News

Britain, Nigeria’s past, future deeply intertwined, says Envoy

Published

3 months ago

September 22, 2023

The relationship between Britain and Nigeria is deeply intertwined, the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones has said.

Llewellyn-Jones made this known in his keynote address at a book presentation titled “ The Making of Modern Nigeria – From Pre-colonial Era Till Date,’’ by the Sun Publishing Limited, the publisher of Sun Daily on Thursday in Abuja.

”Britain or Nigeria can not escape history. As two nations, our past and present are deep and intertwined.’’

Llewellyn-Jones added that both countries strive together for peace, prosperity, and democracy.

“We have a shared togetherness today. We share the Commonwealth values as members of the Commonwealth.

“We share the values of democracy, of human rights of international peace and security, of tolerance, respect and underhand understanding of freedom of expression, separation of powers, and the rule of law.

“Nigeria has been independent since 1960. We will celebrate 63 years of independence on Oct. 1. We also celebrate the return to democracy in 1999.’’

Llewellyn-Jones added that both countries did not only share deep history, but also working relationship.

“As an indication of our history, His Majesty the King has made four visits to Nigeria. One of the earliest visitors received after his accession to the throne was that of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I’m pleased to have seen that our Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Minister, Mr James Cleverly, visited in August and President Bola Tinubu and our Prime Minister Sunak met in New Delhi only a few weeks ago.

“A sign of our future is that the UK issued 65,000 student visas to Nigerian students to come and study in the UK.

“Nigeria is the third largest country in the world in terms of students in the UK. There are many Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent operating at the top of our society, as Secretary of State for business and trade, kemi Badenoch is a Nigerian descent.

“Perhaps a little closer to home, when I was treated for malaria back in the UK, the doctor was from Lagos. we base our relationship not only on our history, but on our current issues and our shared future,’’ she said.

The deputy high commissioner due to finish her tenure in Nigeria by the end of 2023 said she had lived in the country for four years and have come to love Nigeria complexity, diversity, deep cultures and her special people.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume commendied the Sun Publishing Limited for the book project.

Akume described it as a wonderful document, urging the youths to read it.

“It is a bridge gap between the ancient and the modern, trying to bring to the concept of readership to our teeming youths who may have lost touch with history.

“So I am quite appreciative of this very excellent work by your team and commenced you so much

“I wishe that the teeming youths and all Nigerians in general should avail themselves opportunity of having knowledge of what has happened and what is happening to Nigeria through this very wonderful work,’’ Akume said.

Contributing, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Rep. Phili Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House, said that the book would contribute to knowledge and research work in the country.

“This is considered to be an incredible piece of well research work to enrich the literature of to fill the gaps in the chronicle of the Nigerian story.

“ It is surely a contribution to shape the political knowledge of our journey to nationhood.

“The book showcases and details into cases of Nigerians journey from pre-colonial to contemporary approach of nation building and provides a comprehensive insight into Nigerian social, economic and political trajectories.

“I commend management of the Sun limited for this good contribution to knowledge. It is a ready resource for policymakers, academics, and students of Nigeria political history,’’ he said.

He said that the public presentation could not have come at a better time, because young Nigerians have begun the quest for participation and inclusion in governance.

Headline

DSS To Start Using Weapons Produced By Personnel – Bichi

Published

6 hours ago

December 9, 2023

Ifunaya Emeka

The Department of State Services (DSS) said on Saturday it will soon unveil weapons produced by its personnel.

This was disclosed by the DSS Director General, Yusuf Bichi, at the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 participants in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to him, the DSS will soon begin to “produce what it eats and eat what it produces.”

Among the weapons the Secret Service will soon unveil are Unmanned Aeriel Vehicles (UAVs), he stated.

Bichi also assured that the agency will continue to support the National Institute for Security Studies to succeed in its quest to impart knowledge that will enhance security in the country.

He charged the participants to utilise the skills they have acquired to develop the country, urging Nigerians to remain patriotic and shun those whom he described as warmongers who want to set the country on fire.

Also at the event is the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

The Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 commenced in February 2023 with 89 participants drawn from 35 agencies across Nigeria and four other African countries, namely, Niger, The Gambia, Rwanda and Chad.

Three participants lost their lives during the period, leaving 86 participants who graduated on Saturday.

Headline

53 power projects worth ₦‎122bn to be completed by May 2024 – TCN

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2023

Ifunaya Emeka

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has said that 53 ongoing power projects worth N122 billion is to be completed by May 2024.

TCN and power distribution companies with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will finish up these projects that are currently being constructed across the country.

Punch reports that the projects entail the delivery of eight 150MVA power transformers, 19 1000MVA transformers, 60MVA transformers, reconductoring existing transmission lines (conductors and accessories), upgrading of the existing 132/33KV substations, and construction of 33KV line bays.

While visiting three different projects at Ojo, Isolo, and Oworonshoki Transmission stations in Lagos on December 6, Mathew Ajibade, Programme Coordinator at TCN, mentioned that once these projects are finished, they will increase the company’s ability to transport electricity by over 1,000 megawatts.

He said:

“The projects are currently being implemented through the project management office at the TCN headquarters in collaboration with both TCN field engineers and the Discos technical team. The time set for completion of the projects is May 2024 latest. PMO made progress with the implementation of the programme despite challenges encountered and is committed to ensuring the successful implementation.”

Tumba Tijani, who is the Assistant Director and oversees the Infrastructure Finance Office at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), clarified that the central bank provided a loan for the project in August of last year. This loan was given at a 9% interest rate.

He mentioned that a total of N85.43 billion has been given out to 53 different contractors involved in the projects. This money has been disbursed into the Advance Payment Guarantee account to help these contractors carry out their tasks.

He said:

“The CBN in continuation of its intervention in the power sector approved the sum of N122, 289, 344 for the programme Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilization Facility-3 based on the projects estimated for the identified projects.

The facility aims to resolve the transmission/distribution interface bottlenecks to improve supply to end users and unlock the unutilized generation capacity in the country,”

Why transmission?
The Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, mentioned before that even though the country has handed over the responsibility of generating and distributing power to private entities, the part that handles transmitting electricity is still managed by the government.

However, this area hasn’t seen enough progress mainly because the infrastructure, such as substations, transformers, and power lines, is getting old and isn’t strong enough.

Adelabu promised that the government would focus on reorganizing and improving this infrastructure. The aim is to ensure that all Nigerians experience better and more reliable electricity supply across the country.