The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Tuesday received the Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, who was on a courtesy visit in company with an investor, Contec Global, who plans to construct a 10-megawatts power plant in the state.
Ortom in his introductory remark said that the planned power plant with construction cost estimated at $18 million would be dedicated to industrial layouts in Benue State so as to grow economic activities in the state.
In his response, the acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, mni, said that the Commission was ready to assist state Governors who intend to invest in the power sector to improve the volume of power available to Nigerians. He hinted of the Commission’s plan to have a meeting with the 36 State Governors on the investment opportunities in the sector.
He said that Ortom and his colleague State Governors should take interest in the ongoing consultations on mini-grid regulation which they could explore to provide electricity to areas in their states that are not connected to the grid or under served.
Akah assured Benue State Government, “There is regulatory guarantee on your investments. We will get some of our staff to work with your team and guide you through the technical and other requirement for the issuance of a licence.”
Other areas of concern to the Commission, according to Akah, was the high incidence of violation of right of ways and accompanying construction and trading activities under transmission lines (high tension wires) that have led to many accidents in the power sector.
“Each time we have accident in the sector we feel we have lost one of our own. Most of these accidents are preventable and we hope we can work with state governments on how we can reduce accidents to the barest minimum,” Akah said.
He also solicited the Benue State Government assistance with the payment of ministries, department and agencies debt to the power sector, which he said was suffocating investors in the power sector. Governor Ortom, however, said that his state was up to date in the settlement of its utility bills.
However, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Shashi Mozumder, said that Contec Global was already working towards meeting some of the timelines with the award of certificate of occupancy for the project site, which according to him, was large enough to accommodate future expansion.
He said that the power plant will comprise of three units of General Electric 3.4megawatts turbines fuelled by gas transported with trucks from the oil fields some 300 kilometres away from the project site.
There’s a few reasons I started it…About a year ago I was talking to my then Social Media Manager Leslie Kay, the creator of Disneybound. I talked about how I was tired of the hierarchy that has grown within the nerd community. The fact that it became more about Instagram followers and less about making friends and connecting with others. I set my goal to create an extension of Nerd Out. For people who wanted to find others to do cool nerd stuff with. A community, a place anyone could join. We’d go to stuff like Dapper Day, conventions, game nights and the like. She loved the idea, as did I.
Shortly after I created the Nerd Out Squad Facebook group. It took a while to find it’s footing. Because we are located in Los Angeles, it was hard for me to personally connect with those outside of LA. I felt bad for those who reached out and wanted to be part of the community but were too far to make it to the meet ups we were having. No matter where they were, I wanted to get them involved. I hate seeing anyone left out, so I needed to find a way to bring people into the fold.
Now comes my more personal part of the story. I tried cosplaying. Didn’t love it, hardly liked it. I always felt uncomfortable and frankly, embarrassed. I’m nearly plus size by our “beauty standards” and didn’t feel comfortable trying to recreate characters that looked nothing like me. I know, I shouldn’t compare myself to others. It’s something I even tell others not to do, but sometimes, it just happens. This is when #NerdingOut really began to brew in my mind.
The photoshoot with Katie a did in the Doctor Who dress from Hot Topic cemented it. I felt much more comfortable in clothes that fit my body shape instead of trying to conform to something I’m not. I no longer wanted to wear things that made me feel uncomfortable. Finding things that flattered me and made me feel good about myself was my new goal. Instead of trying to hide my shape in clothes I hated.
Nerding Out has allowed me to feel more like myself. This past WonderCon I was perfectly happy in wearing a DC Comics Bombshells Wonder Woman top. It’s vintage feel allowed me to be a bit dressed up without being in cosplay. I paired it with a Superheroes Rivet Clutch from Julia Kays, a Wonder Woman logo necklace, and red converse. It may not have been nearly as elaborate as cosplay, but it made me happy. And that’s what I should truly care about at the end of the day. I may need to remind myself of this every so often, but it is something I’m working on.
The later solution became the former’s solution as well. As I began to see people from different parts of the world Nerding Out! It was great to see people like Chelsea (@gryffindorpinup) embracing the heart of Nerd Out. She is having fun, meeting others, and looking adorable while doing so! I’ve loved seeing her posts amongst others! It makes my little nerdy heart happy. So to you reading this, yes YOU! Go out, meet some new friends, and have some geeky fun in whatever makes you feel your best!
The 29 Voyages of Gallifrey One, will take place this weekend, February 16-18, 2018! I’ll be attending the convention for a 3rd time! Ridiculously excited to see all the Whovians who will be in town for the convention. I know some fans travel quite far to attend the Doctor Who gathering. For those unfamiliar with Gallifrey One here’s an excerpt from their website, “What can you expect from Gallifrey One? A fabulous weekend of fun… from guest speakers from all of the worlds of Doctor Who and its spinoffs, to amazing programming such as Q&As, interviews, live episode commentaries, discussion panels, workshops, and the annual Bob May Memorial Charity Auction.” And trust me, they deliver!
It’ll also be interesting to see if we get any more information about the 13th Doctor at the con! Jodie Whittaker paused for a photo with some tiny Whovians this week and the photo is just adorable! Could not be more thrilled for the new season!
Thank you so much Jodie Whittaker aka The Doctor for stepping out of her TARDIS for an amazing moment to speak to 2 of my kids. My daughter is so pleased she can dress up as the doctor & even had her hair cut the same as Jodie’s. Cannot wait for the new series ❤ @bbcdoctorwho pic.twitter.com/YytSIdjuTY
While I’m sure many of us are stilling mourning the loss of Peter Capaldi, it will be interesting to see the new Doctor and showrunner, Chris Chibnall. Chibnall recently said this about the new season, “Doctor Who wrote change into its format from the start, going from location to location and story to story. Then it wrote change into the DNA of its lead character! It’s always looking forward, asking ‘What’s next?’” via RadioTimes.com. I personally think the TARDIS is ready for change!
This is the first time we’ve done a #NerdingOut set for his and hers! I thought, what an amazing idea it would be to create two complimentary sets inspired by the TARDIS for Gallifrey One! The Doctor Who ring set was the inspiration for the whole idea. We included Espionage Cosmetics nail wraps. If you haven’t used Espionage before, they are lovely and sparkly! The coat and skirt are from Her Universe‘s newest Doctor Who line of apparel. Her Universe also just released an incredible Star Wars line as well. The blue shirt for the guys is also from Hot Topic. The watch I actually stumbled upon! It reminded me of the title sequence with the gears and it went perfectly with outfit. Will you be attending Gallifrey One? If so, stop by out Nerd Out Squad meetup! I’d love to meet you!
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out our other #NerdingOut posts! What fandom should I create an outfit for next? Let us know in the comments below. Want to share your #NerdingOut with us? Remember to use the #NerdingOut hashtag for a chance to be featured on our social media outlets!
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on February 15, 2018 April 17, 2018 Categories Cosplay & FashionLeave a comment on Gallifrey One Outfits for Time Lords and Time Ladies	
Who’s excited for the possibility of the Wayward Sisters TV show?!? I certainly am! “Wayward was an idea that was born when Alex Jones went to live with Jody Mills in season 9, followed by Claire Novak doing the same in season 10. It was an idea that the fandom latched onto — creating campaigns and spreading their own idea for the Wayward Daughters Academy” said EW.com. The Supernatural team took the time to check in with Jody, Claire, Alex and Donna. In season 13, the show introduced two new cast members Patience and Kaia. “Yes, this is a similar story to Supernatural, but it’s not the same story.”
Now, we sit and wait to see if we have a new Wayward Sisters CW TV series! What would you like to see in a Wayward Sisters series?
This outfit is largely inspired by the mystical elements from Supernatural, and hopefully soon Wayward Sisters! Hot Topic once again bringing it with their awesome apparel! Loving the symbols on the bottom of this adorable top. I, of course, had to include the Pentagram necklace for your anti-possession needs. Maroon looks amazing on everyone so I included it to compliment the darker pieces. What would be your must have as a hunter? I’d definitely have an anti-possession tattoo or pendant!
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on February 13, 2018 April 17, 2018 Categories Cosplay & Fashion4 Comments on Supernatural Inspired Outfit for Wayward Sisters	
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on February 10, 2018 April 17, 2018 Categories eventsLeave a comment on Where to Celebrate With Your Nerdy Valentine	
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on January 30, 2018 April 19, 2018 Categories Cosplay & FashionLeave a comment on The Art of Fashion at 221B Baker Street	
+3 to Charisma is a nerdy lifestyle company owned and operated by a geeky woman (me!) and her gamer guy who love quality, handcrafted comic book jewelry and accoutrements. All their products are designed to boost your personal charisma stats and to help you better express your love for the nerd, geek, science, gamer and general fandom communities.
My Hired Henchman #1 Johnny Leary and I, the Designer Extraordinaire, are inspired by the colors, textures and patterns of various fandom’s characters and themes, which are then echoed in each of their unique accessory collections. My love affair with jewelry began when I was small, playing dress-up with my mother’s clothing and antique pins. One of my favorite childhood treasures was a box of mismatched jewelry and pins I purchased at an auction for one dollar, of which several of those pieces I still have today. Later, in high school, I learned how to make beaded jewelry and how to solder metals in art class, making pieces to wear and to give to family and friends. Although I decided to become a trained archaeologist, I never lost my passion for jewelry. In 2006, I opened a side business creating handmade jewelry and textiles with my sister, and then finally opened an Etsy shop in 2009.
Johnny and I met just out of high school and he quickly introduced me to the world of comics and the fandom community, attending comic cons together since the early 2000s. However, many times I expressed frustration at the lack of affordable-yet-pretty nerdy jewelry options at cons and online. As a working professional, I was not encouraged to wear character symbols at the office or to business meetings. I loved that my favorite characters were instantly recognized by specific color combinations and wanted to draw that mental memory recognition into my pieces. So, at Johnny’s urging and with his assistance, I set out to design wearable jewelry that relied not on symbols, but on the color palette.
Our extensive research and keen eye for color matching resulted in the creation of the Superheroes vs Villains Collection for +3 to Charisma in 2016. This founding jewelry series was inspired by the Silver Age of comics; Anna used vintage glass, sterling silver and genuine leather to capture the specific colors from the 1950-60s to represent such characters as Wonder Woman, Batman and Captain America. However, the enticing part of the jewelry is that identical colors often mean different characters to different people; for example, a red/black Red Skull ring can also be attributed to Deadpool, Harley Quinn or even Darth Maul. New pieces and mini-series are being added all the time, most recently a necklace and earring set inspired by the release of Thor Ragnarok.
+3 to Charisma jewelry sets personal style at the forefront so the wearer can shine in everyday life, in a professional setting, at a comic con, while #NerdingOut or just saving the world. The accessories are all designed so that only the wearer and others in the community will be “in the know” when the jewelry is flaunted, the cosplay props are flashed, the tabletop accessories are presented during a game, the textiles are worn, etc.
Johnny and I are super excited because what started as a small, separate collection within her larger jewelry shop has materialized into its own business. I’m so busy with new designs, accessorizing fashion shows and participating in comic cons and local markets that I closed my main jewelry business and am concentrating full time on creating new accessories for the nerd/geek community, many of which will be released within the next few months. The goal is to provide affordable accessories so that #NerdingOut can be achieved anywhere, at any time, by all fans.
Wanna know where you can collect your loot? Fans and spectators are always welcome and can find +3 to Charisma at comic cons, fashion shows and local markets throughout the year, and in select comic book shops in southern California. You can also score epic drops online at www.plus3tocharisma.com. My digital home is on Instagram but Facebook and Twitter are also highly favored.
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on January 26, 2018 April 19, 2018 Categories Cosplay & FashionLeave a comment on A Colorful World of Comics Inspired Jewelry	
It’s nearly here! Black Panther pounces into theaters on February 16, 2018! The film is on track to open to $100 million-$120 million at the North American box office reported The Hollywood Reporter today. That’s magnificent! Let’s get the party started early with these 5 amazing events! Are you excited to see the movie? Let us know in the comments.
We will be sipping local wine & beer from The Ashburn Wine Shop as we draw, and mixed in will be 4 rounds of MCU trivia to boot! 21+ event
Be amongst the first to experience the new film from Marvel Studios one hour early. Plus, fans attending will see exclusive content. Don’t miss the Black Panther costume exhibit!
Join us opening night of BLACK PANTHER at Barrel O’ Fun as we welcome Evan Narcisse, writer of the comic book RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER. Hops & Heroes Comics will be selling copies of the comic for Evan to sign with the first 50 people getting a comic book for free!
Hops & Heroes Comics will also be doing some trivia and giving away prizes throughout the night, as well as their signature cosplay. (Get the cameras ready!)
This event in Barrel O’ Fun is free and does not require a ticket, but you can certainly extend the fun buy purchasing a ticket to see BLACK PANTHER in the theaters upstairs.
On Thursday, February 15th, BLACK PANTHER fans can be among the first to experience the new Marvel Studios film in 3D at this Opening Night Fan Event. In addition to watching the film one hour early, fans attending will see exclusive content, receive a collectible coin, and be given a special event-only concessions offer.
Celebrated director Ryan Coogler (CREED, FRUITVALE STATION) continues his run of telling great black stories in BLACK PANTHER. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first movie entirely about a person of color, it’s an adventure laden with espionage, action, and textured with imaginative Afrofuturist designs.
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on January 25, 2018 April 19, 2018 Categories eventsLeave a comment on 5 Black Panther Events To Celebrate The Release	
It’s a new year! So that means a new you! And what a better way to show the world than to join a Riverdale gang! Right? Guys?!? I mean it worked for Jughead Jones didn’t it? Well, I guess that remains to be seen. All kidding aside, show your Serpent pride by slipping on your very own snake skin. We’re here to help you through the initiation with a Southside Serpent/Jughead Jones outfit.
With the help of Polyvore, we’re going to be rolling out some fantastic outfits you can wear anywhere! Remember, Nerding Out is about the subtle nods to a fandom or character. We’ve put these sets together with a budget in mind. The Riverdale Southside Serpents T-Shirt from Hot Topic is obviously the center piece. With just the shirt you can be Toni, Jughead, Sweet Pea, Fangs, or any of the other Southside Serpents. Add the Jughead Beanie and you’re set to be a Jug! Feel free to mix and match pieces from your closet. Have fun! Just be careful crossing Hiram Lodge!
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on January 24, 2018 April 19, 2018 Categories Cosplay & FashionLeave a comment on Show Your Serpent Pride With This Riverdale Outfit	
We’re in the home stretch of the holidays! With Hanukkah nearly done and Christmas just around the corner, I know you’re keeping an eye out for something special. I know I’ve been shopping for white elephant office parties and gifts for colleagues. This list was really hard to narrow down as there is so much amazing nerdy merchandise on the market! For those who haven’t yet picked up a special gift for friends or family, here’s our geeky gift guide! Prices are current as of post date, after that, they may change.
Her Universe has LOADS of awesome Star Wars apparel so it was really hard to pick just one item. However, Princess Leia is legendary so we had to pick this wonderful, beautiful cape jacket piece. This white jacket is the perfect addition to your wardrobe! “Based off of her white gown at the end A New Hope, this white jacket features a zip front with a hematite Rebellion zipper pull, and becomes a cape when your arms are raised or lifted.” Definitely check out our Her Universe giveaway as well!
Inspired by the hit HBO series and the classic game of Risk comes the Game of Thrones Risk board game. “Like Risk, rally your troops, lead them across the globe, and rule the world. You’ll need to carefully plan your strategy and face your opponents on the battle field. The game features two ways to play, including factions of noble Houses vying for control of Westeros during the time of The War of the Five Kings and Daenerys Targaryen’s rise to power in Essos.” Our founder, Michelle Jensen, owns this game already and loves it! It’s a perfect geeky gift for your boardgames buddies!
“Our partners at Mighty Fine took these hoodies to the next level. Not only do they have screen-accurate colors and embroidered combadges – they have actual raised collars AND rank pips! So you can say, “Call me Lieutenant Commander,” when you wear it. Or even, “I prefer Captain.”
This geeky gift guide would be remiss without at least one video game themed gift! “Cram all your books into this backpack modeled after the Traveler’s Shield from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to protect them. It has a padded back and straps (to protect you), and a double zippered closure so you can get to your stuff quick. Because we’ve heard it’s dangerous to go alone.
As an added bonus you can’t get in game, its bright blue features a print of the Sheikah’s Eye Symbol and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve. It’s best suited to helping you carry stuff, not so much defending against weak monsters or animals. Oh, and don’t actually use it for shield surfing.”
A Riverdale T-shirt that reminds everyone who which side of town you’re from. The Southside Serpents are the best gang in town, but with this Southside logo T-shirt (and hopefully Jughead, Toni, and Sweet Pea) by your side, you’ll be okay. It’s an excellent gift for any Riverdale fan!
Patiently await the new Doctor in this comfy and adorable cardigan! This flyaway cardigan from Doctor Who is the perfect gift for any Whovian. The beige and navy plaid cardigan has a discreet “Police Public Call Box” text design knit into the plaid pattern.
On your back, it looks just like Steve Rogers’s shield, straps and all. A hard plastic shield will protect your valuables. Inside, a large main pocket, two accessory pockets, and a padded laptop/tablet pocket. And to make sure your Captain America Shield Backpack is comfy on your back for long missions, they’ve made it all nice and padded. But even the padding has been geeked out a bit, as it looks just like Captain America’s uniform front!
Stranger Things is wonderful at celebrating the 80s in all their nerdy glory. “Barb is relatable, responsible, and the bestie who always tries to be there for you, trying to help you make the right choices, at least until things go all upside down. The Book of Barb is a 96-page hardcover by Nadia Bailey featuring full-color illustrations by artist Phil Constantinesco. Celebrating Stranger Things‘s trendsetting style icon and ultimate wing woman, Barb, the book features guidance, quizzes, mix-tape recommendations, and more.” What’s more perfect for a geeky gift guide than Barb?
This quilted burgundy satchel from Harry Potter with the Hogwarts crest and golden tone hardware is a magical nerdy gift for your wizard and witch friends. Perfect for a day at Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter, your next convention, or for a bit of #NerdingOut!
“You’ll be most impressive when wearing this sharp black Darth Vader blazer. Featuring embroidered control panel lights on the left chest, Imperial cog buttons, and cut-and-sew satin stripes at the shoulders, the subtle Dark Lord of the Sith details will make everyone think twice before boasting about their new technological terrors in your presence.” It would make a perfect piece to compliment a couple’s #NerdingOut outfit with the Star Wars “Dark Side of the Moon” shirt from Prophecy Girl.
It’s hard to believe that 40 years ago in a galaxy far, far away we were introduced to Star Wars. “Wear your heart and your love of Star Wars on your sleeve with this satin souvenir jacket that pays homage to the fortieth anniversary with an embroidered logo chest hit. The back features beautifully detailed embroidery of R2-D2 and C-3PO on Tatooine as seen in A New Hope. The jacket is finished off with gold tone sleeves and lightsaber printed lining.”
Author Michelle L. JensenPosted on December 20, 2017 April 19, 2018 Categories Cosplay & Fashion, featuredLeave a comment on Last Minute Geeky Gift Guide	
As I’m sure everyone in the known universe is aware, Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi is here! I’ve been waiting for this day since details of the movie were first announced. This movie will be incredibly bittersweet since we’ve lost our beloved General Leia, but I know it’s also going to be amazing in a way words can’t describe. One of my favorite parts of going to see any of the new Star Wars films in theaters, aside from the movie watching itself, is figuring out my movie premiere outfit. While my fellow Star Wars loving ladies may not have had many options to dress up for the original trilogy premieres, we’re lucky enough to now have Her Universe. Not only do they carry everything a nerd girl could dream of to wear, but they just released their latest Star Wars collection and it is on point!
Perfect for fangirls everywhere, Her Universe offers clothing in a wide variety of fandoms for all females, regardless of size.
Her Universe, the groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand, is the vision of Ashley Eckstein, actress, entrepreneur and voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Ashley has been widely recognized as a business woman, Fangirl trendsetter and leading voice for female fandom. Founded in 2010, Ashley launched Her Universe with the mission to create stylish, fashion-forward merchandise for female sci-fi fans. Her Universe is a place for fangirls to step into the spotlight and be heard, recognized and rewarded.
Not only are their clothes fashion-forward, but the quality is excellent and the pieces are designed in a way that managed to make all body types look great. As a plus-size female it’s refreshing to be able to find nerdy, stylish clothes that I can actually wear and feel comfortable Nerding Out in. I know I would have next to no fandom wear if it wasn’t for Her Universe carrying larger sizes.
Released just in time for the newest film, The Last Jedi, everything about the new Star Wars collection from Her Universe screams Star Wars perfection while managing to find versatility within each piece. The attention to detail on all of the pieces completely blows me away. So many of the clothing pieces can be dressed up or down and they’re all a great way to show off your love of Star Wars during any occasion, be it a fun party, running errands, or while watching the new movie in theaters. From t-shirts, vests, jackets, dresses, and more, this collection has you covered for all of your Star Wars fashion needs.
I definitely had a major fangirl moment when this collection was released and now you can, too. We’ve partnered up with the nerd-tastic team at Her Universe to bring you a giveaway that’s out of this world. We are offering one Captain Phasma Bomber Jacket and one Chewbacca Vest for giveaway. That means there will be very lucky 2 winners. Enter below and may the Force be with you!
Author Danielle KnappPosted on December 15, 2017 April 19, 2018 Categories Cosplay & Fashion, featured2 Comments on Celebrate The Last Jedi with a New Star Wars Collection from Her Universe