NEWS
WHD: How Mojec’s Strides in Energy Sector Are Alleviating Climate Change
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The United Nations (UN) set aside August 19 as World Humanitarian Day (WHD), a global holiday to honour individuals actively involved in humanitarian efforts and those who have lost their lives doing so.
The WHD acknowledges the contributions of those devoted to alleviating the challenges confronting the human race. The theme of this year’s celebration #TheHumanRace is deemed apt in several quarters because it touches on the goal of commemorating the global call for climate action.
It is common knowledge that temperature and weather patterns have shifted over time as a result of climate change. This worrisome situation is attributable to human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels, the production of oil and gas, and energy consumption patterns. These activities emit greenhouse gases, which trap the sun’s heat and raise temperatures.
Amidst this global challenge, MOJEC International Ltd., the leading indigenous meter manufacturer in Sub-Saharan Africa came up with the vision of providing power solutions distinguished by innovation and superior service delivery in order to mitigate the challenges of climate change. This is founded on the company’s drive to build a world of possibilities and improve society.
This worthy cause of championing clean energy for a sustainable environment is being driven at MOJEC through its sister company, Virtutis Solaris Limited. Interestingly, this happens to be one of the objectives of this year’s WHD celebrations.
On the foray into renewable energy, Group Managing Director, MOJEC International, Chantelle Abdul disclosed that “With this, the company aims to draw from the abundance of solar energy in Africa to power homes, offices, industries, cars, and, the nation, while preserving the environment.”
According to her, being strategic about this has seen the company set a target of providing uninterrupted power supply to Africans by availing them of renewable and smart energy solutions.
She said, “The objective is to offer clients smart home solutions, which include automation, energy measurement, and energy management.”
She explained that her company has a technology that enables customers to remotely switch appliances in their homes, on or off, in a bid to manage their energy consumption.
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“Virtutis Solaris intends to deploy solutions nationwide,” Abdul added. She also pointed out that, “We are involved in building embedded mini-grids for large commercial, industrial, and utility customers. Our company provides last-mile renewable energy for residential, industrial, and utility-scale clients as well as the supply and installation of energy storage equipment and other related services.”
Abdul asserted that the company has left no stone unturned in mitigating the problem of unreliable power supply in Nigeria and the continent by providing clean sustainable energy to end-users. It does this by harnessing the power of the sun and the grid thereby eliminating the dependency on diesel and generating sets – two major sources of greenhouse gases in Nigeria and Africa. Another area of great impact is the elimination of noise pollution, often associated with nonrenewable sources of energy, particularly power-generating machines.
Abdul also averred that, with the use of renewable natural resources, combined with efficient supply and use of fossil fuels with cleaner technologies, the company helps in reducing the environmental impact of the energy from other sources.
Another significant area of impact, “is in the 87 per cent variation in carbon dioxide emission, which causes deforestation and dangerous impacts on the human health and the environment, which resort to renewable energy mitigates,” the GMD pointed out.
The totality of MOJEC’s renewable energy strategy and business activities ensure a reduction in emission of greenhouse gases, in sync with this year’s celebration theme, #TheHumanRace.
NEWS
Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
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The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.
NEWS
JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.
The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.
The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.
His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.
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The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.
While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.
The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.
“May He find rest with his maker.
“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”
Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.
He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.
He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.
NEWS
BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.
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Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.
Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.
The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.
This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.
More to follow……….