Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, announced that Nigeria’s power generation increased by 34% in 2024. Speaking during a budget defense session with the Senate Committee on Power, Adelabu revealed that the administration inherited an average generation capacity of 4,100 megawatts (MW) in 2023 and raised it to 5,528 MW by the end of 2024.

He attributed the increase to the addition of a new 700 MW hydroelectric power dam, Zungeru, and significant improvements from existing power plants, both hydro and thermal. Although the initial target was 6,000 MW, unforeseen challenges such as grid disturbances prevented this achievement. However, the shortfall was minimal.

Adelabu also highlighted a rise in energy access, from 59% in 2023 to 64% in 2024, driven by a combination of grid access expansion and growth in renewable energy initiatives, including solar, small hydro, and wind projects. Despite these advancements, he expressed concerns over the metering gap, with around six million customers metered and over seven million remaining unmetered. To address this, Adelabu mentioned that the ministry had secured a N700 billion fund and planned to procure at least two million meters annually over the next five years, aiming to eliminate the metering gap and fraud in electricity billing.

• Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando Line Yet to Be Fixed Due to Insecurity

Adelabu also addressed the ongoing issue of the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line, which has not been repaired due to persistent insecurity in the region. This line is one of two major power transmission routes to northern Nigeria, and its failure has placed significant pressure on the grid. The minister explained that attempts to repair the line were hindered by terrorist and bandit attacks, forcing the government to hand over the issue to security agencies.

Adelabu acknowledged that the national grid inherited by the government was “very old and dilapidated,” which contributed to eight collapses in 2024, five of which were full collapses. He emphasized that efforts were ongoing to address these challenges, with the Presidential Power Initiative aiming to revamp the grid and eliminate vandalism.

The minister expressed hope that 2025 would bring improvements, stating that despite the setbacks, the government had almost met its targets for 2024.

In response, Eyinnaya Abaribe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, questioned the government’s continuous funding of power distribution companies (DisCos).

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has stated that individuals who received bribes during the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo designate will be prosecuted.

Makinde made this remark on Monday while presenting the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo, at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.

Despite opposition from a five-member faction of the Oyomesi (kingmakers), who preferred Lukman Gbadegesin, Makinde announced Owoade as the Alaafin-designate on Friday.

In July 2024, two members of the Oyomesi informed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that Gbadegesin had offered each of the five kingmakers N15 million during the selection process.

While handing over the instruments of office to the monarch, Makinde reiterated that the Alaafin stool would not be for sale during his tenure.

He further emphasized that those who attempted to destabilize the traditional institution in the state would be prosecuted.

“The government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected, they will still be prosecuted,” the governor stated.

“Except they go to Kabiyesi and apologise; if he forgives them, then I will also forgive them.”

The governor also clarified that there were no political motives behind his approval of Owoade as Alaafin.

He mentioned that he had neither spoken with Owoade nor met him or any of the other princes competing for the throne.

This approach, he said, allowed him to remain objective in his decision-making.

“Some people said maybe it was political consideration. No. Politics, electioneering is a game,” he stated.

“It’s only when you have been elected that governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.”

Makinde further explained that in 2019, his administration faced challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland, which have since been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

Regarding the Alaafin stool vacancy in 2022, he mentioned, “We were moving towards the election, and people said, ‘you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin; otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you.’”

He added, “I said, ‘the people should not vote for me, but that I would do what was right,’ and Oyo voted for me massively. And Oyo will still continue to vote for me.”

The governor confirmed that the coronation would take place in four weeks, adding, “on that day, I’ll talk.”

• Promo Makes 60 Millionaires, Gifts N200m

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has distributed over N41.8m in prizes to over 100 lucky customers in its just concluded UBA Legacy Promo series.

The promo which began last year, was specially designed by the bank to celebrate UBA’s rich legacy spanning over 75 years, as well as its long-standing commitment towards rewarding its loyal customers in a grand style.

The campaign, which was opened to several categories of Account holders including Bumper Account holders, Savings account, Kiddies & Teens Account holders as well as Nextgen account holders, also saw lucky customers winning other consolidation prizes including educational grants.

The winners were announced during the Grand Finale draw of the promo which held at the UBA Head-office, Marina, Lagos last Thursday and was witnessed by members journalists and representatives of relevant regulatory bodies including the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), among other stakeholders.

In the Savings Account category, ten loyal customers walked away with N1,000,000 each. The lucky winners are: Olonade Funmilayo, Abdullahi Yunusa, Anibueze Augustine Chidozie, Ibironke Adedayo, Gilbert Godswill Pepple, Ekonmene Daniel Leghemo, Oligbo Francis Azuka, Liafeez Adebowale, Abiodun Bolanle Felicia, and Adamu Bappayo.

When contacted over the phone, one of the winners, Mr. Oligbo Francis Azuka, who won N1,000,000 in the savings account category expressed his surprise and excitement, stating that it was totally unexpected. He was however grateful to the bank for the gesture, adding: “I am deeply grateful and surprised by this reward from UBA. I honestly, didn’t expect this. I really appreciate the fact that UBA recognizes me. I am very grateful,” he stated.

The Bumper Category saw 10 people who emerged winners of N1,000,000 each. They are: Emem Christian Thompson, Lateefat Omotayo Waheed, Victoria Oluwaferanmi Adebusoye, Nkechinyere Agnes Okolo, Ibrahim Rabiu, Hammed Akande Idowu, Modester Chiadikobi Nwoke, Ajisafe Folashade Success, Thelma Ndubisi Enajiyerin, and Sunday Obaje.

20 lucky customers also received N500,000 each. They are: Ojo Goroye Banjo, Sandra Christopher Effiong, Femi Henry Idehen, Rashida Oiza Momohjimoh, Umar Usman, Joshua Chidera Nweke, Racheal Erhieyovwe, and Fatima Muhammed. Others include Ogbonna Edward, Eziuche Goodluck Chinyere, Lydia Bawa, Obiajulu Augustine Agwazia, Sale Barde, and Sikiru Morakinyo; Tajudeen Kareem Opeloyeru, Regina Queen Abeekaa, Isaac M. Ponfa, Mary Amos, Emmanuel Isa, and Amaechi Okoro.

Also in the bumper category another twenty customers got N250,000 each, while 10 lucky customers each won N100,000 each during the live draws.

In the NextGen category, Emmanuel Olakotan Oke, Sharon Oluwafunmilayo Ibitoye, Fortunate Izegboya Ijewemen, Anozie Janerose Chinelo, Maryam Zaharaddeen, Oluwakamikun Faidat Taiwo, Daniel Ayomikun Olawale, Ayomide Goodness Olowodara, Dennis Ogina Gbele, and Ofeoritse Jessica Waya each received N180,000 pocket money for a year.

The Kiddies and Teens category, also saw 20 young customers receiving N200,000 each in educational grants.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke at the event, emphasized the significance of the promotion in strengthening the relationship between the bank and its community.

He said, “UBA Legacy Promo is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers who have trusted us over the years. As we celebrate 75 years of impact, we remain committed to deepening financial inclusion and providing innovative and customer-focused products and services. Our goal is to make banking more rewarding and life-changing, improving lives and building stronger communities.”

Over the past six months, from July till December 2024, UBA has through a series of draws; cluster, monthly, and quarterly draws, rewarded over 600 customers with prizes totaling more than ₦200 million. This remarkable initiative has created over 60 millionaires, highlighting the bank’s commitment to enriching the lives of its customers and promoting savings culture, as UBA continues to reaffirm its dedication to launching more impactful initiatives, ensuring customer satisfaction and financial well-being remain at the forefront of its operations.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.