The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has commenced the distribution of 1,880 prepaid meters to Band A customers under the Meter Asset Funds (MAF) Scheme.

The initiative, which runs from November 18 to November 30, 2024, aims to ensure accurate billing and enhance customer satisfaction within the company’s franchise area.

In a statement released on Tuesday, YEDC’s Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, confirmed that the exercise includes 1,500 single-phase meters and 380 three-phase meters.

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The installations will be carried out at no cost to customers by approved vendors, with the program approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

“The deployment of meters under the MAF programme is part of our commitment to delivering accurate billing and improving customer experience. We urge Band A customers to cooperate with the installers during the exercise,” the statement read.

This metering drive targets unmetered Band A customers who stopped receiving electricity subsidies in April 2024.

It is part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, launched in June, which aims to fast-track nationwide metering for electricity consumers.

YEDC reiterated its commitment to improving electricity distribution, ensuring transparency, and delivering reliable services to all customers.

The company encouraged affected customers to take full advantage of the ongoing metering program.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree approving an updated doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons, according to state-run news agency TASS.

The move comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, following reports that U.S. President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to strike Russian territory using American-supplied long-range missiles.

The updated doctrine reflects a sharp escalation in rhetoric and strategic posturing, with analysts speculating on its potential implications for global security. Details of the revisions remain unclear, but the timing underscores the intensifying geopolitical standoff.

U.S. Actions Escalate Tensions

President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine access to U.S.-made long-range missile systems has been viewed by Moscow as a provocative step. While Washington insists it is committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense, this marks a significant shift in its military aid policy, potentially widening the scope of the conflict.

Tinubu Joins World Leaders In Renewed Fight Against Hunger, poverty

Reports of High-Level Meeting in Washington

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of an emergency post-election meeting involving key members of the U.S. political and defense establishment. Notable attendees include Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, Susan Rice, Samantha Power, Victoria Nuland, Antony Blinken, and Jake Sullivan.

Defense contractors and financial powerhouses, including executives from Lockheed Martin, BlackRock, Blackstone, and State Street, were reportedly present. Sources claim the meeting took place at “Obama’s War Room,” located at 2446 Belmont Rd NW, Washington, DC.

Lockheed Martin and BlackRock allegedly played dominant roles in the discussions, with two unidentified participants calling in from Switzerland to help steer the agenda.

Rising Concerns Over Global Stability

The confluence of events raises concerns about the growing potential for direct confrontation between global powers. Critics argue that the involvement of major defense and financial entities in strategic discussions highlights the complex interplay between economic interests and national security.

As the international community watches closely, questions remain about how these developments will shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and the broader balance of power.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit commenced in Rio de Janeiro with a renewed global focus on eradicating hunger and poverty. A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative spearheaded under the presidency of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, addressed the summit’s first session on the theme “Fight Against Hunger and Poverty,” commending Brazil for its leadership in driving this initiative.

“It is an honour to address this gathering of the G20 Leaders’ Summit taking place at this beautiful and historic city of Rio de Janeiro,” President Tinubu began, expressing his gratitude for Nigeria’s inclusion as a guest country under Brazil’s presidency.

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The Nigerian leader lauded Brazil’s bold move, describing it as a “visionary step” in tackling one of the world’s most pressing challenges. “The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe,” Tinubu said.

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aims to foster collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society, offering a holistic approach to addressing both immediate needs and structural causes of hunger and poverty.

Nigeria’s Commitment to the Fight Against Hunger

President Tinubu highlighted how the Alliance aligns with Nigeria’s domestic priorities. He referred to his administration’s 8-Point Agenda, introduced in 2023, which prioritizes agriculture, food security, and social investments.

“Priority 3 focused on boosting agriculture to achieve food security, through the development of commodity value chain and the provision of infrastructure support. Priority 6 focuses on education, health and social investment as essential pillars of development,” Tinubu explained.

Nigeria has formally endorsed the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, signaling its dedication to leveraging international cooperation to tackle hunger and poverty. “The endorsement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging international cooperation and resources, to bolster domestic strategies that will deliver inclusive growth and socio-economic development,” President Tinubu stated.

SDG Alignment and International Collaboration

The Nigerian president emphasized how the Alliance reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (eradicating poverty) and SDG 2 (achieving zero hunger).

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger,” Tinubu said, reaffirming Nigeria’s position as a key player in global sustainable development efforts.

Looking ahead to the adoption of the Leader’s Declaration, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work with G20 nations, guest countries, international organizations, and civil society to achieve the shared goal of eradicating hunger and poverty.

The session concluded with world leaders emphasizing the importance of collaborative action to address global inequalities and ensure sustainable development for all.

A Global Call to Action

The launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty has set the tone for this year’s G20 summit, reflecting a united commitment to addressing fundamental global challenges. President Tinubu’s address underscored Nigeria’s active role in this mission, with a focus on innovative solutions and international partnerships to build a better future.