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Tag: poor

  • Charity walk for the poor held

    The maiden Charity Walk for the poor by the Lagos chapter of Couples for Christ (CFC) held last Saturday.

    Head of the chapter, Mr. Bob Onwuliri, said at Idimu, a surburb of Lagos, said the walk began from the premises of the SS Mulumba and David Church at Lawanson to the National Stadium, Surulere.

    He explained that the walk was organised by “Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP)”, which was established by the Couples for Christ International Catholic Society, to serve the poor regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

    Onwuliri said the walk was aimed at creating awareness in education and health care for the poor.

    He said the walk was supported by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, the Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins.

    He said: “Our goal is to raise enough fund to put about 30 children in schools at various levels in the next academic year.

    On the grades of sponsorship,  Onwuliri said a platinum would attract N1.5million; gold   N1million; silver N500,000; while sponsorship for bronze was N200,000.

    For sponsorship,  Onwuliri said the benefits would be discussed, while individual sponsors would be listed in the Banner of Honour to be hoisted at the VIP/Hospitality booth.

    He said payments should be made to “Couples for Christ, Lagos”, while direct payment should be sent to “Couples for Christ – Lagos, Account No. 6060108925 in Fidelity Bank.

    Onwuliri appealed to sponsors to be magnanimous in their giving to provide education and health care to the poorest of the poor.

    On the cost, he said, primary school level would attract N100,000 per year; Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1-3, N160,000; Senior Secondary School (SSS) or Vocation N200,000; while tertiary  would cost N300,000.

    Onwuliri assured that the students would be encouraged to write ‘’you regularly and if you wish to keep your identity, we will undertake the exchange of letters without compromising photo as well as updates on his or her activities’’.

    The Couples for Christ International Catholic Society (CFC), which was founded in 1981 and  established at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Isolo, Lagos 16 years ago.

     

  • Charity walk for the poor

    The maiden Charity Walk for the poor, by the Lagos chapter of Couples for Christ (CFC) will take place on Saturday, April 1.

    Head of the chapter, Mr. Bob Onwuliri who revealed this at Idimu, a surburb of Lagos, said the walk will begin from the premises of the SS Mulumba and David Church at Lawanson to the National Stadium, Surulere.

    He further explained that the walk was organised by “Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP)”, which was established by the Couples for Christ International Catholic Society, to serve the poor regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

    Mr. Onwuliri further said that the walk for the poor was aimed at creating awareness in education and health care for the poor.

    He further revealed that the walk had the support of the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, the Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins.

    He further said: “Our goal is to raise enough fund to put about 30 children in schools at various levels in the next academic year.

    On the various grades of sponsorship, Mr. Onwuliri said platinum attracts N1,500,000; gold category attracts N1,000,000; silver N500,000; while sponsorship for bronze attracts N200,000.

    For product sponsorship, Mr. Onwuliri said benefits will be discussed and agreed in each case, while individual sponsors will be listed in the “Banner of Honour” to be hoisted at the VIP/Hospitality booth”.

    He explained that all cheque payments should be made payable to “Couples for Christ, Lagos”, while Direct payment should be made to “Couples for Christ – Lagos, Account Number 6060108925, Fidelity Bank.

    On child programme sponsorship, Mr. Onwuliri appealed to potential sponsors to be magnanimous in their sponsorship which is designed to provide education and health care to the poorest of the poor.

    Harping on the proposed cost, he said primary school level will attract N100,000 per annum; Junior Secondary School 1- 3, N160,000; Senior Secondary School or Vocation N200,000 per year; while the or tertiary level will cost N300,000 per year.

    Mr. Onwuliri assured that the students would be encouraged to write ‘you regularly and if you wish to keep your identity, we will undertake the exchange of letters without compromising photo as well as updates on his or her activities’.

    The Couples for Christ International Catholic Society (CFC) which was founded in 1981 and was established in Nigeria at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Isolo Lagos 16 years ago.

     

    • Louis Chuke is chapter head of CFC, Holy Family Catholic Church, 22 Road, FESTAC Town Lagos.

  • ‘I’ll give priority to welfare of the poor’

    I feel uncomfortable with the unpleasant look on many faces. An  unhappy, hungry  or unemployed man  or woman can be  vulnerable to devil’s devices which we  should guard against  as leaders .So, I would love to start  my ministry  from that point.’’

    That was the solemn declaration of the new leader of the Melototah Church of Zion, Baba Aladura Olusegun Oladokun after his installation in Lagos.

    He described his call to lead as his “greatest surprise” as there are people that are more qualified than him in the fold. His first reaction, therefore, was to reject the offer. He accepted the offer after much persuasion from the congregation.

    The event was colourful as dignitaries from all walks of life and different ethnic backgrounds were present. The weather was clement and a feeling of friendliness filled the air.

    The event began with soul–lifting songs from the church choir led by Superior Senior Apostle Adebowale Daisi Nejo. Opening prayer by the Most Rev Apostle S. O. Ayodele set the pace for the programme. Congregational prayers and announcements followed in quick succession.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Engr Maliki Wopa Kamila, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Engineering   in Nigeria (COREN), spoke glowingly about the leadership qualities of the new Baba Aladura, who is the Director of Finance of the council. He said he was happy to see his seriousness at work replicated in his commitment to God’s vineyard.

    He pledged to encourage him further by allowing him more time for his spiritual assignment. He also promised, on behalf of the council, to donate items such as 24 channels mixer, equalizer, comb engine and ready–made speakers.

    Several encomiums were showered on him for what he did to lift them in their difficult periods. Specifically, his generosity and philanthropy to the church and the late Baba Aladura A.B.G. Durojaiye were mentioned.

    He was later installed, an exercise performed by the Most Rev Apostle S.O. Ayodele.

    In his inauguration speech, Baba Aladura Oladokun thanked the congregation and the guests for their support. He said he accepted the fact that his call was an act of God.

    He said: “It has shown clearly that God has the final say in the affairs of man. He is supreme and He is the final arbiter. I was just like Jona running from spiritual assignment and in my so-called wisdom, God arrested me. I have therefore surrendered everything to Him.

    “My special thanks go to my wife for her immense support. I promise to be diligent and seek the guidance of God in running the affairs of the church’’

    He had his primary education at the Methodist Primary School, Idepe-Okitipupa, Catholic Primary School, Idepe –Okitippupa, Local Authority Primary School, Igbekebo and Local Authority Primary School, Okitipupa.

    He attended Methodist High School, Okitipupa and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.

    Among dignitaries  at the  occasion were Mrs  Honeybell   Ogunye ,Mrs  D.F. Awala ,Mrs  Elizabeth  Ikuomola , Baale Israel Kayode Okuinlola, the Akeresebierin 11of Ibafon Town, Bishop Elliot  Akinjinrin, Dr  Funso Esan, Pa  A.B. Awala, Mr  T.O. Akintimehin , Mr Jide  Ogundele ,Mr Babatunde  Oladokun , Mr Segun Alogba, Mr S. O. Abudu ,Most Rev  Pastor  A. A. O. Kunlere, His Eminence, Prophet Aseph  Oyetakin (JP) and leader M,I.D. Etajuwa.

     

  • Group decries poor treatment of workers

    Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, (HuCaPAN) has criticised the  way some employers treat their workers, describing it a violation of labour laws.

    Speaking at the yearly general meeting of the group in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Clement Illoh, said protection of the human rights and absence of social protection at work were other impediments to decent work.

    He noted that these have led to the inability of some employers to retain their workers and pay minimum wage.

    He advised private employment agencies to comply with labour laws by enforcing safety in workplaces, ensuring employee compensation and payment of minimum wages.

    While pointing out the role of the group in promoting decent work agenda, he said: “To what extent are you training your people? There are workers without boundaries as a result of globalisation. How are you moving with respect to the new forms of work? To what extent are you contributing to sanctions, monitoring ad rewards for employment?”

    The permanent secretary praised the association for being effective, despite the economic challenges in the country.

  • NGO raises hope for the poor

    NGO raises hope for the poor

    The Respite Educational Support, a non-governmental organisation, is raising fund to get out-of-school kids educated.

    The group has also provided free school uniforms to schools in the Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State. The beneficiaries are Diamonds Mine Primary School and Ijaye Highland College.

    The organisation’s Programme Director, Shobitan Pat, many children were out of school due to lack of support from parents and guardians.

    “The situation is like a vicious circle; as such, parents were also sent out of school during their school days, thus making them unable to achieve their educational goals and ended up living in poverty and lack,” she said.

    She observed that children from such indigent backgrounds were often brilliant and intelligent.

    “With their great potential, all they require is the financial support to enable them get a good education, so they can make a positive impact on our nation and the world at large,” she added.

    She also disclosed that the group would provide health education to the young people, empower the girl child, reduce early marriage among female and help reduce the “no-fees-go- home syndrome”.

    The Principal of the Highland College, Opebiyi Gabriel, thanked the NGO for the donation. Gabriel said: “They never thought of what you have done today; you have given them another hope to boost their morale; I will enjoin the organisation to extend it to school fees because we have a lot of financial challenges in schools presently. In fact, some of the students are owing about two terms.

    “It is a very big challenge because some of them owe, if the organisation can come to their aids to an extent, it would be gladly appreciated, the organisation is doing a very tremendous work.”

    The Proprietress, Diamonds Mine, Aderibigbe Romoke, said the economic situation in the country has made things more difficult for parents.

    “It is not easy for everybody; parents are no longer able to perform their roles in the family,” Aderibigbe said.

  • ‘Poor corporate governance to blame for airlines failure’

    ‘Poor corporate governance to blame for airlines failure’

    Sam Adurogboye is the General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the apex regulatory body overseeing airlines in the country. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf he gives a bird’s eye view of the challenges besetting airlines and proffers the way forward. Excerpts:

    What is the true state of the airlines in Nigeria?

    Going by the records in the defunct Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA), what we inherited was over 150 airlines. But by the time we went for audit in 2006, many had gone under. When we were clearing our register we discovered that all these 150 airlines said to be operating at one time or the other were no more there. Nobody blamed the FCAA for that. The question now is, for those airlines that went under the US did anybody blamed it on the FAA? No. Every business has free entry and free exit. As we speak, there are just about nine airlines that are functional and among the domestic operators, there are those that pick up bills that have never owed us. There are new airlines that are making profit despite the tcredit crunch in the economy. The fact is, if you do this business the way it should be run, you can break even. But if you do it by ‘Myself, Family and Nigeria Limited,’ without recourse to good corporate governance it’s a recipe for failure. For instance, there is a case of  an MD of an airline coming in and asking his staff how much did you make today and he goes away with the money even the one that ought to have been ploughed back for the business to pay insurance, for maintenance and all that is not being taken care of. There is no way such an airline can succeed. That has been the experience thus far.

    What is the role of the NCAA in all of this?

    Unfortunately, some stakeholders both within and outside the airline industry have been blaming the NCAA for the misfortune of some of these airlines. NCAA is a regulating agency for the industry and by law both within our domesticated statutes and universal law, it’s forbidden for a Civil Aviation Authority to run an airline or get involve in any commercial venture.  The only reason the NCAA exists is to ensure the safety of the aircraft and make sure it’s airworthy at all times. We oversight the operators, that is those who work on the aircraft including the pilots, the engineers and every other person that works with the aircraft. We use our certificates to regulate the industry. Now, the aircraft operates in an environment which is the airport, so we oversight the airport too. The aircraft flies through a space, which is a flight path, the airspace and that is being managed in Nigeria by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Then of course, people work in an aircraft and we try to find out where they are trained from. To do that we oversight the institution that trains the personnel as well. So the totality of everything we do revolves around the aircraft just for it to continue to be safe for air travellers. That’s the only reason why we exist.

    What are the requirements for setting up an airline?

    Now, if somebody is going to set up an airline, there are requirements. If you go to our website, it’s all laid out there in black and white. There are categories of aircrafts you can buy whether as a corporate body or as an individual or for third party use. There is a requirement if you want to buy commercial airline different from the one you want to use for yourself and so on and so forth. Now aside that requirements, there is an aspect security will come in, which we equally need and it will get to us confidentially about the source of the money, your antecedent, in order to give us your profile. The idea is to make sure the money was not stolen and things like that.

    Then we also ensure your capabilities in the area of safe operations. We have to see the aircrafts, your rented office, you must also have insured the aircraft, and you must have employed staff.  Of course, you must have done your own feasibility study and the business model you want to adopt.

    What will you say of the multiple charges and levies being paid by the operators?

    In aviation business whether in Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, Singapore, there are universal charges. So there is no question of multiple charges at all. It’s all part of statutory requirements. You can’t operate in an airport and you won’t pay for landing. Each time you bounce the aircraft on the runway, it is required to be maintained. You can’t operate an aircraft and refuse to have an office. You want to operate from one point and the other and you don’t want to pay navigational charges? Every plane that is flying follows a path. You don’t go to London and you find your way to Owerri. Why are you not on the way to Owerri? It’s because there is aid, the airspace is charted, and everybody follows a path. Navigational instruments are installed on routes to guide you. Somebody is in touch with you from the Tower, who hands you over to the next airspace manager if you move outside of their airspace and the other sides picks it up to guide you. Personnel and equipment being used cost money and this has to be catered for. It’s the same charges being paid here that is paid elsewhere. So it’s not any different. Insurance is dollarized. The cost of fuel is high. All these are not within the control of the NCAA. So you can’t blame this on the NCAA. We don’t joke with maintenance, aircraft must be 100% fit at all times. The maintenance is fixed.  If you move the aircraft from one point, you must carry out an A check and when you fly for some hours you go for a B check and another fix hours you go for C check, which is a little bit comprehensive and most C checks are not done in Nigeria, they’re done abroad and you don’t do it anywhere you like you have to do it at where we approve. Meaning that wherever you’re going to service your aircraft, we must be involved as long as you’re in our register. And when you’re even doing the servicing, we have to send our personnel there to monitor the process to ensure that things are done in line with the standard procedure. That’s how painstaking we’re.

    Can you clarify the issue of airline operators paying 5% surcharge to NCAA?

    Our only source of revenue is 5% of ticket handling and it’s  in the Civil Aviation Act of 2006. NCAA is run and sustained by passengers because we exist for the safety of the passengers. When I fly now, I buy a ticket and become a passenger as well. The 5% is added to the airfare paid by the passengers to the airline for a one hour flight. The airline only collects this on behalf of the NCAA to remit to us later. So it’s not a surcharge to the airline in the first place. No. Even the idea of collecting on our behalf was a decision taken by the airlines at a Civil Aviation Committee Review because our officers use to collect it. But the Committee said rather than us  having our officers at the counters, let’s collect on your behalf and remit later. So how does it now become a surcharge? That is deliberate propaganda and lies against the NCAA by those out to deceive the uninformed publics. There is also hue and cry about NAMA charging navigational fees. All these are standard procedures done abroad nothing is arbitrary here.

    Does this charges applies to foreign airlines operating in the country as well?

    Of course, the foreign airlines operating in Nigeria are also paying and they pay it in dollars too. But the local operators who pay in naira just don’t want to pay. Are you saying the foreign airlines are not facing recession too? Nobody is immune from it,  not even the U.S. There are more mergers of airlines in America than anywhere else in the world. As we speak, bigger carriers are merging. There is  no airline that doesn’t belong to one alliance or the other. British Airways, for instance, belongs to Star Alliance, One World; etc. Everybody is pairing up because they know they can’t do it alone in view of the prevailing economic situation afflicting most countries. What I expect from local operators is to sit down and look at how to get over the worrying economic situation rather than resort to the blame game.

  • Minister laments poor power supply to Abuja

    Minister laments poor power supply to Abuja

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Bello has called for an improvement in the volume of electricity supplied to Abuja to effectively power critical infrastructure.

    Bello spoke when he received the management team of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), led by the new Managing Director, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed, in his office.

    The minister, who described the 11 per cent electricity allocated to the FCT and neighboring states as grossly inadequate, called on the TCN to allocate more power to the Abuja Distribution Company (AEDC), with specific instruction that the extra power be dedicated to FCT.

    A statement by his Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, said: “Powering the city’s critical infrastructure like streetlights, hospitals, water treatment plants and waste management value chain, especially the liquid waste management, has been a big challenge with epileptic power supply.

    “We have been faced with a number of options, like going off grid. But we realise that going off grid will require was using fossil fuels and installing generators around the city; this of course affects the environment critically.

    “Really, I want you to consider some short term solutions. We need power in Abuja, not just to make the city look beautiful, but for security also.

    Bello noted the FCT administration released N500 million to the AEDC as part payment of its bills.

    Mohammed appreciated the warn reception accorded his team and promised that in collaboration with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), TCN will consider the minister’s request for more allocation of power to the Abuja zone.

    He hinted that TCN is working on the possibility of bringing in additional power lines through Lafia in Nasarawa State, to support the Gwagwaglada and Suleja lines.

  • Succour for the poor at Imo Thanksgiving Day

    Succour for the poor at Imo Thanksgiving Day

    Owerri, the Imo State capital, was suffused with dignitaries who came from far and near to join those who are indigenous to the state in this year’s Imo Day of Thanksgiving.

    The people began trooping to the Heroes’ Square where the annual event usually holds. They sang melodious hymns as they danced along.

    The capital city had been in celebration mood since the beginning of the Yuletide season as the government took time to beautify the city preparatory to Christmas celebrations.

    This has been the routine since the inception of the ‘Rescue Mission government’ of Governor Rochas Okorocha. A day is set aside at the end of the year to remember the needy and the vulnerable ones who could not fend for themselves.

    The day, which is now known as the Imo Day of Thanksgiving, is characterised by acts of kindness anchored on genuine philanthropy.

    Expensive gifts, including cars, clothes, household wares, food items and cash are freely donated by the State Governor and all government functionaries, as well as other public-spirited individuals and given out to the needy that usually come out in large numbers at the Heroes’ Square where the annual event normally holds.

    This year’s edition was no less successful as it attracted the usual crowd and very eminent personalities from within and outside the country. Those in attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ghana’s President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, among others.

    Speaking at the event which was preceded by a visit to the Palace of the Chairman of the Imo State Traditional Rulers’ Council and Eze Imo, Eze Agunwa Ohiri, Governor Okorocha said the day was set aside to appreciate God for His goodness upon the state and her people in the preceding year, adding that the event is also a platform to show love and care for the needy.

    He said: “Imo Day of Thanksgiving is not only for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state but for the whole of Imo people; not minding their political affiliations.”

    According to him, the Thanksgiving was organised to enable Imo people to thank God for what He has done for the state and her people.” He added that “the Thanksgiving will attract more blessings from God”.

    The governor further said all that his administration had achieved would not have been possible without God; hence the need to thank Him and commit the rest years of his administration to Him.

    Commenting further on the importance of the Thanksgiving Day, Okorocha said it gave the rich the opportunity to share what God has blessed them with the poor, thereby attracting more blessings.

    Also speaking about the Thanksgiving Day, the Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere said: “The wisdom behind the annual Imo Thanksgiving is to show allegiance to God Almighty since Imo State was founded by God Himself. We also use the forum to extend goodwill to the less-privileged in our midst and extend God’s manifold blessings upon us to others.”

    Continuing, he said: “It is very fundamental to our very existence as Christians. Owelle Rochas Okorocha has no other god other than the Supreme God. That is why we are not ashamed to worship in the glare of all.”

    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who was the Chairman of the occasion described Governor Okorocha as a statesman who knows when to play politics and when to offer leadership to his people. He added that as the governor of the state, “he has never discriminated against people based on partisan politics but has continued to carry everybody along, including the poor and the vulnerable.”

    Obasanjo, who was the Guest Speaker at the event, said he was particularly delighted to join Imo people in thanking God for what He has used their governor to do in the state, stressing that he was amazed to see a new Owerri town which, he said, is quite different from what he used to know.

    He said: “Rochas Okorocha was my unpaid adviser who helped me in most of the good policies I initiated as a President. I want to congratulate him because he has changed the face of Owerri. I know this city very well. As I came in today, I was asking is this the Owerri that I used to know.”

    The Special Guest of Honour and Ghana’s President-elect, Akufo-Addo, said: “I cherish the progressive zeal I have seen in Governor Okorocha and I know that he is a great leader that has the passion to develop Nigeria and Africa.”

    Those that came received handsome gifts ranging from bags of rice, clothes, household appliances and cash.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Southeast Report said the Imo Day of Thanksgiving has become a watershed for the needy. They described the annual event as divinely inspired to give the poor a sense of belonging and a feeling of the Yuletide.

    Madam Theresa Akuche,  a disabled widow who was among those who went home with cash gift and food items, thanked the state government for remembering the poor during the Christmas season.

    She said: “How would my children and I be able to celebrate the Christmas season taking into consideration the current prize of rice. But I got one bag of rice and enough money today. My prayer is that God will reward our Governor who has remembered the poor.”

    Another beneficiary, Mr. Lazarus Ikonne, said he came all the way from Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government Area to be part of the event. He added that, “apart from the gift items I received, I was moved to tears by the genuine and uncommon show of love displayed by our governor, his wife and the Deputy Governor. We will not cease in praying for them and the entire state.”

    Even those that were not members of the APC benefited from the gesture.

    Mr. Chibuike Onyenta, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was also a beneficiary, said the initiative has blessed the needy and has fostered unity beyond political and religious divides.

    He advised the rich in the state to join hands with the government in bringing respite to the poor.

    The event was a platform for the governor and other important dignitaries that attended the occasion to exhibit humility. One would be surprised to see Governor Okorocha carrying a carton of indomie on his head as if he was returning from the village market.

    Also, former President Obasanjo is seen carrying a tuber of yam. That was expected because he is farmer. All the dignitaries, including visiting Ghana’s President-elect, Akufo-Addo were humble enough to carry one item of thanksgiving or the other. This, indeed, is leadership by example.

  • Help the poor, cleric urges

    Help the poor, cleric urges

    Pastor Tola Kasali of the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Surulere, Lagos, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the poor in order to reduce their suffering as a result of the current economic hardship.

    He said the poor were always the vulnerable ones during any economic downturn. He made the call when FOTA donated food items, toiletries and cloths to children, youths and the aged at the church premises in Lagos.  He said the items would be of importance to them during the festive period.

    The cleric added that giving to the poor was more gratifying, noting that Jesus Christ fed the poor consistently. He further explained that abundant rewards await those who took care of the poor.

    He said: “We have been giving to the poor over the years. They need cloths, medical attention; food and need to be made happy, particularly at festive periods. That is why the church conducted test on various ailments to ascertain the condition of the poor with a view to helping them.

    “Their conditions have been made critical because of the prevailing economic situation. In our own little way, we are poised to put bread on their table, so that they can be happy during the festivals. If Christ was to be around today, he will definitely spend Christmas with the poor not at the palaces of the kings.”

    The cleric called on the government to encourage corporate organisations to come to the aid of the poor through reduction of the tax they pay. He said this will enable them to carry out their corporate social responsibilities effectively.

    “Tax reduction will encourage multi-nationals to give charity to those who need support.  If they pay less tax, they will have money at their disposal to support the needy.

    “I must point out that poverty is the cause of the increase in the level of crime in the society. The higher the poverty level, the higher is the crime rate. The truth is that when the crime rate is high, people cannot go to sleep. The so-called rich men will find it difficult to have peace.

    “I urge our wealthy men to look in the direction of the poor. Therefore, government needs to put in place policies that would encourage humanitarian efforts.  The rich men have cloths and other materials they don’t use. They should donate them to the poor instead of allowing them to waste away.

    “We should encourage people in our churches, mosques and communities to shun materialism and donate to the poor who need them to survive. There is so much greed in the country and it is not helping the society in any form. If we shun greed, the society will be better and people will be happy,” he said.

     

  • ‘Why access to power remains poor’

    Nigerians are not getting enough electricity because of the few investors in the sector, Vice President, Green Electric, a France-based Renewable Energy firm, Dr Albert Okorogu, has said.

    In a telephone interview, he listed other reasons as low level of confidence by investors in the sector, huge interest rates imposed by banks on loans and frictions between the investors and the community, where the project will be sited.

    He said: “Many power projects are abandoned across the country because there is no money to finance them.The banks are not ready to provide loans to investors in the sector. Often times, banks made investors to repay the loans at double-digit rates of between 25 and 28 per cent, and short tenor. Cases abound where the Chief Executive officers (CEOs) of banks prefer to lend to bigger investors, and not smaller ones who are in the sector.

    He said generation, transmission and distribution of electricity have suffered neglect in recent times, adding that no government could provide electricity for its people once there are problems in the three areas.

    He said the grid needs repair to provide power to the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for supply to their customers.

    He urged the government to invest in renewable energies, such as solar, coal and wind to reduce burdens on the grid, arguing that renewable energy is key to the growth of the sector.

    “Access to power by people living in the urban and rural areas in Nigeria is very low. In the rural areas, access to power is very bad.The rural dwellers neither enjoy power from the grid nor electricity from solar and other forms of renewable energies. This is the reason behind poor living conditions of people in the rural areas,” he said.

    Okorogu said many investors would have invested in 100 kilowatts, 200 kilowatts and 300 kilowatts of electricity in rural areas, if they have the money.

    He said when a company either through solar or wind generates, for instance 100 kilowatts of electricity in rural areas, such firm has helped in boosting the socio-economic activities of the people.

    He urged the Federal Government to provide an enabling environment for investors in both grid and off-grid electricity generation, noting that only holistic and well implemented policies would revive the nation’s power sector.

    Okorogu, also a former Executive Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Limited that oversees National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), said besides communal clashes, stable power would not be realistic if the government and stakeholders fail to develop the sector well.

    The sector generates about 3,500 megawatts of electricity, which implies that Nigeria has a long way to go to meet its targets of 20,000 megawatts of electricity by 2020.