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Tag: #Goddy Jeddy-Agba

  • Minister Hails Staff For Bagging ‘Best Performing Civil Servants’ Of The Year Awards

    Minister Hails Staff For Bagging ‘Best Performing Civil Servants’ Of The Year Awards

     

    The Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR has hailed
    Mrs. Nwachukwu Faustina and Mr. Sunday Itime, both civil servants attached to his office for bagging the Ministry’s Senior and Junior Staff Best Performing Staff awards.

    The awards were presented to them by the permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Power in a ceremony held at the Ministry’s conference hall few days ago to mark this year’s Civil Service week.

    While Nkwachukwu received the Best Performing Senior Senior Staff of the year award, Itime was awarded as the Ministry’s overall best performing junior staff.

    The Minister, in a brief ceremony held in his office to receive the awardees, commended them for being good ambassadors of his office and showing good example to others.

    Jedy-Agba said that he wasn’t surprised that they were singled out for the recognition as he has been very impressed with their commitment and dedication to work since he assumed office.

    According to him, “I want to congratulate you for the awards. As I always admonish all of you, a lot of people out there are watching you. I’ve been watching you as well and I can say that the awards are very deserving. I thank you for being good ambassadors of this office”.

    He encouraged them that “every opportunity you get to serve, serve with all your heart. Be very committed. Don’t say it’s government work, you can do anyhow. There’s dignity in service and serving deligently pays, I’m a living testimony”.

    Reflecting on the award, Nwachukwu who spoke for herself and Itime, said that they were a reflection of what the Minister represents and promised to continue to remain dedicated to service.

    She said that “we dedicate the awards to the Honourable Minister because we were able to achieve the honour because of what we’re learning from him. The truth is that, staff are always a reflection of their principals so, if our Boss was someone that shows nonchalant attitude to work, it would have reflect on us.

    In the past three years, we’ve learned a lot from him. The Minister is always the first to come to work and the last to leave. Even when he’s down in health, he’ll still struggle to come to work. We’ve had the privilege to work with many Ministers but the experience with him is different. We’re grateful to him and the management of the ministry this huge recognition”.

  • Electricity : Minister Seeks Improved Cooperation With Workers To Tackle Challenges

    Electricity : Minister Seeks Improved Cooperation With Workers To Tackle Challenges

     

    Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has charged members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity And Allied Companies (SSAEAC) for more cooperation with the federal government to improve electricity access in the country.

    Jedy-Agba stated this On Friday, while speaking at the 5th Triennial National Delegates Conference of SSAEAC, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja with the theme: “Partnering for Higher Productivity and Industrial Peace”.

    The Minister reminded the workers that they are the life wire of the power sector therfore, it was important for them to continue to maintain a harmonious relationship with government to address electricity challenges in the country.

    While commending the President General, Engr. Chris Okonkwo for his support towards the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s power agenda, he however, charged the incoming executive to improve on what they’ll meet on ground to the betterment of members and the sector in general.

    According to him, “I want to commend the President of SSAEAC and his entire team for their support since I came on board as Minister. I specifically commend you for how you have accepted the current administration’s power agenda and your support towards achieving the set goals.

    But, I believe there’s room for improvement. We need more cooperation and synergy to address the challenges in the sector. I want to remind all of us that if we fail to improve things, we will not be failing only Nigerians but God who has placed us in positions to work for the people”.

    He maintained that “power is the greatest economic booster. If we fix our electricity challenges, our economy will grow, investors will come in and there will be jobs for our children. Therefore, let’s see ourselves as partners and not rivals who owe the people of Nigeria same responsibility to provide them with reliable electricity “.

    On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako said that a united and peaceful union can help both the union and government to do things that will be very impactful in the sector.

    He commended SSAEAC for showing. “leadership in labour matters in the sector. SSAEAC as the most senior union in the sector is largely responsible for the peace and harmony enjoyed in the power sector. With unity and vibrancy of the union, we can be meticulous in doing things that can be impactful”.

    Earlier, the President General in his welcome address, said that after delivering thirty two key projects some of which includes, construction of regional Secretariats in Enugu, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, New President General’s office complex with conference hall, building of two guest houses in Lagos, amongst others, he was leaving behind a total of seventy million naira (N70m) for the new executive to kick-off.

    Okonkwo who expressed his appreciation to members of the association for their support and understanding throughout his six years reins, also lauded “the Minister of State, Power who had always kept me close to know where the Ministry of Power would intervene as usual, and lately, the Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu who has also shown good understanding and cooperation with what he met on arrival”.

  • UK Supports Nigeria Clean Energy Transition Efforts With £10m

    UK Supports Nigeria Clean Energy Transition Efforts With £10m

    By Inyali Peter

    The United Kingdom (UK) has announced the provision of up to £10 million of concessional aid to reduce the risk for pension and insurance funds to invest in energy access projects, and support Nigeria’s COP26 commitments.

    UK Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford said that the financing will help Nigerian investors focus on low carbon energy, supporting off-grid, low-carbon energy projects.

    While explaining that the £10 million will be blended to de-risk transactions and mobilise domestic institutional investment from local pension funds, insurance firms and other local institutional investors, she added that it will also help scale up domestic financing for eligible off-grid clean energy infrastructure, such as solar mini-grid and home systems, clean cooking infrastructure and SME cold storage infrastructure in Nigeria.

    According to her, “The UK is committed to increasing both renewable energy and energy access in Nigeria, driving clean, sustainable and resilient growth. As the world looks to transition to clean growth, we are witnessing an era-defining opportunity for the private sector. This transaction is particularly exciting as it brings together UK government support with the institutional capital which is essential to grow the sector at scale.”

    She added that the innovative blended finance initiative will provide affordable long-term financing from local investors for the low carbon energy sector to support scaling up of off-grid low carbon energy projects in unserved and underserved communities.

    Continuing, she explained that the initiative will support the implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions plan, which Nigeria submitted to the UNFCCC before COP26, its Energy Transition Plan, which was presented by the Nigerian government at COP26, and Nigeria’s plans to increase energy access including the Solar Naija programme.

    Also speaking, Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu said that lack of access to local currency financing is a major setback towards the efforts to unlock private sector activities in the clean energy transition initiative.

    The Minister who was represented by the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, said that local institutions such as pension and insurance funds have key role to play because there are the institutions with the scale of local currency liquidity required to accelerate the transition.

    Aliyu narrated that “Nigeria Kickstarted its clean energy transition as far back as 2014 with the first Solar Hybrid Projects executed across Lagos, Kaduna and Borno States. Since then, we have continued to raise ambition by putting requisite regulations and policies in place, developing investor-grade data for project development, and securing the $550 million NEP facility from the World Bank and African Development Bank-this is currently the largest clean energy access programme across the continent “.

    He added that” this trajectory culminated in the development Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan at the end of 2021, with the support from the UK Government’s Energy Transition Council. This plan showed the pathway to an energized economy and carbon neutrality by 2060, and highlighted the need for additional investment of $410 billion above business as usual over the next 40 years”.

    Also speaking, Uche Orji, Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and Chairman of InfraCredit, said that, “infraCredit is pleased to be working with FCDO to mobilise private investment from domestic pension funds and other institutional investors into such an important developmental area as low carbon energy access”.

    Orji maintained that “this programme is aligned with NSIA’s other clean energy initiatives which aims to deliver up to ‪250-500‬MW of renewable energy capacity in Nigeria that will reduce annual CO2 emissions, alleviate poverty, create jobs and support local economic growth.”

  • FG Signs €9.3m Agreement With Eight Indigenous Solar Delvelopers For 23-Mini-grids

    FG Signs €9.3m Agreement With Eight Indigenous Solar Delvelopers For 23-Mini-grids

    By Inyali Peter

    Poised to improve electricity supply to rural communities in the country, the Federal Government has signed Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) award grant agreement with eight (8) indigenous Solar Mini-grid developers for the development of twenty three (23) mini-grids across eleven states of the federation.

    Expected to generate a 5.4-kilowatt peak to connect about 27,600 households, and impact over 138,000 Nigerians in two years, the €9.3 million project is coordinated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from the European Union and the German government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

    Speaking at the grant award signing ceremony, Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, said that he was pleased with the development which is geared towards achieving the country’s vision of generating at least, 30, 000 megawatts of electricity by 2030.

    The Minister who commended the management of REA for their efforts and actions towards ensuring power reaches the off-grid Communities in the country, noted that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is always open to opportunities that will achieve the acceleration of electricity in Nigeria.

    He maintained that “according to the developed National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy, the vision 30:30 aims at achieving 30,000 Mega Watts of electricity by the year 2030, with renewable energy contributing 30 per cent of the energy mix. To achieve this, Nigeria will have to construct over a thousand mini-grids of 100 Killowatts”.

    While admitting that government cannot achieve the target alone, he however, said that it was important to continue to find creative and innovative ways to achieve it, and one of which is through collaborating with development partners and the private sector.

    “We understand that one of the major bottlenecks for the private sector’s involvement is financing, hence, the reason the NESP and REA have worked closely to develop and implement the Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme.

    The eight (8) local solar mini-grid developers, Acob Lighting Technology Limited, Gve Projects, Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, Rubitec Nigeria Limited, Darway Coast Nigeria Limited, Havenhill Synergy Limited, Sosa-Protergia Joint Development Company Limited, and A4&T Power Solutions Limited will receive in-kind grants through REA with support of the European Union and the German Government within the framework of the NESP.

    These eight solar mini-grid developers will develop 23 mini-grids across eleven states which include, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Cross River, the indigenous developers”, he added.

    Earlier, the Managing Director of REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad said that the scheme is aimed at bridging the funding gap which is affecting indigenous developers in the renewable energy sector.

    Ahmad said that” it is our hope that the signatures we put down today in these documents set a precedent for the new and improved power and energy sector in Nigeria.

    As an agency, we encourage investors to explore the solar mini-grid sector. However, one major constraint to this is usually financing. This is why the Rural Electrification Agency, with the support of NESP, is working together to alleviate this bottleneck.

    We do this by providing in-kind grants to selected mini-grid developers on favourable and encouraging terms as contained in the Grant Agreement”.

    The MD explained that “the main objective of the intervention is to design and test a tender model for interconnected solar mini-grids, invariably leading to the foundation of the Scheme. The wonderful thing about the iMAS project is that we have ensured that all the developers are Nigerians. This is to say that the Nigerian energy sector has come a long way from what it used to be and we are proud of this”.

    Head of programme, NESP, Benjamin Duke assured that his team will continue to work to build investors confidence in the sector by developing an accurate electricity market intelligence that will provide investors with accurate data about the country’s electricity needs.

  • Substandard Electrical Equipments : Minister Asks NEMSA To Set Up Test Stations In Ports

    Substandard Electrical Equipments : Minister Asks NEMSA To Set Up Test Stations In Ports

     

    In a bid to end the regime of importation of substandard electrical equipments to Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has asked the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to urgently set up Testing/Certification laboratories in all border ports in the country.

    The Minister stated this on Tuesday when he paid a working visit to the corporate headquarters of the agency located at Dar Es Salam Street, Wuse, Abuja.

    Jedy-Agba who commended the infant agency for the achievements since its establishment about eight years ago, however said that it can do more to bring the needed sanity to the technical aspect of the electricity sector.

    He said that as an agency that’s saddled with the responsibility of enforcing technical standards and regulations, inspections and certification of all categories of electrical installations in Nigeria, it’s important to ensure that before any electrical equipment is put to use, it should be tested and certified.

    According to him, “I’m very impressed with this agency because it’s the heartbeat of the nation’s electricity sector. It’s doing well but it can and should do better. I want you to work harder, corporate with each other and come up with better results”.

    While charging the agency to improve on its revenue generation, the Minister avered that “NEMSA is supposed to be one of the richest agencies under the Ministry of Power. Look at the act establishing the agency to see the laxity you have to generate funds. Nobody will give you money to acquire your own headquarters, generate funds for it”.

    On staff welfare, he directed the Managing Director to “find solution to the issue of Staff welfare. You need to motivate your staff to get their best. You need money to make more money. The job of NEMSA is mostly in the field not offices but those in the field need to be sure of their welfare.

    I want to charge you today to ensure that no electrical equipment is used for any installation in Nigeria without the ceal of approval by NEMSA. Apply to get a stand in all ports; Sea, dry and airports to test and certify all electrical equipments imported into Nigeria. Ensure same is done to facilities produce locally”.

    Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engr. Tukur Aliyu, thanked the Minister for his guidance which has culminated in the achievements the agency has recorded in since his appointment to supervise the agency.

    Aliyu, however stated that despite the challenges of poor funding and inadequate manpower, the agency has spread so far to nineteen states with Inspectorate Field Offices, four National Meter Testing stations while the new two under construction in Benin and Kano are near competition.

    He also noted that the Electricity Meter Museum built by the agency at the premises of the National Meter Test Stations in Oshodi and Kaduna were completed and ready for commissioning.

    The MD added that “as a result of the magnitude and importance of the work carried out by NEMSA, more staff are needed. The work of inspection and certification in NEMSA cut across all the states of the federation. However, the number of engineers WWE have on ground cannot effectively perform this work”.

  • Minister Assures NAPTIN Of Improved Funding, Support For 105-Bed Hostel Project

    Minister Assures NAPTIN Of Improved Funding, Support For 105-Bed Hostel Project

     

    The Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has assured the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) of his commitment towards ensuring improved funding of the institute.

    Jedy-Agba who stated this on Friday during a working visit to the Institute Corporate Headquarters located along Idu Industrial area, Mbora District, Abuja also assured the institute of his support towards the speedy commencement and completion of the proposed 105-bed hostel project to be embarked upon by the institute.

    According to him, “this place is adding to the overall value of the power sector in Nigeria. One of the key challenges affecting the power sector in Nigeria is poor infrastructure and to ensure we address that, we need to develop the man power to build and maintain our power infrastructures. This is why the institute is very strategic.

    I’m happy with what I’ve seen here. I commend the efforts of the DG and all the management staff. I want to assure you that in anyway I can, I’ll work to ensure the issue of funding which the DG has discussed with me is addressed”.

    While charging the staff to corporate with management and be committed to duty, he said that “I encourage you all to corporate with the DG so that by the time I return here, the transformation I’ve seen here today will be better”.

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the institute, Ahmed Bello Nagode lauded the Minister for his support and guidance in ensuring that NAPTIN becomes a global force in power training.

    Nagode said that “The Minister has been very supportive to the course of NAPTIN. I have two Directors who he graciously approved their promotion recently. It’s a huge achievement.

    Also, when we had issues with our internal road network, we ran to the Minister and he responded swiftly and today, we’ve a smooth access road to the corporate headquarters. Funding too has been a major issue but through the Minister’s intervention, there’s improvement in the 2022 budget.

    The DG however appealed to the Minister to also intervene in the institute’s effort to fence the headquarters to not only protect the staff but to preserve the land which he said was suffering encroachment already.

    He added that, “We’re set to embark on a 105-bed hostel and workshop/training Centre projects which is an outcome of the France/Nigeria agreement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari with the France government recently. We’ve all the designs ready and will invite you for the groundbreaking ceremony in the coming days. We’re targeting two years to complete this project but we want it to be on record that you started it”.

  • FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

    FG Pledges Support For UNN Refuse-Derived Power Plant

     

    The federal government has pledged to support the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN) to develop its 100KVA
    Refuse-Derived-Fuel Gastification Plant for electricity generation to address electricity challenges in the institution and Nigeria at large.

    Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, stated this on Thursday while on inspection of the facility.

    He said that the government is very impressed with the development and would do everything to support the institution to develop the innovation even more.

    The Minister added that, with the government ‘s investment in renewable and alternative energy, it is great that Indigenous Engineers and Scientists were coming up with inventions and ideas to boost the efforts of government.

    “I was not trying to impress the Vice Chancellor when I said that I’m impressed with what I’ve seen here. UNN has always set the pace and I’m very happy with this innovation.

    When I was told of this, the team lead, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said they wanted to come to my office in Abuja to present it on video but I said no, I want to come down here and see things for myself so that when I want to present it to the President during Federal Executive Council meeting, I will do it convincingly. I have come and I’ve seen for myself”, the Minister said.

    The Minister added that “We have concluded the first phase of the Energizing Education Programme. We’re about to start the second phase. I’ll do all my best to see that UNN is one of the very first universities that we’ll start the next phase of installation of solar power plant in Federal Universities”.

    Speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Igwe commended the Minister for his commitment and willingness to support the University to develop the innovation.

    The Vice Chancellor however appealed to the federal government to design a special electricity billing regime for universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

    “We want to appeal to the federal government to design a special billing system for us. In UNN, when we get funds from Abuja, what we get for overhead is N7 million but what we pay for electricity alone every month is N70 – N80 million”, he said.

    The Head of the research team, Prof. Emineke Ejiogu said that the plant was designed and facilitated by the University ‘s Laboratory of Industrial Electronics, Power Devices, and New Energy Systems (LIEPNES).

    While saying that the plant is capable of reducing diesel consumption by 60 percent, he disclosed that the team with the support of the University, was already working on expanding the plant from 100KVA to 500KVA.

  • FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

    FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

     

    The Federal government has assured that more local Engineers and experts will be considered in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba gave the assurances in Edo State on Thursday where he appeared as guest in the state’s Solar Engineers Exhibition exercise.

    The Minister said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects across all sector with the signing into law, Executive Order Five.

    He explained that the Order which became a law in 2018 is a testament to government’s efforts towards promoting development of local content in science and technology.

    According to him, “I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country.

    We came to Edo to commission a 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in Adebayo community, Ovia-South local government area. We worked with some local engineers for the installation of the project. Going forward, we’ll engage more of these local engineers as we continue to implement our policy on electrifying rural communities”.

    Also speaking, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki thanked the Minister for the project in Edo as well as turning up for the exhibition exercise.

    He said that “I think the time to take the renewable energy more seriously is now. With the hike in electricity tariffs, in terms of costing, I think the renewable energy offers better bargain for Nigerians.

    “Although there’s a lot of electricity projects in Edo, there are still many villages that we need to electrify. I went to all the wards during the campaigns and there are a lot of villages that are yet to have light. I promised them light because our government is a government of light, therefore, we’ll partner with the federal government and Rural Electrification Agency to ensure they get light”

    He maintained that “Foundation to that is human capacity. As we can see, we have the people, we have the knowledge. As a government, we will partner and continue to support them. We have a site along Sapele road that we will establish Renewable Energy Hub. We have secured the funds and will start work there in 60 days”.

    Obaseki added that “in the area of clusters, we have secured funds from the CBN and Micro Finance Banks but we will need technical assistance from the REA to support our local Engineers. For us, as a government, anything they want we will give them to ensure they succeed.

    “I want to thank you for coming and hope that the next time you come to Edo State, you’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad explained that the government is working with the private sector to ensure proper maintenance of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Ahmad said that “Government has adopted a model that involve working with the private sector to install and maintain the projects. It’s not like the government is installing and leaving the infrastructure like that, we’re giving grants to the private sector to maintain them. We have the Rural Electrification Fund, with Dr. Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare as Executive Director where we provide grants for developers”.

    Earlier, one of the solar Engineers, Chike Augustine appealed to government to reduce the barriers that delay the processes of getting clearance to invest in the sector.

  • BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

    BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

     

    The Governor of the Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that he will established a Renewable Energy centre to be named after the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR.

    Obaseki disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, Edo State capital during an exhibition exercise by Solar Energy Engineers in the state.

    He commended the Minister and the management of the Rural Electrification Agency for the 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant plant commissioned yesterday in the state.

    He said that “the foundation for the sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure is man power and I want to say we have the people, the knowledge and the will.

    We will partner the federal government and rural electrification agency to provide these young people with anything they need to succeed.

    I want to thank the Minister for coming and hope that the next time he will come, he’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    Earlier, the Minister assured that the federal government will continue to promote and engage local Engineers and experts in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects with the signing into law, the Executive Order Five.

    He explained that “the Order five signed into law in 2018 has made it mandatory for local contents to be involved majorly in the planning and execution of all government projects and that’s what we have been doing.

    I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country”.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad disclosed that the government was running a programme where Indigenous developers are given grant to invest in developing their talents.

  • FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

    FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

     

    The federal government on Friday under its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), inaugurated a 1.35MW Solar hybrid power plant at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State.

    Twenty (20) female students of the University, trained in renewable energy infrastructure under the implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA), Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme were issued graduation certificates.

    Commissioning the project, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege commended the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba and the leadership of REA for delivering what he described as a quality project.

    Omo-Agege called on the benefitting university to ensure appropriate maintenance of the property even as he said that renewable energy is a veritable solution to endemic power problems in Nigeria.

    In his words, “I want to thank my brother and friend, the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba for the leadership he showed in seeing to the successful completion of this project.

    “To the Managing Director of REA and his team, I thank you for delivering this quality project. Renewable energy is undoubtedly a veritable solution to endemic power problem in this country and I’m happy that Nigeria is gradually moving away from the conventional energy sources”.

    The Minister on his part said that the development highlights the federal government’s commitment and resolve to promoting the well-being of its people through the provision of safe, clean and reliable electricity.

    Agba said “the commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. The Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to living up to this charge and has shown an demonstrated this commitment with this power project being operationalized today”.

    He maintained that “as the Minister of State, Power, it is my duty and responsibility to supervise activities of the REA and promote the growth and development of renewable energy technology in Nigeria through the agency. It is a function I take pride in and one I hold dear to my heart.

    In the disposition of these responsibilities, I have had the pleasure and honour to work and engage with various stakeholders within and outside the power sector, towards advancing the goal of increasing participation in renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. This project is part of that story ; a validation and celebration of all the efforts and contributions it has taken to bring us to where we are”.

    The Minister added that “this solar hybrid power project will enable this institution to improve its security, standard of living of the students, managements, staff as well as provide improved quality of education in a more conducive environment”.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad charged the university management, students and staff to protect the property.

    He said that the project contains a world class “Workshop and Training Center. The 20 female STEM interns handed certificates today participated in the construction phase of the project”.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Deputy Senate President, minister and Management team of the REA for the project.

    While appealing to the federal government for more projects, he assured that as a University, centered on Science and Engineering, the project was in safe hands and would be properly utilized.