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Cartels, cabals working against success of Power sector, but assured the situation would be handled… — Adelabu

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Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that there is overbearing influence of cartels and cabals in the nation’s power sector, but assured that the situation will be handled professionally.

Adelabu made this known during a reception party organized in his honour by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes at Oke-Aremo, new palace of Olubadan at the weekend, describing it as a major factor militating against the sector’s optimal performance.

The reception which had in attendance, the past and the incumbent presidents of the CCII; Barrister Niyi Ajewole; the Councils of Mogajis and Baales led by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Chief Taye Ayorinde, the Chairman of Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, Engineer Dotun Sanusi and others described the situation at the power sector as worrisome and the need for the minister to brace up for the challenges.

Adelabu, who admitted that of all the sectors of the nation’s economy, the power sector is the most criticized because of its relevance to the economic growth and its non-functioning at optimal level.

According to him, “the challenges facing the power sector are enormous. The aged ineffectiveness of the sector in generation, transformation and distribution of power always attracts criticism from the end users.

“The sector plays a pivotal role in the economic growth hence the reason it cannot afford to continue failing the public.

“The manufacturing sector both the Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneur including the households, need power for economic survival.

“There is no doubt that there are cartels and cabals that are working against the success of the sector but this will be handled professionally.

“I will collaborate with relevant stakeholders including the CCII at ensuring my successful stay as Minister of Power.

“It must be noted that we had this kind of opportunity 10 years ago when Chief Remi Babalola was appointed as Minister of State for Finance but today, it is no longer Minister of State but full Minister.

“My appointment must be seen as a two edged sword with faces of failure and success. If the power sector records remarkable success or the other way round, it will not be hidden.

“That is why I need the support of all and sundry to succeed in this enormous task. We should put aside political differences and work together as an indivisible entity.

“The era of party politics, electioneering and election is gone. This is time for governance. We must reciprocate the good gesture of President Bola Tinubu with remarkable success in the power sector.”

Continuing, the recently sworn-in Minister of Power assured his readiness to work with Governor Seyi Makinde at the state level in a bid to turn around the state.

“At the state level, I will collaborate with Governor Seyi Makinde at ensuring that he succeeds in his effort to turn the state around.”

“Also, I want to commend the Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts, Engineer Dotun Sanusi for collaborating with the government in the area of rural electrification especially with the donation of over 85 transformers to various communities in the state,” the Minister said.

Earlier in his address, the President of CCII, Barrister Niyi Ajewole, has described the appointment of Adelabu as the Minister of Power as a welcome development.

He thanked President Tinubu for reciprocating the gesture of the people of the state during the 2023 general election with the appointment of substantive minister.

He, therefore, enjoined Adelabu to use the opportunity to impact on the people of Ibadanland in the area of creation of employment opportunity.

Ajewole also urged him to cooperate with Governor Makinde in his effort to improve power supply in the state.

Speaking in the same vein, Engineer Sanusi admitted that the task before the Minister is enormous, at the same time he must prove his capability.

He told the minister to have it at the back of his mind that he is not the Minister of Oyo State but Nigeria and has no reason to fail the country.

According to him, “We must all be ready to take full responsibility for his failure and success. Our advice and constructive criticism will go a long way in his effort to make a meaningful impact in the sector.

“With his pedigree in the Finance and management sector, the minister will turn the sector around for good.

“Also, the Minister must be reminded that whatever decision he is taking, it must be in the interest of his people because he will return home one day.”

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General

Osun Pensioners: Governor Adeleke is Committed to Payment of Pensions, Entitlements

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The government of Governor Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the rumor of accrued pensions not paid by his government as alleged by opposition in the state, upon which some unscrupulous elements are allegedly planning a protest march.

We want the public to note that the current government has been consistent in paying some of the accrued pensions, owed by previous governments, from inception of his administration

While we have ascertained and confirmed that the rumour of a planned protest is not true,we alert the public to the spreading of the fake news designed to offend and confuse the contributory pensioners who are strong supporters of Governor Adeleke.

We assert that the pensioners and other stakeholders are aware of sustained efforts of the current government to pay up the inherited pensions.

It may also interest stakeholders to note that the Governor has 48 hours ago directed the hosting of an emergency consultative meeting with contributory pensioners to table full data before them and agree on a path to further payments.

Details of the meeting are to be communicated to relevant stakeholders.

Ahead of the meeting, we take liberty to release part of the records with renewed commitment of the administration to accelerate the payment process.

The records according to the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau in the state, shows that the government of Ademola Adeleke has made payment to both the contributory pensioners and old pensioners in the state, with effect from 28th November, 2022 till date.

The breakdown is as follows:

MONTHLY PENSION (Old Pension Scheme) – Three billion naira (N3 billion).

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS – Two billion, nine hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and twenty-four thousand, three hundred and forty-one naira and thirty kobo (N2,916,224,341: 30).

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF PENSIONERS – One billion, Sixty-two million, Four Hundred and Sixty-nine thousand, Seven hundred and Forty-three naira, Eighty-six Kobo (N1,062,469,743 : 86).

Regarding Death Benefits:

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS – Three hundred and Twenty-four million, Two hundred and Eighty-nine thousand, Five hundred and Ninety naira, Sixty-two Kobo (N324,289,590: 62).

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF PENSIONERS – Nine-six million, One hundred and Eighty-one thousand, Thirty-two naira, Ninety-two Kobo (N96,181,032: 92).

MONTHLY PENSION (Contributory Pension) Remittances:

PRIMARY SCHOOL – One billion, Eighty-three million,One hundred and Ninety-seven thousand,two hundred and Sixty-five naira, Thirty-six Kobo (N1,083,197,265:36).

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF PENSIONERS – Six hundred and One million, Seven hundred and Seventy-four thousand, Thirty-two naira, Thirty-two kobo (N601,774,032:32).

PRESENTATION OF BOND CERTIFICATES:

PRIMARY SCHOOL – One billion, Nine hundred and Eleven million, Three hundred and Seventy thousand, Two hundred and Eleven naira, Forty-four Kobo (N1,911,370,211:44).

LOCAL GOVT STAFF PENSIONERS – Seven hundred and Eight million, Forty-one thousand, Three hundred and Seventy-eight naira, Ninety-seven Kobo (N708,041,378:97).

The government appreciates the Pensioners and especially the contributory pensioners for their understanding, resilience and appreciation of the high level of commitment already shown by the government and urge them to distance themselves from evil operatives of the previous regime who were responsible for the pension debt in the first place.

As we remind the public and pensioners that Governor Adeleke has workers welfare as a number on his agenda, we affirm that the Governor has the best interest of workers, pensioners and the public at heart and his government will therefore not under any circumstances deny retirees their due rights and privileges.

The government reiterates its commitment to the good people of Osun state, and asked that the lying opposition party be shunned, as they are mischief makers.

Signed:

Oluomo Kolapo Alimi

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment

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General

Mohbad: I Disguised To Candlelight, Shameful Things People Did – FPRO

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The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has said that he was one of those who attended the candlelight and night of tribe held for Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, in Lagos.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, however, said the conduct of some of those there did not serve the purpose.

In a tweet on his X handle, Adejobi said inasmuch as candlelight processions are a right, it should be done with decorum.

He tweeted: “None could recognise me, I disguised.

“But I intentionally attended to see things for myself and have an opinion about the whole thing.

“I gathered some intelligence there yesterday.

“Sincerely, many guys are our problem.

“You dey mourn, u con dey smoke, dey hit or attack people, dey drive reckless, etc.

“May his soul rest in peace.

“While I commend the organisers of the lagos procession for their steadfastness and understanding.

“I hope others will emulate them.

“It’s reasonable to end all processions at the latest 7pm.

“Candle light procession is a rite and must be purposeful.”

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Football

Ramsdale’s Time At Arsenal Coming To An End —Premier League Legend

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Premier League legendary American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has said he is certain that Aaron Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal is coming to an end.

Ramsdale has been overlooked for selection in past two games, with summer signing David Raya getting the nod.

The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Brentford on a £3million loan deal with a purchase option of £27m.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has insisted to the media that he will pick his goalkeeper based on tactical reasons.

But the fact that Raya has started in both the Premier League and now Champions League has many questioning his statements.

One of those is Friedel, who has the third-most appearances of any goalkeeper in Premier League history.

When asked if it’s over for Ramsdale if Raya starts this weekend’s north London derby against Tottenham, the American replied on talkSPORT: “Absolutely.”

“I thought from the second they signed him they signed him to be the new no.1, I don’t think you pay that much money for someone with one year left on their contract, I know he signed an extra contract and went on loan, but that was for other reasons.

“I think they really liked Raya so when he became available they pushed for him.”

“It’s very harsh on Ramsdale but it’s the coach’s decision,” the former Liverpool and Tottenham keeper said.

“I’m assuming Ramsdale at the end of this season will end up having to do what Matt Turner did at the end of the previous season and find another place to play.

“I know it’s early and people will say you have to see what he does, but I think Raya was brought in as the no.1, you thought maybe they could be swapping if they’d played Ramsdale in the Champions League, but that didn’t happen.

“I think we’ll see Raya in goal and he’ll be the incumbent no.1 this season.”

Ramsdale joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021, leaving Sheffield United in a £30m deal.

Last season the 25-year-old almost helped the Gunners to a first league title in almost two decades, which Friedel thinks will see him join another top club where he can play every match

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