‘We’re architects
of our misfortune’
The issue of corruption has been
the greatest challenge facing Nigeria. It has caused untold hardship to
Nigerian, more so, why the nation’s economy has defiled all human reasoning.
Here CHIKE UCHIME, our Editorial
Adviser, ex-rays the consequences of corruption on Nigeria’s economy.
So
far, it seems nature has placed the burden of the nation’s redemption on the
shoulders of Muhammadu Buhari. As the President started to “deviate’’ from the “norm,’’
it appeared to me that he had got the magic wand to fix again this de-railed
and now comatose nation. The ‘’norm” means looking at corruption - Nigeria’s biggest
problem, and walking away as his predecessors cowardly did. But Buhari is now
into a confrontation with this dreaded monster.
The successful execution of this war will usher in good governance and reinvent a nation where justice, equal opportunities and quality lives will be guaranteed the citizenry. But being a battle against the rich and influential elements, it will certainly not be an easy one. As this war rages on, Nigerians must drop their tribal, religious and political differences as well as their inclinations towards immediate gratification (expecting too much too soon). The dividends of this change mantra, though must come, may take a while to materialize, since the “heaps of the Augean Stable” to be cleared are mountainous.
How would the life of an average Nigerian look like in the remaining months of this New Year? When businesses begin to take stock of their performance at the end of 2016, would they be smiling to their banks or telling tales of woes? To any realist, it does not require any rocket-science or crystal-ball divination to provide answers to those questions. Except one is living in illusion borne out of tribal, religious or party prejudices, the handwriting on the wall today is quite clear and speaks volumes that Nigerians are in for yet another difficult year.
Never would it be blamed on what the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has done or failed to do in its few months in the saddle. No! It is not his fault. It is all about the nemesis which has now caught up with us as a nation; the repercussions of our collective failure; our pay-back time for failing to do what we should have done in the years past. Can one ever eat his cake and have it? That is an infantile thinking. We ate up our economy. We also ate up our pride. How now would a comatose economy smile at Nigerians now when the nation has rejected best governance practices and embraced corruption instead?
The successful execution of this war will usher in good governance and reinvent a nation where justice, equal opportunities and quality lives will be guaranteed the citizenry. But being a battle against the rich and influential elements, it will certainly not be an easy one. As this war rages on, Nigerians must drop their tribal, religious and political differences as well as their inclinations towards immediate gratification (expecting too much too soon). The dividends of this change mantra, though must come, may take a while to materialize, since the “heaps of the Augean Stable” to be cleared are mountainous.
How would the life of an average Nigerian look like in the remaining months of this New Year? When businesses begin to take stock of their performance at the end of 2016, would they be smiling to their banks or telling tales of woes? To any realist, it does not require any rocket-science or crystal-ball divination to provide answers to those questions. Except one is living in illusion borne out of tribal, religious or party prejudices, the handwriting on the wall today is quite clear and speaks volumes that Nigerians are in for yet another difficult year.
Never would it be blamed on what the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has done or failed to do in its few months in the saddle. No! It is not his fault. It is all about the nemesis which has now caught up with us as a nation; the repercussions of our collective failure; our pay-back time for failing to do what we should have done in the years past. Can one ever eat his cake and have it? That is an infantile thinking. We ate up our economy. We also ate up our pride. How now would a comatose economy smile at Nigerians now when the nation has rejected best governance practices and embraced corruption instead?
When
I saw oil prices tumbling down to a record low of 27 dollars per barrel, third
week of January, I wept for the current administration. I wept because this may
dampen their spirit and commitment to making good their campaign promises to
Nigerians. Buhari had even planned an ambitious N6.8 trillion budget for 2016
with an expectation that the nation’s bread-winner-oil would be selling at 38
dollars per barrel. But before he could say Jack Robinson, before his budget
proposal got to the National Assembly for any meaningful deliberation, the
price of oil had dropped to 28 Dollars with more ominous signs that it would
dip further, especially with the recent lifting of the ban on Iran, another
major oil producer, whose oil would soon hit the already saturated market.
Again, the United States of America, noted for patronizing the Nigerian oil
over the years, has also made itself sufficient in oil. All these are sending
dangerous signals to the Nigerian economy. As we speak, the Nigerian economy is
bleeding to death.
The average family is finding it extremely difficult to feed properly. Not a few family heads have been disgraced as they could no longer pay the school fees of their pupils. The average family can no longer afford to buy kerosene or fuel despite hundreds of billions of Naira said to be paid by government in the so-called subsidy over the years. Meant to reduce pains on Nigerians, this subsidy has ended up enriching only the same cabals. Businesses in Nigeria have continued to relocate elsewhere as infrastructural deficiencies have pushed their operating costs. The Dollar is nowhere to be sourced by those involved in international business or Nigerian students in foreign lands. Prices of all goods in Nigeria purchased with the dollar have gone up astronomically; some buy as much as 300 percent, even as traders who sold their goods could no longer access the foreign currency to buy more.
Are you surprised how we got here? The blame rests squarely on us as a people. All those who paraded themselves as our leaders should cover their faces in shame. They have proved themselves to be failed managers of people’s resources. They lacked simple futuristic thinking, proactive sense and the right commitment to run the affairs of the nation. They lacked even simple wisdom which an ordinary primary six trader at Alaba International Market or Ariara Aba could display. No one tells them to diversify their product base whenever they find such it necessary. Even with their little education, they know how to plan and manage their income and expenditure efficiently much better than those running the affairs of Nigeria at federal, state and local government levels. I stand to be corrected.
Were our so-called leaders unaware that the price of our crude, which at a time sold at over 140 dollars per barrel might tumble one day or even lose its relevance in the international market? What did they do to diversify the nation’s economy? These same leaders said time without number that unless corruption was killed, it would one day kill Nigeria. But instead of initiating programs to address the problems, they chose complacency thus, the Nigerian economy remained perpetually dependent on oil. Every month, State Governors, cap in hand, shamelessly rush to Abuja to share the ‘’national cake’’ with monies collected unaccounted for same local governments. Corruption was let loose. Leaders took to unbridled thievery and day-light looting.
Part of this blame should also go to us - the led, especially the educated ones among us; lawyers, journalists, teachers, doctors, engineers, trade unionists ,the civil society groups, etc, who are guilty of criminal docility. I remember the time of the no nonsense Gani Fawehinmi and Tai Solarin. All the governments during their time never had rest. Tell me what could we as a people not be able to do or achieve if we wanted? Is the will of the people not much greater and mightier than military arsenals? When IBB, erstwhile Military dictator, thought he could take Nigerians for a ride, a greater force led by a civilian Generalisimo, Gani Fawehinmi and the civil society brought him to his knees and he “stepped aside’’ and never came back. Similar forces successfully waged the war against the third-term ambition of Baba Iyabo. Therefore, if such forces were brought to bear on subsequent regimes, probing into their finances, the profligate financial lifestyles of government officials, Nigeria would have gone beyond where she is now. She would have been aiming the sky. But lo and behold, we went to sleep.
Solarin and Fawehinmi, who died fighting corruption and injustice in our land, unfortunately did not have successors. The so-called activists, who emerged after their demise, were more or less people masquerading as activists in the day but sycophants in the night.
So, we are the architects of our today’s fortune or misfortune. I dare ask. How could an economy bleeding to coma smile at us? Ours is an economy where a whooping N1.34 trillion of public funds was said to have been stolen and shared by just 50 people in a space of seven years.
We deserved our current situation, because it was in our hands to avert it by holding our leaders accountable. Better guide your loins, for this economy will unleash its deadliest blow on us for some time to come, because we failed to do what we should have done! Our economy was allowed to bleed to coma by radicals who pretended to be leaders and we watched them helplessly.
For how long can a people suffer injustice before they cry out or act? For how long will injustice and corruption reign in our land? One research was quoted as saying that Nigerians are the happiest people on earth. Perhaps, that could also explain the “suffering and smiling’’ mentality which the legendary Afro Musician, Fela Anikulapo- Kuti saw in us before his death some decades ago.
However, thank goodness that Buhari is here, at this critical moment of our history, other-wise, there would have been once a nation called Nigeria. But having gone through our dirty past and the stubborn-stains left all over us as a people, he has begun to work on reinventing this nation with a fight against the monster called corruption. But would they allow him? The forces of darkness, the cabals who have held Nigeria down all these years, are also at work. Those rich and influential elements in the society fingered in the reported corruption cases are fighting back, trying to make us think Buhari is persecuting them because they are not from his own party, religion and tribe. But nothing can be further from the truth. These people may not be done yet. Nigerians, corruption is fighting back!
We should better wake up now and face the reality. This battle against corruption is not and should not be seen as Buhari’s project, but a project of every Nigerian. Once successful stemmed out of our society, or mildly put, reduced to the barest minimum, this country will be working again. Sound governance practices will find their way into every sector, businesses will begin to thrive, employment opportunities will open up, crime and criminalities well come down etc. Corruption has remained the greatest impediment to this country’s progress. I remember late Tai Solarin’s answers to my question to him at his Ikenne residence on why Nigeria had remained a still- born over three decades (then) after her independence. He said: “Chike, three things are responsible, one, corruption, two, corruption, and three, corruption. Take away corruption from Nigeria, this country will be well again.’’ I also visited Gani Fawehinmi at his chambers at the time in search of the problems, and he did not mince words in blaming our “corrupt leader.’’
Chike
Uchime is the publisher of the Lagos based Forward Magazine – a financial
magazine. He can be contacted through his tell: 08033444604, 08176856384,
09099926800. The average family is finding it extremely difficult to feed properly. Not a few family heads have been disgraced as they could no longer pay the school fees of their pupils. The average family can no longer afford to buy kerosene or fuel despite hundreds of billions of Naira said to be paid by government in the so-called subsidy over the years. Meant to reduce pains on Nigerians, this subsidy has ended up enriching only the same cabals. Businesses in Nigeria have continued to relocate elsewhere as infrastructural deficiencies have pushed their operating costs. The Dollar is nowhere to be sourced by those involved in international business or Nigerian students in foreign lands. Prices of all goods in Nigeria purchased with the dollar have gone up astronomically; some buy as much as 300 percent, even as traders who sold their goods could no longer access the foreign currency to buy more.
Are you surprised how we got here? The blame rests squarely on us as a people. All those who paraded themselves as our leaders should cover their faces in shame. They have proved themselves to be failed managers of people’s resources. They lacked simple futuristic thinking, proactive sense and the right commitment to run the affairs of the nation. They lacked even simple wisdom which an ordinary primary six trader at Alaba International Market or Ariara Aba could display. No one tells them to diversify their product base whenever they find such it necessary. Even with their little education, they know how to plan and manage their income and expenditure efficiently much better than those running the affairs of Nigeria at federal, state and local government levels. I stand to be corrected.
Were our so-called leaders unaware that the price of our crude, which at a time sold at over 140 dollars per barrel might tumble one day or even lose its relevance in the international market? What did they do to diversify the nation’s economy? These same leaders said time without number that unless corruption was killed, it would one day kill Nigeria. But instead of initiating programs to address the problems, they chose complacency thus, the Nigerian economy remained perpetually dependent on oil. Every month, State Governors, cap in hand, shamelessly rush to Abuja to share the ‘’national cake’’ with monies collected unaccounted for same local governments. Corruption was let loose. Leaders took to unbridled thievery and day-light looting.
Part of this blame should also go to us - the led, especially the educated ones among us; lawyers, journalists, teachers, doctors, engineers, trade unionists ,the civil society groups, etc, who are guilty of criminal docility. I remember the time of the no nonsense Gani Fawehinmi and Tai Solarin. All the governments during their time never had rest. Tell me what could we as a people not be able to do or achieve if we wanted? Is the will of the people not much greater and mightier than military arsenals? When IBB, erstwhile Military dictator, thought he could take Nigerians for a ride, a greater force led by a civilian Generalisimo, Gani Fawehinmi and the civil society brought him to his knees and he “stepped aside’’ and never came back. Similar forces successfully waged the war against the third-term ambition of Baba Iyabo. Therefore, if such forces were brought to bear on subsequent regimes, probing into their finances, the profligate financial lifestyles of government officials, Nigeria would have gone beyond where she is now. She would have been aiming the sky. But lo and behold, we went to sleep.
Solarin and Fawehinmi, who died fighting corruption and injustice in our land, unfortunately did not have successors. The so-called activists, who emerged after their demise, were more or less people masquerading as activists in the day but sycophants in the night.
So, we are the architects of our today’s fortune or misfortune. I dare ask. How could an economy bleeding to coma smile at us? Ours is an economy where a whooping N1.34 trillion of public funds was said to have been stolen and shared by just 50 people in a space of seven years.
We deserved our current situation, because it was in our hands to avert it by holding our leaders accountable. Better guide your loins, for this economy will unleash its deadliest blow on us for some time to come, because we failed to do what we should have done! Our economy was allowed to bleed to coma by radicals who pretended to be leaders and we watched them helplessly.
For how long can a people suffer injustice before they cry out or act? For how long will injustice and corruption reign in our land? One research was quoted as saying that Nigerians are the happiest people on earth. Perhaps, that could also explain the “suffering and smiling’’ mentality which the legendary Afro Musician, Fela Anikulapo- Kuti saw in us before his death some decades ago.
However, thank goodness that Buhari is here, at this critical moment of our history, other-wise, there would have been once a nation called Nigeria. But having gone through our dirty past and the stubborn-stains left all over us as a people, he has begun to work on reinventing this nation with a fight against the monster called corruption. But would they allow him? The forces of darkness, the cabals who have held Nigeria down all these years, are also at work. Those rich and influential elements in the society fingered in the reported corruption cases are fighting back, trying to make us think Buhari is persecuting them because they are not from his own party, religion and tribe. But nothing can be further from the truth. These people may not be done yet. Nigerians, corruption is fighting back!
We should better wake up now and face the reality. This battle against corruption is not and should not be seen as Buhari’s project, but a project of every Nigerian. Once successful stemmed out of our society, or mildly put, reduced to the barest minimum, this country will be working again. Sound governance practices will find their way into every sector, businesses will begin to thrive, employment opportunities will open up, crime and criminalities well come down etc. Corruption has remained the greatest impediment to this country’s progress. I remember late Tai Solarin’s answers to my question to him at his Ikenne residence on why Nigeria had remained a still- born over three decades (then) after her independence. He said: “Chike, three things are responsible, one, corruption, two, corruption, and three, corruption. Take away corruption from Nigeria, this country will be well again.’’ I also visited Gani Fawehinmi at his chambers at the time in search of the problems, and he did not mince words in blaming our “corrupt leader.’’
Solving the epileptic power situation in Orumba
Electricity supply to Orumba has been
epileptic to say the least. Stakeholders have said much on how to make
improvements, yet, not much has been seen in terms of constant electricity
supply to the area. In this write-up, SIR
(ENGR.) EMMA KANU JP, a retired Principal Engineer with the Enugu
Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), x-rays the abnormal situation and then
proffers solutions to the problem.
It is to be observed that the supply of
electricity to Orumba came later than most parts of the state. Precisely, it
was only in 1982 that the state government, under the then governor of the old
Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, extended the 33kv line from Ekwulobia to
Ajalli. As a result, 100KVA 33/0.415kv transformers were installed at Ajalli
and Ufuma. The idea by the government at that time was, first, to let the
people have electricity that could be standardized in future, and also win the
people of the area to the then ruling party, Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP).
At that time, Oko was connected in 1983 by the then Federal Government, but unfortunately, that government was short-lived as it was over-thrown in 1983 by the then military government of General Muhammadu Buhari. As a result of this, the intention of standardizing the network was not carried out again. But rather, the line was extended to other towns. By 1988, the following towns had been connected to the network, Oko, Amaokpala, Ndikelionwu, Awgbu, Ufuma, Ajalli, Nawfija, Isulo, Ezira, Umunze and Owerre-Ezukala.
The source of power is from the Nibo 2x30MVA transmitting station. That is to say that there are two 30MVA 132/33kv transformers in Nibo. One of these 30MVA transformers supplies Awka and its environs, while the second supplies power to the former Aguata Local Government Area, and also Nri, Agulu, Adazi-Enu, and Awka-Etiti. Ironically, this bulk transformer is now over loaded, hence the frequent load shedding consumers are experiencing at present.
It is interesting to note that the power from the Nibo 30MVA 132/33kv transmitting station is transported to Orumba via the Agulu 33kv feeder. This single 33kv feeder supplies power to Agulu, Adazi, Adazi-Enu, Awka-Etiti, Igbo-Ukwu, Awgbu, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Uga, Achina, Ogboji, Ndiokpalaeze, and Agulu Uzoigbo.
Others are Agulu Ezechukwu, Umuomaku, Onne, Amesi, Akpu, Umuchu, Amanse, Akpo, Nkpologwu, Oraukwu, Nri, Ezinifite, Isuofia, and the entire Orumba North and south local government areas.
Then, by 2003, this single feeder was supplying power to over 100 autonomous communities, and from the towns being supplied by this feeder, one can see that the line was over-stretched and over-loaded. Following the normal engineering standard, 33kv line should not exceed 60kms for optimal and efficient power supply. But for this particular feeder, the total route length is over 250km. hence one can then appreciate the incessant power interruption in the area.
Having said all that, there still remains room for improvement. The way forward should be the:
1. Construction of 2nd Agulu 33kv Feeder
This feeder is very important for sustainable power supply in Orumba. If it is realized, the existing one could supply power to Aguata Local Government Area, while the second one could supply to Orumba. This project was started in 1993 by the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), but unfortunately up till date, it has not been realized.
It is worthy to note that, one Sir Onyeaso of Owerre-Ezukala had made frantic efforts to realize this project but all to no avail. It is important to note that the quick realization of this project will help to improve electricity power supply to Orumba.
2. Construction of 132/33kv transmitting station in Ndikelionwu
The panacea for efficient and uninterrupted power supply in Orumba is the construction of 2x30MVA 132/33kv transmitting station in Ndikelionwu with six 33kv radiating feeders. By this arrangement, the 33kv feeder will be closer to the area instead of radiating from Nibo. The voltage will be improved and the fault level reduced.
3. Usage of non-standard materials for construction of rural electrification projects
It is a common practice today that most communities finance the construction of electrification projects in their area, even when government awards contracts for such projects. The adverse effect of this is that the contractors, owing to non-payment, often abandon the project, leaving it at the mercy of communities to complete. In these circumstances, non standard materials are eventually used.
The result is constant breakdown of the network and loss of transformers. In these circumstances, communities should also properly liaise with EEDC engineers in order to ensure that standard materials are used. This will ultimately prolong the life span of the projects.
4. Derating of community Network from 33kv to 11kv
It is interesting to note that 11kv network configuration is the standard voltage for power distribution in towns and villages. This makes the voltage to be more flexible, easy to handle and more reliable, but unfortunately, all the communities in Orumba are still on 33kv network configuration, except Oko, Ndiowu, Umunze and Owerri-Ezukala. Something needs to be urgently done about this.
It is therefore, necessary that in our efforts to achieve improved electricity supply to Orumba, that we should not lose sight of the standard voltage for power distribution in towns and villages. It is to be noted that to derate a town like Ndikelionwu from 33kv network to 11kv network, a power transformer of about 7.5MVA 33/11kv capacity is required, including all its accessories.
This can be located and installed opposite Ndikelionwu Town Hall for 11kv feeders to be created. One feeder needs to serve Ndikelionwu and its environs; the second feeder is to feed Ufuma and its environs, while the third feeder reinforces the already existing Ajalli 11kv network and its environs. Then, the fourth feeder will serve as a spare. Again, the second 7.5MVA 33/11kv transformer in Isulo will be made to take care of Eziagu, Isulo, Ezira and its environs. By this arrangement, the bogus and over stretched 33kv line will be reduced to the barest minimum, and likewise, the frequency of fault occurrence will also reduce.
4. Installation of 33kv Isolators at strategic locations
Installation of 33kv isolator will help to introduce flexibility in the network. During faults clearing or maintenance of the network, isolators are used to sectionalize the lines so that areas not affected by the network maintenance can be on supply while the areas affected will be without power supply.
5. Creation of a district office/self accounting undertaking at Ndikelionwu
It is interesting to note that Orumba is long overdue for EEDC district office or self accounting undertaking. As it is now, the district office is at Ekwulobia, while the self- accounting undertaking is in Umunze. The consequence of this is that any little request from Orumba has to go to Ekwulobia for approval. It has to be considered that the distance is too far and the roads so bad for effective communication and attention. If a district office is to be located in Ndikelionwu, then high caliber staff will be posted to the area. Furthermore, additional materials and vehicles will be allocated to the area. The present situation where only one staff mans the fault centers in Oko, Ajalli and Umunze is not adequate to meet the needs of the people.
On the political angle to the whole issue, it is pertinent to note that from the above, one can see that there is much to be done in order to improve power supply in Orumba. No matter the amount of money we can generate, it might not do much to give the much envisaged power stability in the area. What we need and urgently too, is the sustainable unity of the Orumba Forum, and the gathering of enough political muscle to pursue these needs at the highest governmental level. Our politicians at all levels, should be contacted and made to be committed to this noble idea.
It is my sincere desire that the points raised in this write-up be properly looked into and also effectively followed up. I believe they are the ultimate panacea for improved and continuous improvement of electricity supply in Orumba and environ. Thanks and God bless you!
At that time, Oko was connected in 1983 by the then Federal Government, but unfortunately, that government was short-lived as it was over-thrown in 1983 by the then military government of General Muhammadu Buhari. As a result of this, the intention of standardizing the network was not carried out again. But rather, the line was extended to other towns. By 1988, the following towns had been connected to the network, Oko, Amaokpala, Ndikelionwu, Awgbu, Ufuma, Ajalli, Nawfija, Isulo, Ezira, Umunze and Owerre-Ezukala.
The source of power is from the Nibo 2x30MVA transmitting station. That is to say that there are two 30MVA 132/33kv transformers in Nibo. One of these 30MVA transformers supplies Awka and its environs, while the second supplies power to the former Aguata Local Government Area, and also Nri, Agulu, Adazi-Enu, and Awka-Etiti. Ironically, this bulk transformer is now over loaded, hence the frequent load shedding consumers are experiencing at present.
It is interesting to note that the power from the Nibo 30MVA 132/33kv transmitting station is transported to Orumba via the Agulu 33kv feeder. This single 33kv feeder supplies power to Agulu, Adazi, Adazi-Enu, Awka-Etiti, Igbo-Ukwu, Awgbu, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Uga, Achina, Ogboji, Ndiokpalaeze, and Agulu Uzoigbo.
Others are Agulu Ezechukwu, Umuomaku, Onne, Amesi, Akpu, Umuchu, Amanse, Akpo, Nkpologwu, Oraukwu, Nri, Ezinifite, Isuofia, and the entire Orumba North and south local government areas.
Then, by 2003, this single feeder was supplying power to over 100 autonomous communities, and from the towns being supplied by this feeder, one can see that the line was over-stretched and over-loaded. Following the normal engineering standard, 33kv line should not exceed 60kms for optimal and efficient power supply. But for this particular feeder, the total route length is over 250km. hence one can then appreciate the incessant power interruption in the area.
Having said all that, there still remains room for improvement. The way forward should be the:
1. Construction of 2nd Agulu 33kv Feeder
This feeder is very important for sustainable power supply in Orumba. If it is realized, the existing one could supply power to Aguata Local Government Area, while the second one could supply to Orumba. This project was started in 1993 by the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), but unfortunately up till date, it has not been realized.
It is worthy to note that, one Sir Onyeaso of Owerre-Ezukala had made frantic efforts to realize this project but all to no avail. It is important to note that the quick realization of this project will help to improve electricity power supply to Orumba.
2. Construction of 132/33kv transmitting station in Ndikelionwu
The panacea for efficient and uninterrupted power supply in Orumba is the construction of 2x30MVA 132/33kv transmitting station in Ndikelionwu with six 33kv radiating feeders. By this arrangement, the 33kv feeder will be closer to the area instead of radiating from Nibo. The voltage will be improved and the fault level reduced.
3. Usage of non-standard materials for construction of rural electrification projects
It is a common practice today that most communities finance the construction of electrification projects in their area, even when government awards contracts for such projects. The adverse effect of this is that the contractors, owing to non-payment, often abandon the project, leaving it at the mercy of communities to complete. In these circumstances, non standard materials are eventually used.
The result is constant breakdown of the network and loss of transformers. In these circumstances, communities should also properly liaise with EEDC engineers in order to ensure that standard materials are used. This will ultimately prolong the life span of the projects.
4. Derating of community Network from 33kv to 11kv
It is interesting to note that 11kv network configuration is the standard voltage for power distribution in towns and villages. This makes the voltage to be more flexible, easy to handle and more reliable, but unfortunately, all the communities in Orumba are still on 33kv network configuration, except Oko, Ndiowu, Umunze and Owerri-Ezukala. Something needs to be urgently done about this.
It is therefore, necessary that in our efforts to achieve improved electricity supply to Orumba, that we should not lose sight of the standard voltage for power distribution in towns and villages. It is to be noted that to derate a town like Ndikelionwu from 33kv network to 11kv network, a power transformer of about 7.5MVA 33/11kv capacity is required, including all its accessories.
This can be located and installed opposite Ndikelionwu Town Hall for 11kv feeders to be created. One feeder needs to serve Ndikelionwu and its environs; the second feeder is to feed Ufuma and its environs, while the third feeder reinforces the already existing Ajalli 11kv network and its environs. Then, the fourth feeder will serve as a spare. Again, the second 7.5MVA 33/11kv transformer in Isulo will be made to take care of Eziagu, Isulo, Ezira and its environs. By this arrangement, the bogus and over stretched 33kv line will be reduced to the barest minimum, and likewise, the frequency of fault occurrence will also reduce.
4. Installation of 33kv Isolators at strategic locations
Installation of 33kv isolator will help to introduce flexibility in the network. During faults clearing or maintenance of the network, isolators are used to sectionalize the lines so that areas not affected by the network maintenance can be on supply while the areas affected will be without power supply.
5. Creation of a district office/self accounting undertaking at Ndikelionwu
It is interesting to note that Orumba is long overdue for EEDC district office or self accounting undertaking. As it is now, the district office is at Ekwulobia, while the self- accounting undertaking is in Umunze. The consequence of this is that any little request from Orumba has to go to Ekwulobia for approval. It has to be considered that the distance is too far and the roads so bad for effective communication and attention. If a district office is to be located in Ndikelionwu, then high caliber staff will be posted to the area. Furthermore, additional materials and vehicles will be allocated to the area. The present situation where only one staff mans the fault centers in Oko, Ajalli and Umunze is not adequate to meet the needs of the people.
On the political angle to the whole issue, it is pertinent to note that from the above, one can see that there is much to be done in order to improve power supply in Orumba. No matter the amount of money we can generate, it might not do much to give the much envisaged power stability in the area. What we need and urgently too, is the sustainable unity of the Orumba Forum, and the gathering of enough political muscle to pursue these needs at the highest governmental level. Our politicians at all levels, should be contacted and made to be committed to this noble idea.
It is my sincere desire that the points raised in this write-up be properly looked into and also effectively followed up. I believe they are the ultimate panacea for improved and continuous improvement of electricity supply in Orumba and environ. Thanks and God bless you!
Engr. Emma Kanu (JP) is a retired EEDC Principal
Engineer. He hails from Ndikelionwu, Orumba North, and resides in Enugu. He can
be contacted through his telephone number: 08037441157.
Anambra: Gov. Obiano’s steady march
to growth, dev.
Anambra Kwenu!
As the undisputed Light of the Nation, and thus, ‘Light of West Africa,’ we,
Ndi Anambra are firmly collectively resolved “To be the first choice
destination and most preferred location to site new industries.”
As visionary people that are widely respected for our integrity, industry and indomitability, we have forged ahead as a family. Indeed, more as a formidable victorious army. We have turned obstacles and challenges into stepping stones, rising to laudable achievements and heart-warming, sustainable accomplishments. Anambra ndewo!
On his inauguration on 17th March, 2014, as the 4th Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, pledged his administration to 4-C’s: Continue, Complete, Commission and Commence projects for the welfare and sustainable development of Ndi Anambra.
“Willie Will Work,” was his personal pledge, as he identified ‘enablers,’ or key policy areas such as education, health, security, environment, road infrastructure, transportation, the development and promotion of culture-based tourism, amongst others.
As a resourceful and astute administrator, Gov. Obiano has put at beloved Anambra State’s service, invaluable education, skills and experience he acquired from Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Stanford University, Texaco PLC and Fidelity Bank PLC.
A large-hearted philanthropic, disciplined, God-fearing, people-oriented, father and friend, Gov. Obiano, has earned by popular acclamation the moniker, “Working Willie.’ This is so because, it has become clear that this gentleman of transparent fidelity is sincere in his desire to serve and lead well. Indeed, ‘Willie is working,’ and this was echoed by his national recognition and honor as the “Governor of the Year 2015.” Anambra shares in his glory.
To earn such acclamation, agriculture had received tremendous boost since March 2014. As a modest rice farmer myself, I can attest to the remarkable degree of support we have received in the fields, from inputs to extension services. An American investor has started cultivating 500 hectares of rice and cassava in Orumba North LGA. Over 4,000 hectares have been devoted to rice cultivation across the state, which has a competitive comparative advantage in the cultivation of rice, cassava, maize and other staple and cash products. This has attracted a cash inflow of billions of naira, and also created thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and facilitated the rapid growth of allied industries.
Recently, “H.E. Gov,” as he is also fondly called, ordered the immediate payment of the N112 million FADAMA counterpart fund to ensure that the World Bank supported projects get optimal implementation. The week before that, he had commissioned what promises to be the largest and most sustainable integrated poultry farm in the country.
In education, the World Bank and other local partners have helped Anambra reposition its students and schools for greater academic achievements. Anambra students, teachers and institutions now regularly win national and international contests cutting across various disciplines. Human capital development is thus being seriously addressed, with increasing attention being paid to adult and vocational education.
Infrastructural development has also benefited from capital infusion and skilled technical partnerships, with roads and bridges further opening up the state for quick and easy access and intra-state movement vital for security, health and agricultural interventions, amongst others.
Crucial and central to all this rapid growth and development is effective communication. While commending the state Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism for dynamically implementing its mandate, it is necessary to expand the capacity of key state organs such as Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Radio & TV services which should be online, uninterrupted to enable people in all time zones keep in touch with home. Its transmitters must be upgraded for its broadcast services to reach a radius of at least twenty states around us.
The widely acclaimed weekly National Light newspaper, which is currently read in major cities across Nigeria, should also have its capacity expanded and facilities upgraded to grow it into a daily newspaper. Also to be upgraded is its real-time/online platform for mobilizing Ndi Anambra, who are conservatively estimated to be over 20 million worldwide. We can then harness these enormous potentials in the irreversible rapid and sustained growth and development of our beautiful homeland. Hopefully, our 20 million-plus brothers and sisters will look forward to moving back home to a better quality of life than they enjoy in the Diaspora. Long live Anambra!
*Prince Osita Ike, Nnanyelugo Ndikelionwu, is a PR/ Development Consultant and Farmer. He sent in the article from Ndikelionwu, Orumba North L.G.A, Anambra State. He can be contacted through his telephone: 08023114900,
As visionary people that are widely respected for our integrity, industry and indomitability, we have forged ahead as a family. Indeed, more as a formidable victorious army. We have turned obstacles and challenges into stepping stones, rising to laudable achievements and heart-warming, sustainable accomplishments. Anambra ndewo!
On his inauguration on 17th March, 2014, as the 4th Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, pledged his administration to 4-C’s: Continue, Complete, Commission and Commence projects for the welfare and sustainable development of Ndi Anambra.
“Willie Will Work,” was his personal pledge, as he identified ‘enablers,’ or key policy areas such as education, health, security, environment, road infrastructure, transportation, the development and promotion of culture-based tourism, amongst others.
As a resourceful and astute administrator, Gov. Obiano has put at beloved Anambra State’s service, invaluable education, skills and experience he acquired from Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Stanford University, Texaco PLC and Fidelity Bank PLC.
A large-hearted philanthropic, disciplined, God-fearing, people-oriented, father and friend, Gov. Obiano, has earned by popular acclamation the moniker, “Working Willie.’ This is so because, it has become clear that this gentleman of transparent fidelity is sincere in his desire to serve and lead well. Indeed, ‘Willie is working,’ and this was echoed by his national recognition and honor as the “Governor of the Year 2015.” Anambra shares in his glory.
To earn such acclamation, agriculture had received tremendous boost since March 2014. As a modest rice farmer myself, I can attest to the remarkable degree of support we have received in the fields, from inputs to extension services. An American investor has started cultivating 500 hectares of rice and cassava in Orumba North LGA. Over 4,000 hectares have been devoted to rice cultivation across the state, which has a competitive comparative advantage in the cultivation of rice, cassava, maize and other staple and cash products. This has attracted a cash inflow of billions of naira, and also created thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and facilitated the rapid growth of allied industries.
Recently, “H.E. Gov,” as he is also fondly called, ordered the immediate payment of the N112 million FADAMA counterpart fund to ensure that the World Bank supported projects get optimal implementation. The week before that, he had commissioned what promises to be the largest and most sustainable integrated poultry farm in the country.
In education, the World Bank and other local partners have helped Anambra reposition its students and schools for greater academic achievements. Anambra students, teachers and institutions now regularly win national and international contests cutting across various disciplines. Human capital development is thus being seriously addressed, with increasing attention being paid to adult and vocational education.
Infrastructural development has also benefited from capital infusion and skilled technical partnerships, with roads and bridges further opening up the state for quick and easy access and intra-state movement vital for security, health and agricultural interventions, amongst others.
Crucial and central to all this rapid growth and development is effective communication. While commending the state Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism for dynamically implementing its mandate, it is necessary to expand the capacity of key state organs such as Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Radio & TV services which should be online, uninterrupted to enable people in all time zones keep in touch with home. Its transmitters must be upgraded for its broadcast services to reach a radius of at least twenty states around us.
The widely acclaimed weekly National Light newspaper, which is currently read in major cities across Nigeria, should also have its capacity expanded and facilities upgraded to grow it into a daily newspaper. Also to be upgraded is its real-time/online platform for mobilizing Ndi Anambra, who are conservatively estimated to be over 20 million worldwide. We can then harness these enormous potentials in the irreversible rapid and sustained growth and development of our beautiful homeland. Hopefully, our 20 million-plus brothers and sisters will look forward to moving back home to a better quality of life than they enjoy in the Diaspora. Long live Anambra!
*Prince Osita Ike, Nnanyelugo Ndikelionwu, is a PR/ Development Consultant and Farmer. He sent in the article from Ndikelionwu, Orumba North L.G.A, Anambra State. He can be contacted through his telephone: 08023114900,
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