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How to Get a Prepaid Meter In Less Than Three Weeks, by Aba Power Executive

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Electricity consumers in nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State which make up the Aba Ring- fenced Area can easily have their prepaid meters in less than three weeks, according to the Chief Commercial Officer of Aba Power which provides electricity to the ringed fence.

Prepaid Meters


Engineer Blessing Ogbe, the Aba Power Chief Commercial Officer, told the two-day Ist Conference on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Market Opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ending today at the Technology Incubation Centre in Aba, Aba State, that the process of obtaining prepaid meters from the Aba electricity distribution firm takes even months for some electricity users because they do not follow the right process.

The power company launched last May the Aba Power Mass Metering Programme (APMMP) to provide prepaid meters to consumers without paying any deposit, promising to make them available within 10 working days after a customer’s request.

“10 working days are in practice two weeks because of the work-free days during the weekend and the Monday Sit-at-home campaign in the five Southeastern states by some non-state actors”, Engr Ogbe explained to the participants at the conference on how businesses in the Southeast and the South-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria can key into the opportunities provided by the regional free trade agreement which Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, signed in 2021.

“Some customers collect the Aba Power Ltd account number (not a bank account) and go home, expecting us to come to their homes and businesses premises and provide the meters”.

Engr Ogbe said that the company wouldn’t know that such persons are waiting for Aba Power and its partners in their places to install prepaid meters unless they send the completed form to any of its offices.

Once the completed account number is submitted to Aba Power, he explained, the company would send a team to assess the electricity needs of the customer.

He said: “Contrary to popular thinking, the electricity may not have to do with the size of a structure.

“An ice block maker operating in a single room or two may opt for a single-phase meter which can burn easily as a result of overloading whereas another person living in a bigger place may need a single phase meter.

“An industrialist will definitely need a different kind of meter”.

Ifeanyi Odumoko, another engineer with Aba Power, told journalists that some customers use unqualified electricians to bring out their wires and cables in blocks of flats where different consumers share one meter to quicken the process of meter installation for them, but noted that the error delays the installation.

“Aba Power is providing each flat or shop a separate meter to promote accountability and transparency, but the failure to use competent and experienced technicians to bring out their wires for us to install prepaid meters makes the job a little more difficult for us”, he observed.

Both Engineers Ogbe and Odumuko assured that customers can get their prepaid meters once they follow the right process which they said has been explained several times in the company’s enlightenment campaign in the mass media and in direct engagements with members of the public.

The N20bn Aba Power Mass Metering Programme, carried out in partnership with some meter vendors, is ongoing in the Aba Township Feeder which covers an area of seven kilometers route length.

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BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

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President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

Details later…

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UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

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The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

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BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.

ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.

Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.

The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.

In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.

On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.

The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.

Watch video below:

Video source: ChannelsTV

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