News
Consumers Owe PHED N16bn In Rivers …As Firm Plans To Install .4m Pre-Paid Metres
Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc has lamented that energy consumers in Rivers State alone were owing the company more than N16billion on defaults from bills payment.
The energy company also said that the huge debts were negatively impacting on its ability to meet statutory obligations to consumers in the state, just as it was at the same time constraining its capacity to procure sufficient feedstock from power generating companies and necessary equipment to provide steady electricity supply to the people in the four franchise states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.
Managing Director of PHED, Engr Henry Ajagbawa gave this indication while granting audience to the management of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) during a courtesy visit to the DisCo at its corporate headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Represented at the occasion by the Chief Services Officer, Ochuko Amah, the managing director said that despite the staggering debt profile, PHED has procured more than 400,000 new pre-paid metres from metre manufacturers (MAP Vendors), under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)-approved National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), for installation to reduce the number of unmetred consumers from the present number of over one million consumers.
Ajagbawa said that already, PHED has installed more than 149,000 pre-paid metres in homes and offices of desiring customers, just as it has procured and installed new transformers, feeders, built new substations and repaired or replaced poles, cables of various sizes and types, automatic circuit reclosers, conductors, risers, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and operational vehicles.
He said, “We have imported several 2MVA to 1000MVA transformers to boost distribution capacity in our network efficiency. We have installed 59 distribution substations, and despite the serious vandalisation of our facilities, we have been able to replace and or repair a lot of them. Then, with the support of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Rivers State Government, we have installed a 60MVA substation at Rumuosi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. We have installed over 149,000 pre-paid metres for our customers.
“We are also in talks for a bilateral agreement with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and First Independent Power Company Limited (FIPC) to evacuate 100MW and 20MW electricity, respectively, within our contract area.
“Then, more recently, with the support of the Federal Government, we are undertaking projects worth billions of Naira to optimize our network operations and upgrade and rehabilitate our injection substations in line with our Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) programme.”
Ajagbawa further explained that, “On our operations within the system, we have been able to overhaul our PPEs. We have procured over 1,000 PPEs and 345 ladders for our technical staff; we have remodeled our feeder offices, and we have added a new edifice to our corporate headquarters complex, which was built within four months in 2021.
“We have been able to promote 722 staff in 2021; 62 in August, 2021, and 66 in January, 2022. We have launched our engineering training scheme where we train young and fresh engineers from schools. We have 25 already undergoing training in our facility for 2022.”
The managing director also gave details of the challenges PHED was facing in efforts to provide essential services to the people in the four states, saying, “We have massive vandalisation of our facilities in communities and huge energy theft by the rich and poor not just in Rivers State but across all our franchise states. In fact, metre bypass is a major problem for us.
“We also have a huge number who do not like to pay their electricity bills, including individuals and corporate organisations and agencies in both private and public sectors. We have regular attacks and assault on our staff doing their legitimate duties, because people are not willing to pay for services rendered to them. Since we know we are doing the right thing, as we get reports of such attacks, we try to arrest the attackers through the aid of security agencies, and take them to court to secure justice for our staff,” Ajagbawa added.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo