leader, 5,000 others attend World Conference in Nigeria

    The Spiritual Leader of Eckankar, Harold Klemp, is among the over 5,000 members from across the world expected at the 2017 regional seminar of the religious movement to be held in Nigeria.

    Mr Emeka Ezeh, the Assistant to the Spiritual Aide of Eckankar in charge of the Northern Sub-Region, stated this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

    Ezeh said that the two-day event, which opens in Abuja on Thursday, attested to the restoration of global confidence in the country’s improved security situation.

    He said, “We are expecting people from America, Canada, England, New Zealand, Sweden and African countries including Ghana, South Africa, among others.

    “The President of Eckankar Worldwide, who is an American, will be here and this attest to the fact that Nigeria is safe for any kind of conference.

    “You know Americans normally would give travel alert to their citizens, but the American government has allowed the president of Eckankar to come to Nigeria.

    “It makes a lot of statement about the confidence of the world in the state of Nigerian nation right now.’’

    Ezeh said that the theme of the seminar, “How to Survive Spiritually in Our Times’’, was apt given the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.

    He said the event would help to raise the spiritual consciousness of the people which he said was critical to showing them a way out of the prevailing economic situation.

    “In any society where the economy is down people quest for God naturally goes higher because people have to look up to something for tomorrow.

    “There is no better place and time than this, and it gives us a golden opportunity to find God.

    “It will give people a different perspective on how to look at their lives, and suddenly they will discover that God has not condemned them to eternal death.

    Ezeh said the religion which became externalised in 1965, was being practiced in 140 countries of the world.

    The Eckankar cleric said the religion which was not dogmatic in nature, dwelt on teachings of reincarnation and karma.

     

  • Litigations stall due process, says BPP chief

    Litigations stall due process, says BPP chief

    The Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),  Emeka Ezeh, lamented yesterday that long delays in tidying up court processes is hindering the agency from discharging its statutory functions.

    He also said the agency has saved N500 billion for the government since it was created.

    Speaking while receiving the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), who led a delegation of its national officers on courtesy call to BPP’s office in Abuja, he lamented that since it started operation,  it  has only been able to get two court judgements, which were all in its favour.

    According to him, some lawyers still lack good grasp  of the Procurement Act.

    He also told his guests that any contractor who fails to register and is not captured in its database will not be allowed to do business with the government with effect from next year.

    He said: “Long delays in court processes are not helping in deepening procurement processes. The two court judgements we have got so far have been in our favour.”

    “We have been frustrated by the judiciary at times. Many lawyers are not aware of the BPP Act. That is why we distributed 10, 000 copies of the Act to lawyers and judges at one of the NBA conferences.

    “We need sector-specific lawyers because of the low-level awareness of the BPP Act among lawyers. We observe that some senior lawyers get beaten by younger, smarter lawyers who have deeply studied the Act.”

    Ezeh said since 2007 to date, BPP has been able to save N500 billion for the government as the difference between what was applied for by the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and what was approved.

  • Due Process hampered by judgments’ delays – BPP

    The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),  Emeka Ezeh, on Monday raised alarm that long delay of court processes is working against the agency in carrying out its statutory functions.

    He made the remark while receiving the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh, who led a delegation of its national officers on courtesy call to the bureau.

    To date, he said the Bureau has got only two court judgments, which were in its favour.

    According to him, some lawyers still lack good knowledge of the Procurement Act.

    He also informed the gathering that any contractor who fails to register and is not captured in its database will not be allowed to do business with the government from 2015.

    He said: “Long delays in court processes are not helping in deepening procurement processes. The two court judgments we have gotten so far have been in our favour.”

    “We have been frustrated by the judiciary at times. Many lawyers are not aware of the BPP Act. That is why we distributed 10, 000 copies of the Act to lawyers and judges at one of the NBA conferences.”

    “We need sector-specific lawyers because of low-level awareness of the BPP Act among lawyers. We observe that some senior lawyers get beaten by younger, smarter lawyers who have deeply studied the Act. “

    Ezeh said that since 2007 to date, BPP has been able to save N500 billion for the government as the difference between what was applied for by the Ministries, Department and Agencies and what was approved.

     

  • 2014 budget: Fed Govt swears in procurement officers

    2014 budget: Fed Govt swears in procurement officers

    The Bureau of Public procurement (BPP) administered yesterday the oath of allegiance on procurement officers ahead of the implementation of this year’s budget.

    The ceremony was held at the new State House auditorium in Abuja.

    BPP’s Director-General, Emeka Ezeh, who also took the oath, said the bureau discovered some wrongdoings among procurement officers.

    This, he said had given the government a bad image.

    Eze said the oath was aimed at correcting the wrongdoings and to ensure prudent spending of the 2014 budget.

    According to him, the implementation of the budget will be challenging because of the fall in revenue.

    He said: “It is in the interest of this country that the budget is implemented. And the action or inaction will go a long way in ensuring the smooth implementation of the budget. In as much as we want the budget implemented 100 per cent – and the laws should be obeyed – that is why we have invited procurement officers, who are key to the budget implementation.

    “We have made history today by administering oath of allegiance on procurement officers. This is the number one step to prick their conscience. Of course, you know procurement officers are constantly under monitoring by security agencies to be sure that people who really live above their income are interrogated.

     

  • Economic Management Team Meeting

    Economic Management Team Meeting

  • 10 year jail for violators of procurement process, says BPP 

    10 year jail for violators of procurement process, says BPP 

    The Bureau of Public Procurement ( BPP) has warned that anyone caught circumventing the public procurement process would go to jail for 10 years, the Director General . Emeka Ezeh, has said.

    Ezeh, who spoke when he received the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, in Abuja, yesterday, stressed that nobody would be above the sanction Being a Director-General, or a Chairman does not give any Nigerian the right to circumvent the law, he said, adding that the government wants a situation where if anyone losses in a bidding process, he would be convinced that he lost fairly.

    The BPP he added, is thus canvassing for a change of attitude and character from governments officials and the private sector to make procurement better. “The law says agencies of government should advertise when they have vacancies and then competent people can apply. The law also says before pre-qualifying, you must let the people know the requirements. It is setting the marking scheme before you pre-qualify,” he said.

    He said the agency is aware that some agencies are going against this in their bid to favour some people more than others, warning that “if they are caught, they would be dealt with according to the provisions of the  law,” saying, for the procurement process to be better, officials of government and the private sector should have a change of altitude and character and do what they have been contracted to do.

    According to him, ”it is not the institution that is corrupt, it is the human beings. When you change the character or attitude of people, one will start working better. People do not live by laid down tenets and that is why we have problems.”

    Ezeh added that the job of the BPP “as an agency will be a lot easier if people are able to carry out duties for which they are engaged. We have to learn to manage resources on behalf of the people.”

    Ezeh announced that the BPP would be working with NOA to sensitise Nigerians on what’re procurement process is all about and what is required of them.

    Speaking earlier, Omeri said “many of us know the right thing, but we forget to deploy  it. and that’s why we are enlightening people’s the grassroots on the principles of public  procurement as a lack of it will put pressure on the system. We are taking public procurement to the communities to enlighten the people so that our nation can be better”.