KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2ND EDITON 2018

Improved Collection Dependent on Deliberate Efforts- Head, Commercial Services

By Nafiu Kabir 

Head, Commercial Services, Engr. Aliyu Abbas has charged staff of Kebbi Regional Office to make concerted efforts to improve the revenue from the region. 

Engr. Abbas gave the charge during a Monthly Assessment visit to the region. He challenged the staff on the need to reassess some of the areas where revenue collection is low and devise ways of improving them.

He noted that the responsibility of improving the Region’s fortune would take a deliberate effort, which according to him will greatly affect their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

“The days of giving excuses are over and excuses are no longer acceptable. Excuses don’t pay bills neither do they service the value chain. It is your duty to find how to shore up your revenue”.

Explaining further, Abbas tasked the marketing staff to look at the report of the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection loses (ATC&C) which shows that our losses are still as high as 75% and with this, he pointed out it was obvious that the company is seriously running at a loss.  

One the issue of burnt meters as an excuse for poor collection, Abbas told them to be aware of the activities of dubious customers who intentionally destroy their meters in order to avoid paying bills. 

“Cases of burnt meters must be properly investigated in order to protect customers with genuine cases. Metered customers must be properly monitored to ensure that we get maximum collection. All other means of ensuring huge cash collection must be explored by all staff.” 

For customers complaining of overbilling, Engr. Abbas said they must be properly evaluated, as he has always wondered why he has never received a complaint of under billing. These are the areas that must be given attention so that we can reduce collection losses, he pointed out.

The Business Development and Regional Officer, Engr. Dogara Saidu who was part of the meeting, admonished the staff to pay attention to Green Feeders- where the highest revenue are expected, in order to effect a change in strategy where the need may arise.

ICT Staff Send Forth Bahaudeen Mashi 

By Jamila Bala

Staff of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) recently sent forth their colleague Mr. Bahaudeen Mashi at Safaha Plaza, Unguwar Rimi, Kaduna.

Mashi who is currently the Team Lead System Administration, ICT Department, was treated to an evening of accolades and honor.

Mashi who has worked in the power sector for over 20 years will be taking a bow at the end of November 2018 to pursue other personal business concern.

Responding, the celebrant thanked everyone in attendance especially those whom he said have contributed to the success of his career, while hinting that he will be pursing interest that will serve his people.

“I am grateful to all the people I have met along my career path, a lot of them have impacted on this journey; I remain grateful to them. Also, I intend to dedicate more in serving my people”.

His colleagues took turns to speak about him and most who spoke described him as jovial, respectful, hardworking.

Others reeled out some of his accomplishments, including his leadership qualities, which many described as “sterling”. 

The ambience was nothing short of cozy with lots of drinks, snacks, styled dances and activities like riddles and jokes, “know your colleagues”. There was presentation of gifts and a Question and Answer session to wrap up the event.

In attendance were representatives from Corporate Communications, Admin, Human Resources, Metering and Commercial Departments.

  

Kaduna Electric Supports Reduction of Maternal Mortality 

By Jamila Bala

 As a socially responsible brand, Kaduna Electric has joined the call to combat the scourge of maternal mortality that is currently ravaging the land. 

The company responded by collaborating with Amana Hope & Care initiative. Amana Hope & Care Initiative is a non-governmental organization whose goal is to combat the maternal mortality epidemic.

This year’s programme is targeted at covering 6 rural communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Kaduna state to sensitize communities, identify their basic healthcare needs and challenges, with a view to drawing public attention and eliciting intervention.

 Speaking at one of the communities visited, Hajiya Farida Abubakar, Chairperson of the Initiative said the NGO is poised to address the plight of vulnerable women and children, particularly the rate of death recorded during child birth and the challenge in accessing basic health care services. She also express hope that the program will provide a platform for enlisting public support and intervention towards salvaging the plight of such communities.

The NGO, according to her, “is a nonpartisan organization, we fund all our projects and activities from contributions and donations made by members’’. 

She went further to thank the management of Kaduna Electric for its financial contributions while calling on other well-meaning Nigerians, government and corporate bodies to assist underprivileged persons in the country.

Responding, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Abdulazeez Abdullahi said: “All hands must be on deck to address the scourge and find ways to eliminate it totally. Our women are not supposed to be dying from child birth and as a corporate body we lend our voice to this cause while urging other corporate bodies to do same”. 

ICT Trains HQ Staff on SharePoint

By Halima Shuaibu

    Following the recent automation of business processes in the company, the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Department has organized a one-day training on SharePoint for Head Office staff.

The training was to acquaint staff with SharePoint online App. The App was designed to address all the day to day needs of staff and department operations that hitherto involved the use of paper and cumbersome processes.

SharePoint provides automated solution to Admin, Human Resources, Finance & Account and ICT with aim of improving business operations.  

The participants were shown how to use Admin portal to book for meetings, the HR Leave Form used to raise a leave request, Finance & Accounts to deal with retirement issues. 

The training, which was an interactive one, had some participants asking questions and suggesting new ideas to improve the App.

The ICT had on different occasions raised concerns about the implementation of the Solutions it has developed hence the need for the training which is to erase the excuse of inadequate knowledge of its usage.

Speaking shortly after the training, one of the Facilitators, Asmau Abdulkadir said the training is very important considering how much it will help the company’s operation. As a member of the team who designed the App, she said a thorough need-assessment had been carried out to ensure that the App was designed to address the peculiar need of each department.

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

My Role Impacts on Revenue Loss Reduction

CCD: Tell us briefly about yourself? 

AH: My name is Aminu Habib, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a B.S.C Business Administration. I served at National Teachers Institute, Kaduna with the Pensions department. I am an indigene of Kaduna State, North local Government.

CCD: When did you join the company and what is your primary assignment? 

AH: I joined Kaduna Electric in September 2015 as a Sales Rep and posted was to Kabala for training. After that, I was posted to several other Service Centers to work as a Sales Rep for a year and a half.

CCD: You were recently elevated to the position of Team Lead, New Services, Zamfara Regional Office tell us about it?

AH: Around June 2017 I was posted to Gusau Regional office to work as a Sales Rep, before I was appointed as Team Lead, New Service. I am in charge of documenting new customers, Enumeration. 

It is my responsibility to make sure that the customer's load is taken and they are given their proper bills or meters so as to avoid electricity losses or revenue losses which are both counterproductive to the company and the new customer.

CCD: What is your relationship with LECAN? 

AH: Let me start by clarifying what LECAN stands for; which is a federal license for industry practitioners meaning Electrical Contractors Association Of Nigeria. It is an association whose primary duty is to visit the premises of new customers and take the load, access the wiring and make sure all the proper materials are of standard to avoid fire outbreaks and unwanted events alike.

This association is a compulsory part of the new service process flow.

CCD: What is the toughest challenge you have faced and how do you go about it? 

AH: The toughest challenge I have faced so far is lack of mobility to visit remote areas and investigate illegal activities concerning electricity theft. I have however voiced it out to the management recently and they have promised to handle the issue.

CCD: What demotivates you?

AH: I am greatly motivated by when my colleagues work together as a team and demotivate when colleagues want to work as a team.

CCD: Any appeal or suggestion to other staff or management? 

AH: I am appealing to all staff to be diligent, honest, trust worthy  and hardworking because as employees of the company we are particularly responsible for ensuring the sustainability and stability of the company.

I am also appealing to the management to provide all the necessary working tools, materials and adequate man power to ensure excellent productivity.

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

Our Mandate is to Make Every Customer Happy

CCD: Can we meet you?

Oyinyechukwu Obiwunma Sokot Regional Office

OO: My name is Onyinyechukwu Obiwunma Onyeaku- Egabor (Mrs.).  I'm from Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.
I am married to an Etsako man from Agenebode in Etsako, Edo State. I was born in Lagos; I had my Primary and Secondary school education in Delta and IMO States respectively. 
I studied briefly at State College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Sokoto where I obtained a diploma in Law. I also studied at Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto were I obtain a B.A. in English Language and a Masters degree in International Studies. 

CCD: You were newly promoted to the position of Team Lead Customer Care. What does your new role entail?
 OO: Wow! I tell you, this is no small task at all. Believe me, expectations are high; I am expected to put in my best all times.

The primary assignment of the Team Lead Customer Care (TLCC) is to make sure that all customers' complaints lodged in Sokoto are not just resolved but resolved within the stipulated time frame.
It involves making every Service Centre a satisfying center. In other words, when a customer walks into a Service Centre, it is expected that such a customer comes out with a smile not just because we are able to answer all questions regarding our services but because we are able to assure him of an endless ability to deliver excellent services. 
As the TLCC, I'm responsible for periodical training of the Customer Care Representatives (CCR) within my jurisdiction, which is Sokoto state. It also includes making sure the CCRs perform their duties with the company's core value (which is TIES; Team work, Integrity, Excellency, Sustainability) at heart. Customers' enlightenment is also part of the job description.

CCD: What in your opinion are the changes in the operations of Kaduna Electric? 
OO: There have been great changes in the operations of Kaduna Electric. In fact, things have improved considerably and we look forward to more improvement. 

CCD: Your job majorly involves managing people and complaints. How do you cope with it? 
OO: People act differently when they are under pressure or frustrated. As a CCR I don't allow things to get to me, rather I take charge.

CCD: How does your role contribute to the overall Kaduna Electric vision? 
OO: A satisfied customer is a paying customer. This in turn increases our collection. By satisfying our customers, we are definitely contributing to success of the business.

CCD: What would you consider your Kaduna Electric moment?
OO: Anytime I put a smile on the face of a customer.

CCD: What is your appeal to the management?
OO: Management is doing their best but we are appealing to them to do more in fighting vandalism; it is killing our collection.

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER EDITION

 PHOTO NEWS...

 

Participant from Abuja Electricity Distribution company, during the just concluded ICT Interactive Session

Host participants from Kaduna Electric , during the just concluded ICT Interactive Session

L-R:  Chief Commercial Services Officer, Mal. Murtala Bello; Company Secretary, Barrister  Abbas Ahmed and Head, ICT, Yasir Abdussalam

Police Commissioner Commends Kaduna Electric

By Umar Mohammed Tambuwal

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, Mr. Murtala Usman Mani, has commended Kaduna Electric for its efforts in providing steady power supply to all Police formations under his command.

He gave this commendation when the Business Development and Regional Officer, Sokoto Regional Office, Mr. Masood Salisu Abdulkadir paid him a courtesy visit.

Mr. Mani noted that the Police as `security provider needs steady supply of power, adding that it appreciates the priority being given to the command.

He explained that all outstanding bills of the Command are being processed and would be paid within the shortest possible time.

The Police, according to him, need constant supply, which is why he said Officers under his command would be encouraged to pay their bills promptly. This, he said, will further strengthen the relationship between the two organizations.

He also promised to set up a special task force to fight vandals.

Earlier, the Business Development and Regional Officer, had said that the major challenges facing the company is vandalism of company equipment and installations.

He noted that the incessant cases of vandalism are affecting quality supply; he therefore, solicits cooperation of the community leaders, Nigerian police, other security agencies and stakeholders to curtail the menace. 

The BDRO lamented the poor response to payment of bills, and urged the Commissioner to use his good offices to ensure that all Divisions under his command pay their bills as and when due.

Grand Reward & Recognition Ceremony To Hold Annually 

By Halima Shuaibu

Khadija Kabir, Head, Human Resources

In our assessment, the Reward and Recognition ceremony has improved staff morale, engendered healthy competition and brought improved productivity, the Head, Human Resources, Khadija Kabir has said.

She made this revelation in an exclusive interview with our correspondent recently. She noted that the initiative sprang from the implementation of the Strive Project, which according to her is aimed at driving productivity. 

“The Strive Workshop was about improving staff productivity through Performance Management System, Reward and Recognition and new career part.

“From the review of the last R&R, we realized that there was a need to plan a grand ceremony that will have every employee involved one way or the other”.   

The event, according her, would include activities like CSR, Award Night, Customers Engagement Forum and Lunch with the Board of Directors.

Kabir however hinted that a lot would depend on the company’s revenue generation for an event of that magnitude to be organized.

She therefore advised all staff to redouble their efforts to enable them hit the 2 billion Naira mark. 

“The event will be a morale booster for all and an excitable way to wind down the year. I therefore, call on every staff to work even harder to achieve the 2-billion-naira mark,”.

Corporate Communications Staff Undergo Training

By Halima Shuaibu

In pursuit of continuous improvement in output, staff of the Corporate Communications Department recently attended a 6-day training programme at the Kaduna Media Academy (KAMA).

The training, according the Department’s Head, Abdulazaeez Abdullahi, was to improve the quality of its television production. The department, he said is leveraging on all channels to reach its customers and it is important to dish out quality productions.

“We use all channels of communications to reach our audience, in this case, our customers. There are messages that are better when dramatized or visualized. Kaduna Electric Watch was conceived to reach our customers so as to address a myriad of issues in an informative and educative manner.

 “We also share the video on YouTube channel to reach our online viewers. So far, the feedback has been positive and we are encouraged to do more.”

One of the participants, Jamila Bala said she is delighted to be in the training as the curriculum covers a wide area in television production and also serves as a refresher course.

According to her, Broadcast language, Presentation Skills and Writing for Broadcasting was “in-depth”. “The training programme is an opener as I now view Television programmes differently. I am very excited about what I have learnt and eager to put it to use.”  

KADUNA ELECTRIC FRONTLINE NOVEMBER EDITION

Our Intelligence Gathering Team Will Reduce Fraud- Head, Admin & Security 

Nuhu Sani, Head, Admin & Security

There seems to be renewed security measures within the premises. What is responsible for this?

Like you know, protection is key; without protection, nobody will be able to sit on his seat. As a Security department, we are saddled with the responsibility of protection of lives within the Head Office and other installations.

We ensure that we improve on our processes, especially in the area of traffic for staff, visitors, contractors and customers. What we did was to develop tags for our consultants and all stakeholders apart from the staff who should have their ID cards displayed.

For the staff, we ensured that their ID cards are displayed at all times. We expect staff to identify themselves by displaying their ID cards when on duty to differentiate themselves from non-staff.

Equally, if it is a customer, it is expected that he wears the appropriate tag so that he can be treated as such.  For visitors, we have provided chairs for them at the reception especially visitors of Mid-level staff and down-lines.  This is for them to receive their visitors briefly because our primary objective of being in this building is to work for Kaduna Electric and not to be entertaining visitors etc. 

I will like to use this medium to draw the attention of staff to use the reception to attend to their visitors. 

For Management staff, they are responsible enough to attend to their visitors quickly in their offices. 

There is a new Staff Canteen, the ambience is beautiful, but there are concerns about the quality of food being served. How do you measure service delivery at the canteen?

We give a huge applause to the Managing Director for giving the approval to get the staff canteen running.  We are happy to see a situation where we have a decent staff canteen, state-of-the-art and improving on a daily basis on the service and the facility (Safeway Kitchen).

The staff canteen has a Caterer approved by the company, responsible for providing food for staff, stakeholders and for other indoor and outdoor events in the company. 

Prior to choosing a vendor, we did food sampling, which many of our staff participated and from there, they began operation following their engagement. We got some feedback from staff regarding the quality of the food, the presentation, service, facility and aesthetics and also the taste.

And on a continuous basis, we give feedback to the Caterer and Facility Manager who is in charge of putting together the facility. If you remember, some parts were not fully painted but that has been done now in addition to branding by our partners.

In order to make things in line with best standards, we have set up a staff Canteen Committee, we are waiting for an additional approval before we publicize it. 

The committee is chaired by Hafsat Sambo, Head, Collection Channels while I will be the Co-chair when she is not available. The essence of staff Canteen Committee is to ensure compliance to best practice in staff canteen and also guidance. The role of the Committee is also to be a mediator between the staff and the caterer.

There seems to be limited parking space in the premises, is it because the number of staff has risen? What are you doing to manage the issue of inadequate parking space?

The first thing we identified is to see how we can make those parking on the slanted parking lot to park straight so as to create more parking space.

If you recall, that space in the middle, both sides were in a slanting form but now people are advised to park straight in order to create more room for more vehicles to park and we have also stationed BDM Security to ensure that they guide staff appropriately. If you notice too, the issue of blocking cars or parking behind cars has drastically reduced. The next phase is to look at old Doka Area, for the stores to manage their material on the ground so that the area can be cleared, canopies can be put and then cars can park there.

The exterior car park has been improved since the rainy season; I want to believe that our customers are happy about it. Also, with the introduction of e-payments systems, customers can now pay online hence reducing the pressure on our parking space.

It must be more than two years since you spoke with the Frontline, what changes have taken place in this department?

We have a lot of changes that have taken place in this department. As you may remember we have had transformation of the company.  A number of staff joined the team, we have created a number of job descriptions and responsibilities, and we have three sub units. We have logistics, which is under administration, security and facility management. But sadly, we lost two people; one left the company while the other person died.  We now have replacements.

But we intend to decentralize our security architecture so that we can have installation protection and internal security separated. Internal security will look at standard procedure of office traffic while installation protection will deal with issues related to vandalism, security operatives, DSS, Civil defense etc. 

Within the team too, we will have those who will be in charge of intelligence gathering on how we can bring down the rate of fraud in the company.

Recently, we handled a number of cases regarding fraud but we believe in continuous improvement on reducing cases of fraud. 

As someone who is Managing Security, Welfare and Protocol, what would you want to use this medium to tell staff and management?

We seek for a continued cooperation from management. As you are aware, there are a number of things we want to implement but without management’s buy in we cannot make head way. An example, if a management staff insists that without an ID card he won’t attend to his staff, surely ID card compliance would be achieved.

If a staff is not properly dressed, you ask him to go back home and dress properly.