News

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

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2023

Editor

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

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 minutes 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

27 minutes 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.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.