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Energy Zones: The Meaning for Nigeria's Power Sector

Nothing screams progressive reform quite like telling a citizen that his/her light might be unstable so that a manufacturer can chill her executive water bottles at sub-zero temperatures.
 
However, here is the drift. After many years of financial illquidity in the power sector, darkness in many parts of the country and recurring national grid collapses, here comes a brilliant idea to identify high-demand commercial and industrial hubs like Lagos, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Enugu-Port Harcourt axis and concentrate 24-hour, uninterrupted electricity.
 
When Joseph Tegbe first assumed office as Minister of Power, he identified something critical. "The problem of the power sector, I would say, is largely financial," he said. He explained that the lack of liquidity affects the entire power value chain which ultimately hurts reliable power delivery to homes and businesses.
 
From the inability to pay gas debts owed to power-generating companies to the funding required to replace aging transmission lines, he highlighted how the issue is largely financial, without ignoring the technical challenges facing the sector.
 
The federal government's strategy aims to tackle distribution bottlenecks, unlock industrial demand and rescue electricity distribution companies from their endless losses.The approach of creating energy zones is built on the idea of letting the financially buoyant help support the system for everyone else. 
 
Truly, electricity collection rates are gradually improving according to data by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) among distribution companies but there is still a large portion of Nigerians who are unwilling to pay for the electricity they receive, as well as people who are illegally connected to the grid.
 
The energy zones target the productive side of our economy, which needs reliable power to drive national industrial growth.
 
Look at it this way. Getting reliable power instead of spending money on expensive diesel translates into a lower cost of production and ultimately, lower prices for goods bought by everyday consumers.
 
Designating specific industrial and commercial corridors for 24/7 power is intended to bridge the gap between generation capacity and actual distribution uptake, ensuring steady cash flow for power firms anchored around major economic arteries.
 
The energy zones initiative is a big gamble no doubt. If it succeeds, it could revive manufacturing, cut production costs for businesses and finally prove that Nigerian power infrastructure can deliver round-the-clock reliability somewhere other than on paper.
 
We have already seen success stories in projects like the Agbara Independent Power Plant and the Azura Power Plant, which show this is possible.
 
We are also seeing successful examples from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) which has set up special electrification zones for agricultural communities and universities. So far, the REA has delivered over 200MW installed capacities spread across 15 Universities, over one thousand mini-grid projects across more than 23 states, with recent installations in Oke-Uyi, Kwara State, and Epe, Lagos State.
 
The Federal Government is not stopping at creating economic zones. Most recently, the Minister of Power performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a National Control Centre in Osogbo which is necessary to address the growing and projected demands of the power sector.
 
Once completed, the centre will bring modern computer systems, large screens, and data tools to help operators spot developing faults, plan preventive maintenance, and make better use of existing power plants and transmission lines. It will also improve responses to grid problems, support the use of renewable energy and strengthen Nigeria's coordination within the West African Power Pool, backed by stronger physical and cybersecurity.
 
If the government’s energy zones strategy works, industrial hubs will hum with steady power, but our responsibility as citizens begins right there. We must then hold the Minister and the authorities to their promise, tracking the revenue to ensure it flows back into developing other parts of the country's electricity infrastructure. Only then will these energy zones become a stepping stone for all of Nigeria, rather than a permanent luxury for the few.
 
Mathew Ibiyemi, an Energy Journalist writes from Lagos, Nigeria

Energy Zones: The Meaning for Nigeria's Power Sector
Back Page
04-Oct-2026

Stepping into Edionseri's Shoes as Ogun Muslim Council Grand Matron a big deal, says PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate

The Ogun State Muslim Council has installed the Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Lateefat 'Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as its Grand Matron (Egba Zone).
Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, was installed and decorated at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The ceremony, which attracted Muslim leaders, political stakeholders, traditional figures and other members of the community, was held under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security.”
The installation has assumed political significance, coming ahead the 2027 governorship election, with Sowunmi-Kolapo using the occasion to call for increased civic participation among Muslims and urging voters to reject electoral violence, vote-buying and political apathy.
She also urged Muslims across the state to take an active role in determining the political leadership of the country.
Speaking in an interview after her installation, the new Grand Matron described the honour as a demonstration of confidence and support from the Muslim community.
She said, “It’s a great honour for me because when people appreciate you and they show it, you can only be thankful to God and them.

"I thank the Ogun State Muslim Council for this great honour. As we were told, the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland is expected to be decorated OMC Grand Matron (Egba Zone). Our late revered mother, Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, was the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and OMC Grand Matron."

"Stepping into her shoes is a big deal for me. I pray Almighty Allah guides my steps and makes the journey fruitful," the deputy governorship candidate added.

She also expressed appreciation to members of the Muslim community for the support she had received, from the beginning of her political journey, and throughout the process leading to her installation.

"To the Muslim community, I can only say thank you to them because the shower of love and support that I got from them from the beginning of this journey is unprecedented and I don’t take it for granted,” she said.

She, however, used the occasion to broaden her message from religious leadership to civic and political participation, urging Muslims to recognise the importance of political power in protecting their interests and heritage.

The new Grand Matron said the Muslim community must not remain passive in matters concerning its future.

"An elder statesman was telling me something when I went to visit him. He said religious leaders should not sit back and think that they will hand over everything they seek to them on a platter of gold.

"If you don’t struggle for power, some oppressors will use the same power to destroy you, which is why we say our power is in our votes.”

The PDP candidate urged Muslim parents, leaders and community stakeholders to educate their children and wards on responsible democratic participation.

She said electoral participation should be peaceful and driven by citizens’ choices rather than inducements.

Earlier at the ceremony, the OMC, Egba Zone, used the occasion to draw attention to the connection between socio-economic conditions, education, security and global stability.

Earlier at the ceremony, the OMC, Egba Zone, used the occasion to draw attention to the connection between socio-economic conditions, education, security and global stability.

The guest lecturer, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, who spoke on the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security,” urged governments to give greater priority to security, education and the economic wellbeing of citizens.

Onikijipa said a stable society could not be achieved when citizens were denied access to quality education, security and the basic socio-economic conditions necessary for dignified living.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Iyabo Obasanjo commended the Ogun State Muslim Community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo and giving her the blessing to serve as the PDP deputy governorship candidate.

Obasanjo described the new Grand Matron as humble, faithful and kind, while acknowledging her contributions to the Muslim community.
Credit Ogun PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate PR

Stepping into Edionseri's Shoes as Ogun Muslim Council Grand Matron a big deal, says PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate
Politics
04-Oct-2026

Air Peace boosts Premium Travel Experience with Complimentary 'Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service'

West and Central Africa’s leading airline, Air Peace, has further enhanced its premium travel offering with the introduction of a complimentary airport pick-up service for eligible passengers travelling in First Class and Business Class on its London routes.
The new pick-up service complements the airline’s existing complimentary airport drop-off offering and is delivered in partnership with SIMPLAA, providing customers with a seamless end-to-end travel experience.
With this enhancement, eligible passengers can now enjoy premium transfers from their homes, offices or preferred locations to the airport before departure, as well as onward transfers upon arrival. The service is available in Lagos, Abuja, Heathrow and Gatwick, ensuring convenience across both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Speaking on the initiative, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala stated "At Air Peace, we remain committed to continuously improving the travel experience for our customers. The addition of the complimentary pick-up service reflects our dedication to providing comfort, convenience and world-class service beyond the flight itself.
"Through our partnership with SIMPLAA, we are creating a seamless journey from doorstep to destination."
Under the service offering, First Class passengers are entitled to complimentary transfers of up to 70 miles from Heathrow or Gatwick, while Business Class passengers enjoy coverage of up to 60 miles. In Nigeria, eligible passengers can enjoy transfers of up to 60 kilometres in Abuja and 40 kilometres in Lagos.

Passengers travelling on eligible tickets booked from 1 October 2026 will receive an email notification with a link to activate their rides, confirm their pick-up and drop-off locations, and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey.

This initiative further reinforces Air Peace’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric services while strengthening its position as a leading carrier connecting Nigeria to key international destinations.

Customers can book through the Air Peace website, the Air Peace mobile app, accredited travel agencies and all major booking platforms worldwide.
About Air Peace
Air Peace is Nigeria's largest airline and one of Africa's fastest-growing carriers, operating an extensive network of domestic, regional, and international services. With a modern fleet comprising Boeing 777s, Boeing 737-700s, Boeing 737-800s, Embraer aircraft, and other next-generation equipment, the airline continues to play a pivotal role in advancing connectivity across Africa and beyond.
Operating across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Air Peace is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused air transport services while driving economic development, facilitating trade and tourism, and positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub on the continent.
Credit Air Peace PR

Air Peace boosts Premium Travel Experience with Complimentary 'Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service'
Economy
04-Oct-2026

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