Business
Revoke PHED Contract, FG Urged
Hon. Belema Okpokiri (left), member representing Okrika Constituency, Rivers State House of Assembly explaining a point to HRH Emmanuel Obudibo (JP) Amayanabo of Ogoloma (right) during the commissioning ceremony of an ultra modern market in Okrika recently, while Chief E. A. G. Inimgbatuboni III, Head Chief, Amadi-Ama Community and others watch. Photo: Ibioye Diama
Consumers of electricity
in Port Harcourt and its environs have called on the Federal Government to revoke the contact with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) as a result of poor power supply to the people of Rivers State.
Some of the consumers who spoke to our correspondent in an interview on Friday said the former contractors, Power holding Company (PHC) are far better than the current ones, and alleged sabotage and incompetence on the job.
They said that all what the PHEDC is after had been exorbitant and frivolous bills without corresponding electricity supply, pointing out that the situation is fast becoming alarming that if no action is taken, the Federal Government would be blamed for the failed project.
According to them, it is unfortunate and disheartening that despite the full and concrete assurance by the Federal Government on constant or improved Power Supply, it is even the worst with the current Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
The consumers lamented that for the Federal Government to redeem its image and promises of improved electricity Power Supply in the states, they should revoke the contract and award it to more competent hand that could satisfy the yearnings of the taxpaying masses, as they have a right to enjoy constant electricity supply as one of the social amenities by the Government.
Senibo Allwell hart in his comment said people are no longer enjoying electricity in Port Harcourt unlike before, and that since PHED came on board, it is exorbitant bill only.
Hart however called for improved Services so that people could do business and relax with the Power Supply.
Mrs Florence Johnbull has this to say, “If the Government is sincere enough to the electricity supply to the masses, let them call PHED to order or cancel the contract, because we are not benefiting from the light which they promised to improve upon.
They should do something on the light because the situation is worst with the Port Harcourt electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC). Let them try”.
Monday Eni also decried the poor electricity supply in Port Harcourt, saying that as a welder, he could not do his business except to buy diesel to power his plant when at the end of the month, PHED brought bill that no one could understand.
According to Eni, “if they cannot give the masses light, let them tell the government and the people of the state for a better company to take over”.
A liquor dealer, Mrs Priest-ba-Soberekon said the situation was getting worst every day. She could not freeze her dinks for sale except when she used the generator, which is not suppose to be as a taxpayer as well as electricity bill every month, and called on government to take action before the consumers lose their temper.
In his reaction, the Manager Public Communication of PHED, Jonah Iboma said customers dismay over poor electricity supply is normal, but that honestly, they could not improve on their distribution when the Federal Government power generation is less than 3,000 mega watts in the country.
Iboma however appealed to the consumers to understand and to expect some improvement this year as the government and the company are intensify in plans to satisfy the public with improved electricity supply.
Collins Barasimeye
MoniePoint Inc. a digital financial firm in Nigeria, has said it is empowering community pharmacists across the country with innovative payment solutions to improve access to drugs.
The financial firm said it had also provided loans for pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to drive healthcare delivery in the country.
MoniePoint in a release titled, “Inside Nigeria’s community pharmacies: How Moniepoint drives healthcare access with payments and funding”, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing digital payment solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
The release examined how community pharmacies play a crucial role as vital access points for medical care in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited hospital or clinic access.
According to the release, the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Igwekwam, highlighted the critical role played by community pharmacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years.
Igwekwam, however, expressed concerns over the challenges confronting the nation’s pharmaceutical industry which he said was hindering access to affordable medicines.
The pharmacist listed poor infrastructural systems, power, transportation, regulatory bottlenecks, importation dependency, and limited research opportunities as major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He also stressed the need for robust collaborative efforts with institutions like Moniepoint to strengthen the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to grow, improving local pharma manufacturing to meet the demands of this growth presents a key opportunity for us all.
“There is also the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which is expected to boost our industry, especially when we start producing our drugs locally, which will provide the much needed foreign exchange from exports.
“We are also seeing advancements in digital health and technology which would hopefully deepen the practice of e-prescription in Nigeria”, the ACPN boss said.
Corlins Walter
In order to enhance customer service and streamline operations, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The President of the institute, Yetunde Ilori, made this call at the 2024 Office Representatives Committee (ORC) Workshop, organised by the institute, with the theme “AI and the Future of the Insurance Industry”, in Lagos.
Ilori at the event, emphasised the importance of AI adoption, noting that it was not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to improve efficiency across the insurance sector.
“It is not about AI taking over our jobs, but about us using AI to simplify processes and give maximum satisfaction to all the customers we serve whether as underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or in educating our members”, she said.
The workshop, which brought players in the insurance sector together, aimed to address how AI could be leveraged to transform business processes and improve customer interactions.
The Chairman of the ORC, Monica Nwachukwu, underscored the role of AI in modernising the industry, adding, “AI can automate customer and claims processes, allowing insurers to provide faster and more efficient services to their customers”.
She explained how AI could help extract data from legacy systems, enhancing decision-making processes.
“By integrating AI with APIs, insurers can feed valuable data into AI solutions to improve operations and customer service”, she added.
In his address, the Managing Partner of A4S and Training Heights, Orlando Odejide, stressed the need for companies to align their strategies with future technologies like AI, especially as they prepare for 2025.
“Any organisation that wants to grow into the future must have its strategic plan in place. If your strategy for 2025 is not ready, it should be done by October”, he advised.
He encouraged participants to think critically about how AI could be integrated into their business models to ensure they remain competitive.
“The idea is for you to use this workshop as a platform to think about your organization and how AI can help streamline your processes and improve growth”, Odejide noted.
In order to gain global respect and recognition, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its goal in ensuring that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global space economy.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA revealed that the Director-General of the agency, Matthew Adepoju, emphasised this during recent engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Global Alliance Business Association international conference in Michigan, United States.
The statement noted that Adepoju outlined a forward-thinking agenda, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s space programme as a leader in research, exploration, and technological innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
“We must foster collaborations with global space agencies to enhance our satellite capabilities and technological infrastructure”, he stated.
The NASRDA boss said the agency is focusing on enhancing satellite capabilities, expanding international collaborations, and leveraging space science for national development.
He said NASRDA will have no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence, ensuring the agency secures the necessary resources and recognition to propel it forward.
“The relationships we build today will pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements in space science.
“Innovation and progress thrive in an environment built on collaboration and inclusivity”, he stated.
He emphasised that with the support of the government, international partners, and a dedicated team, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in the evolving global space landscape.
“We are on the brink of a new era for Nigeria’s space agency. Together, we will ensure our nation stands out in the global space economy”, he said.
Corlins Walter