Nation
FCT Residents Decry Inequitable Power Distribution, Urges Fairness
Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the inequitable distribution of power to their homes and business premises.
The residents appealed to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to ensure that the current load shedding was done fairly.
They told The Tide source in Abuja yesterday that they have not had electricity for almost five consecutive days.
The poor power supply or blackouts in some parts of the territory had lingered for almost two months.
AEDC had attributed the poor supply to its franchise areas to low power generation from the national grid.
The AEDC Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Donald Etim, had said this in a statement issued in Abuja on March 4.
“The AEDC wishes to inform our customers in Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa States and the FCT that the current low and unstable supply of electricity to homes and businesses is as a result of low power generated to the national grid.
“In recent weeks, the level of power generated and served to the national grid for onward delivery to customers has been abysmally low,” Etim said.
This, according to AEDC has led to load shedding currently being experienced in the territory.
Electricity consumers residing in Nyanya, Lugbe, Kubwa , Prince and Princess Estate, Area 3, Gaduwa and environs told The Tide source that they have not had light for days.
According to them, inspite of the load-shedding, some areas have constant power supply, while other areas do not have at all.
A Pharmacist residing in Gaduwa Estate Mr Peter Otabor, said, “we know AEDC is load-shedding light but they should ensure that it is equitably distributed to all”.
Otabor said that for close to two days, there was no light in the estate but other areas had light.
“I know there is low power supply currently on in the country, so if they want to give us light for two hours, so be it, I do not like a situation where some will have and others do not have,” he said.
Mrs Juliet Okojie, who resides at Prince and Princess Estate, Gudu, also coroborated what Otabor said.
Okojie said that the little power available should go round everybody.
Mr Eramus Okon, a banker who resides at Area 3, decried the poor power supply to the area, saying it had worsened in the last two months.
Okon said “we have only had light four times for few hours in the last three weeks”, a situation he said had affected his daily routine.
“You know I am a banker and I close late from work, I only cook once a week every Saturday but with this light situation, I cannot do that.
“I am appealing to AEDC to give us light even for two or three hours a day,” he said.
Mr Smart Okeke, who owns a cold room at Lugbe told newsmen that he had to put on his generator every day for close to 10 hours to preserve his goods.
“Cold room business is not easy to manage without light, so I have to look for diesel for my generator to power my cold room.
“I know about the low power supply and load-shedding but I will be happy if AEDC can give us light for five hours a day, “he said.
In Kubwa, Mrs Ese Williams, who reside in Phase 2, Kubwa Extension said there had been no stable light in the area for close to three weeks.
According to Williams, even when the light comes, it is so low that it cannot carry fridge or even fan.
“I have thrown away the perishable food stuff I stored in my freezer as they had all gone bad.
“I am appealing to AEDC to rectify the fault and give us light even if it for five hours a day, “ she said.
A fashion designer also in Kubwa, Mrs Shola Akinremi said lack of stable electricity supply in the area had continued to affect her business, saying that she could not meet up her customers’ needs.
Akinremi said that it was very difficult for her to sew at night as her generator was faulty.
When contacted, Mr Donald Etim, AEDC’s Chief Marketing Officer told newsmen that parts of Lugbe, Kubwa, Area 3 and environs were experiencing poor power supply due to faults.
Etim said that AEDC team were working assiduously to ensure that those faults were quickly resolved to ensure consumers get steady power supply.
“We are not happy about this and our team are working to ensure these faults are rectified quickly, “he said .
Nation
Northern Community Gets New Dan Buran In Rivers state
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
Nation
French Teachers Day 2025: PH Celebrates International French Teachers Day
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
Nation
OGONI ARISE CONCERT 2025: A Triumph Of Unity, Peace, And Cultural Pride
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
