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SMEDAN Extends Moratorium on OLOP Loans

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One Local Government One Product OLOP

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has extended the repayment moratorium granted to the One Local Government One Product (OLOP) beneficiaries to one year.

This was disclosed by SMEDAN Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dikko Umaru Radda, in a press statement from the agency’s Corporate Affairs Department.

In early April, SMEDAN had approved a three-month moratorium to beneficiaries of this programme, but has now extended it further.

Mr Radda explained that the decision was made in order to help continue to alleviate conditions that beneficiaries have come across due to the current economic situation caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“Conscious of the fact that the MSMEs are critical to the sustenance of the nations economy, the agency at the beginning of the year granted OLOP beneficiaries a three- month moratorium extension on their repayments.

“After studying the current trends regarding the global pandemic as it has affected the country, management has agreed to further extend the moratorium to one year with effect from April this year.” he said.

The SMEDAN boss then urged participating Micro Finance Banks (MFBS) to take note for compliance with the latest directive.

He also appealled to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to consider the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N50 billion COVID-19 intervention fund for the sub-sector and households.

Last year, SMEDAN disbursed about N500 million to beneficiaries of the OLOP project involving MSMEs in 109 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country.

Beneficiaries who came under cooperative societies were able to access between N3 million to N5 million for both the machinery and working capital needed to achieve their business objectives.

SMEDAN’s vision is to cover the 774 local government areas of the country under the OLOP programme. So far, the agency has covered 218 local governments areas with the support of the federal government.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Power Supply Has Improved in Two Weeks as Promised—Adelabu

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adebayo adelabu two weeks

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, says that electricity generation has improved between March 28 and April 10, 2026, following increased gas supply to thermal power plants.

In a statement via his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji, the Minister said the improvement fulfilled his pledge at the Power Sector Working Group that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.

He said data from the period showed that actual power generation rose from about 3,951 megawatts on March 28 to over 4,300 MW on April 10.

He added that gas supply to thermal power plants increased from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day to over 704 million standard cubic feet per day within the same timeframe.

He also stated that mechanical availability remained stable, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW.

“Despite minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” Mr Tunji said.

The spokesperson added that the correlation between gas availability and generation output underscored the need for sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain.

He disclosed that the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.

“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.

“The Honourable Minister remains committed to ensuring that the modest gains recorded are not only sustained but significantly improved upon in the coming weeks,” Mr Tunji added.

The Minister assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions in the sector would continue to yield measurable improvements, saying, “We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements.”

Adelabu urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to improve its internally generated revenue and reduce dependence on government appropriation.

He also called for the establishment of more meter testing centres across the country and reiterated the need for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NPTIN) and NEMSA to address manpower shortages.

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NAF Launches Probe into Civilian Casualties During Jilli Market Operation

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Jilli Market Operation Air Force

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is investigating the reported fatal civilian casualties during airstrikes while pursuing Islamist militants around Jilli Market, around the Borno-Yobe border near Fuchimiram village in the Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said it “treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy.”

According to eye witnesses and local government official accounts, at least 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck the village market.

“In line with this commitment, the CAS has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation,” the statement read.

NAF maintained that it remained “firmly committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of its missions.”

In an earlier statement, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed mop-up air strikes in the Jilli axis, but did not state whether any civilian casualties were recorded.

“Coming amid intensified efforts to track and neutralise terrorist elements responsible for recent attacks on security forces within the wider theatre, the follow-on strikes were aimed at fleeing remnants and regrouping cells seeking to exploit the difficult terrain,” NAF said.

However, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, a military adviser to the Yobe state government, said, “Some people from Geidam LGA (local government area) bordering Gubio LGA in Borno state who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected.”

Several persons were feared killed and others wounded after the suspected accidental airstrikes at Jilli Market in the Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Jilli, a border community with Damasak in Borno State, is located over 200 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, the councillor and traditional head of Fuchimeram ward in Yobe’s Geidam district, told Reuters that those injured were being taken to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.

“It’s a very devastating incident at Jilli Market. As I’m speaking to you, over 200 ​people have lost their lives ​from the air strike ⁠at the market,” he told Reuters.

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Waka TV Delivers Best Premium Streaming Experience

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Waka TV

Waka TV delivers the best premium streaming experience, access to 20,000+ live channels in Full HD & 4K, 140,000+ movies and series, and follow live sports from around the world.

It is compatible with all your devices. Enjoy smooth, buffer-free streaming with zero interruptions and 24/7 support.

Waka TV installs in just a few clicks on all your devices, Smart TV, smartphone, tablet or PC. Your access is activated within 10 minutes, and streaming starts immediately with zero hassle.

Waka TV offers a service focused on quality, reliability and the best value for money. Rugby, Basketball, Cricket, Tennis, Football, and all live sports are included in your premium IPTV subscription.

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