The Kukah Centre has called on the media to use their various platforms to promote electoral peace before, during and after the upcoming general elections.
The Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, Fr. Atta Barkindo, made the call on Friday in Abuja at a dialogue session with media executives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session was tagged “Dialogue Session with Media Executives on the Compliance with the National Peace Accord”.
The event was organised by The Kukah Centre in Abuja, in collaboration with the IPC and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), funded by the European Union (EU).
Barkindo said that the National Peace Committee was established ahead of the 2015 general elections, following concerns over personality-based campaigns, ethnic and religious divisions, and inflammatory political statements.
He said that the initiative was subsequently sustained following the intervention of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the committee however lacked constitutional powers to enforce compliance with the Peace Accord.
He explained that the committee relied on moral persuasion, dialogue and mediation to encourage political actors to comply with their commitments.
He said the committee had consistently received criticisms over perceived inability to enforce the accord, in spite of lacking the legal authority to sanction violators.
According to him, the committee shares information and documented violations of electoral laws with INEC and the police, which have the statutory responsibility to act on such matters.
He described compliance with electoral laws as one of Nigeria’s major challenges, stressing that responsibility for peaceful elections should not be left to the national peace committee alone.
The cleric said that in 2019, the committee introduced two separate peace accords with one requiring political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and the another committing them to accept electoral outcomes.
Barkindo therefore urged media organisations to use their platforms to interrogate political candidates, demand explanations and redirect public discourse towards issues affecting Nigerians.
He expressed concern that many voters lacked sufficient access to information and critical engagement needed to hold political leaders accountable.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director, International Press Centre (IPC), Dr Lanre Arogundade, ahead of the 2027 general elections cautioned media organisations against declaring unofficial results.
Arogundade also warned that partisan reporting and premature declaration of winners by media organisations could trigger electoral violence and undermine national stability.
He recalled the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya, where partisan media reports and competing declarations of election victories contributed to tensions that resulted in widespread bloodshed.
According to him, media organisations must avoid becoming instruments of political interests by reporting claims of electoral victories before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces official results.
He said although civil society organisations could deploy technology to monitor voting patterns, media organisations must exercise caution in reporting projections and claims by political camps.
Arogundade also called on media organisations to strengthen fact-checking, conflict-sensitive reporting and accountability in their coverage of political activities.
He urged media executives to hold political parties accountable for their obligations under the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage.
He identified the growing spread of misinformation, particularly AI-generated false information as a major challenge ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also urged media organisations to independently document electoral violations rather than relying solely on findings presented by civil society organisations.
The IPC boss said media organisations should use editorials, opinion pieces, interviews and public discussions to promote issue-based campaigns and draw attention to issues affecting Nigerians.
He further called on the national peace committee, through The Kukah centre, to speak out whenever journalists were harassed or assaulted in the course of their duties.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Senior Programme Manager of The Kukah Centre, Mr Esrom Ajanya, said the dialogue was organised to strengthen collaboration between civil society organisations and media executives ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ajanya said media organisations played a critical role in shaping political narratives, particularly as political parties and candidates intensified campaigns to win public support.
He said the engagement was intended to encourage responsible political communication and ensure that the activities of political actors reflected Nigerians’ expectations and complied with existing legal frameworks.
He urged media executives and civil society organisations to work together towards peaceful campaigns and credible electoral processes.(NAN)
ABG/DCO
====
Edited by Deborah Coker
- patience aliyu
- Oct, Fri, 2026
FG officially acquires Pandam Park from Plateau Govt.
FG officially acquires Pandam Park from Plateau Govt.
Tourism
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, Oct 30, 2026 (NAN) The Federal Government through the Nigerian Park Service (NPS), has officially taken over the Pandam Park from the Plateau Government.
The handing over which took place on Friday in Jos, was coordinated by the state’s Tourism Corporation, members of the Plateau Executive Council members, and senior officers of the NPS in attendance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Pandam National Park is a major game reserve and conservation area located in Quanpan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau, along the Lafia-Shendam Road.
NAN also reports that the park had been partially shut down due to severe security challenges, abandonment and encroachment by criminal elements.
Mr Pwajok Chuwang, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Corporation, who represented Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, expressed delight over the development, saying that it was a step toward the right direction for the state.
Chuwang who enumerated employment opportunities and Insecurity among other factors responsible for the decision, said it was a win-win situation for the state.
“As a government, we came to the realisation that there are enormous advantages for Plateau to gain from having the Federal Government take over the management of the Pandam National Park.
“The case of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria has been a major contributor to insecurity and all sorts of criminal activities, including kidnappings, terrorism and related activities in Plateau and other parts of the country.
“Pandam National Park was almost a no-go area for citizens of Plateau due to such criminal activities within the cover of the forest, almost every major kidnapping incident that happened within the Quan’pan, Lafiya, Shendam axis of Plateau was orchestrated from within that park.
“Today’s handing over will help rid the environment of miscreants, provide employment for citizens of the state, and relieve the state government of the enormous resources required to cater for the park.
“Above all this is a win-win situation for all concerned as collaborations between the state government and FG are always highly welcome, because we will be huge beneficiaries of all the critical developments that will take place within that environment,” he said.
On his part, Mr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservatotpr General of NPS, who was represented by CP. Jonah Moses, said that the park would remain a heritage of Plateau people, but would only be managed going forward by the Federal Government.
Goni added that with FG’s involvement in the management, Plateau would benefit more in terms of tourism development, employment opportunities and tackling the menace of terrorism originating from the hideouts in the forest.
“On behalf of the Conservator General, I appreciate the gesture of His excellency the executive governor of Plateau, through the Tourism Corporation for deeming it fit to hand over Pandam Wildlife Park to the Federal Government as a national park.
“As a service,this is actually a joy to us that another park has been added to the number we have before now.
“We want to assure us that Pandam National Park is in Plateau, it is not going to be shifted from Plateau, every enhancement, every development, any progress that is going to be recorded in that park, is going to be directly or indirectly impactful on this state and its people.
“You will agree with me that this is actually a milestone as far as youth development and employment is concerned.
“Before now, Pandam was a viable ground for tourism,but the place has been shut down because of several visible factors.
“Now with the coming of the NPS into this intervention, we want to assure you that Pandam National Park is going to be revamped, resuscitated, and tourism will be enhanced in t
he state,” Goni said. (NAN)
PAM/DOR
========
Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
- Abiodun Lawal
- Oct, Fri, 2026
Abiodun disburses over N1bn to CDAs, artisans, others
Abiodun disburses over N1bn to CDAs, artisans, others
Development
By Abiodun Lawal
Iperu(Ogun), Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun said his administration has disbursed over N1 billion to Community Development Associations, trade associations, artisans, traders, and cooperative societies across the state.
Abiodun stated this on Friday at the 2026 International Community Development Day and World Trade Day celebrations held at the Social Development Institute, popularly known as ”SHA SHA” in Iperu-Remo.
He said N500 million was provided through the “Oko-Owo/Irinse Dapo” Soft Loan Initiative for artisans and traders, while over N500 million was disbursed to cooperative societies through the state’s revolving loan scheme.
Abiodun also announced the immediate renovation of the institute, including the construction of a multipurpose hall.
He subsequently instructed the Director-General of Lands to identify a suitable parcel of land in Abeokuta suitable for a secretariat for community development associations.
He also promised to facilitate an appointment for a nominee of the associations, adding that other concerns raised by stakeholders would receive government attention.
On the 2027 elections, the governor urged residents to support President Bola Tinubu, citing improved foreign reserves, increased revenue allocations, student loans, and infrastructure projects as gains of the administration.
He expressed confidence that Ogun would achieve the two-million-vote target, urging residents to rally behind the APC governorship candidate, Sen. Solomon Adeola, alongside other party candidates.
Abiodun said his administration had complemented the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through its developmental pillars, listing the Gateway International Airport, proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port, and road constructions among its achievements.
“Nigeria is rising without a doubt. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we have a duty to ensure that this progress is sustained for the benefit of all of us,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Mr Ademola Balogun, described community development associations as critical partners in grassroots transformation, assuring stakeholders of sustained government support.
The Chairman, Ogun State Community Development Council, Adetayo Boyejo, commended the governor’s interventions. (NAN)
LKA/YAF
=======
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
- Moses Kolo
- Oct, Fri, 2026
Knights target N400m endowment fund to sustain charity activities in Kaduna
Endowmen
By Moses Kolo
Kaduna, Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) The Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria has targeted N400 million for its Kaduna Metropolitan Council endowment fund to strengthen humanitarian interventions and ensure sustainable funding for its charitable activities.
The fundraising event, held in Kaduna on Friday, attracted Catholic clergy, knights, traditional rulers, government officials, politicians and other dignitaries.
The Kaduna Metropolitan Grand Knight, Sir James Kanyip, said the initiative was designed to establish a sustainable financial foundation for the Order’s charitable activities beyond the immediate needs of its present leadership.
“Our donations and contributions to the fund are gifts that will be preserved, saved and invested. Therefore, the principal stays whole while the interest grows, generating a reliable perpetual stream of funding,” he said.
Kanyip identified seven areas to benefit from the fund, including assistance to victims of violence and prostitution, hospital care and community health outreach, educational initiatives, and support for widows and orphans.
Others, he said, were prison apostolate, legal aid and social justice advocacy, as well as internal relief and welfare schemes.
Also speaking, the Deputy Supreme Knight and Chairman of the Endowment and Resource Mobilisation Committee, Sir Dan Egwu, said the initiative was intended to strengthen the Order’s capacity to sustain its humanitarian activities beyond the present leadership.
He recalled that the Order had undertaken several charitable interventions, including supporting prison inmates, motherless babies’ homes, seminarians, priests, environmental protection and feeding programmes.
Egwu disclosed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Order spent about N400 million from its internal resources to support members, adding that reliance on dues and levies was no longer sufficient to meet its growing humanitarian responsibilities.
“For 73 good years, KSM has been functioning with dues and levies. But you all know that dues and levies have their own limits,” he said.
He announced that Abuja Metropolitan Council had raised N465 million, Calabar N325 million, Onitsha N290 million, Lagos N504 million and Benin N250 million towards the endowment initiative.
Egwu also disclosed that the Order had established a partnership with the Lagos State Government to support the initiative and mobilise additional resources for its charitable programmes.
In her remarks, the Noble President of the Order, Lady Antonia Ngozi Orbah, emphasised the importance of love, compassion, peace and collective responsibility in addressing the needs of vulnerable members of society.
She called for greater attention to the poor, widows, orphans, children, youths and other disadvantaged groups, while urging members to promote peaceful coexistence and kindness in society.
In a goodwill message, Mr Gabriel Francis, UBA Regional Manager in Kaduna, described the endowment fund as a sustainable investment capable of supporting charitable activities beyond the tenure of the present leadership.
“As a finance person, I clearly understand what’s happening, and this ensures sustainability. I’ve seen investments that will stand the test of time, beyond present leadership,” he said.
Francis, who described the initiative as an investment in humanity, announced a personal donation under the second category of contribution, although the amount was not captured in his remarks.
Also speaking, Mr Jerry Adams, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kaduna State, pledged N5 million to the fund and urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of giving irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:1, Adams said religious devotion must be accompanied by love and practical concern for humanity, stressing that charitable giving should not be restricted to wealthy individuals, politicians or government officials.
“If you have one thousand naira and you cannot give two hundred out of it, even if you have one billion, you will not give,” he said.
Adams called for stronger collaboration among government, religious organisations, private institutions and individuals to support underserved communities, while commending Gov. Uba Sani for promoting religious and ethnic inclusion in Kaduna State.
He said the governor would have loved to attend the event but was outside the country with President Bola Tinubu, adding that he expected him to support the initiative after being briefed by the Order’s leadership.
(NAN)
MGK/KLM
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
- Philomina Attah
- Oct, Fri, 2026
Wike inaugurates Dunamis-built pedestrian bridge on Abuja Airport Road
Bridge
Wike inaugurates Dunamis-built pedestrian bridge on Abuja Airport Road
Inauguration
By Philomina Attah
Abuja, Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated a pedestrian bridge on Airport Road, Abuja, constructed by Dunamis International Gospel Centre as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bridge was fully funded by the church and completed in four months after approval by the FCT Administration.
Wike commended Dunamis for demonstrating leadership and sacrifice, noting that the church applied for approval since 2018 but only got it in February 2026 under his administration.
“Application was made in 2018. It was in February 2026 when I was reminded. In less than a month you received approval. It means there is a government,” he said.
He said governance and church leadership both require sacrifice, adding that the funds could have been used for other purposes.
“This is corporate social responsibility. Government cannot do everything. There is nowhere government carries out every function,” he said.
The minister said he had approved the church’s request to roof the bridge with transparent cladding and lighting, pledging 50 per cent support from the FCT Administration to encourage usage.
Wike urged residents to use the facility, decrying the apathy of pedestrians toward overhead bridges.
“As it has been constructed by Dunamis as its social responsibility as approved by me, I hereby commission this in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” he declared.
Earlier, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis, Dr Paul Enenche, said the project was motivated by love for God and humanity.
“God is love. To be a messenger of God means to be a messenger of love. Love is about what we give, not what we get,” Enenche said.
“Nobody is remembered for what they accumulated but for what they contributed.
“We may make a living by what we get, but we make a difference by what we give. Our impact is more important than our income,” he said.
He said construction started on June 22, and was completed in four months and one week, describing it as the fastest bridge project the church had undertaken.
He disclosed that the church sought approval to roof the bridge with transparent cladding, lighting and aesthetic cover to encourage compliance.
He thanked the FCT Minister for granting approval.
Enenche said the church had done similar interventions, including roads in Mararaba, Karu and Kubwa, boreholes in Borno, including beside a mosque in Maisandari Ward, and interventions for IDPs and flood victims in Maiduguri.
The Managing Director, Dutum Construction Company Ltd., Mr Temitope Runshewe, said the firm delivered the project through intentional leadership, despite the tight timeline.
“I want this bridge done in four months. Can you do it? I said yes sir, even though my legs were shaking,” Runshewe recalled.
He said the company, a 37-year-old indigenous firm founded by his father, Olatunde Runshewe, had now built five pedestrian bridges in the FCT, including those at Bannex, Sheraton, VIO and Setraco.
In a goodwill message, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, described the bridge as a testament to compassionate action.
“Today is a day of gratitude. Your faith has been backed by compassionate action. This pedestrian crossing will be saving lives daily,” Kingibe said
Also, Dr Sam Ode, Deputy Governor of Benue, said Enenche, who hails from Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state, had demonstrated the positive impact of Christianity through his service to humanity.
Ode commended Wike for his performance in the FCT and urged the administration to reimburse the church to encourage further interventions
The FCT Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Taminu Iliyasu, said Airport Road records high pedestrian crashes and commended the church for the intervention.(NAN)
APA/IU
======
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Isaac Ukpoju
- Mercy Neme
- Oct, Fri, 2026
Delta cuts legacy debt by N400bn, targets infrastructure, agriculture
Stakeholders at 2026 budget stakeholders’ engagement held on Friday in Asaba.
Debt
By Mercy Neme
Asaba, Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) The Delta Government says it has reduced its legacy debt from N463 billion to N63 billion, with plans to clear the outstanding balance by the first quarter of 2027.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this at the state’s 2026 budget stakeholders’ engagement held on Friday in Asaba.
Ekedayen said the achievement reflected the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and responsible utilisation of public resources.
He said that the government would prioritise roads and critical infrastructure in the 2027 budget to stimulate economic growth and improve access to communities across the state.
According to him, the current expenditure structure allocates approximately 70 per cent to capital projects and 30 per cent to recurrent expenditure.
He added that the proposed 2027 budget would sustain the emphasis on capital expenditure while maintaining a smaller allocation for recurrent spending.
Stakeholders, however, urged the government to broaden its development priorities to include agriculture, youth employment, digital technology and affordable housing.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, called on the government to prioritise agriculture and youth employment in its budgetary planning.
He also emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation in budget preparation and commended the government for its reported budget performance.
Azinge urged the administration to sustain its commitment to budget implementation.
He proposed that communities should prepare and submit their own budgets to reflect their specific developmental needs.
According to him, the Asaba community was preparing its budget for submission to the Ministry of Economic Planning by Monday.
He said that the submissions would enable the government to identify community priorities and determine how best to accommodate them.
“This route will help us achieve not just a good budget for our people but also take into consideration, the wishes of the people,” he said.
Similarly, civil society organisations (CSOs) urged the government to prioritise digital technology, affordable housing and environmental sustainability.
The Founding Coordinator of the Delta State Civil Society Actors Community, Mr Okezie Odugala, called for stronger partnerships among government, civil society and the private sector.
Odugala cited Goal 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which promotes partnerships for sustainable development.
He said the state’s four public universities could serve as centres for digital technology development and youth skills acquisition.
Odugala called for increased investment in artificial intelligence, research and innovation to strengthen the state’s competitiveness in the global economy.
On environmental sustainability, he expressed concern over rapid urbanisation, population growth and indiscriminate tree felling in Asaba.
Odugala urged the government to strengthen climate adaptation efforts through tree planting, improved rural roads and sustainable infrastructure.
He also identified erosion and other environmental challenges along the Obanassa-Asaba axis as requiring urgent attention.
The CSO leader welcomed plans by the Delta House of Assembly to introduce legislation regulating housing issues.
He urged residents to protect public facilities and maintain environmental cleanliness to complement government infrastructure investments.
Odugala expressed concern over indiscriminate waste disposal around the Warri flyover and the dumping of refuse in drainage channels.
“Government cannot continue to build infrastructure, then citizens begin to destroy them,” he said.
He also commended the government for introducing the 13th-month salary, describing it as a significant milestone. (NAN)
MOA/OJI/CHOM
==========
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chioma Ugboma
- Moses Kolo
- Oct, Fri, 2026
Kaduna APC Dep. Gov. candidate donates N5m to KSM endowment fund
Mr Jerry Adams, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kaduna State during an endowment fund organised by the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria held in Kaduna.
Donation
By Moses Kolo
Kaduna, Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) Mr Jerry Adams, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kaduna State, has donated N5 million to the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria’s endowment fund to support its humanitarian activities.
Adams, who is the the former Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, announced the donation during the Order’s fundraising event in Kaduna on Friday.
He described the initiative as a worthy cause that would provide sustainable support for vulnerable members of society.
He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of giving, irrespective of their financial circumstances, stressing that charity should not be restricted to wealthy individuals, politicians or government appointees.
Quoting 1 Corinthians 13:1, Adams said religious devotion must be accompanied by love and practical concern for humanity, adding that people should demonstrate compassion through tangible assistance to those in need.
“If you have one thousand Naira and you cannot give two hundred out of it, even if you have one billion, you will not give,” he said.
Adans said the government alone could not address the needs of vulnerable people, calling for stronger collaboration among religious organisations, private institutions, individuals and government agencies.
He commended Gov. Uba Sani for what he described as his commitment to inclusive governance, noting that the administration had demonstrated concern for people across religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.
The deputy governor candidate said the governor would have loved to attend the event but was outside the country with President Bola Tinubu, adding that the Knights’ leadership would brief him on the initiative to secure his support.
Also speaking, Mr Peter Gabriel, Regional Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Kaduna, described the endowment fund as a sustainable investment capable of supporting charitable activities beyond the tenure of the present leadership.
Gabriel said his understanding of financial management made him appreciate the importance of preserving the fund’s capital while utilising returns to sustain humanitarian interventions.
“As a finance person, I clearly understand what’s happening, and this ensures sustainability. I’ve seen investments that will stand the test of time, beyond present leadership,” he said.
He described participation in the initiative as an investment in humanity and a religious responsibility, noting that the proceeds would provide regular financial support for the needy and other beneficiaries.
Gabriel congratulated the Knights for developing the initiative and announced a personal donation under the second category of contribution, although the amount was not specified in his remarks.
The event was organised to mobilise resources for the Kaduna Metropolitan Council’s N400 million endowment target, with contributions to be invested and the proceeds channelled into the Order’s charitable programmes.
(NAN)
MGK/KLM
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
- Itohan Abaralaserian
- Oct, Fri, 2026
FG begins N50,000 monthly cash relief payment for vulnerable Nigerians
Dr. Bernard Doro
Cash
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Lagos, Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) The Federal Government has commenced a monthly cash relief programme, offering N50,000 to vulnerable households to cushion the effects of rising living costs.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Doro said the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is a presidential initiative aimed at providing immediate financial support to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
He explained that the intervention was introduced in response to global food inflation and the rising cost of essential goods, which had continued to put pressure on household incomes.
“Under this intervention, eligible beneficiaries will receive N50,000 monthly, providing direct assistance to help meet essential needs and ease the burden of living costs,” he said.
The minister said the programme would be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living, adding that beneficiaries would be notified directly before any adjustments were made.
According to him, the ministry is collaborating with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure secure, timely and transparent disbursement of the funds.
He explained that beneficiaries would receive text messages from the service providers seeking their consent before payments were made directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.
Doro emphasised that beneficiaries were not required to submit applications, pay fees or register through agents to access the intervention.
He also warned Nigerians against fraudsters, urging them not to disclose their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to anyone.
“If you are unsure about any message, or anyone asks you for money, call the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222,” he said.
The minister described NERSI as complementary to existing Federal Government social protection and economic support programmes, noting that it was designed to strengthen household resilience and promote economic stability.
He added that the intervention aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing the programme with dignity, transparency and accountability.(NAN) (NAN)
ITM/CHOM
=======
Edited by Chioma Ugboma
- hope ayodele
- Oct, Fri, 2026
NEMSA restates commitment to safety of electrical installations
Installations
By Hope Ayodele
Bauchi, Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) The Nigeria Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA), has reaffirmed its commitments to ensure safety of electrical installations in Bauchi State.
Mr Edward Micah, the Area Inspector Engineer, Bauchi Field Office, stated this in an interview with the(NAN), in Bauchi on Friday.
He said that the agency was carrying out testing and inspection exercise of electrical installations, including poles and wires to ensure standardisation, as part of safety measures.
Micah said that the agency maintained a monthly inspection of existing networks, to check possible interruptions caused by faulty materials and instruments.
He said that such exercises were necessary to guard against breakdown associated with obsolete installations.
“In the event of collapsed or deterioration, we inform the Jos Distribution Electricity Company (JEDCO), to fix it,” he said.
Micah said that the agency was also conducting free inspection of electrical wiring and installations in new buildings, to ensure compliance to best standards, as well as avoid electrical shocks and fire accidents.
He further said that the agency was inspecting pre paid meters before the DisCo issued it to customers.
“This is to ensure that customers are not cheated in any form,” he said.
While reiterating commitment of the agency to safety of electrical installations, Micah called for improved funding to enhance its operstions. (NAN)
AHR/RSA
========
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
- Ishaq Zaki
- Oct, Fri, 2026
Yari’s intervention on Bakalori Dam excites Zamfara farmers
Water
By Ishaq Zaki
Talata Mafara (Zamfara), Oct. 30, 2026 (NAN) Farmers in Zamfara have commended Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara) for facilitating the ongoing rehabilitation of Bakalori Dam under the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bakalori Dam, located in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara, is a major embankment dam and a tributary of River Rima.
NAN also reports that the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme suffered for many years from faulty irrigation gates, siltation and blocked secondary drains, crippling dry-season farming and threatening food production.
Yari, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the Senate.
The Project Manager of the Bakolori Irrigation Scheme, Alhaji Umar Adamu, while speaking to journalists at the rehabilitation site on Friday, described the intervention as timely, adding that its impact could not be quantified.
Adamu said the ongoing rehabilitation work at the dam would significantly impact food production and food security in the country.
“When completed, the rehabilitation is expected to restore full water flow to thousands of hectares of farmland and boost rice production, returning Bakolori to its status as the food basket of Zamfara,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Bakolori Water Users Association, Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar, described the intervention as a rescue initiative for irrigation farmers under the Bakalori Dam.
Abubakar noted that over 80,000 registered members and unregistered farmers were benefiting from the Bakalori Dam through the association.
“Yari has proven to be a representative who always listens to people at the grassroots.
“We appreciate Sen. Yari and the Federal Government for this wonderful intervention.
“On behalf of the thousands of members of this association, I want to declare our support for Sen. Yari in delivering the mandate as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Abubakar said.
According to an official of Sen. Yari’s constituency office in Talata Mafara, Dahiru Samaila, “On Oct. 4, the Water Users Association of Nigeria forwarded a request letter to Sen. Yari seeking his urgent intervention on the current situation of Bakalori Dam.
“On receiving the request letter, Yari directed K.K Technologies Limited to lead immediate rehabilitation works on the dam.
“Yari has also promised to follow up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to provide a lasting solution to the current situation of the dam.
“Beyond the repairs, the intervention will also support farmers with fertiliser, tractors, power tillers, combine harvesters, and semi and motorised transplanters, with a solid arrangement for maintenance and judicious use,” Samaila explained.
Leave a Reply