DELTA State government has developed a Decentralised Energy Plan to power critical institutions such as the Government House, the new State Secretariat complex, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba International Airport, the State’s four Universities, among others, by using renewable energy.
Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon stated this in a piece, sub-titled – ‘Powering Communities Beyond the Grid’, shared with The Townhall.
His words: “Beyond government facilities, Oborevwori’s strategy emphasizes rural communities, schools, and hospitals, where energy poverty has for decades stunted progress.
“Renewable sources such as solar, wind and biomass are no longer experimental, the Governor insists, but powerful tools for inclusive growth and rural transformation.
“By positioning Delta to tap into national programmes such as the Nigeria Electrification Project and the Energizing Education Programme”, he went on, “the State aims to draw both Federal resources and private investors.
“Already, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu has praised Delta for domesticating the Electricity Act 2023 and creating its own Regulatory Commission, noting that these efforts put Delta ahead of most States, positioning it to take charge of its own energy future.
“With REA’s $1.16 billion fund for renewable projects waiting to be unlocked, and private investors eyeing ventures such as a 600MW solar panel assembly plant, the opportunities are immense.
“According to Delta- born Doris Uboh, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, bridging Delta’s electricity gaps could create over 31,200 jobs and attract $158 million in investments. Areas such as Ndokwa East, Burutu, Ughelli South, and Warri South West stand to benefit most, as they remain among the most underserved.
“For Oborevwori, the payoff is simple: This is a win-win situation where investors make profit while Delta gets powered”.
Recall that at the recent Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable in Abuja, the Delta State Governor, Rt.Hon Sheriff Oborevwori declared that “reliable electricity is a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing livelihoods”.
