NERC Sanctions 11 DisCos For Arbitrary Billing
February 10, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sanctioned eleven Distribution Companies (DisCos) over failure to comply with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers. Abuja Disco, for instance, overbilled its customers without meters to the tune of N17.874bn, while Eko Disco over-billed its unmetered customers by N13.137bn. Port Harcourt Disco overbilled its customers without meters by N14.187bn, as Kaduna Disco overbilled its customers by N1.145bn. Credit adjustment to customers: Discos are to issue credit adjustments to all over-billed unmetered customers for the period January to September 2023 by the March 2024 billing cycle. Regulatory sanctions: The commission shall deduct a sum of N10,505,286,072 from the annual allowed revenues of the 11 Discos during the next tariff review to deter future non-compliance with the energy caps approved by the commission.”
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 16:08 UTC
Brewing reform, or routine reshuffle?
On February 7, 2024, it was announced that Parliament was expected to approve an executive reshuffle, including the appointment of a successor to Deputy PM Demeke. Reshuffle advocates perceive the changes as a routine and calculated maneuver on the part of the Prime Minister to reinvigorate the government amidst internal strife and diplomatic strains. He criticized the cabinet reshuffle as a purely political maneuver aimed at maintaining a power balance for the Prime Minister, with individuals coming and going without any substantial policy alterations. Rahel and Girma argue the cabinet reshuffling constitutes a significant responsibility of the Prime Minister, and the recent events align with that duty. Kibrom Berhe is the president of the Baytona Tigray Party.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 14:43 UTC
Ex-Israeli soldier bids to replace George Santos in key race, blasts Biden's 'irresponsible' border policy
An Ethiopian-Israeli immigrant who's been a harsh critic of the Biden administration's border policies is hoping to replace former GOP Rep. George Santos in a closely watched special election. The two candidates, who will go head-to-head in a special election on Tuesday, traded barbs during a debate this week when asked about a number of topics – including immigration and abortion. Pilip called out her opponent for "causing the border crisis," saying that when Suozzi was in Congress with the Democratic majority, the border was "opened" by the Biden administration. A Siena College poll conducted for Newsday from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6 showed Suozzi leading Pilip 48% to 44% among likely voters. The special election is slated to take place on Feb. 13.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 14:36 UTC
Ethiopia’s Historic Aircraft, “Tsehai”, Comes Back Home – Ethiopian Monitor
ADDIS ABABA – “Tsehai”, the first-ever aircraft made in Ethiopia in the 1930s, has returned home more than eight decades after it was taken to Italy. The aircraft, named after the daughter of Emperor Haile Selassie I Tsehai, arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Friday evening. The plane carrying “Tsehai” was welcomed by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, Addis Ababa city mayor Adanech Abiebie, and Italy’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Agostino Palese. Its repatriation comes after the Italian government handed over the aircraft to Ethiopian authorities during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Rome last week. Following its return home decades later Friday, Ethiopians can now visit “Tsehai” at the Adwa Victory Museum which will be inaugurated on Sunday.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 14:34 UTC
UNRWA praises strategic cooperation with KSrelief
The Catwalk initiative is an annual celebration in honor of the declaration last year by the UN designating Feb. 10 as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard. “This announcement is significant as it marks the first time the UN has designated an international day of recognition for a mammal, big cat or subspecies. “And it is the first time that an international day established by the UN was led by Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/36RLFLxeMI — Saudi Embassy in New Delhi (@KSAembassyIND) February 10, 2024The Saudi Embassy in Switzerland also joined the event, writing on X: “It’s time for the catwalk! The Catwalk initiative received support from various government entities, including the ministries of interior; municipal, rural affairs and housing; foreign affairs; environment, water and agriculture; education; and sport.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 13:42 UTC
Female officers from Indian Armed Forces praise Kingdom’s transformation, women empowerment
RIYADH: A women’s representation from the Indian Armed Forces, which was part of the government’s empowerment initiatives and took part in the World Defense Show in Riyadh, has praised the transformation in the Kingdom, which includes females being admitted into the Saudi defense forces. India sent a three-member delegation of women officers, each of them a holder of a frontline role in the forces, to take part in the event. Annu Prakash (navy) represented the Indian armed forces at seminars during the WDS. (We are) glad to see women in Saudi Arabia being part of various services, joining Saudi defense forces. Her journey illustrated the crucial role women play in safeguarding India’s vast coastline and ensuring regional stability.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 13:24 UTC
Nigeria Secures Historic Back-To-Back Olympic Basketball Slots
February 10, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian women’s national basketball team has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, clinching back-to-back appearances at the prestigious global sporting event. The team made its debut at the 2004 Athens Games and then returned in 2020 for the Tokyo Olympics after a 16-year absence. While Nigeria came up short of winning any Olympic matches in Japan, Paris presents an opportunity to improve on past performances. In clinching consecutive Olympic berths, Nigeria joins the company of perennial women’s basketball powers, the United States, Australia and Spain. Nigeria came tantalisingly close to winning its first ever Olympic match in Tokyo, giving fans hope that a maiden victory in Paris is within reach.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 13:19 UTC
Unpredictability’s high price
During my interactions with European individuals, I have encountered individuals who meticulously plan activities nearly a year in advance. “Let me check my agenda” is a phrase commonly heard from them when discussing any form of planning. Fearful of rapidly changing circumstances, individuals either refrain from making major decisions altogether or hastily make ill-advised choices. Volatile situations breed resentment among the population and serve as catalysts for chaos and riots, eroding trust in the process. Therefore, when making decisions that impact a large segment of the population, thorough and meticulous planning should be prioritized.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 13:11 UTC
Kenya’s Bernard Sang Wins Lagos City Marathon
Kenyan runner, Bernard Sang has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. Gatekeepers News reports that the 32-year-old defeated about 80 others in the 9th edition of the race on Saturday after clocking a time of 02:16:49 to win the 42km race and clinch the $50,000 prize money. The Kenyans won the marathon in 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021. Similarly, 25-year-old Ethiopian, Kebene Chala, was the first woman to cross the finish line. The 42km race, which was scheduled between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. began at the National Stadium in Surulere and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 13:05 UTC
Breaking: Kenya’s Bernard Sang wins 2024 Lagos City Marathon
A Kenyan marathoner, Bernard Sang, on Saturday won the Access Bank 2024 Lagos City Marathon. In the 9th running of the event on Saturday morning, Sang defeated over eighty other top marathoners to win the 42-km race. He took home the $50,000 grand prize, reports Persecondnews. Sang, who took part in 2023 as well, came in third. The male and female race winners advanced to the marathon competition at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 12:42 UTC
Ethiopian Enterprise Development Secure USD 1 Million in Exports
Ethiopian Enterprise Development announced significant achievements in the past six months of the fiscal year, including the establishment of 1,493 small and medium industries, securing USD 17 million in exports, and generating 74,000 jobs. These accomplishments exceeded initial targets, with the enterprise providing a loan of Birr 3.4 billion, surpassing the planned 2.9 billion Birr. Industries, particularly in sectors like garments, leather products, and agro-processing, showed promising export potential. Efforts were made to enhance production capacity, financial capabilities, and industrial linkages, alongside initiatives to promote immediate production in medium-level enterprises. Source: The Ethiopian Herald
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 11:14 UTC
Kenyan Sang, Ethiopian Chala Win 2024 Lagos City Marathon
February 10, (THEWILL) – Kenyan long-distance runner, Bernard Sang, emerged victorious at the 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon held this Saturday. The 42km race, now in its 9th edition, saw Sang beat around 80 other elite marathoners to claim the $50,000 top prize. This was Sang’s second Lagos Marathon, having finished third in 2023. The women’s race was won by 25-year-old Kebene Chala from Ethiopia, who also qualified to represent her country in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Muazu won a cash prize of ₦1 million.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 10:45 UTC
Ethiopia’s religious council demands gov’t withdrawal from Samoa agreement
In a statement issued on Friday, the council is demanding Abiy Ahmed’s government to withdraw from the Samoa agreement which was signed on November 15, 2023 in Samoa. The Council said that the agreement has been studied by experts and that it has been investigating it. “Examination of the agreement indicates that it contains points and issues that contradict our religious laws and teachings,” the council said. Another problem is that the agreement, which the council understands to be a trade and economic partnership for twenty years, is a binding one. As well, the agreement, according to the council, makes Ethiopia part of other regional and continental agreements that Ethiopia did not sign.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 10:14 UTC
News: US diplomatic delegation, headed by Assistant Secretary Molly Phee, to attend AU Summit in Ethiopia, address regional issues
Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Photo: State Department)Addis Abeba – Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee is scheduled to undertake a diplomatic mission to Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, from 12 to 17 February, 2024. According to the State Department, the Assistant Secretary will be accompanied by distinguished government officials, among them Ambassador Mike Hammer, who serves as the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. The main objective of their visit is to attend the African Union (AU) Summit and participate in high-level discussions with AU officials, heads of state, and ministers who will be present at the summit. Scheduled to take place in Addis Abeba from 14 to 18 February, 2024, the AU Summit anticipates the participation of over 34 African leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, and other influential figures. While in Addis Abeba, Assistant Secretary Phee will additionally engage in bilateral discussions with officials from the Government of Ethiopia to address significant regional and bilateral issues, according to the State Department.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 09:43 UTC
News: Ethiopia seeks extension for implementation of EU deforestation-free regulation
The gathering, conducted towards the end of the week, was designed to unveil the National Action Plan to development partners actively involved in the coffee sector. “This extension would allow Ethiopia adequate preparation and assurances for Ethiopian coffee buyers in the EU until the country aligns with the EUDR compliance measures,” she stated. While acknowledging the efforts towards formulating the National Action Plan for EUDR compliance measures, Krivanek emphasized the EU’s willingness to assist Ethiopia in overcoming potential challenges during the implementation of the regulation. The National Action Plan, presented during the recent high-level meeting, identifies opportunities and threats posed by the EUDR to Ethiopia’s coffee sector. The plan was prepared by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority in collaboration with the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture.
Source:Ethiopian News
February 10, 2024 08:48 UTC