*Assures Robust Collaboration With Media
*Fixing Power Sector Critical To Economic Revival, Recovery, Says Biose
*Ufuophu-Biri Bemoans Energy Gap
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has stated that 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 needs.
Oborevwori assured the media of continued government support, considering their critical role in nation building, and will continue to collaborate with them in advancing the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
He described the power sector as very critical to the smooth conduct of activities of government and society and expressed the readiness of his administration to attract investors for the benefit of the public and private sector.
The governor stated this in his remarks on Wednesday, November 26, at a three-day Seminar/Workshop organised by Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to mark its Press Week, themed, ‘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.”
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, lauded journalists, who he said were dependable partners in the dissemination of information regarding government policies and programmes.
Describing the theme of the event was apt, as electricity remains critical to the economic development of any country, the governor added: “Let me thank the leadership of the Chapel for deeming it fit to take a look, in the cause of this your gathering, at a very important issue that affects all of us- electricity.
“The power sector is very critical to most of the things we do as a government and as 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 commended the Chapel’s leadership for the event, pledging continued government support to the media and urging them to remain objective in their reportage.
In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili South in the state House of Assembly, Bridget Anyafulu, commended the Chapel for the choice of theme, which is of national importance.
She stated that the Assembly has passed the Electricity Bill, which has been assented to, noting: that the state government was partnering relevant stakeholders to address power challenges and electricity supply challenges across the state.
The lawmaker implored the media to report truth and ensure accuracy, being the hallmarks of journalism practice, particularly on issues of national importance.
On his part, Aniagwu, represented by a Director in his ministry, Stella Macaulay, gave an overview of state government efforts at restructuring and improving the power sector in the state.
He disclosed that the state government has embarked on developing sustainable power infrastructure to enable adequate power supply in the state, especially the capital city.
Chairman on the event, Chris Biose, said Nigeria needs over 100,000 megawatt of electricity to meet industrial, economic and demographic demands.
According to him: “A former minister of Power and Chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Prof. Barth Nnaji, reminds us that a country 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 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.”
Guest Lecturer, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, lamented that Nigeria is facing a severe energy crisis, with over 60 per cent of its population lacking consistent access to electricity.
Ufuophu-Biri, represented by Okoro Ferdinand, Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, in his , titled, ‘Energy Mix for Sustainable Economic Recovery and Development of Delta State and Nigeria,’ said Nigeria is at crossroads, as continuing fossil fuel dependence risks economic stagnation and environmental collapse.
Ufuophu-Biri said embracing a balanced, locally-driven renewable energy mix was essential for Delta state’s property and national resilience, noting that with bold policies, innovation and community inclusion, Nigeria can lead Africa’s sustainable energy revolution and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.
NUJ State Council Chairman, Churchill Oyowe, expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the union and the state government and sued for its sustenance.
Oyowe congratulated the Chapel on its Press Week and choice of topic, saying regular power supply is key to the socio-economic development of the state and the country.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chapel’s Chairman, Ifeanyi Olannye, explained that the theme was chosen to mark the second anniversary of the executive and the Press Week.
He urged the various governments to stop playing politics with power supply to the citizenry, adding that no meaningful development would be recorded with our at least 18-hourly electricity supply daily in the country.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for mustering the political courage to assent the Amendment Bill, as passed by the National Assembly, and Oborevwori for his efforts to light up Delta by signing the Electricity Bill, passed by the State House of Assembly, into law.
Olannye stated: “Our push, as journalists, is deliberate to enable government 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.”
Highpoint of the event was the awards to Oborevwori; Director General of the state’s Contributory Health Commission, Isaac Akpoveta, and a veteran journalist, Sola Adebayo, in recognition of their contributions to humanity.
The Week continued on Friday, November 28, with a workshop for members and other journalists, including state government media and information managers at the Chapel’s secretariat.
