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Abuja Reports

Abuja Business Owners Bemoan Incessant Power Outage

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Business owners in Abuja have decried the continuous power outage caused by frequent collapse national grid.

In a separate interview on Saturday in Abuja, they said the situation was not only causing discomfort but crippling economic activities.

Mr Alozie Agu, a business owner said the inconsistent power supply to homes and business areas was too much discomfort, especially economic challenges and increase in fuel price.

He added that consistent power outages may cause small businesses to fold up and that some businesses that needed constant power might no longer function properly.

Mr Agu said, “While some may get it for an hour or more, some areas do not even get it for a day or two. Some areas get it for just a few minutes, and it is gone, and this is not good, especially for those in the commercial areas where stores with frozen foods, blocks and the rest are sold.

“They require power to process and store these produce. It was not like this last year; at least there was an improvement from the power company, but since this year, everything seems different, and if it continues like this, it may cripple businesses,” he said.

Mr Alozie urged the Federal Government to address the frequent collapse of the national grid and also tackle epileptic power supply in the nation’s seat of power.

Another Abuja resident, Segun Samuel, a business owner in Karu, said that it was unfortunate that the situation is happening amid the high fuel cost.

He said this had cost many business owners their losses as some could not afford to switch to their generator sets, while those who could hike their prices.

“This recent power outage slowed down my business because, some days ago, everyone wanted cold drinks in large quantities, and I didn’t have any to sell.

“If I have to buy fuel to power my generator, I may have to increase the price of drinks, and people may not buy much because not many can afford it,” he said.

He added, “It is unfortunate that now that we are on a prepaid metre, we don’t get light constantly like before, and we need it for our businesses.

“I won’t make a profit if this continues. I am not happy at all. There is no light at home or in my shop. It’s disheartening.”

Another resident, Ayobami Ademola, a businessman, also said the government needed to put more effort into providing a better power supply, especially given the incessant hike in power tariffs.

“For the whole of yesterday, I could not do anything in my office because of this power outage. I work in a cyber cafe, and this power outage really affected us yesterday,” Mr Ademola explained.

“With light, our customers have access to all our computers, but with the generator, we can only use three or four because that’s the much it can carry, so yesterday, we didn’t make much profit,” he said, adding that, “Since the days of our forefathers, power has always been an issue in this country, even making other African countries make fun of us for our inconsistent power generation.

“The government should do something about this, it is not about increasing tariffs every time; at least let us see what we are paying for, and then we will not grumble if it increases again.

“I even came to work wearing rumpled clothes today, which is not nice,” he concluded.

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Abuja Reports

Tinubu Reshuffles Leadership at Federal Universities, Renames UNIABUJA

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By Patrick Idowu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University.

The president dissolved the governing council of the newly named university and removed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, appointing Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as acting VC for six months, though she is ineligible for the permanent position.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso takes over as Pro-Chancellor.

At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Tinubu sacked Acting VC Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, replacing him with Prof. Oguejiofu T. Ujam. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu was moved from UNN to the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo is now UNN’s Pro-Chancellor.

Other key changes include Senator Joy Emordi moving from Alvan Ikoku University of Education to the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, while Senator Sani Stores takes her previous role.

Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi is now Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

President Tinubu said the overhaul reflects his commitment to revitalizing higher education and ensuring stronger governance and accountability in Nigerian universities.

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Abuja Reports

Residents Demand Relocation of Karu Dump Site

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By Patrick Idowu & Gbenga Adeniyi

Residents of Jikwoyi and Karu communities on the outskirts of Abuja are calling for the urgent relocation of the Karu dump site, citing severe environmental and health risks.

Appealing to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the residents warned of a potential epidemic if the site remains in its current location.

They highlighted the growing waste accumulation, which frequently obstructs the Karu-Orozo road, causing persistent traffic congestion.

Gabriel Idoko, a resident, expressed frustration over the situation.

“It’s shameful that such a hazardous site exists in Abuja. This is an eyesore that poses serious health risks,” he lamented.

A local community chief, who spoke anonymously, condemned the site’s proximity to a cemetery.

“How can refuse be dumped on graves? It’s unacceptable. The FCT administration must act swiftly,” he stated.

Residents are urging authorities to address the issue urgently by relocating the dump site to a more suitable location.

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Abuja Reports

AEPB Engages 40 Contractors to Enhance Cleanliness in Abuja

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By Abaire Olanlesi

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has engaged 40 contractors to manage waste and maintain sanitation across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

AEPB Director, Mr. Osilama Braimah, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that all contractors have been fully paid with no outstanding debts. He emphasized the Board’s role in waste management, sewage maintenance, and environmental sanitation across key districts, including Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.

Braimah noted that while contractors are responsible for waste evacuation, the AEPB intervenes when necessary, deducting costs from contractors’ payments. He also addressed noise pollution, stating that the Board takes action against noise from nightclubs and public buildings but has no jurisdiction over vehicle or motorcycle noise.

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