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January 22, 2025 2025 Budget: NLC Criticizes FG’s ₦8bn Allocation for Public Awareness on Electricity Bill Payments

2025 Budget: NLC Criticizes FG’s ₦8bn Allocation for Public Awareness on Electricity Bill Payments

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the ₦8 billion allocated in the 2025 federal budget to raise public awareness about the need to pay electricity bills, describing the move as “absurd.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero expressed strong opposition to the initiative, which was proposed by the Federal Ministry of Power. According to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the funds are intended to address issues such as power theft, poor payment habits, and the protection of national power infrastructure. Adelabu explained during his budget defense at the National Assembly that the campaign would utilize various media platforms—including social, digital, and print channels—to reach Nigeria’s population of over 200 million. He emphasized the importance of educating citizens that electricity is not a free resource and that safeguarding infrastructure is crucial for ensuring a stable power supply.

Reacting to the proposal, Ajaero criticized the ministry for what he called misplaced priorities and gross mismanagement in the power sector. He urged both the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to focus on revitalizing the sector to prevent its total collapse. In a statement titled "Before the Collapse of the Power Sector: ₦8 Billion Budget for Electricity Bill Sensitization and Matters Arising," Ajaero highlighted systemic corruption and the repeated failure of leadership to provide lasting solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

He remarked that while the ministry is requesting billions for public sensitization, contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) are reportedly owed over ₦200 billion. Ajaero also criticized the inability of the ministry to avert frequent grid collapses, noting that under the current leadership, grid failures have occurred more frequently than ever before. He described these failures as evidence of incompetence and suggested that those responsible should resign.

The NLC accused NERC of complicity in unethical practices, pointing to a recent incident where a whistleblower was allegedly sacked for exposing corruption within a distribution company (DISCO). This, according to the NLC, reflects a lack of transparency and accountability in the agency responsible for regulating the power sector.

The NLC called on the government to address the systemic issues plaguing the power sector rather than allocating funds to campaigns. It warned that continued mismanagement would deepen public distrust in government institutions and exacerbate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. The statement concluded with a commitment to hold the government accountable, cautioning against further misuse of public funds and hinting at possible mobilization against wasteful expenditures.

January 22, 2025 Speed Darlington Released After Two Months in Detention

Speed Darlington Released After Two Months in Detention

Controversial musician Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been released from Kuje prison after spending almost two months in detention.

Darlington’s release follows the granting of a ₦20 million bail last Wednesday by a federal high court in Abuja. His lawyer, Stan Alieke, confirmed the development and shared photos with the singer on Instagram. Alieke also revealed that Darlington’s legal team plans to seek redress against the Nigerian police for what they described as his “illegal incarceration.”

The artist, widely known for his hit single Bangdadang, was re-arrested on November 27, 2024, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State. This re-arrest stemmed from allegations of cyberstalking Grammy award-winning musician Burna Boy.

Darlington’s legal troubles began in October 2024 when Burna Boy filed a police petition over suggestive comments made by Darlington. The comments allegedly linked the “Ye” crooner to embattled hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, sparking controversy online.

Although released on bail, Darlington is set to return to court on March 18 for trial on cybercrime charges.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Stan Alieke (@stanalieke)

 

January 21, 2025 Losing My First Child Was the Saddest Moment of My Life – Nollywood Actor Dele Odule

Losing My First Child Was the Saddest Moment of My Life – Nollywood Actor Dele Odule

Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his first child, describing it as the saddest moment of his life.

In an emotional interview with his colleague Kunle Afod, the renowned Yoruba actor shared the painful experience, explaining that the news was especially difficult due to the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth.

The 63-year-old actor reflected on the tragedy, expressing how deeply it affected him. However, he emphasized that he eventually accepted it as God’s will, praying never to endure such a loss again.

The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me,” Odule revealed. “It was hard because of the situation during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”

Odule’s revelation sheds light on the emotional toll of losing a loved one and the strength required to cope with such a profound loss.

 

January 21, 2025 FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, Loses Son in Tragic Car Accident

FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, Loses Son in Tragic Car Accident

The family of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, is in mourning following the tragic death of his son in a car accident on Monday.

A top police source confirmed the devastating news, which has left Disu and his loved ones in deep grief. While the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear, family members have described the loss as an immense tragedy.

Commissioner Disu, who recently assumed leadership of the FCT Police Command, has received an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, friends, and members of the public since the news broke.

In a poignant coincidence, CP Disu had earlier on Monday paid a condolence visit to CSP A.A. Sambo, the Divisional Police Officer of Ushafa Division, who also recently lost his son. During the visit, Disu expressed heartfelt sympathies to CSP Sambo and his family, assuring them of the Command’s full support during their time of grief.

The tragic loss of CP Disu’s son has further underscored the fragility of life, drawing widespread sympathy and prayers for strength and comfort for the bereaved families.

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