In a bid to enhance efficiency within Nigeria’s power sector, the Federal Government has initiated the unbundling process for 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

This move aims to streamline operations and bolster effectiveness within the sector, as highlighted by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

Addressing the Senate Committee on Power in Abuja, Minister Adelabu emphasized the necessity of restructuring the DisCos into more manageable entities aligned along state lines.

He stressed the impracticality of current setups, citing examples such as the Ibadan Disco, which spans across seven states, hindering operational efficiency.

Also, Minister Adelabu disclosed the government’s intention to exercise its ownership rights in the DisCos, reclaiming management responsibilities to rectify operational shortcomings. He underscored the imperative of governmental intervention, citing past mismanagement by private sector operators.

In tandem with the unbundling initiative, the Federal Government has directed the sale of DisCos currently under the management of banks and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Four DisCos, including Abuja, Benin, Kaduna, and Kano, are now under bank management due to loan repayment issues, signaling a broader need for industry-wide reform.

The Senate Committee on Power echoed concerns over DisCos’ inefficiencies, advocating for comprehensive overhauls to address longstanding performance deficits. Senator Danjuma Goje decried DisCos’ lackluster contributions to the power sector, labeling them as “complete failures.”

In response to mounting challenges, Minister Adelabu outlined key strategies to revitalize the sector, including stringent regulatory measures, franchise agreements, and accelerated completion of transmission projects. Additionally, efforts are underway to bridge the metering gap and expand renewable energy capacity to bolster the national grid.

Looking ahead, the Federal Government remains committed to realizing its vision of a robust and sustainable power sector, with plans underway to achieve a target of 6,000MW of power generation by the year’s end. As stakeholders collaborate to address systemic deficiencies, the trajectory of Nigeria’s power sector points towards a future marked by resilience and progress.

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Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state have sent a clear message to the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and those of other political parties in the forthcoming local government council election: “Be prepared for heavy defeat”.

The stakeholders, comprising notable leaders, chieftains, and members from across the 33 local government councils in the state, emphasised their commitment to “rescue the third tier of government from total collapse.”

The stakeholders expressed this sentiment unanimously at a meeting held yesterday at the Oke-Ado State Secretariat of the Oyo APC.

The meeting, convened by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, focused on strategising how APC candidates could secure victory in the poll scheduled for April 27, 2024.

In his opening address, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, standing in for Chairman Barrister Isaac Omodewu, stressed that the party’s participation in the council poll demonstrated its dedication to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance. He emphasised the party’s determination to change the narrative of electoral manipulation and ensure fair outcomes for its candidates.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election and the current Minister of Power, urged all party faithful to exert extra effort for the success of APC chairmanship and councilorship candidates.

Adelabu acknowledged the challenges of local government elections, especially for an opposition party, but expressed confidence that with unity, commitment, and dedication, victory was attainable.

The minister pledged his full support to all APC candidates across the state’s 33 LGAs and 351 Wards, announcing immediate cash assistance and mobilisation efforts. He noted the importance of progressive unity and collaboration among party members to achieve victory.

Addressing the challenges in the power sector, Adelabu assured Nigerians of the Ministry’s relentless efforts to stabilise power supply nationwide, despite decades-long issues. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges effectively.

Alh. Abu Gbadamosi, speaking on behalf of all party leaders present, hailed Adelabu’s support for the party and its candidates as a morale boost. He urged continued collaboration to advance the party’s agenda and ensure peace and harmony, looking forward to the 2027 general election when the party aims to reclaim power in the state.

Notable party dignitaries in attendance included Engr. Dayo Lawal, Alh. Mufutau Adisa (Gbayawu), Alh. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, Chief Francis Babalola, Chief C. A Ajibade, Alh. Bello Oladeji (BAO), Hon. Adeyemi Adekola, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, Hon. Tunde Oloyede, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, Alh. Wale Sanusi, among others.

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, narrowly escaped a tragic fate as a private jet operated by Flint Aero crash-landed on Friday night at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The incident occurred after the aircraft, which had departed from the Abuja airport on Friday evening, attempted to land at approximately 10 p.m. near the Ibadan airport runway. During this landing attempt, the private jet veered off course, derailing the runway and eventually crashing into a nearby bush.

A security official at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident on Saturday.

The official stated that only two individuals were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash – the pilot and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

There were no reported fatalities in the incident, providing a sense of relief to those who were concerned about the minister’s well-being.

However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the crash.

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A youth group within the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state, under the aegis of The United Democratic (TUD), on Saturday, berated the gubernatorial candidate of the Accord Party (AP) in the last general election, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, against going ahead with an alleged plan to mislead the public on his recent political activities which were directed at ruining the chances of all APC candidates at the just concluded polls.

Adelabu, who dumped the APC for the Accord Party in protest last year after losing the gubernatorial ticket of the broom party to Senator Teslim Folarin, was quoted in the media on Friday to have referred to himself as an APC chieftain in Oyo state and this has elicited reactions from many quarters including the camp of political pundits and stakeholders.

Reacting to the development, the Oyo APC youth group, in a statement issued by its Acting Coordinator, Mr. Adediran Alao, and Secretary, Comrade Akeem Ishola, took a swipe at the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, describing his claim as shameful, reckless and unfortunate.

The statement read, “We have noticed that some unscrupulous political players in the state are now trying to make some false claims as it relates to their recent activities which backfired against their expectations. Among them are those who failed to look at the picture at the time of APC primaries, when they threw cautions away and abandoned the party APC, simply because they failed to secure party tickets.

“The same desperado did not only leave the broom party for PDP, Accord, Labour Party, and others, but they also campaigned vigorously against all APC candidates, including Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was then the presidential candidate because he had benefitted them in one way or the other.

“Notable among these characters is Oloye Bayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi), who defected to the Accord Party and spared no effort to work for the success of his new party. In doing this, he toured virtually all the media houses in town as he became vociferous against the APC.

“The same man called APC and its candidate’s many unprintable names to run them aground. It is also on record that he specifically dissociated himself from Sen. Bola Tinubu, on several occasions, as he kept telling the world that nobody could contest and win any poll on the APC platform.

“It then beat our imagination that Mr. Adelabu can now turn round and lay claims to being a chieftain of a party he recently dubbed cancer. Adelabu’s Accord party fielded one Prof. Christopher Imumolen against Sen. Bola Tinubu, while Adelabu and his party men garnered him a reasonable number of votes on February 25, 2023.

“It is therefore immoral for Adelabu to now put a bold face and start laying claim to being a member of the APC when he has not resigned his membership of the Accord Party”, the statement concluded.

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The 2023 gubernatorial election has come and gone.

I thought the end has come for Governor Seyi Makinde’s government in Oyo State. But he consolidated his reelection in an unprecedented manner.

While analytically looking at pre-election situations. I told someone that Governor Makinde will loose in Ibarapa Zone, and will lose in Ido local government, while Ibadan land’s vote will be shared disproportionately between Governor Makinde, Sen. Teslim Folarin, and Chief Adebayo Adebayo Adelabu. I equally opined that the governor will lose in the Oyo zone, while Ogbomosho land will be proportionately shared between Folarin and Makinde, and Oke-Ogun I& II will vote for Teslim Folarin. Hence despite the ‘Jagba’ argument against Sen.Teslim, I still felt Folarin will still win, my bias should be understandable as a strong member of APC, and my opposition to Governor Makinde on various issues, one of which is, the attack launched against Late Governor Ajimobi at the initial commencement of Makinde’s government in 2019.

When I remember what happened to Alhaji Lam Adesina during the Alliance for Democracy’s era (AD) supporting the then President Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which consumed the late ‘Great Lam’s second term ambition, the same thing was done by Governor Makinde for the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu believing that Makinde’s fall was imminent.

Three days before the election someone told me that when you meet the peasants, the traders, the government workers, and pensioners, among others. All of them are clamouring for Governor Makinde, on the day of the election there was an allegation of voters’ inducement by money, I said in President Jonathan’s era, money was distributed, yet people still voted APC.

When you heard about the god-fathers that were against Governor Makinde, you can safely conclude that he is a “goner” but God The Father was with him.

God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God – Psalm 62:11

God, The Father has demonstrated that HE is with Seyi Makinde, on account of this I congratulate Governor Seyi Makinde on his Second Term. It’s imperative to warn the governor to stick to Agenda that endear him to the people and come up with new policies to help the State.

God bless the people of Oyo-State,
God bless Governor Seyi Makinde.

Professor Adeniyi Olowofela; is the commissioner representing Oyo state at the Federal Character Commission (FCC)

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Akande in a good-will message  eulogised the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the 2019 general elections, describing him as a consummate banker who has contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy and a compassionate personality with a rich heritage in service to humanity.

“I wish to heartily felicitate  with my good brother, the Otun Parakoyi of Ibadanland as he celebrates God’s Grace in his highly productive life these past 51 years!  May God grant him many more fruiful years ahead in good health, ” the APC guber hopeful added.

The NCC Chief , however admonished Chief Adelabu to continue to appreciate God for the gift of life by ceaselessly  serving  humanity the more.

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Recently,  Oyo State has constantly been in the news for insecurity reasons.  Just a few days ago, some hoodlums were on an arson spree around Beere area of Ibadan. Cars were destroyed and houses were burnt. The confidence of these hoodlums have enjoyed such a boost that they were ready for face-offs with security officers.

A bubbling young man recently met his end in the hands of some daredevil armed robbers, who stormed the hotel he was at. The victim of this armed robbers could have been anyone, since a hotel serves as a temporary home and a relaxation spot to lots of people.

Oke Ogun axis is also suffering the loosened grip on security,  farmers and residents no longer have confidence in the ability of the government to protect their lives and property, as seen in the news.

Between 2011- 2019, Oyo State progressed into a business hub, attracting investors because the confidence in the government was restored and improved. People moved around with no fear for their safety, night life business sprung up in different areas of the state. Sadly, this is no longer the case.

It is true that no society exists without pockets of violence,  but the presence of an active and proactive government should curtail budding unrests before they snowball into serious security issues.

Oyo State’s security architecture was perfected and executed through concerted efforts of the former governor, late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi and Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF) headed by Chief Adebayo Adelabu. 

Chief Adelabu who resigned his position as Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria to serve the people of his state,  enjoyed tremendous support from late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi in steering the ship of Oyo State Security Trust Fund.

He successfully managed the Oyo State’s Security Trust Fund alongside the Executive Secretary,  Mr Femi Oyedipe, together with the reputable members of the board.

The laudable achievements of the Security Trust Fund under the leadership of Chief Adelabu is quite remarkable,  especially because neither he nor the Executive Secretary at the time; Mr Femi Oyedipe were security experts, yet, they achieved giant strides in security the sector.

Looking through the archives on security,  the achievements of Oyo State Security Trust Fund was all encompassing.  some are listed below:

●Refurbishing of security vehicles for security officers.

●Securing insurance for Security officials

●Light Up Oyo Initiative

●Installation of CCTV cameras at crime hotspots

●Establishment of control room for real time updates from CCTV footage

Among others, these achievements served as an arrowhead of the efficacy of security officers across board in the state. 

Reminiscing on the important roles played by the Security Trust Fund, and ruminating on the present reoccurring issues of insecurity in the state leaves us with so many questions for Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

How did you do it?

How were you able to boost the morale and efficacy of the security officials to ensure that they gave their best?

How were you able to roll out programs that warned miscreants and touts that Oyo State is not a place for them?

What strategy did you use to ensure that issues of kidnapping did not become the order of the day in Oke-Ogun?

Can you tell us how you did it? What was your strategy?

Today, the insecurity issues in the state probes the activities of the present crop of leadership at both the state and the Security Trust Fund,  especially with  a former Commissioner of Police now occupying the office of the Executive Secretary.

It is almost 2 years of this administration, and Oyo State’s residents are beginning  to realise that Chief Adebayo Adelabu should never have been the alternative forgone.

Dapo Owolabi, sent the piece from Ibadan, Oyo state.

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The event, which is billed to hold December 5 at Scrolab Hotel, Oke – Ado in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital will also feature celebration of founder’s birthday, presentation of awards to some eminent personalities, scholarship for indigent students and empowerment program.

Dignitaries expected to grace the ocassion include : the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso 1, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives  Congress (APC) and Chief Bayo Adelabu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 election.

Others are: Chief Oyegade Oyepeju, Alhaji Amadu Zungeru, Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadan, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho), Sheik Muyideen Ajani Bello, Hon Muse Ariyo, Pastor Kayode Akinola, Alhaji Taofeek Babatunde, Prince Abass Aleshinloye, Alhaji Taofeeq , Tao Onibata, Professsor Abideen Olaiya and  Rev Mrs Olaiya, among others.

Oyepeju, in a statement signed  on Thursday, explained that the foundation was founded in 2018 and it is duly registered with the government.

The business magnate also added that since its establishment, the foundation has lifted many poor people to a better state through financial aid to petty traders, schorlarship for indigent students in tertiary institutions , donation of tools and equipment for artisans to boost their businesses among others .

He emphasized the need for all levels of government to embark on more programs to alleviate poverty, unemployment and insecurity especially among youths.

According to him, “the focus of the foundation is beyond humanitarian services but a ploy to enhance growth and advancement of the society through  extension of helping hands to the needy and  idle hands who may later became devil’s instrument.

“The increasing number of people with no clear cut jobs is alarming and dangerous for the society and to prevent total collapse the needy should be supported and engage “, Oyepeju noted.

The industrialist, however  advised youths to shun violence and channel their energy and talents towards national development.

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Akande-Sadipe, who chairs House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, OlamilekanOlusada and made available to Mega Icon Magazine,  thanked God for granting Adelabu, the grace to witness his golden jubilee.

She further noted that Adelabu has achieved so much in his education, professional career and business, making him a force to reckon with in Oyo State’s political circuit.

The lawmaker  therefore admonished younger ones and aspiring businessmen, to emulate Adelabu.

“I celebrate you my brother, Bayo Adelabu, on the occasion of your 50th birthday.You have carved a niche through excellence. May the Almighty fill your future with jubilee blessings. A man worthy of emulation in business.

” I implore our youths, in spite of the hardship of the times to tow the line of excellence and emulate the illustrious son of Ibadanland.

“As you celebrate your golden jubilee, I pray God would continue to grant you good health and long life”.

Happy birthday and many happy returns from me and the people of Oluyole”, the statement reads.

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Justifying his statement, Adelabu, who spoke during a media parley and lunch with journalists in Ibadan, the state capital stressed that losing the election has afforded him opportunity of knowing more about how progressives in the state operate.

According to the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN),  unlike before, he has warmed himself into the heart of the grassroots and members of his APC.

Commenting on the present administration’s performance,  he said almost two years after Governor Seyi Makinde was inaugurated, nothing concrete could be pointed to as achievement of PDP-led government.

He said,  “Everything this administration promised the people of the state is still on their wish list 16 months after coming on board. With the caliber of people that have returned to APC, no party can stand the way of our party.

“No state needs a governor before salary is paid. When salary is paid through statutory allocations and it goes straight to the Accountant General, they take it to the bank and they pay. Why must that be the major achievement of any governor?

“And when you embark too much on populist programmes, which, in most cases, are not always giving the state sustainable development, it is more about immediate consumption.

“Populist programmes are short-lived. Within a short period, people will know that this man doesn’t really have so much to offer in terms of sustainable infrastructural development.

“It is going to two years now, can you point at one or two major projects that this government has completed? Everything is still on their wish list and if wishes were horses, beggars would ride,” he concluded.

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