News

17 Days After, IBEDC Restores Power Supply To UCH

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2024

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), on Thursday, restored power supply to University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo confirmed the power reconnection to the hospital in an interview with NAN in Ibadan.

NAN reports that IBEDC had, on March 19, disconnected the power supply to the nation’s premier health institution over what it called accumulated indebtedness.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of UCH had also directed the workers to work between 8. a.m. and 4.p.m. daily untill power was restored to the hospital.

Otegbayo told NAN that the power supply was restored after the hospital had paid a substantial amount from the outstanding sum.

“We have agreed on some payment terms. I don’t want to be quoting figures but we have met the conditions IBEDC gave us.

“Not all debts have been paid but we have paid as they (IBEDC) asked us to do in the payment plan and that’s why they have reconnected us,” he said.

The chief medical director thanked all those who stood by the hospital and those who were involved in the negotiation with the electricity distribution company.

“I want to especially thank the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and others who stood by us,” Otegbayo said.

Reacting to the development, the UCH JAC Chairman, Mr Oludayo Olabampe, said normalcy would return to the hospital once light was restored.

“The issue has been lack of power supply and once it is confirmed that the electricity is restored, workers will certainly start working and doing their normal and regular service.

“There won’t be anything like working between 8. a.m. and 4.p.m. again; we just hope the restoration will last,” Olabampe said.

Spokesperson of IBEDC, Ms Busolami Tunwase, also confirmed the development, describing the company as customer-centric.

Tunwase said that a little over 10 per cent of the outstanding debt was paid by UCH, while workable payment modalities had been reached by both parties.

“We hope they (UCH) keep to their ends of the bargain,” she said.

News

Lagos Govt Warns Against False Oba-elect Claims In Epe

Published

3 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to people presenting themselves as the Oba-elect of the Olu of Epe Kingdom, following the recent passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Shefiu Adewale, the 19th monarch of the kingdom.

Oba Adewale, who died on May 31 at the age of 86, was laid to rest the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

In a statement released on the official Facebook page of the Lagos State Government on Friday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, clarified that no official approval has been given to anyone regarding succession to the Olu of Epe stool.

“The public, especially residents of Epe and its environs, are hereby informed that the state government has not approved any person as the new Olu of Epe. Anybody parading themselves as such is acting unlawfully,” the statement read.

The commissioner emphasized that the process of selecting and installing traditional rulers in Lagos is governed by clearly defined legal and administrative protocols, none of which have been activated for the Olu of Epe succession.

Mr Robert urged residents to disregard any claims by self-proclaimed monarchs and avoid offering traditional courtesies or recognition to such people, warning that doing so could amount to aiding impersonation.

He also revealed that security agencies have been directed to ensure peace and investigate any unauthorized claims to the royal title, with a view to prosecuting offenders under the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to upholding due process and safeguarding the integrity of traditional institutions across the state,” the commissioner added.

News

AEDC Gives Reason For Blackout In Parts Of Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has explained that the blackout being experienced in parts of the nation’s capital is due to a technical fault.

AEDC made this known in a notice on Saturday on its X account.

The Disco said the outage affected several areas in Abuja, including Jabi, Kado Estate, part of Life Camp, Gishiri, Mabuchi, Kadokuchi, Navy Estate, Anan House, Jahi Village, NAF Conference Centre, Lake View Phase 1&2, Custom Quarters, Dakibiu and environs.

The Disco said it is working to fix the technical fault.

However, it did not state when electricity supply would be restored to the affected areas.

“We regret to inform you that the ongoing power outage affecting your area is due to a technical fault.

“Our technical team is working tirelessly to restore power supply as quickly as possible.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve you better,” the Disco stated.

News

UNICAL VC Selection Thwarted As Court Halts Process, Transfers Case To Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

The processes of getting a new Vice Chancellor to replace Professor Florence Obi of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, has reportedly been thwarted following the restraining order by National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Calabar, stopping the Governing Council from proceeding with the ongoing selection process.

The court order with Suit No. NICN/CA/40/2025, signed and sealed by its registrar, Egba Juliet Peter, directed stoppage of the selection process pending determination of the motion.

A new Vice-Chancellor was slated to emerge at the end of the current administration’s tenure in December 2025 but this schedule will no longer be.

The Suit was filed by one of the applicants, Professor Joseph Eyo Duke, a claimant, challenging the advertisement published on 27 May 2025 which listed that possible contenders must possess at least 10 years post-professorial experience.

Prof. Duke said such a requirement is unlawful. arguing that it emanated from an emergency meeting of the University Council held on 25 March 2025.

He further insisted that the criterion is rooted in a non-existent regulation.

The motion ex-parte, dated and filed on 21 July 2025, sought an interim injunction restraining UNICAL and its Governing Council from enforcing or acting upon the advertisement pending determination of the motion on notice.

Upon hearing counsel the claimant, Ubong Akpan, Justice Sanusi Kado granted accelerated hearing of both the motion on notice and the substantive suit.

He also ordered the transfer of the matter to Abuja to be heard by a vacation judge.

The judge directed all parties to maintain the status quo, refraining from any action that could jeopardise the fair hearing of the suit. and fixed August 7, 2025 for hearing of the motion on notice at the Abuja Division.