Issues

Need To Diversify Nigeria’s Energy Sources

Published

8 years ago

August 3, 2016

The Minister of Science
and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, recently reinstated the need for Nigeria to diversify its source of energy needs before meaningful industrialization can be realised. Onu, who said this while opening a two-day national technical validation workshop on “Sustainable Energy for All Action Plan” in Abuja, stated that it had become urgent for the nation to diversify its sources of energy so that if one source had a problem, the other could make up for it.
He explained why the nation could neither rely on gas nor hydro-energy, pointing out that “the geographical location of Nigeria in the tropics gives us great advantage in utilizing solar energy and also wind energy. We will also look at other renewable sources of energy.”
While noting that virtually all the developed and emerging countries, including the United States of America, China, Germany and Russia, rely heavily on coal for electricity generation, Onu charged the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and other research institutes within the ministry to conduct research to see how coal fire plant can be made more friendly to the environment.
Indeed, there is the need for a paradigm shift in technology in tackling the challenges affecting all sectors of Nigeria’s economy, especially the power or energy sector. The shift has become more compelling with the dwindling resources and increasing need for social amenities and provision of infrastructure for sustainable development.
The country since its existence decades ago, has not lived up to its appellation as the giant of Africa and one of the world’s acclaimed largest economies. A new approach will help the country to meet the needs of the people. The challenge of governance is basically meeting the needs of the people, which is dynamic. The challenges of today are different from those that were faced decades ago. Today, Nigeria with a population of over 160 million, no doubt, comes with peculiar challenges that affect all sectors of the country’s economy. The tradition of excellence in governance means evolving new ideas and the application of new strategies to solve new and evolving challenges for efficiency.
The present administration must gear efforts towards meeting the energy demands and expectations of the people. This can be done by re-examining the existing technology to suit the economy and think ahead on what should be considered when planning. There is the urgent need to proffer solutions to resolve the challenges affecting the attainment of excellent power supply. The main objective of the Federal Ministries of Science and Technology, Power and Energy and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), including the DISCOs, should be to deliberate on issues and challenges bothering on the implications of energy and power gridlock.
The problem of low generation of power supply and sometimes disconnection from the national grid across the country has adversely affected economic activities, including collapse of many industries. In fact, the worsening state of the countries’ power sector calls for urgent diversification of energy source. Several efforts have been made by Federal and State governments, including oil producing states to improve electricity supply in this country, but nothing tangible has come out.
Besides corruption, lack of power supply has plunged the country into further hardship. Nigerians had thought that with the Power Reform Act and the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), they would begin to see a relief with regard to power supply but unfortunately it is not so. It is high time the Federal Government took a critical look at the activities of the DISCOS and what is preventing Nigerians from benefiting from the unbundling of the PHCN.
It would be recalled that the Senate late last year set up an ad hoc committee headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari (APC Borno North) to take a look at irregularities in the power sector. The committee was mandated to carry out a holistic investigation into the management of funds appropriated to the power sector since 1999 and the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The committee was given four weeks within which to conclude and submit its report. The TCN has for a long time proved its inability to provide continuous and uninterrupted power supply to every part of the country, just as the private DISCOs are a bundle of disappointment to Nigerians.
Based on this backdrop, it is pertinent that a new approach should be adopted as prescribed by the science and technology minister. The suggestion is apt in view of the hardship which lack of power supply has caused Nigerians. The problem of power in Nigeria was on before 1999 and it is surprising that up till today, the power sector is still grappling with insufficient supply.
Throughout the seventies, industrialized countries lived with a dual threat hanging on them. There was reduction of raw materials and energy dependence on the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cartel. In 1973 in particular, it was reckoned that world oil reserves were to start running out in a little over twenty years. Consequently, and in view of the sharp increase forecast in the relative oil prices, a substantial boost was declared in that decade to the development of energy sources which were alternative to hydrocarbons, preferably renewable and indigenous, and which could help to reduce dependence on other sources. Now it seems certain that there are plenty of hydrocarbons available and industrialized countries have access to cheap energy resources, so much so that many believe that energy availability is no longer a problem, apart from critical situations that may arise due to financial difficulties and market mechanisms.
However, there is fear of shortage of energy sources which is giving way to concern about the growing environmental impact of human activities, in which the production and the use of energy play a major part. This shortage is a result of emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly Co2.
In 1991, Nigeria was signatory to the Rio Conference which agreed to a convention on climate change (effective from March 1994), which obliges each signatory to stabilize its greenhouse gas emissions by 2000 and reduce them in the years that follow. Since then, as a result, action has been concentrated on the energy sector which produces 60-70 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions, especially on improving efficiency and substituting fossil fuels. The need to promote renewable energy sources, therefore, has become very topical now.
So, Nigeria needs to take advantage of the trend since its industrial development has suffered a setback due to low power density, particularly now that the price of oil has become competitive in the extreme. It is recommended that the country shifts to photovoltaics (PV), an energy with zero pollution that enables solar radiation to be converted directly into electricity. The energy has no form of pollution, not even noise and there are no moving parts. This is a unique situation as far as renewable energy sources are concerned. The extremely flexible modular nature of Photovoltaic systems enables the energy to be exploited on a wide-scale, producing locally all the energy required and thus making it possible, at least in principle, to ease the economic, logistic and environmental problems connected both with the transport of fuels and with the transmission and distribution of the energy produced. The use of PV implies the direct involvement of the final users, encouraging local control of the resources and their environmental impact.
Although PV technology is not competitive in economic terms, the cost per Kwh is higher than that of conventional sources, in the case of power plants connected to the general network. Photovoltaics carries the most prestige in terms of renewable energy sources with technology on a par with the best information technology. Since 1977, the cost of PV modules has gone down and the efficiency of individual cells has also increased substantially with improved overall performance. The costs of using photovoltaics are competitive for specific applications in isolated places, including for example, telecommunications, cathodic protection, professional signaling systems, data receiving and transmission stations and, in more general terms, supplies to individual users in remote areas for electricity supply, water pumping, refrigeration, and so on.
Moving into this system will greatly support or help the electricity networks of the country and enhance power supply and industrial growth. The application of the PV in Europe has provided a wide-scale power generation and it is also used by Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy etc. The advantages of renewable energy sources are numerous and they help in meeting the people’s total energy demand and reduce Co2 emissions. The demographic growth of Nigeria calls for an adequate response in terms of energy in order to meet the development requirements, especially now that the country is in need of increased social and economic progress to quell the growing state of unrest. So, as far as the energy problem is concerned, the solution lies in the possibility for Nigeria to have access to wide range of modern energy sources, as well as to the relevant management technologies, so that it can exploit locally, independently and correctly the available resources which are available.

Shedie Okpara

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.