News
Tinubu to meet Gencos over N4tn electricity debt
The move follows a high-level meeting on Tuesday between the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and chairmen of Gencos in Abuja, amid mounting fears of a possible collapse of the national grid due to liquidity constraints in the sector, according to a statement from the power ministry on Sunday.
The government pledged immediate action to reduce the N4tn debt owed to power generation companies.
The Gencos had issued a warning to the Federal Government over the continued accumulation of debts now totaling over N4tn.
The companies said they were currently owed N2tn for power supplied in 2024 and N1.9tn in legacy debts.
The statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, stated that the Federal Government had resolved to settle a substantial portion of the debt immediately, while the remainder would be cleared through financial instruments such as promissory notes within the next six months.
He said this would be proposed in a meeting being planned between President Bola Tinubu and the Gencos’ leadership.
“There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for debt instruments in promissory notes to pay the rest,” Adelabu said.
He emphasised the Federal Government’s determination to prevent a collapse of the power sector, describing the situation as a national emergency.
“We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis,” he said.
The Gencos were led by the Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions and head of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Col. Sani Bello (retd), who warned that the sector faced a looming collapse due to the mounting debt and persistent liquidity challenges.
Bello noted that the debt burden had crippled operations and limited access to funding for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. “Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he said.
Echoing his concerns, the Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, Kola Adesina, said, “This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power—industries, homes, hospitals. We cannot afford to let the sector fail.”
Adelabu acknowledged the role of systemic failures and policy inconsistencies in the sector’s woes, adding that the government was not only focused on debt repayment but also committed to pushing reforms that would ease operational challenges.
He advocated for a full liberalisation of the electricity market and called on Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariffs, stressing that subsidies were no longer sustainable in the long term. “Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed. The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidy for economically disadvantaged Nigerians,” he stated.
The CEO of APGC, Dr Joy Ogaji, also outlined the challenges bedevilling the GenCos, including erratic gas supply, persistent defaults on payments, and foreign exchange volatility. She noted that the dramatic depreciation of the naira—from N157/\$1 in 2013 to N1,600/\$1—had severely affected maintenance budgets and loan repayments.
“Gencos have borne unsustainable risks—from grid failures to unproductive taxes—while remaining patriotic,” she said.
Adelabu disclosed that plans were underway to implement regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing market stability and reducing levies. He urged Gencos to partner with the government in creating public awareness on electricity consumption, efficient usage, and tariff realities.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The perennial flooding in Awka, the Anambra State capital, may soon be brought under control following the commencement of flood control measures by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
The Authority has commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream as part of efforts to improve the flow of floodwater and reduce flooding on major roads and streets within the capital territory.
During the rainy season, Zik’s Avenue, one of the major roads in Awka, is frequently affected by flooding, with water reportedly submerging buildings and disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement, particularly around Eke Awka Main Market.
The ACTDA management has also commenced the desilting of drains and flood channels across the capital territory to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ozo Ossy Onuko, attributed the recurring flooding to the blockage of drainage systems, largely caused by human activities.
Onuko said the desilting of drains would remain a continuous exercise, adding that the Authority would periodically clear the drainage channels to improve water flow.
“What we must understand is that the flood is as a result of the drainage that has been blocked, and this is due to human activities. When you go to Eke Awka Market, most of the water channels are affected, but we shall continue to carry out the desilting of those drainages for water to flow easily,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Obibia Stream was being dredged to facilitate the easy flow of floodwater.
“As you also know, we have commenced the dredging of the Obibia Stream, which is part of efforts by government towards putting an end to the perennial flooding in the Capital City,” Onuko stated.
The ACTDA boss also observed that some of the drainage channels constructed in Awka in the past were not deep or wide enough to accommodate the volume of water generated during heavy rainfall.
According to him, the situation is further worsened when residents block the drainage channels with refuse and other materials.
He said the Authority was mobilising and sensitising market organisations and village associations to support government efforts in tackling flooding within the capital territory.
“Government is surely playing its role in that regard, but it is also the duty of residents of the Capital City to clear their gutters and ensure that garbage is not dumped inside the drainages,” he said.
Onuko expressed optimism that the measures being implemented would significantly reduce the flooding problem in Awka, while urging residents to support the government’s efforts.
“With what we are doing so far, the challenges of flooding would soon be a thing of the past, and we urge all and sundry to be part of this move because natural disasters know no bounds,” he stated.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Attorney-General of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has initiated steps to prosecute persons who deny women and girls their right to inherit property on the basis of their gender.
Nweke has consequently directed the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints of gender-based disinheritance and transmit the relevant case files to his office for prosecution.
This was contained in a letter personally signed by the Attorney-General and made available to newsmen on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The letter stated that the practice of denying women and girls the right to inherit property because they are female constitutes a criminal offence under Section 22 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2017 of Anambra State, and is punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment.
In the letter addressed to the police, Nweke said:
“In light of the foregoing, you are kindly requested to ensure that your office thoroughly investigates all reported cases of gender-based disinheritance and that the case files are transmitted to this Ministry for further action.”
He further disclosed that the Ministry had designated its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit to prosecute offenders under the law.
According to him, the unit would handle such cases alongside other forms of domestic violence and sexual offences.
The Attorney-General noted that despite several Supreme Court decisions declaring customs and practices that exclude females from inheriting property unconstitutional and illegal, some members of the public still engage in such discriminatory practices.
He said the state government was determined to enforce the law and ensure that women and girls were protected from discriminatory inheritance practices.
…Says Ogbuekwe’s Victory a Mandate of Trust, Hope in APC
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, which coordinated the electioneering campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the council for what it described as their “overwhelming support, trust and confidence” throughout the election campaign.
Ogbuekwe was declared the winner of the Nkanu East chairmanship election conducted on September 26, 2026, bringing to a close weeks of campaign activities, consultations and community engagements across the local government.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu, and its Spokesperson, Barr. Joshua Ejeh, and issued on Monday, the organisation thanked the people of Nkanu East for turning out in large numbers throughout the campaign period and ultimately giving their mandate to the APC candidate.
The organisation described the people’s reception of the campaign train across the communities as deeply touching, saying the warmth, solidarity and encouragement received at the grassroots remained one of the defining features of the campaign.
It recalled the extensive ward-to-ward engagements during which the campaign team visited communities, interacted with traditional and community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, describing the reception across Nkanu East as a powerful demonstration of grassroots participation.
The organisation particularly recalled instances where residents turned out despite challenging weather conditions to receive the campaign team, including engagements in Nara, Ugbakwa, Owo, Nomeh, Mburubu and Nkerefi, where reports documented significant community participation during the campaign.
According to the statement, the Mmiri-Oma movement was not merely received as a political campaign but as a movement that connected with the aspirations and expectations of ordinary people across the council area.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Nkanu East. You opened your communities to us, listened to our message, travelled with us, stood with us and ultimately entrusted us with your mandate,” the organisation said.
The campaign body said the mandate given to Ogbuekwe by the electorate carried a profound responsibility, stressing that the confidence of the people must now be repaid through service, accountability and meaningful development.
It assured the people that the incoming administration would remain conscious of the fact that the election was not the destination but the beginning of a new responsibility to serve.
The organisation further expressed confidence in Ogbuekwe’s capacity to translate the mandate into practical dividends of democracy, saying his campaign engagements had demonstrated a commitment to listening to communities and understanding their development priorities.
It called on all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands with the incoming administration in building a stronger, more united and prosperous Nkanu East.
“Now that the election is over, the work begins. The campaign has ended, but the responsibility to build Nkanu East has only started,” the statement added.
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation also pledged its continued commitment to the ideals of unity, grassroots participation and inclusive development that characterised the campaign, while urging the people to remain united behind the development of the council area.
It thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, professionals, political stakeholders and supporters who contributed to the success of the campaign.
The organisation equally expressed appreciation to the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the leadership of the APC and all individuals and groups that worked tirelessly throughout the electioneering period to ensure victory.
The campaign council said the overwhelming support received had strengthened its belief that the people of Nkanu East were ready for a new chapter defined by service, inclusion, development and collective progress.
It therefore called on the people to see the emergence of Ogbuekwe not merely as the conclusion of a political contest, but as an opportunity to forge a common front for the advancement of every community across Nkanu East.
“The people have spoken. The mandate has been given. This shows continued trust and hope in the APC. Now is the time to unite, build and deliver. Together, we move Nkanu East forward,” it added.
Nollywood actor Ricardo Agbor has survived a car crash in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The actor disclosed the incident on Saturday in a video shared on his Instagram page, showing his badly damaged Lexus SUV at the scene of the accident.
The silver vehicle suffered extensive damage to its front section, including a crushed bonnet, smashed grille, exposed engine components and a damaged front-left tyre.
In the video, Agbor identified the location of the accident as being in front of the
Cornerstone City billboard in Ibadan.
“This is my vehicle in front of Cornerstone City, Ibadan,” the actor said.
Appearing shaken by the incident, Agbor repeatedly thanked God for sparing his life.
“Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
He later added, “This is what just happened to me now. Oh God.”
In an accompanying post, the actor wrote, “As I was saying… Thank God Almighty I made it out of this. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ.”
There was no immediate information on whether the actor or any other person sustained injuries in the crash.
Ricardo Agbor, also known as Rykardo Agbor, was born on February 4, 1973, in Lagos State and hails from Delta State.
He studied Mass Communication at the University of Ibadan and began his acting career in 1992 after working as a model.
Agbor gained prominence following his appearance in the movie Visa to Hell and has since featured in numerous Nollywood productions in both English and Yoruba.
His acting career spans more than three decades.
Air Peace has reacted to a viral video showing passengers struggling to board one of its aircraft at the Abuja airport.
The video, which has sparked reactions on social media, showed passengers pushing and scrambling to board an Air Peace flight, with airline and airport officials appearing overwhelmed by the crowd.
However, Air Peace said the incident occurred on December 20, 2024, amid flight delays caused by poor weather conditions.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, said harmattan-induced haze and fog had significantly reduced visibility and disrupted flight operations nationwide.
According to him, Air Peace deployed three aircraft to Abuja to evacuate affected passengers and minimise disruptions caused by the delays.
He explained that while passengers were being processed at the boarding gate, the crowd became overwhelming, with some passengers rushing towards the airside.
Ndiulo said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and boarding officers were overwhelmed by the situation, forcing duty managers and ramp officials to mount barricades around the aircraft stairs to separate passengers booked on different flights.
The airline expressed sympathy to passengers affected by the delays but condemned what it described as misinformation and false claims accompanying the viral video.
The statement read in part:
“On the day in question, there were flight delays because of poor weather conditions, specifically harmattan-induced haze and fog, which is common at this time of the year and significantly limits visibility and impacts flight operations nationwide.”
Air Peace said it deployed three aircraft to Abuja to ensure that passengers could continue their journeys with minimal disruption.
The airline also urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading representations of the incident, insisting that the video did not reflect its normal operations or values.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period and sincerely regret any inconvenience these delays may have caused you,” the airline said.
It added that the safety of its passengers and crew remained its utmost priority.
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