Ikeja Electric disconnects Lagos magistrates’ courts over N1.9m debt

Ikeja Electric has reportedly disconnected Lagos magistrates’
courts over a really humongous bill.

According to a report by Punch, a three-storeyed building on
Alhaji Alli Lane, housing Ogba Magistrates’ Courts, Lagos State,
has been disconnected by Ikeja Electric over N1.9m electricity
bills.

Punch Metro reports that the debt piled up for months, making
the distribution company to disconnect the facility on Tuesday.

A Punch Metro correspondent who visited the court on Friday
observed that workers opened office windows for ventilation as
there was no electricity to power the air conditioners in the
building.

An official who, confided in our reporter, said the court did
not have a big generator to serve as an alternative source of
power, describing the situation as embarrassing.

“It is really shameful,” he thundered. “It is embarrassing that
an institution like court was disconnected on the account of not
paying electricity bills. Something like this happened some months
ago too. Is it that the Lagos State Government is broke?” the
official wondered.

The correspondent who walked round the court corridors observed
that several offices were wide open with some workers using hand
fans to douse heat.

It was also noted that there were skeletal proceedings which
sources said might be as a result of the stuffy courtrooms.

“The court has been disconnected since Tuesday and I have no
idea when it will be reconnected. I learnt they owe close to N2m.
But I suspect the court management was not duly notified before the
disconnection,” another official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity, said.

An Ikeja Electric official, who confirmed the disconnection to
Punch Metro, stated that it was the second time such would happen
this year.

The official said, “What kind of notification do they need?
Don’t they know they owe? More so, they have their own dedicated
transformer with a meter. It is whatever we read from the meter
that we use to bill them. They owe about N1.9m. They owed for the
months of August and September and they quickly paid for September
bill. That was after they were disconnected.

“They have not paid for October and November bills and we have
to disconnect them again. They are not supposed to owe at all
because they are maximal customers.”

The spokesperson for IE, Mr Felix Ofulue, also confirmed the
debt to City Round, saying that, “they were disconnected because
they owe us N1.9m.”

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SAEMA 2019: Army, Police big winners at maiden security
awards
•Air Force, Customs too
•SK Usman, Police twins, Gen. Bulama shine in
individual categories

The Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Air Force
(NAF) emerged top winners at the Maiden Security and Emergency
Management Award (SAEMA) instituted to recognise and appreciate the
contributions of the defence, security, intelligence and emergency
agencies to national development.

Guests at Scurity and Emergency Management
Awards SAEMA in Abuja

The award event which was well attended by stakeholders in
Nigeria’s defence and security sector in Abuja had Nigerian Army
and Police winning in three out of 18 categories with Air Force
winning on two occasions.

Army won in the following categories: Civil-Military Relations,
Military Officer (Brig-Gen. Abdulmalik Bulama Biu), and Gallantry
(Lance Corporal Illyasu Bala); while the

Brigadier General A. A. Goni receives the
SAEMA Golden Tropgy from Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Nwachukwu

Police in Crime Prevention, Security Officer (Police CSP Olabisi
Davies) and Law Enforcement Officers (Twin brothers Hsasan and
Hussaini Gimba).

On its part, NAF won in two categories including the best
Training Institute (NAF War College) and Community Service (Medical
Outreach).

On individual categories, the Police Twin Brothers DSP

Mrs Toun Okewale present SAEMA Trophy to
NAF Representative

Husseini/Hasan Gimba who also works under the leadership of
another finalist DCP Abba Kyari won the best law enforcement
officers for the great work they are doing to burst kidnapping
syndicates across the three geopolitical zones in the North.
Another individual winners who shone bright on the day are; former
Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Sani Usman
Kukasheka (rtd) for as an outstanding Crisis Manager, while Mr.
Hamza Suleiman of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged

General Chris Olukolade presents SAEMA
Golden Trophy to Brig. Gen Sani Kukaheka

the best in Emergency Journalism.

All the 54 finalists were given Certificate of Excellence with
the 18 winners going home with the Golden Trophies. Some of the
Categories include awards for Humanitarian Services,
Crime-Fighting, Emergency Journalism, Cybercrime Prevention,
Gallantry, Law Enforcement, Intelligence Service, Emergency
Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Public Information,
Training Institute, Community Service, Volunteer Group, Civil
Military Relations, Crisis Manager, Private Security, Military and
security officers of the year.

Special Guests, Jaafar Jaafar, Dr. Gwandu
and Mallam Sule Yau Sule at at SAEMA Awards in Abuja

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar Faruk
and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC),
Professor Umar Garba Danbatta were confered with Goodwill
Ambassadors on Humanitarian Services and Crisis Communication at
the event.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Panel of Jury, Air Vice
Marshal (AVM) Mohammed Audu-Bida described the nominees, finalists
and winners as great patriots who despite the challenges, hazards
and dangers that are abound in their job schedules, remain
determined and committed towards ensuring that Nigeria is safe,
secured and peaceful.

SAEMA
Organising Committe

Audu-Bida who was represented by the former Special Adviser to
Adamawa State Governor on Security, Mr. Mohammed Usman Shuwa, noted
that the awards were given to winners as adjudged by a team of
independent jury which he chaired.

According to him, nominations for the various categories were
based on candidate’s verifiable outstanding performance and track
record excellence in the category for which the nomination was
made. He said that “a total of 254 entries were received for all
the categories out of which, 136 nominees qualified for the
competition. Thereafter, 54 finalists were selected by the jury
from which 18 winners of the 18 categories emerged.”

Mallam Zubhair with Police Twin brothers
Hassan and Hussaini Gimba at SAEMA AWards 2019

He stated: “I have no doubt in my mind that all of us here are
united in our conviction that nothing is more topical and critical
in our country today than security and emergency matters. The
recurrence of both man-made and natural disasters has over time
precipitated insecurity and humanitarian consequences in Nigeria.
These tragic occurrences have placed the activities and operations
of agencies and departments saddled with the responsibility of
managing security and emergencies in the front burner.

Dignitaries at SAEMA Awards

“In view of the indispensability of their statutory roles, these
agencies of government and the people behind them are constantly on
their toes to prevent, tackle or mitigate the impacts of both
man-made and natural adversities. Without any iota of doubt, the
management and personnel of these agencies are great patriots who
despite the challenges, hazards and dangers that are abound in
their job schedules, remain determined and committed towards
ensuring that our dear country is safe, secured and peaceful. A lot
of them have paid the supreme sacrifice, many have lost their
limbs, some families torn apart, and dreams cut short while
carrying out their duties in service to fatherland. At the
management level, a number of Chief Executives of these agencies
have shown uncommon courage, ingenuity and exemplary leadership
that deserve encomium and appreciation.”

Special Guest of Honours at SAEMA event Abuja

The Panel of Jury Chair stressed that it is in recognition of
the patriotic contributions of the security and emergency
institutions as well the individuals behind them that the Award
series was instituted. He added that the idea was to publicly
acknowledge and celebrate the best of the bests among them with a
view to creating resilient and professional approach in the
management of security and emergency situations in the country. He
also expressed belief that by instituting the Awards, these
agencies and individuals behind them will be further motivated in
their patriotic duties.

Anambra Police PRO Haruna Mohammed
receives SAEMA Certificate of Excellence

He commended the Image Merchants Limited, publishers of
Emergency Digest, the principal organizer; Centre for Crisis
Communication, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CISLAC) and
Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) for commitment to the
advancement of peace, security and stability of the Nigerian
society, as well as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster
Management and Special Programme, Hajiya Sadiya Faruk.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Image Merchants Ltd, Malam Sule
Yau Sule, noted that service to humanity must at all times be
recognized, appreciated and celebrated.

Austin Peacemaker of SEcurity Affairs
receive SAEMA Certificate of Excellence in Abuja

Sule said as an active player in Nigeria’s Public Relations and
Media industry, the staples have always stood for excellence and
honour with an abiding faith in a Nigeria that will ultimately
stand strong in spite of all the challenges that assail her.

“We have through our stables – PRNigeria^[1], Emergency Digest,
Spokespersons Digest, Economic Confidential Magazine and PRNigeria^[2] Centre Kano, carved a
niche for ourselves in using the instrumentality of the media to
assist Nigeria’s security and response agencies in their crisis
communication efforts.

Mr Agbili Anambra Fire Fighter receives
Certificate of Excellence at SAEMA event in Abuja

“We pride ourselves as the only Public Relations and Media
organization in Nigeria that has won back to back, the African
Public Relations Awards and International Public Relations Awards
hosted by regional and global professional bodies APRA and IPRA,
especially on Crisis Management category between 2016 to 2019,” he
said.
He said the successful hosting of SAEMA marked their grand entry
into the Events Management industry in Nigeria anchored on
“integrity, corporate experience and determination to add
value”.

SAEMA
AWard-Winners

In the same vein, the Executive Secretary of Centre for Crisis
Communications (CCC), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), said that
SAEMA is all about recognizing and celebrating excellence in the
critical areas of security and emergency management.

Anas remarked that “this has become most expedient given the
perilous times we are in this country. Without any iota of doubt,
by celebrating excellence, we are encouraging the security and
response agencies in the country to keep working for the good of
our beloved country”.

Full List: SAEMA 2019 Finalists and Winners

Mrs Toun Okewale present SAEMA Trophy to
NAF Representative

1 COMMUNITY SERVICE

Nigerian Airforce (NAF) Medical Outreach- Golden Award
Dangote Foundation- Certificate of Excellence
Indimi Foundation- – Certificate of Excellence

Police Spokesperson Frak Mba receives
SAEMA Golden Trophy

2. Crime Prevention

Nigerian Police– Golden Award
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)- Certificate of
Excellence
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)- Certificate of Excellence

EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren
receives SAEMA Golden Trophy

3. CYBERCRIME PREVENTION

Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Lagos– Golden
Award
Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ilorin- Certificate
of Excellence
Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Port-Harcourt-
Certificate of Excellence

The Customs Spokesperson Joseph Attach
receives SAEMA 2019 Golden Trophy

4. Public Information
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)- Golden Award
Police Command Anambra- Certificate of Excellence
NEMA Borno Zonal Office- Certificate of Excellence

5. Intelligence Service
DSS– Golden Award
National Intelligence Agency (NIA)- Certificate of Excellence
Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)- Certificate of
Excellence

Brigadier General A. A. Goni receives the
SAEMA Golden Tropgy from Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Nwachukwu

6. Civil-Military Relations

Nigerian Army– Golden Award
Nigerian Air Force- Certificate of Excellence
Nigerian Navy- Certificate of Excellence

BOSEMA Chairperson receives SAEMA Golden
Award in Abuja

7. STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
(SEMA)

SEMA Borno– Golden Award
SEMA Kaduna- Certificate of Excellence
SEMA Lagos- Certificate of Excellence

8. VOLUNTEER GROUP
Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors without Border)– Golden Award
International Organization for Migration (IOM)- Certificate of
Excellence
Civilian JTF- Certificate of Excellence

9. HUMANITARIAN SERVICE
Action Against Hunger– Golden Award
World Food Programme- Certificate of Excellence
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)- Certificate of
Excellence

NCC
Receives SAEMA Golden Award

10. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)- Golden Award
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)-
Certificate of Excellence
Air Peace- Certificate of Excellence

NAF Officer Maigida Receives SAEMA Golden
Award in Abuja

11. TRAINING INSTITUTE

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) War College– Golden Award
Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC)- Certificate of Excellence
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)- Certificate of
Excellence

Halogen SEcurity Manager receives SAEMA Golden
Award

11. PRIVATE SECURITY

Hallogen Security– Golden Award
Proton Security- Certificate of Excellence
Kings Guards- Certificate of Excellence

Hamza Suleman of NAN receives SAEMA Golden
Award in Abuja

13. EMERGENCY JOURNALISM

Hamza Suleman (NAN)– Golden Award
Sifon Essien (TVC) – Certificate of Excellence
Austin Peacemaker (Security Affairs)- Certificate of Excellence

14 MILITARY OFFICER
Major General Bulama Biu (Army)– Golden Award
AWO Grace Garba (NAF) – Certificate of Excellence
Read Admiral Ibrahim Dewu (NAVY) – Certificate of Excellence

CSP Olabisi Davies receives SAEMA Golden Award

15. SECURITY OFFICER

Police CSP Olabisi Davies DPO Wuye-FCT- Golden Award
Immigration Comptroller Bin Ahmed Yakubu (Katsina)
Corps Commander Clement Oladele (Ogun)

The Police Twin Brothers Hassan and
Hussaini Gimba receive SAEMA Golden Awards for their war against
Kidnapping and Banditry in the North

16. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Police Twin Brothers DSP Husseini/Hasan Gimba- Golden Award
DCP Abba Kyari- Certificate of Excellence
NDLEA Chinyere Obijuru fsi- Certificate of Excellence

17. CRISIS MANAGER
Brigadier General Kukasheka Usman Rtd- Golden Award
Malachy C. Ohakosim (Kogi CSN)
Engr. Martin Agbili (Agility) Anambra Fire Service

Guests at SAEMA
2019

18. Gallantry
Lance Corporal Illyasu Bala- Golden Award
Lieutenant AK Gadzama- Certificate of Excellence
Flight Lieutenant Mohd Abdullahi Marafa- Certificate of
Excellence

Haruna Haruspice, the Grand MC at SAEMA
2019 event in Abuja

Special Recognition Awards
Goodwill Ambassador on Humanitarian Service, Hajia Sadiya Faruk
Goodwill Ambassador on Crisis Communication, Professor Umar Garba
Danbatta