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TCN Benin Region Embarks On Grid Upgrade, Laments Lines Vandalism, Encroachment

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By Joseph Kanjo 

As part of measures to intensify electricity transmission Edo, Delta , and parts of Ondo and Ekiti states, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin region says it has embarked on series of projects aimed at grid expansion/upgrade in the sub region.

Engineer Isaac Okpe, General Manager, TCN, Benin region, stated this while briefing some selected Journalists shortly after an inspection tour to TCN Benin region, Benin sub region and TCN Ihovbor work centre.

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While describing the Benin sub region as one of the most important regions as it is the hub of the national grid, Engineer Okpe said TCN has started expansion/upgrade at Ihovbor work centre, Edo State; Sapele work centre, Delta State; Omotosho sub region, Ondo State, among others.

READ ALSO: Edo Lunches Security Control Centre, Holds 2023 Summit

He added: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria has embarked on series of projects aimed at grid expansion and some of the ongoing expansion projects are;
Benin Sub Region
Project expansion/ Upgrading project of 2x150MVA to 2×300 MVA 330/132kV power transformer. Benin Sub-Region
Restoration of T2 40 MVA transformer at Okada 132/33kV line following the installation of 300KVA grounding transformer.

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“Omotosho Sub Region
Project expansion at Ondo TS, upgrading of 2x 30MVA to 2x 60MVA Commissioning of new 2x40MVA power transformer at 132/33KV line at Erinje Sub-Station currently undergoing testing by NPDH.

Engr. Isaac Okpe (R) flanked by a management staff of the company during a chat with Journalists in Benin on Thursday.

“Delta Sub Region
Ongoing upgrade/expansion of 1x185MVA power transformer at Ughelli 132/33kV line.
Upgrade of 1x60MVA to 100MVA power transformer
Commissioned 150MVA 330/132kV Inter bus transformer at Ughelli last year,” he disclosed.

He, however, lamented that encroachments on TCN lines, the act of vandalism in the region have been major challenges in the company’s commitment in delivering quality service.

READ ALSO: Court Sentences Four To Death For Stealing Motorcycle In Ekiti

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He lamented: “The major challenge we are having is encroachment on our lines. So many people are building churches, shops, houses under the lines, and this is a major threat and a major risk on their part. Even area people were compensated, they come back and build there, claiming that they were not compensated, so this is a threat to the lives of those who stay such places. People should not build under transmission lines.”

“Vandalism is another challenge. People deliberately go to the lines and cut them expecting them to collapse.”

He, however, disclosed that some persons numbering about eight have been caught in the act of vandalism, and presently being prosecuted in different law courts across the region.

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He, therefore, appealed to members of the public to desist from encroaching on the company’s lines and vandalism.

 

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JUST IN: PDP Axes Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, Others For Anti-party Activities

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The Peoples Democratic Party at its ongoing 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday expelled high-profile members including Federal Capital Minister, Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), former Governor Ayo Fayose, Austin Nwachukwu, and several others for anti-party activities.

The action was “promptly ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates,” highlighting the party’s “commitment to restoring unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

This is according to the official statement released by @OfficialPDPNig across its social media handles, which read, “In a landmark move to restore unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its ongoing 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, has expelled high-profile members Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), former Governor Ayo Fayose, Austin Nwachukwu, and several others.”

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The statement added: “The decision, which was promptly ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates, underscores the party’s commitment to eradicating internal divisions and anti-party conduct that have plagued its progress.”

Additional reports revealed that party chieftain, Chief Olabode George, who was also a former national vice-chairman of the party (south), moved the motion for the expulsion, while Samaila Buga, chairman of the PDP in Bauchi, seconded his motion.

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Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, put it to a voice vote.

More details later…

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No Policeman Should Search Your Phone On The Road – Lagos CP

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no security ooerative has the right to search people’s phones on the road.

CP Jimoh said this on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja, where he also told Lagosians that their phones are their personal belongings.

“Some people put me on TikTok where I said it that no policeman should search your phone on the road, I still stand by that order,” he said.

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Jimoh said that the Lagos State Police Command is committed to strengthening its relationship with young people through continuous dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.

READ ALSO:Police Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims In Edo

Speaking further at the event, with the theme, “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” which brought together police officers, youth representatives, civil society groups, and government officials, the CP described the youth as the “mirror of the society”.

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The police commissioner talked about the critical role of young people in shaping policies and holding institutions accountable.

The youth population is vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking; they represent the energy that drives our economy and defines our culture,” Jimoh said.

“This programme has erased so many longstanding gaps and misunderstandings between the police and young people in the state.”

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READ ALSO:Police Arrest Suspected Militant, Hunt Fleeing Monarch In A’Ibom

According to him, there are several initiatives aimed at improving police–youth relations, including the appointment of information officers across all area commands and the expansion of gender units to enhance the protection of women and children.

Jimoh also announced the launch of a new initiative, “Bail is Free,” with the CP making a promise that bail services would now be provided free of charge in all the police divisions across Lagos State.

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“As part of the initiative, I have distributed complimentary cards bearing my signature, which guarantee free bail services across all police divisions in the state,” he said.

READ ALSO:Police Rescue Suspected Phone Thief From Being Lynched In Delta

CP Jimoh also called on the youth to familiarise themselves with the law, noting that knowledge of their rights and responsibilities would help reduce friction with law enforcement.

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“Partnership is not just a slogan; it is an active process of dialogue, respect, and adaptability. We listen more, judge less, and work together for a common goal,” he stated.

Jimoh added that the dialogue programme was a reflection of Lagos State’s vision of proactive community policing and youth empowerment, aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and security in Nigeria’s commercial hub.

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Obiano’s Ex-aide Opens Up On Rumoured Former Anambra Gov’s Death

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The former Anambra State Commissioner for Information under Governor Willie Obiano, Mr C-Don Adinuba, has debunked rumours of the ex-governor’s death, confirming that Obiano is hale and hearty in Houston, United States, where he currently resides.

Claims had circulated on social media suggesting that Obiano, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, had died in London.

READ ALSO:Two Witnesses Testify As EFCC Opens Case Against Ex-Gov Obiano

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Adinuba, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday, described the reports as “provocative” and “unfounded,” insisting that the former governor is alive and well with his family in the US.

He said, “I have been asked some probing questions by journalists and have heard a provocative rumour about the death of former Governor Willie Obiano. The rumour is not true. I just spoke with the former governor and members of his family a few minutes ago. He is hale and hearty in Houston, United States, where he resides.

“Contrary to the reports, Obiano is not in London and has not been hospitalised. He is strong, hale, and hearty, and bouncing in the US. Ignore the rumour—it is not from a credible source. Please, the report is fake; Obiano is still alive.”

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Adinuba urged the public to disregard the claims.

Obiano’s personal publicist, Tony Nezianya, also told The PUNCH that he had not received any information confirming the rumours.

READ ALSO:Alleged N4bn Theft: Soludo Visits Obiano In Abuja

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He said, “I can’t confirm this; I am not aware of such news.”

Obiano served as governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, succeeding Peter Obi, and handed over to the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in March 2022.

He hails from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area and was born on August 8, 1955.

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Obiano is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N4 billion fraud.

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