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Transcorp increases power generation to the National Grid as it commissions rehabilitated GT Unit 20

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TransAfam Power Ltd, a subsidiary of Transcorp Group, has announced the completion of the rehabilitation of its Afam 5 GT unit 20 Gas Turbine power-generating unit located at Okoloma – Afam, Ndoki in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The rehabilitated unit, which has been successfully commissioned and synchronized to the national grid, bringing an additional 138MW to its existing capacity.
Engr. Vincent Ozoude, MD/CEO of Transafam Power Limited expressed his delight about the newly rehabilitated unit, which is able to power up to 100,000 homes in a year. “Since the administrative handover of the Afam Power Plant in March 2021, we have been working diligently to realize the full potential of the plant. We are pleased to have successfully completed the rehabilitation of GT20, having been out of service for over 15 years prior to our takeover. We are glad to have achieved this feat, using a combination of our in-house resources and other local technical support, with about 20% of foreign expert support in the rehabilitation project, showing our commitment to local content development,” Ozoude said.
“It is impressive how far we have come from 48MW average generation, when we took over, to raising production to 120 MW generation within the first two months,” Ozoude added, as he expressed appreciation to the company’s host community, Okoloma-Ndoki, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Owen Omogiafo, President and Group CEO of Transcorp, who was accompanied by the members of the Technical Committee of the Board of Directors, expressed delight at the commissioning of the rehabilitated Afam 5 GT 20 power generating unit, stressing its significance to Transcorp Group and their commitment to transforming the power sector in Nigeria.
“Our purpose at Transcorp Group is to Improve Lives and Transform Africa, one investment at time. We are pleased at the progress we are making to expand access to electricity in Nigeria through our investments in the power sector,” Dr. Omogiafo said. “You cannot achieve sustainable economic transformation without reliable power supply. It is that understanding that has led us at Transcorp, under the leadership of our Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu CFR to invest in the power sector. We are happy with the progress we are making in our power plants and strive to continue to optimize our available generation capacity, with improved gas supply, which has become increasingly challenging. We will also continue to build our local capacity by investing in human capital development and positive engagement with our host communities and stakeholders” Omogiafo added.
Transcorp Group had in 2013, through its power subsidiary, Transcorp Power Limited (TPL), acquired the 972MW gas-fired Ughelli Power Plant, which has since been phenomenally transformed. With the acquisition of Afam Power Plc, Transcorp has further cemented its position as a key player in the power sector.

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Ondo cult clash: Gov Aiyedatiwa imposes dawn-to-dusk curfew on Owo

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has imposed a curfew in the Owo community following a cult clash that claimed five lives.

While declaring the dawn-to-dusk curfew, Aiyedatiwa emphasised that it would be strictly enforced, with exemptions for essential services.

In the past few hours, the ancient community has been embroiled in a cult-related crisis, with five people already killed.

According to a statement issued by Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor:
“Due to the ongoing violent cult clashes and security disturbances in Owo that have led to the loss of lives, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town until further notice.

“The governor has also asked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure the safety of lives and properties, arrest perpetrators of the violence, and restore peace to the community.”

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Just In: Disengaged CBN staff sue apex bank, demand N30bn compensation

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Disengaged staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who were laid off in a mass redundancy last year, have taken the apex bank to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

The aggrieved former staff members, in an originating summons filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, raised several issues for the court to determine.

Among other matters, the ex-CBN staff members are asking the court to decide whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated. They claim that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and contractual rights.

The claimants—Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, Stephen Ambore, Edom Obi, Dabo Chundung, Ekpe-Oko Roupa, Alabi Mubarak, Isa Yusuf, Quadru Ralph, Olasupo Adedokun, Dauda Yusuf, Ogidi Tolu, Levi David, Umar Kurba, Christopher Alfred, Gana Nma, Tanko Joel, Iyare Christian, Paul Iza, Alzebeokhai Esiemokhai, Pius Odunze, Isiuwe Uwadiahu, Vivienne Usoro, Imoh Francis, Ofili Lydia, Onunkwor Christopher, Adeshina Nurudeen, Bukar Ahmed, and Ajayi Omosolape—are all represented by Okwudili Abanum in a class action lawsuit.

They argue that the termination process, carried out through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. The claimants further argue that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

They also contend that the termination letters, issued on the grounds of restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
In light of this, the claimants seek an order declaring their dismissal null and void.

Additionally, the claimants are requesting a restraining order to prevent the CBN from terminating their employment without following the proper procedures. They are also seeking a declaration for their immediate reinstatement and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

The suit references Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff. The claimants contend that this provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.

They are also seeking N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal, as well as an additional N500 million to cover the cost of the suit.

During the first mention of the suit on November 20, 2024, the court urged the parties involved to attempt an amicable resolution of the matter. Justice O. A. Osaghae noted, “This is a new matter; it is mentioned for the first time. I have looked at the processes, and it is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Accordingly, parties are encouraged, pursuant to section 20 of the NICA 2006, to attempt an amicable settlement.”

Meanwhile, the CBN, represented by a team of lawyers led by Inam Wilson (SAN), informed the court that they had filed a preliminary objection to the claimant’s suit, which was served to the claimants on November 4, 2024.

Following the defendant’s counsel’s submission, Justice Osaghae adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection.

It is recalled that in 2024, the CBN terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff in four batches between March and May of that year.
Some laid-off staff claimed they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were absorbed entirely to offset outstanding loans.

Although the layoff was officially attributed to reorganisation and human capital restructuring, the affected staff argue that the process violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment decisions.

On December 4 last year, the CBN stated that its early exit package was entirely voluntary and without negative repercussions for eligible staff.

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Air Peace, ADINA Summit Partners to Strengthen African Trade and Diaspora Connections

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Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, recently solidified its commitment to fostering stronger ties between Africa and its global diaspora through its strategic partnership with the Africa Diaspora Investment Network Alliance (ADINA) Summit 2024. The event, held on December 27, 2024, at the prestigious Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra, brought together a diverse audience of African Diaspora investors, business leaders, and global institutions to discuss and advance the continent’s economic potential.
Accra, a global hub for the African diaspora every December, provided the perfect setting for the ADINA Summit. The event facilitated conversations around trade, investment, and economic empowerment, positioning the diaspora as a significant force for Africa’s economic transformation.
In his address at the summit, Davids Odeyemi, Head of Sales and Business Development at Air Peace, emphasized the airline’s mission to connect Africa and its diaspora. He highlighted Air Peace’s extensive network, which offers seamless travel solutions for diasporans seeking to reconnect with their roots, explore their heritage, and invest in Africa’s burgeoning markets. Odeyemi also reaffirmed the airline’s role as a driver of intra-African trade, enhancing connectivity to enable the movement of goods, services, and people, thereby creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Air Peace’s partnership with the ADINA Summit also aligns with its broader commitment to promoting tourism and showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The airline’s continuous investment in a modern fleet underscores its determination to provide a world-class travel experience, reinforcing its position as a catalyst for African development.
The summit underscored the critical role of diaspora remittances in bolstering local economies, with discussions focusing on the potential of the diaspora to surpass traditional foreign direct investments. Air Peace, through this partnership, gained access to a high-level network of African and diaspora leaders, creating opportunities to connect with talent, clients, and collaborators while amplifying its branding and marketing initiatives.
By actively participating in the ADINA Summit 2024, Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the continent’s future. This partnership exemplifies the airline’s leadership in African aviation and its unwavering commitment to driving progress across the continent. Together with ADINA, Air Peace is helping to unlock Africa’s economic potential and strengthen its global connections.

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