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House of Representatives Urges FG to Implement Solar Power Solutions in Hospitals and Universities

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House of Representatives Urges FG to Implement Solar Power Solutions in Hospitals and Universities

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to address the ongoing power supply issues in Nigeria by providing alternative energy sources, such as solar power, to teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities. This resolution was adopted following a motion moved by Mr. Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in Osun State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.

  • Urgent Public Importance: The motion, titled “Matter of urgent public importance on the need for the Federal Government to devise means to support teaching hospitals, medical centers and universities with mini solar grids and other alternative power sources to prevent loss of lives and disruptions in their services,” was put forth due to the erratic power supply in the country.
  • Electricity Tariff Increase: Mr. Salam highlighted that on April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised the electricity tariff for Band A customers from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225/kWh. Although the House previously called for the suspension of this new tariff, the commission only reduced it slightly to N206.8/kWh.
  • Impact on Institutions: Teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities, which fall under Band A due to their critical need for constant power, have been significantly affected by the tariff increase. These institutions face exorbitant electricity bills, which are unsustainable given their current budgets. For instance, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital pays N75 million monthly, while the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital pays N119 million per month.
  • Financial Strain: The University of Ibadan, which was already indebted to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company for N495 million, had its power disconnected due to non-payment. Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary to the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, warned that without intervention, federal universities might collapse under the high overhead costs.
  • Call to Action: The House urged the Federal Government to provide support through mini solar grids and other alternative power sources to mitigate the financial burden of high electricity bills. This move is deemed essential to prevent the collapse of the health and education sectors, which are vital to the nation’s well-being.

By adopting this motion, the House of Representatives aims to ensure that teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities can continue their critical operations without being hampered by power supply issues and exorbitant electricity costs.

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Politics

Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president

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Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, pledging to bring “clean” governance as the country continues to recover from its deepest economic crisis. The left-leaning leader, known for his stance against corruption, sees his election as a call for change and transparency in a country long troubled by political cronyism.

Dissanayake’s election follows the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after mass protests driven by economic hardships. In his inaugural address, the 55-year-old president emphasized the need for a new political culture that restores public trust. “We need to establish a new clean political culture,” he said, while committing to safeguard democracy.

His speech underscored the importance of unity, with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities attending the ceremony. Dissanayake promised good governance, economic reform, and a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and IT development. He also pledged to uphold Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to reduce the burden of austerity on the country’s poorest citizens.

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Dissanayake’s swearing-in was preceded by the resignation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, setting the stage for a parliamentary dissolution as the nation embarks on this new political chapter.

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Okpebholo Secures Victory in Edo Governorship Election

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Okpebholo Secures Victory in Edo Governorship Election

Okpebholo Monday, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been declared the winner of the Edo State governorship election after receiving 291,667 votes. He defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata, who finished third with 22,761 votes. Fourteen other candidates also contested but received fewer votes.

Prof. Faruk Kuta, the Returning Officer from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, officially declared Okpebholo the winner at 09:27 pm at the collation center in Benin City, Edo State’s capital, amidst applause from APC supporters.

Okpebholo’s victory was dominant in over 10 out of the state’s 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo achieved marginal wins in the remaining councils. The APC also claimed control in two of the three key senatorial districts in Edo State.

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Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Faces Gun Charges

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Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Faces Gun Charges

Ryan Routh, the suspect in the alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, has been charged with federal gun crimes. During a brief court hearing in Palm Beach, the 58-year-old was charged with two offences: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years, and possession of a firearm with an obstructed serial number, punishable by up to five years.

Routh, dressed in a blue prison jumpsuit and with his hands cuffed, spoke to a public defender for several minutes before the hearing began. Initially displaying a calm demeanor with occasional smiles, he turned expressionless once the court proceedings got underway, responding to the judge’s questions with, “Yes, your honor.”

In a series of personal questions to assess his eligibility for a public defender, Routh revealed that he had “zero funds” in his bank account, made about $3,000 monthly, and owned two trucks in Hawaii, each valued at around $1,000.

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Routh was brought into the courtroom just before 10:00 (14:00 GMT) and observed the scene, which included other defendants, press members, and attendees. After his brief hearing, he was escorted out as proceedings for other cases began.

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