Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says his administration was ready to partner relevant stakeholders in the power sector to build power infrastructure to generate and distribute electricity to meet the state’s need.
The governor disclosed this during his remarks at a 3-Day Seminar/Workshop organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to mark its Press Week in Asaba on Thursday.
The theme of the event 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”.
Oborevwori, represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, 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.
“Let me thank the leadership of the Chapel for deeming it fit to take a look in the cause of this 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”, the governor said.
Oborevwori who commended the chapel leadership for the event pledged government continued support to the media, and urged them to remain objective in their reportage.
In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili North in the State House of Assembly, Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, lauded the Chapel for the choice of the 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 electricity supply challenges across the state, ” she said.
The lawmaker urged the media to report truth and ensure accuracy which are the hallmarks of journalism practice, particularly on issues of national importance.
Also, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by Mrs Stella Macaulay, a Director in the ministry, gave an overview of the state government’s 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 Asaba capital city and other parts of the state.
The Chairman of the event, Elder Chris Biose, said that Nigeria needed over 100,000 megawatts 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 remind us that a nation of our size and ambition requires at least 100,000 megawatts 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, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, said Nigeria faces a severe 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, 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 with fossil fuel dependence risks economic stagnation and environmental collapse.
“Embracing a balanced, locally-driven renewable energy mix is essential for Delta state’s prosperity and national resilience. The time to act is now.
“With bold policies, innovation and community inclusion, Nigeria can lead Africa’s sustainable energy revolution, ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens”.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chapel Chairman, Mr Ifeanyi Olannye said 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.
Olannye lauded President Bola 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 Gov Oborevwori’s courage via his ‘MORE Agenda’ to light up Delta state by assenting to the Electricity Bill as passed by the State House of Assembly.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to Oborevwori, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, DG, Contributory Health Commission and a Veteran Journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo in recognition of their contributions to humanity.
