Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in the power sector to enhance electricity generation and distribution within the state.
The governor made this known during a three-day seminar/workshop organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to celebrate its Press Week in Asaba.
The seminar, running from November 26 to November 28, carries the theme: ‘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.’ Governor Oborevwori, represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended journalists for their role in effectively communicating government policies and programmes.
He pointed out the relevance of the seminar’s theme, noting that a reliable electricity supply is crucial for the economic progress of any nation.
The Governor said, “Let me thank the leadership of the Chapel for deeming it fit to take a look at the course of this 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 will help us to know how we can indeed engage different stakeholders in the energy ecosystem.”
He commended the chapel leadership for the event and pledged the continued government’s support to the media.
He, therefore, called on the media practitioners to remain objective in their reportage.
In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, lauded the Chapel for the choice of the theme, which borders on issues of national significance.
According to her, the Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Electricity Bill, which has been passed as law in the state.
“The state government is partnering with relevant stakeholders to address power challenges and electricity supply challenges across the state,” Anyafulu said.
She urged the media to report the truth and ensure accuracy, which are the hallmarks of journalism practice, particularly on issues of national importance.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by Mrs Stella Macaulay, a Director in the ministry, gave the overview of the state government’s efforts at restructuring and improving the power sector infrastructure in the state.
Aniagwu said that the state government had embarked on developing sustainable power infrastructure to enable adequate electricity supply in the state capital 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 stated, “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 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 and 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, Otefe-Oghara, delivered a paper titled, “Energy Mix for Sustainable Economic Recovery and Development of Delta State and Nigeria.”
According to Ufuophu-Biri, Nigeria stands at a crossroads as continuing fossil fuel dependence risks economic stagnation and environmental collapse.
He noted: “Embracing a balanced, locally-driven renewable energy mix is essential for Delta State’s property 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 his welcome address, the Chapel Chairman, Comrade 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 an 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 the Power Sector Amendment Bill as passed by the National Assembly.
He also commended Oborevwori’s courage through 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 high point of the event is the award delivered to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, DG, Contributory Health Commission, and a veteran journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adedayo, in recognition of their contributions to humanity.
Read more on Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics
