Connect with us

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Pledges Commitment To Renewable Energy Investments In Delta … As Delta Signs MoU With REA

Published

10 months ago

on

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to harness renewable energy solutions as a catalyst for industrial growth, rural development, and inclusive economic opportunities across the state.
Speaking at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable Engagement with Delta State, held at Abuja, Governor Oborevwori said the engagement’s theme, “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”,  aligns with the state’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2027) and the MORE Agenda.
He stressed that reliable electricity remains “a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of our people, particularly in underserved communities.”
The Governor noted that Delta is strategically positioning itself to leverage national energy programmes such as the Nigeria Electrification Project, Energizing Education Programme, Energizing Economies Initiative, and the Rural Electrification Fund.
He emphasized that renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass are no longer underdeveloped options but “powerful tools for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and rural transformation.”
Highlighting Delta’s initiatives, Oborevwori disclosed that the state has developed a Decentralized Energy Plan to power key government institutions including the Government House, new State Secretariat Complex, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Airport, and state-owned universities through embedded renewable energy systems.
He added that plans are also underway to extend electricity access to rural communities and educational institutions, reinforcing the state’s investments in public education, where four state-owned universities currently serve as centers of excellence.
Oborevwori assured prospective investors of a friendly business environment and sustainable returns, noting that the demand for off-grid and mini-grid renewable solutions in rural areas, schools, hospitals, and small enterprises is “massive and growing.”
He pledged transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration with stakeholders, including the World Bank, REA, renewable energy service companies, and private investors.
Oborevwori said: “As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable, Delta State sees renewable energy as the future.
“We are committed to scaling up renewable sources to mitigate climate change, stimulate local industries, and create jobs. This is a win-win situation where investors make profit while Delta gets powered.”
Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Abba Aliyu, commended Delta State for its forward-looking electrification strategy anchored on distributed renewable energy, mini-grids, and private sector investment.
He praised Governor Oborevwori for domesticating the Electrification Act 2023, creating a state regulatory commission, and strengthening rural electrification structures.
According to him, these efforts put Delta ahead of most states, positioning it to take charge of its own energy future.
Aliyu disclosed that the REA currently has $1.16 billion earmarked to catalyze renewable energy infrastructure across the country, noting that the funds are available but require strong partnerships with state governments and private investors.
He urged the Governor to encourage investors to bring such projects to Delta, noting that the decision ultimately lies with the private sector.
He cited an investor already considering a $53 billion investment in a 600MW solar panel assembly plant, stressing the need to convince him to site it in Delta.
The REA boss also referenced a nationwide assessment conducted with McKinsey, which revealed that about 119 million Nigerians still need improved electricity access, with over 22 million households requiring connections.
He explained that the most cost-efficient solutions involve solar home systems and mini-grids, especially for sparsely populated communities where extending the national grid would be uneconomical.
Aliyu noted that Delta has a significant number of such communities and is therefore well suited for renewable energy deployment.
Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh, in her presentation, revealed that bridging electricity gaps across Delta State could unlock over 31,200 jobs and attract investments worth $158 million through private sector-led mini-grid projects.
Presenting detailed electrification data, Uboh noted that Ndokwa East tops the list of LGAs with the highest number of unserved residents, followed by Burutu, Ughelli South, Oshimili North, and Warri South West, while Ika South ranks as the most electrified.
Uboh urged investors to seize the opportunity, emphasizing that sustainable electrification would not only power households and businesses, but also boost economic growth and position Delta as a renewable energy hub.
Earlier, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, welcomed participants, describing the roundtable as a platform to foster collaboration and shape Delta’s transition to a sustainable energy system.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between REA, RESCOs, and the Delta State Government on renewable energy investments.
Albert Ograka, Asaba
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Warri Delineation: Ekpemupolo Seeks Peaceful Impasse Resolution

Published

2 days ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has called for calm and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing impasse in the Warri Federal Constituency.
Ekpemupolo, a High Chief in Ijaw land, who made the call in a statement in Warri,  noted that the ongoing impasse arose from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the delineation of wards in the constituency.
He appealed that the situation must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort.
“I join all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a peaceful resolution. The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history.
“The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort.
“Therefore, I am calling for calm, no matter the situation. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse”, he said.
Ekpemupolo, who is also the Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), while urging INEC to do the right thing and restore the peace in Warri and environ, called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to device a way forward.
“We call on the people of Warri (whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo) to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing”, he said.
He recalled that since on Monday, there had been mass action by peaceful women and youths from the various Ijaw communities in Delta, occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri river areas.
He added that the peaceful action had led to calls from various quarters, particularly from well-meaning Nigerians, seeking for a peaceful resolution of the imbroglio.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Progress In 21-Km Nembe-Brass Road Project Impresses Diri … As Contractor Pledges December Delivery Date

Published

2 days ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed fulfillment with the ongoing construction of the 21km phase one of the Nembe-Brass road projects in the state’s eastern senatorial district.
The Governor described the project as a dream come true for him and the people of Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
Senator Diri, who inspected the expansive construction work on Tuesday, said the road, which cuts through the mangrove forest and rivers, was a testament to his administration’s determination to connect hitherto unreachable riverine communities by road despite the difficult terrain.
Led by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei, Diri first inspected the asphalted 10km portion of the road with about three bridges, before crossing the river on a barge to see the extent of work on another 10km that had been stabilised.
Diri in astatement by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, was quoted as noting that it was one thing to have a vision and another to have the will to execute it.
Alabrah also quoted the Governor as saying that the project had been well funded since it commenced and assured that his administration will complete it on the date stated by the contractors.
On the second phase of the project undertaken by the federal government, the State Chief Execution appreciated President Bola Tinubu for awarding the contract and for ensuring that it is running simultaneously with the phase one being done by the state government.
“I feel accomplished. It is one thing to have the vision and another thing to have the will to do it. Being a Bayelsan, the importance of this road cannot be over-emphasised. This is what the people have been yearning for and I’m satisfied that the people are happy about the project.
“On funding, we have never disappointed the contractor and I believe they will not disappoint us. By the time the road is completed, it will reduce cases of sea piracy.
“Let me sieze this opportunity to thank President Bola Tinubu. There was another President when we proposed this road. We wrote, nobody answered us then. But this President did not only answer us, he awarded the contract for the second phase”, Diri said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Teibowei, expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far done, stressing that the most difficult aspect of the job had been done.
He said the fifth bridge being constructed will be completed in three months while assuring that the road will be finished within the stipulated time.
The Setraco Construction Company South-South Area Manager (Bayelsa and Rivers), Mr. Jose Cosme, said phase one of the road will be completed in December 2026.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

NDDC Clears Compensation Hurdle, Accelerates 3.7Km Okrika-Borikiri Bridge Project

Published

2 days ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said construction work on the 3.75-kilometre Okrika-Borikiri Road and bridge project in Rivers State will gather momentum following the payment of compensation to affected property owners at the Borikiri axis of the project.
Speaking during an inspection of the project site in Okrika, the NDDC Assistant Director, Utilities, Infrastructure Development and Waterways (UIDW), Martins Isichei, disclosed that compensation issues that had stalled progress on the Borikiri alignment had been resolved.
According to him, the Commission has settled compensation claims for property owners affected by the project corridor and is awaiting the evacuation of residents before commencing demolition of structures within the right of way.
“The NDDC has paid compensation to property owners along the Borikiri alignment, and we are expecting the evacuation of residents there before we commence demolition of structures in the right of way”, he said.
Isichei noted that work on the Okrika section of the project had recorded significant progress despite challenges encountered on the waterways.
He explained that shortly after work resumed, a vessel collided with an existing pile, forcing engineers to redesign part of the bridge structure.
“When we resumed work on the site, a vessel collided with an existing pile. We had to re-profile the bridge and develop a new design to circumvent the damaged pile”, he said.
The NDDC official expressed optimism that the project would ease traffic congestion along the refinery road corridor and significantly reduce travel time between Okrika and Port Harcourt upon completion.
He explained that the project comprises three major bridge structures: the 180-metre Kolabi Bridge at Etche Waterfront, the 1,120-metre Abotoru Bridge, and the 490-metre Okpoka Bridge.
While acknowledging that progress on the Borikiri alignment had lagged because of compensation-related issues, Isichei said construction activities would commence there shortly.
Also speaking, the Project Consultant, Azu Chukwuma, said the scope of the project was reviewed following its revival to align with present realities and engineering requirements.
He noted that efforts were underway to accelerate construction, particularly the launching of bridge beams, despite the high cost of marine logistics associated with the project.
“Our intention is to determine how quickly we can proceed with launching the first sets of beams. The work is mainly on the river, and much of the marine logistics involved is costly. I am in touch with the appropriate officials of the NDDC to determine the best way forward”, Chukwuma stated.
He commended host communities for their cooperation, noting that the absence of major disputes had contributed to the project’s steady progress.
A representative of the construction company, Maroun Kassouf, said fabrication of bridge beams had advanced considerably and that installation would begin soon.
“The project is progressing well. Once people evacuate at the Borikiri end, we will demolish the structures there and move to that site immediately. That end would be much easier, as the river is shallower than the Okrika end”, he said.
The Vice Chairman of the Okrika Community Development Committee, Minengibi Ferdinand, lauded the NDDC for undertaking the project, describing it as a critical infrastructure that would improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
He said the road and bridge network would provide an alternative route to Okrika, ease pressure on the East-West Road and open up communities for greater socio-economic development.
“This is a laudable project that will ease traffic on the East-West Road and provide an alternate route to Okrika. We are hopeful that once it is completed, it will attract socio-economic development to our community”, Ferdinand said.
Continue Reading

Trending