KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2ND EDITION

 

Kaduna Electric Celebrates Customer Service Week with "Team Service" Theme

Kaduna Electric is gearing up for an exciting Customer Service Week celebration from October 2nd to 6th, 2023, under the international theme "Team Service." This annual event is a global recognition of the vital role that customer service plays in organizations and the dedicated employees who make it happen.

The core idea behind Customer Service Week is to boost morale, foster teamwork, and express gratitude to the frontline staff who tirelessly serve customers day in and day out. It also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, both internally and externally, about the importance of exceptional customer service.

This year's theme, "Team Service," emphasizes the collective effort involved in providing top-notch customer service. It underscores the idea that regardless of their roles or locations within the organization, every employee is part of the same team working towards a common goal—customer satisfaction.

The week-long celebration is packed with exciting events and activities starting from Monday, October 2nd: Flag-Up Customer Service Week, Tuesday, October 3rd: Customer Appreciation Day, Wednesday, October 4th: Visit to Barau Dikko Hospital, Thursday, October 5th: Rewards and Recognition and lastly Friday, October 6th: Team Bonding.

As part of the celebration, each team will have the opportunity to appreciate their most supportive team, with awards given for the best "Team Service."

This Customer Service Week promises to be a week of unity, recognition, and appreciation for the dedicated staff of Kaduna Electric who work tirelessly to ensure customer satisfaction. It embodies the spirit of "Team Service" and emphasizes that, at Kaduna Electric, everyone is part of one big customer-focused team.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from Kaduna Electric's Customer Service Week celebration as they exemplify the power of teamwork in providing exceptional customer service.

 

Kaduna Electric Undergoes Comprehensive Staff Verification Exercise

In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency, Kaduna Electric has commenced a comprehensive staff verification exercise.

The exercise, which began earlier this week, aims to validate the employment records and credentials of all Kaduna Electric employees. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to maintaining a highly skilled and accountable workforce.

In a statement signed by Head Corporate Communication Abdulazeez Abdullahi expressed that "Our goal is to ensure that our workforce is composed of qualified and dedicated individuals capable of delivering exceptional services to our valued customers. This verification procedure is a crucial step towards realizing this goal.”

The staff verification exercise will involve thorough scrutiny of educational certificates, employment history, and other relevant documents. Additionally, the process will include biometric data collection to ensure accurate personnel records.

Abdulazeez emphasized  that the verification process is being conducted with utmost transparency and fairness. "We are committed to a fair and objective evaluation of our staff. Any discrepancies identified will be addressed following established company policies," he assured.

The company has also urged its employees to cooperate fully with the verification team to expedite the process.

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

Effective Workforce Management: a Key Driver to Organizational Success - Zayyanu Lukman

CCD: Briefly tell us about your background?

ZL: I'm Zayyanu Lukman, MNIM, Human Resource Manager, Sokoto North Area Office. I grew up in a religious family and attended an Islamic school before pursuing conventional education. I obtained my HND in Business Administration and Management from Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi in 2005. I completed my NYSC at Sardauna Memorial College (SMC) Kaduna in 2006/2007. I started my career at the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) from 2008 to 2015 and became a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management in 2016.

CCD: When did you join Kaduna Electric?

ZL: I joined Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company on 1^ST September, 2015 as a Sales Representative. In 2017, I was reassigned to the Finance and Accounts Department, and this year, I was reassigned again to the Human Resources Department to contribute my acquired experience.

CCD: What are your primary responsibilities as the Human Resource Manager?

ZL: Many assume that HR responsibilities only involve issuing queries, suspensions, terminations, or dismissals. However, the main function of Human Resources is to act as an intermediary between the employer and employees to ensure company policies are achieved. As Human Resource Manager our primary responsibilities encompass various crucial aspects of managing the workforce and contributing to the organization's success such as employee relations and engagement which are pivotal responsibilities. we foster a positive and harmonious work environment by addressing employee concerns, mediating conflicts, and promoting effective communication. Engaging employees through initiatives that enhance job satisfaction, motivation, and overall well-being is essential for a motivated and productive team.

However, compliance and policy management are critical aspects of our role. we need to ensure that all staff of Sokoto Area Office complies with laws, regulations, and internal policies. This encompasses managing compensation and benefits, maintaining accurate employee records, and staying updated on legal developments to ensure the organization's practices adhere to legal standards.

 

CCD: What challenges do you face in your day-to-day activities?

ZL: In your day-to-day role as a Human Resource Manager, you are likely to encounter a range of challenges. On a daily basis, you'll be engaged in employee relations, managing interpersonal conflicts, addressing concerns, and fostering a positive work environment. Additionally, compliance with ever-evolving laws and regulations requires vigilance, as any deviations from legal standards can have serious consequences. Ensuring that staff adheres to these laws becomes an ongoing challenge that demands your attention.

CCD: How do you manage to address these challenges?

ZL: Addressing day to day challenges involves a combination of strategies and best practices. Begin each day by outlining your priorities and tasks, this helps you stay organised and ensure that critical issues are addressed promptly. Develop problem solving skills to address challenges as they arise. Instead of reacting to issues aim to identify potential problems early and implement preventing measures.

CCD: What is your vision for the Human Resources department?

ZL: My vision is for the Human Resources department to become the best unit and department that all staff want to work with.

CCD: Any appeals to the management and staff?

ZL: My appeal to the management is to adhere to the recently signed and reviewed Conditions of Service (COS). By doing so, the company will make significant progress. My suggestion to fellow colleagues is to maintain discipline, self-motivation, and always do the right thing in our roles.

 

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 1ST EDITION

Kaduna Electric Takes Steps to Strengthen Customer Engagement through Traditional Channels

The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Bashar Illiyasu, has pledged to support the operations of Kaduna Electric.

The Emir made the pledge during a customer engagement in his palace in Birnin Kebbi when he played host to Kaduna Electric Regional Chief for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Mr Sunday O. Yahaya and his team recently.

The Emir of Gwandu advocated for unity and joint efforts to safeguard the Company's assets. He instructed the Secretary of the Emirate Council to write a letter to all District Heads and Senior Council members, emphasizing the significance of partnering with Kaduna Electric. The directive included urging District Heads to collaborate closely with their local Kaduna Electric representatives to ensure timely payment of electricity bills.

"My call to you is to continue to be sincere in your operations as well as continue educating your customers out there to bridge the knowledge gap; then we will continue to support your company by ensuring all our members are inform of the current situation of the business and to have good service delivery," he stated.

The Emir also appealed to the company to take their responsivity serious “the Company should do justice for the customers in terms of billing efficiency, repairs of electricity infrastructures etc.

Earlier in his remarks, the Regional Chief stated that the essence of the engagement is in continuation of the Company's stakeholders’ engagement and consumer education programmes and, also to familiarize and synergize with the council of and sought for support.

He further stated that Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company is faced with numerous challenges among them are vandalism of power infrastructure, low payment of electricity bills from customers which made it difficult for the company to meet market obligations.

Mr Yahaya said, "traditional leader like you has a role to play in our business looking at the vast number of followers you have”.

"There is need for your enormous support for the Company to continue to deliver to its obligation, paying electricity by the customers is a key to achieving the desired goals of the company, our Royal highness we are counting on your usual support to ensure our revenue improved in Kebbi”, he stated.

 

Nigerian Army School of Military Police Commends Kaduna Electric for Consistent Power Supply

The Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Basawa, Zaria has commended Kaduna Electric for what he called “sustainable improvement in power supply to the school in recent months”.

The commendation was made by Major Gana who represented the Commandant during a customer engagement forum at Zaria recently.

The commandant described access to uninterrupted power is vital for the barracks, as it ensures the smooth operation of essential services and enhances our performance.

“We have seen a remarkable improvement in the quality and consistency of electricity supply in the barracks, thanks to Kaduna Electric. This has significantly enhanced the living conditions of our personnel and their families”, he said.

In his response, the Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Engr Yusuf Usman Yahaya, expressed gratitude for the commendation.

He stated that "we feel honoured to receive this commendation from the leadership of Basawa Barracks; we thanked the military for their service to our nation; our team is dedicated to providing reliable electricity services, and we will continue to work towards exceeding the expectations of our valued customers."

“The positive feedback from Basawa Barracks serves as a motivating factor for Kaduna Electric to further enhance its service quality and expand its reach to benefit more communities in the region. This commendation reaffirms the importance of a stable power supply in improving the quality of life and supporting the operational needs of both residential and military establishments” he said.

 

 

 

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER 2ND EDITION

Kaduna Electric Rewards Outstanding Staff

* Best Area Manager Receives N500,000 Reward

In a display of appreciation and recognition, the Managing Director/CEO, Engr Yusuf Usman Yahaya has honored the outstanding contributions and hard
work of some staff.

Engr Yusuf Usman Yahaya rewarded the best Area Manager Gonin Gora Jeremiah Okoh as the Best Area Manager. He was adjudged to have the highest collection efficiency. He was rewarded with the sum of five hundred thousand naira(N500,000).

Three service Center Managers and three Sales Representatives were also rewarded with cash. However, The Area Manager, Kebbi Central, Gombe Adamu Muhammad, was commended for continuous growth trajectory recorded at the Area Office.

The Head Human Resources, Mrs Adiola Akanni, added that " Reward and recognition plays a vital role in fostering a positive and motivated work environment." She encouraged other staff to redouble their efforts in pursuing excellence.

 

Kaduna Electric Donates to Victims of Zaria Mosque Collapse.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Kaduna Electric has donated an undisclosed sum of money to families of the deceased and the injured in tragic collapse of the roof of the Zaria Central Mosque.

Announcing the donation,  the Head of Corporate Communication,  Abdulazeez Abdullahi, said the geature which was approved by the the company's Managing Director/ CEO, Yusuf Usman Yahaya, is aimed at ameliorating the hardship suffered by the victims.

He said the donation will be channeled through the Emirate for onward disbursement to the victims.

It will be recalled that the Managing Director had earlier described the collapse of the part of the roof of the Zaria Central Mosque which resulted in the death of about ten worshippers as "a painful tragedy and a very sad day in the history of Zazzau Emirate"

He said, during a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Mal Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, in his palace, that the Management and entire staff of Kaduna Electric share in the pain and agony of the families of those who lost their lives and those who sustained injuries.

"On behalf of the Management and entire staff of Kaduna Electric, we hereby express our deep and sincere condolence to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, families and loved ones of the deceased and the people of Zazzau Emirate in general over the unfortunate incident that occurred on yesterday; we pray to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and the injured speedy recovery", he said.

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 1ST EDITION

 

VANDALISM POSES SERIOUS THREAT TO POWER SUPPY IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Regional Manager of Zamfara Regional Office, Comrade Abdulrasheed Muhammad has described vandalism of power supply infrastructure in the State as “the greatest factor responsible for supply instability and a serious threat to security.

He made this assertion during an engagement with traditional rulers, Islamic Scholars and security agencies in Gusau Emirate Council recently.

He stressed that the engagement is an avenue for listening and providing a tailored solution concerning vandalism, this he said, can simply be achieved through listening to customers complaints.

According to him, “vandalism of public utilities is a criminal offence, it follows that the people who engages in those nefarious activities do so for the same reason many other criminal activities are perpetrated, the attitude of people towards organizational property is erroneous, this does not help matters in the society and one of its major factors contributed to the vandalism and helps hinder qualitative services delivery and cost loses to the organization as a revenue entity”.

He further noted that the Company in collaboration with security agencies and members of the Emirate Council should device ways of handling and curbing vandalism, theft and destruction of the Company’s property.

He solicited the help of Emirate Council, religious leaders and security agencies to enlighten society and report any suspicious activity to Kaduna Electric or to security agencies.

In his address, the Emir of Katsinan Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello described the engagement as a development that gives total recognition to the royal fathers.

He further noted that vandalism of power supply infrastructure could not be made possible without the involvement of people who possesses the technical skills to install or dismantle transformers.

“The organization should not give any access to unauthorized staff to its property because this gives opportunities to vandals”, he said.

He further stressed that the organization should improve the capability, capacity, productivity and performance of staff by training them in accordance with regular practice or procedure.

He pledged the support of the Emirate Council to the on-going campaign against vandalism. “The Emirate Council is ready to give its assistance to Kaduna Electric to accomplish their business objective”, he added.

In his remarks, the Regional technical officer Engr. Yahaya Yusuf says more than 20 transformers have been attacked by vandals across the Zamfara Region network recently.

Engr. Yahya who narrated the ugly experience Zamfara Regional Office has been going through at the hands of vandals, reiterated the company’s resolve to continue working with critical stakeholders to ensure that the elements perpetrating the dastardly act are apprehended and brought to book.

According to him, there is no day that passes without the company receiving a report of an electrical installation being attacked by vandals.

“It has gone so bad that the vandals now go as far as draining transformer oil, even after carting away the armored cables, a situation which is disheartening,” he said.

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

Kaduna Electric Should Work with Relevant Authorities to Strengthen Law Against Electricity Crimes… Ibrahim Sani

 

Ibrahim Sani, CM Gonin Gora AO

CCD: Briefly tell us about yourself?

IS: I'm Ibrahim Sani  I hold a Bsc in administration and Master degree in accounting from Kaduna State University. I am a Fellow of the  Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria. I'm also a member Institute of Corporate Marketing. I consider myself as an administrator in terms of revenue generation.
Over the years, I started my career in as an SR, then I rose to Service Center Manager, and I currently serve as the Commercial Manager of Goni Gora Area Office.

CCD: What are your responsibilities as a Commercial Manager?

IS: As a Commercial Manager, my responsibilities typically include:
 Revenue Generation: my primary responsibility is to oversee and optimize the revenue generation process in my Area Office. This involves developing and implementing strategies to increase sales, attract new customers, and retain existing ones.
 Customer Relationship Management: I am responsible for maintaining positive relationships with key customers, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their satisfaction. Monitoring Customer Care Representative in Gonin Gora Area office , This includes handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints , and providing efficient billing and payment processes.
Tariff Management: It is my duty to make sure the correct tariff is maintained and corrected where necessary. I manage the Company's tariff structure and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). .
Commercial and Collection Losses Reduction: One of my responsibilities will be to minimize Commercial and Collection losses within the franchise of my Area office. This includes implementing measures to detect and prevent electricity theft by tracking the PPM vending and other energy losses from our  distribution network.

CCD: , What are your challenges so far?

IS: Most of our customers bypass their meters in the night; non accessibility of some areas on Gwagwada leg such as Rijana, Sabon gayan, Gadan Malam Mamam, etc
and Jere  due to the security situation we found ourselves in the country today. As a complimentary strategy, we are engaging the affected communities to assist in recovering revenue.
We also need more enablers to help to cover DTs in those communities .
Eg jere

The Company should partner with relevant authorities to enact new stringent legislation or strengthen the existing legislation to punish anyone found with fraudulent act against the Company such as energy theft, vandalism, tampering with our network lines and ppm bypass, etc. The perpetrators of these criminal acts should be punish so that it will served as a deterrent to others. My appeal to Management is to improve in the area of logistics and enablers for the Service Centers under us to work effectively, though the Management is doing it best.

CCD: How do you specifically intend to improve the revenue collection of the Area Office?

IS: Its important to have effective strategies in place including continuing market research and strong relationships with the customers and customer centric approach.

CCD: Where do you see Gonin gore Area Office in terms of performance and collection efficiency in a few months?

IS: I see gonin gora as one of the best Area Offices in terms of sustained highest collection efficiency. 

CCD: What are your appeals to the management of Kaduna electric?

IS: My appeal to Management is improved in the area of logistics and enablers for the Service Center under us to work effectively, though the Management are doing their best.

 

 

 

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER JUNE 2ND EDITION

Zamfara State Government, Kaduna Electric Strengthens Ties for Efficient Service Delivery

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Dauda Lawal Dare and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna Electric, Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya have resolved to work together to address issues of concern to the two parties.

The resolution was adopted during a meeting held in the office of the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare recently in Government House, Gusau.  

The meeting resolved to among other things, work together to ensure early restoration power supply Zamfara MDAs as well as help Kaduna Electric to improve its revenue generation in the State which will easily translate into efficiency in power supply in the state.

Speaking during the meeting, the MD/CEO, Engr Yusuf Usman Yahaya stressed that the Kaduna Electric would do everything possible to meet its customers’ expectations in the State. 

“Our solemn commitment is improvement in service delivery, customers’ intimacy and efficiency in all aspect of services and we will do our utmost best to meet our customer’s aspirations for improved socio-Economic development to the state.  All these cannot be done without a conducive atmosphere” he noted.

He further congratulated the Governor on his swearing-in as the Executive Governor of Zamfara State.

“I wish to assured you that Kaduna Electric as a worthy partner, will stand by your side and give you all support you need to succeed, we recognized the state as partner in progress and our responsibility as a utility company to spur economic growth, we assure you our firm commitment in discharging that responsibility. We are to strengthening the relationship between the company and customers’ as well as afford the two parties to exchange ideas and other mutual beneficial information.

He called on the State Government to always live up to its contractual obligation as a critical stakeholder to help Kaduna Electric sustain its business of distribution and marketing of electricity.

He assured the Governor that all the Government formations that are unmetered would be metered accordingly.”

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Zamfara state Dr Dauda Lawal Dare promised to give his adequate support in other to improve efficiency of electricity supply in other to develop and promote the economy of the state, he said all these cannot be done without cordial relationship among the two parties.

“The need for electricity is mandatory, it is part of the challenges we have to overcome by putting hands on deck so as to improve the efficiency of power supply and qualitative service delivery in the state”, he commended. 

Governor Dauda Lawal Dare also promised to give maximum cooperation and ensure that the Zamfara State government comply with all agreement and understanding arrived at aimed at addressing issues bothering the two parties.

 

Regional Chief Sokoto Visits Catholic Diocese of Sokoto

The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kuka, has pledged to support the operations of Kaduna Electric.

Bishop Kukah made the pledge in his office in Sokoto when he played host to Kaduna Electric Chief Regional Officer for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Mr Sunday O. Yahaya, who paid him a courtesy visit.

In his words, the Chief regional officer stated that the essence of the visit is in continuation of the Company's stakeholders’ engagement and consumer education programmes and, also to familiarize and synergize with the leadership of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and sought for support. 

He further stated that Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company is face with numerous challenges among them are low power generation, low payment of electricity bills from customers which made it difficult for the company to meet market obligations.

Mr Yahaya said, "religious leader like you has a role to play in our business looking at the vast number of followers you have.

"There is need for your enormous support for the Company to continue to deliver to its obligation, paying electricity by the customers is a key to achieving the desired goals of the company. 

"As a religious leader and influential leader of Christian community in Sokoto state and Nigeria, we are counting on your usual support to ensure our revenue improved in Sokoto."

He further informs the Bishop of the outages experienced in the state this month as a result of faults tripping’s on the 330KV Kainji-Birnin line and, the company deployment of over 4000 meters free to the state where large number of meters were burnt. 

Welcoming the Chief Regional Officer and his team, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah said, "it is a great honour to have you here with us. Your visit has enlightened us more about your operations even though I understood and have knowledge of what is happening the challenges faced by the Nigeria Electricity supply industry.

"My call to you is to continue to be sincere in your operations and more so, continue educating your customers out there to bridge the knowledge gap.

"We will continue to support your company by ensuring all our members are inform of the current situation of the business and to have good service delivery," he stated.