The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner relevant stakeholders in the power sector to build power infrastructure to generate and distribute electricity to meet the needs of the state.
The governor disclosed this during his remarks at a Three-day Seminar/Workshop slated from Tuesday, November 26 to 28 organised by Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to mark its Press Week in Asaba.
Oborevwori was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, at the event which theme is ‘Understanding the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Oborevwori’s administration: Meaningful development in the power sector as panacea for economic recovery and development in Delta State and Nigeria.’
He extolled journalists and described the press as dependable partners in the dissemination of government policies and programmes.
He noted that the theme of the event was apt, adding that electricity remained critical to the economic development of any nation.
The governor said, “Let me thank the leadership of the Chapel for deeming it fit to take a look in the cause of your gathering, a very important issue which affects all of us – ‘Electricity.’
“The power sector is very critical to most of the things we do as a government and as a society. So, being able to bring experts in that field to talk to us helps us to know how we can indeed engage different stakeholders in the energy ecosystem,” he said.
He commended the chapel leadership for the event and while pledging continued government support to the media, he urged them to remain objective in their reportage.
In her remarks, a member representing Oshimili North in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, lauded the Chapel for the choice of theme which bothers on national importance.
According to her, the Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Electricity Bill which has been assented to as law in the state.
“The state government is partnering relevant stakeholders to address power challenges and electricity supply challenges across the state”.
She urged the media to report truth and ensure accuracy which are the Hallmarks of journalism practice, particularly on issues of national importance.
Aniagwu, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Mrs Stella Macaulay, gave the overview of state government efforts at restructuring and improving the power sector infrastructure in the state.
Aniagwu said that the state government has embarked on developing sustainable power infrastructure to enable adequate electricity supply in the state capital and other parts of the state.
The Chairman on the event, Elder Chris Biose, said that Nigeria needed over 100,000 megawatt of electricity to meet industrial, economic and demographic demands.
Biose.said, “A former Minister of Power and Current Chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Prof. Barth Nnaji reminds us that a nation of our size and ambition requires at least 100,000 megawatt to meet industrial, economic and demographic demands.
“This painful gap demonstrates why Nigeria’s productive capacity remains stunted despite abundant human and natural resources.The road to economic recovery, revival begins with fixing the power sector as every other reform depends on it. This is why the theme of this Seminar is timely and strategic”.
A guest lecturer and Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, said Nigeria faces a sever energy crisis with over 60 per cent of its population lacking consistent access to electricity.
Ufuophu-Biri, represented by Dr Okoro Ferdinand, Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, Otefe-Oghara, delivered a paper themed, ‘Energy mix for sustainable economic recovery and development of Delta State and Nigeria.’
According to Ufuophu-Biri, Nigeria stands at crossroads as continuing fossil fuel dependence risks economic stagnation and environmental collapse.
“Embracing a balanced, locally-driven renewable energy mix is essential for Delta state’s property and national resilience. The time to act in now.
“With bold policies, innovation and community inclusion, Nigeria can lead Africa’s sustainable energy revolution, ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens,” Ufuophu-Biri said.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, explained that the theme was chosen to mark the second anniversary of the executive and the Chapel Press Week.
He said various governments should stop playing politics with power supply to the citizenry, adding that no meaningful development would be recorded without, at least, 18-hour electricity supply daily in the country.
He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for mustering political courage through his Renewed Hope Agenda to assent to Power Sector Amendment Bill as passed by the National Assembly.
He also commended Oborevwori’s courage via his M.O.R.E Agenda to light up Delta state by assenting to the Electricity Bill as passed by the State House of Assembly.
Olannye said: “Our push, as journalists, is deliberate to enable the government to sustain the fight against darkness through effective partnership with the private sector to end the age-long power failure in the state and country at large.”
The highpoint of the event is the award delivered to Oborevwori, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, DG, Contributory Health Commission, and a veteran journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adedayo, in recognition of their contributions to humanity.