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Electricity company to step up pre-paid meters distribution process
By Kunle Kalejaye
The Management of Nigerian electricity company Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company said is set to step up the distribution process of prepaid meters within it zone.
Reaffirmed its commitment to implementing Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s 18-month deadline for adequate metering in the country the Chief Executive Officer, IKEDC, Mr. Chris Akamnonu, noted that already, the company had been installing 6,000 meters every month, and would step up the process to 9,000 by August, 2012.
The decision to step up the process, he said, was in line with NERC’s directive that Nigerians were adequately metered within its given timeline.
He said, “Currently, we meter every new customer as they come. We don’t want to be estimating electricity bills for new customers.”
Akamnonu said functional meters would not be replaced, while explaining that it was not only prepaid meters that give accurate billings.
“Aside from prepaid meters, other forms of meters can also give accurate billing,” he added.
Part of the revenue accruable from the new tariff, he said, would be committed to acquiring new meters.
Speaking on the reviewed tariff, the IKEDC boss said, “Government has good intentions reviewing electricity tariff. Government intention is genuine, and it is to make the sector to survive.
The revenue generated will be used to support power generation, distribution and transmission. Investors will come in based on the competitive tariff.”
He, however, said that the company had observed some billing anomalies in some areas under it, and had made conscious effort to address the inconsistencies.
Akamnonu reminded members of the public that the company had stopped the collection of meter maintenance charge and connection fee, adding, “Customers have the right to get connection wires and employ the service of a qualified personnel to do their connection.
“We charge nothing now.”
He said the company never had intentions to oppress any customer through excessive billing, stressing that customers should endeavour to present their cases, whenever they had to do so, with all sincerity and truthfulness.
Putting the growth rate of electricity consumers in the network at two monthly, he said, “We are positioned to capture and meter them as they come in, while the existing customers will also be adequately considered.
Akamnonu, however, cleared air on the raging allegations of outrageous bill linked to the new electricity tariff introduced by the Federal Government recently.
He said the series of allegation raised by some consumers in the print media are not a true reflection of what the utility company billed them during the affected period, rather it was a campaign to deter the image of the company.
He noted that the company does not reflect 300 per cent increase as insinuated by some customers, adding that the billing is “just averagely 38 per cent increase in line with the new tariff structure, while some areas are even paying lower”.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
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