The management of Ossiomo Power Plant has cleared the air on the dispute between its Chinese partners and the circumstances surrounding the shutting down of the power plant early this month.

Representative of Ossiomo management, Engineer Festus Evbuomwan, during an interactive session with customers on the impasse between the two partners, said contrary to the rumour making the rounds, the management of Ossiomo Power Plant had paid over ₦2bn to its Chinese partner — Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC) — since the power plant started operation.

Recall that representative of CCETC who identified himself as Mr. ‘W’ had, during a telephone phone interview two weeks ago, claimed that “instruction to shutdown was because we lost lots of money and did not get any return on investment,” adding that “all the $20m investment was done by us including the distribution lines.”

But Evbuomwan during the interactive session, said the management was not aware of the $20m investment the Chinese partner claimed, just as he disclosed that “when they generate power, we sell and pay them.”

READ ALSO:Edo Govt Denies Shares As Ownership Tussle Rocks Ossiomo Power

He disclosed that after shutting down the power plant, the Chinese partners came up with a request of ₦185m to be paid to two Chinese not known to the management, stressing that this was declined.

According to him, the Chinese partner, having seen how lucrative the business is, “went to some quarters and raised some issues probably thinking they can manoeuvre us with the help of some big persons, so that they can use their machines to generate power and sideline us but this is not possible.”

“The Chinese partners also claimed that they borrowed $20m from their native land to invest, we are not aware of such investment, and we do not know where the money was invested up till now.

“They have been also saying they have not been receiving anything, but I want to tell you unequivocally that first, the partners run a joint account where their investment is going into. More so, The Chinese partners have received over ₦2bn so far for the power they generate with their machines. When they generate the power, we sell and pay them.”

READ ALSO: Five Years After, Edo Govt Reconnects To BEDC As Ossiomo Shut Down

Engr. Evbuomwan, while apologising to customers for the power outage caused by the dispute between the two partners, said Ossiomo had started power generation though not in full capacity, assuring that power generation would be fully restored soon.

“We have purchased turbines, and one have started working. They are working on the second one, so, by the time our five turbines start working we will be in full capacity. Even with that, those connected to the government may not be reached immediately. This is because the government bought the poles and contracted the wiring, and we cannot force the government to do our bid. Also, we are making efforts to site 33kva transformer along Airport Road and Lagos Road as soon as possible, so that our customers there will get power.”

He said the Edo State government does not have a stake in the company, just as he appealed to the “government to let us supply power to customers in through their Lines. I want to emphasise that Ossiomo is not completely shut down.”

He further urged the “government to encourage the Nigerian citizens to invest and not to work against local investors.”

There is no doubt that graduating from university anywhere in the world is not a small feat but a major milestone.

However, securing a job in today’s competitive labour market, especially in a country like Nigeria, requires more than just a degree as employers now look for graduates who possess practical skills that can add value to their organisations from day one.

The workplace in today’s world is shaped by technology, globalization, and evolving business needs.

As a result, graduates must develop skills that go beyond academic knowledge to remain relevant and employable.

READ ALSO:Start A Small Business In These 7 Steps

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five essential skills every graduate should have in today’s job market.

1. Digital literacy

The world has no doubt become a global village, and as a graduate, you cannot afford to be left behind. In almost every sector today, technology is at the centre of operations. From using productivity tools and managing data to adapting to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, digital literacy is a must-have for graduates.

Graduates who are familiar with digital platforms, social media, and online collaboration tools often stand out during recruitment. Being digitally literate also means being able to learn new software quickly, a trait employers value highly.

2. Communication skills

This is an important skill not just for graduates but for everyone. The importance of communication in navigating all aspects of life cannot be overemphasised. It remains one of the strongest predictors of workplace success.

As a graduate, you must be able to express your ideas effectively, both in writing and in speech. Good communication fosters teamwork, leadership, and strong professional relationships.

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3. Critical thinking and problem-solving

Life is not a bed of roses, and there will always be challenges that require critical thinking to resolve. Employers want graduates who can analyse situations, think logically, and propose solutions rather than simply follow instructions.

In organisations, unexpected challenges arise frequently, and individuals who can make sound decisions under pressure are highly valued. Critical thinking also helps graduates evaluate information and avoid bias.

4. Adaptability and flexibility

If there is one lesson COVID-19 taught us, it is that nothing is certain. The pandemic proved how quickly industries can change. From remote work to automation, graduates must be adaptable to remain employable.

READ ALSO:Drama As Hilda Baci’s Jollof Pot Falls After GWR Attempt

Adaptability means being open to new ideas, adjusting to different work environments, and learning new skills as industries evolve. Employers also value flexibility in graduates who can handle multiple roles or shift priorities as needed. Being adaptable often signals resilience, a quality highly sought after in uncertain job markets.

5. Emotional intelligence

While technical know-how is undoubtedly important, emotional intelligence is what often sets successful graduates apart. Emotional intelligence involves self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage relationships.

In workplaces where collaboration is key, graduates with strong emotional intelligence can work well with diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and even take on leadership roles earlier in their careers.
(TRIBUNE)

The idea of starting a business is exciting; it’s your chance to turn an idea into something real. But let’s be honest, it can also feel scary.

From money problems to finding your first customers, challenges will definitely come your way. But the good news is, if you take things step by step, you can grow steadily.

Here are 7 simple steps to help you figure out how to start your small business:

1. Begin with an idea you believe in

Every venture, business or not, starts with an idea. It doesn’t have to be glamorous, just something valuable to people, one you have some faith in. You can ask questions like, “Does this solve a problem?” “Will people find it useful?”

READ ALSO:I Won’t Allow His Movement To Die, Charlie Kirk’s Widow Vows

2. Do some research

Before you begin anything, find out more about your idea, your market, and potential operations. Who will buy from you? Who is selling something similar? Research can get overwhelming, so stay focused.

3. Write a simple plan

A simple plan? Yes. Don’t bother yourself with confusing techniques and long documents. Simply have a short plan with your goals, budget, target customers, and means of reaching them.

This plan will be a guide when things get overwhelming and confusing.

4. Make smart money decisions

One of the biggest struggles for small businesses is running out of money. Start small, avoid unnecessary spending, and separate business from personal money. Even if you don’t have much, discipline matters.

READ ALSO:Why I’m No Longer Stable On Social Media – Davido

5. Start small

It can be quite tempting to want to rush and be big overnight. Don’t fall prey. Instead, you can first test your product or service with a few people, listen to feedback, and improve. E.g., a small bakery testing cakes and pastries with friends and neighbours.

Small mistakes are easier (and cheaper) to fix than the huge ones that might get hard to rectify.

6. Choose people over sales

READ ALSO:

Your first customers are special. Treat them well, ask what they think, and encourage them to tell others. When you build relationships, you build trust, and trust brings more customers.

7. Stay open-minded
Business will not always go as planned. Sales may drop, or new competitors may show up. Be flexible, make changes when needed, and keep learning from others and from your own mistakes.

In Conclusion, starting a small business takes courage and patience. Some days will be hard, but don’t lose sight of your “why.” Every big company you see today once started small. Focus on small progress every day, and your idea could grow into something much bigger than you imagined.