Expert Tasks NDDC On Power Supply

An energy expert, Engr Joe Udoh, has advised the present management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to give priority attention to electricity supply in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Udoh who is the Managing Director, Udoh Electrical Services, made the call in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Friday.
He said “in the development of Niger Delta communities, regular or stable electricity supply will activate businesses especially the small and medium scale enterprises.
According to him, power supply would expand engagement opportunities of artisans and most business operators but regretted that despite the potentials for the development of energy the region was still struggling with the issues of poor electricity supply.
He said unless steady electricity supply was in the region, the youths undergoing various skills acquisition programmes organised by NDDC would not take the region far.
“Let NDDC take electricity to the remote communities through rapid rural electrification programmes, by so doing, many weak businesses will pick up and employment opportunities will grow.
“And like you know, when the youths find something meaningful to do and earn their living, they will not have more time for restiveness.
Udoh frowned at the state of underdevelopment of Niger Delta communities and stressed the need for stakeholders to accelerate development in the area.
He described the Niger Delta as one of the richest places on the globe but unfortunately it is faced with poverty and undevelopment because those in charge of affairs have refused to do the right thing and urged the Federal Government not to allow politicisation of the commission for it to be effective.

Chris Oluoh