News

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

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2023

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.