Kaduna Electric begins distribution of 50,000 pre-paid meters

The Kaduna Electric on Monday commenced the distribution of prepaid meters to its customers in Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara State.

The free meters were part of efforts by the company to ensure optimal service delivery.

The Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, and Governor. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State flagged off the distribution in Sokoto.

In his remarks, Fashola said that the new billing system would curb losses to the power firms, due to inability to collect due rates.

The minister also said the metering system would eradicate the problem of paying for unmeasured electricity by customers.

Fashola said: “They will therefore ensure fair billing system as well as enhance regular power supply.”

In his remarks, Tambuwal said the pre-paid meters would curb the menace of the controversial estimated billing of customers.

The governor added that the system would reduce the cost of using power by residents.

Tambuwal said: “The system will empower the customers to control their usage of power,” he said, adding that it would enhance efficiency in power supply.

“We have also purchased 172 transformers at over N600 million to boost power supply across the state.

“The state government’s Independent Power Project will also soon come on stream, in partnership with KAEDCO.”

According to Tambuwal, the government has undertaken various measures to augment power supply to the state.

He disclosed that the government had collaborated with the Nigeria Energy Support Programme to tap the abundant renewable energy sources in the state.

The governor said the focus would be on wind and solar energy, as well as electricity generation from Goronyo dam.

Earlier, the company’s Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, commended the minister for the “optimal” reforms going on in the power sector.

Abubakar also hailed Tambuwal for his “uncommon commitment” to the issue of power in the country.

One thousand motorcycles purchased for the firm’s sales representatives and metering officials in the four states were also inaugurated at the event.

Aisha Buhari Inaugurates Committee For Distribution Of Relief Materials To IDPs In Borno

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on Wednesday, inaugurated a 12-Women Committee for the Distribution of Relief Materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State.

 

She inaugurated the committee at the Government House, Maiduguri.

 

Chairman of the committee is the wife of Borno Governor, Hajiya Nana Shettima as while Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo is the Secretary.

 

Other members of the committee are Mrs Fanta Shehu, Mrs Iya Kaumi, Hajiya Zainab Abdullahi, Hajiya Fatima Aliyu, Prof. Aisha Ahmed, Hajiya Yagana Alkali and Mrs Kori Shettima.

 

Others are Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, Mrs Ladi Clark and Prof. Hauwa Abdu.

 

Aisha said the committee was expected to distribute the items being donated to alleviate the suffering of the people affected by insurgency.

 

She said the committee was made up of women of integrity committed to the progress of the state and urged them to discharge their duty with the fear of God.

 

The president’s wife urged the committee to develop modalities for equitable distribution and ensure that items are received accordingly.

 

“I trust you to dedicate yourselves to service to humanity and discharge your duties with all sense of commitment.

 

I want to assure you that this is going to be a continuous exercise as I will also continue to appeal for more donations for this purpose’’, she said.

 

Aisha said the effort by this administration to rebuild and resettle the IDPs to their respective homes was encouraging.

 

“It is our hope that the menace of insurgents will be a thing of the past soon.’’

 

Aisha commended the donor organisations and individuals who had so far donated the items to support IDPs.

 

She called on corporate organisations, donor agencies and individuals to emulate this kind gesture as those who needed the assistance were still many.

 

Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno commended President Muhammadu Bahari for his commitment to end insurgency in the region.

 

“President has shown interest clearly in Borno, majority of Nigerians will follow suit. We cannot thank Mr President enough.

 

He commended Mrs Buhari for donations to IDPs across the North East.

 

Hajiya Nana Shettima commended the present administration for success recorded so far to end insurgency in the North East.

 

“We now have relative peace and many of our local government headquarters have been recaptured from the insurgents.

 

“We are most grateful for this effort and the care being provided to the millions of our IDPs through NEMA and other government agencies.

 

“Your coming to present the relief materials and to see the IDPs is a clear demonstration of your motherly care and concern you have for the victims.

 

“It is also our desire to quickly end this insurgency so that our IDPs can return to their homes.

 

 

She promised that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the affected persons as it would enhance their wellbeing and alleviate their suffering.

 

 

(NAN)