The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians across Nigeria and beyond, urging citizens to remain patriotic and embrace the virtues of love, peace, and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus Christ.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media of the House of Assembly, Sarkindaji emphasized the importance of reflecting on Christ’s teachings, especially during challenging times for the nation.
Acknowledging the economic hardships currently faced by Nigerians, the Speaker encouraged citizens not to lose hope, reminding them that “there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” He added that even in the darkest moments, light can emerge to bring solace and hope.

Sarkindaji described patriotism as a critical ingredient for national growth and unity, stressing that Nigerians must remain committed to building a better future. “Indeed, God is with us,” he affirmed.

Reacting to the recent tragic stampede incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra, which resulted in multiple deaths, Sarkindaji expressed sadness and described the occurrences as “unfortunate but avoidable.” He called for better planning and coordination during humanitarian outreach programs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Speaker extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed against a recurrence of such disasters.

Sarkindaji also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to use the festive season to show kindness and generosity to those in need, noting that acts of compassion go beyond financial giving. “Kindness transcends financial status. A smile or a word of encouragement can make a difference,” he said.

He urged citizens to reach out to neighbors, family members, and the less privileged during the season, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or communities, as part of efforts to promote unity and love.

“Let this season of joy remind us of our shared humanity and the need for selflessness,” Sarkindaji concluded.

By Our Correspondent in Minna

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, has commended Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago for signing into law the Niger State electricity bill, describing it as a landmark decision.

The bill, officially named “The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024”, was signed into law last week at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Minna.
It establishes the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Niger State Electricity Company, and the Niger State Electricity Agency, with operations set to commence on December 19, 2024.

The law aims to regulate electricity generation, transmission, trading, and distribution within the state, including rural electrification and improving underserved areas.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, Vatsa praised the governor and the state assembly for their swift action in passing and approving the bill. He urged the state government to expedite its implementation, emphasizing the need for the state to withdraw from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Vatsa described AEDC’s operations as exploitative and inefficient, accusing it of extorting citizens through estimated billing systems. He recounted personal experiences and frustrations with AEDC services, labeling the company a “criminal agency.”

He further argued that privatization of the power sector in Nigeria had failed, calling it one of the most “criminally-minded policies” implemented since independence. Despite billions of naira allocated to the sector, Nigerians continue to suffer from erratic power supply and poor services.

“It is disheartening that, under the government’s watch, distribution companies openly extort helpless Nigerians through dubious estimated billing systems without repercussions,” he stated.

Vatsa criticized AEDC for prioritizing profit over service delivery, noting that the company deliberately hiked prepaid meter prices to keep citizens dependent on estimated billing.

“Nigerians are forced to pay for transformers, poles, service wires, and meters, yet the government claims the power sector is privatized. Citizens pay for services not rendered, and the government sees nothing wrong,” Vatsa lamented.

The APC stalwart, who also serves as the Special Adviser to the governor on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, said the new electricity law offers hope for economic growth, job creation, and improved productivity.

He added that Niger State, which contributes about 70% of Nigeria’s electricity supply, deserves better and can now generate its own power to meet local demands.

“With the establishment of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Agency, this criminality by AEDC must stop. Poor citizens who are charged between N25,000 and N30,000 monthly under estimated billing systems can finally be free,” Vatsa said.

He urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the law to liberate the state from the constraints of AEDC and reposition it for economic progress.

In a groundbreaking development, Malagi community in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State has been connected to the national grid for the first time in nearly 40 years, thanks to the efforts of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi.

The electrification project was inaugurated alongside other key initiatives, including a central mosque, an Islamiyya school, a water project, and a renovated primary school, all executed by the minister as part of his contributions to the development of his hometown.

Addressing the gathering, Idris expressed his deep connection to the community and his desire to enhance the quality of life for its residents. “This is one of the ways I want to give back to the community that shaped me. Electrification will not only improve daily life but also boost economic activities and social interactions,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of education, pointing to the renovated primary school as a foundation for future growth.
“Education is key to societal development, and I am committed to ensuring the younger generation has access to better opportunities,” he added.

The historic project was celebrated by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who commended the minister’s dedication and generosity.
Governor Bago announced a donation of over ₦12 million to various groups in the community, including women, youths, and traditional leaders.

In addition, the governor pledged to upgrade the primary school to a model junior secondary school and construct a market to enhance economic activities. “This government is focused on improving the living standards of our people, and this is a step in the right direction,” he stated.

The electrification of Malagi marks a significant milestone for the community, symbolizing progress after decades of neglect and fostering hope for a brighter future.