June 13, 2009
By Ukwe Felix Okeoghene
I thank his Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for the D3 initiative, which is the fuel for this forum and medium. With many challenges facing the power system in Delta State and Nigeria, there have been calls for a better approach to the power problem much more than investing huge sums of money into the moribund Power Holding Company of Nigeria. It is sad to note that more than 8 billion naira has been injected into it during the past few years to boost the power situation. However, the expectations of the people have been cut short as a result of the ineptitude of our engineers and greed of their masters who award contracts without giving them proper attention/monitoring.
This slow growth (or stagnation) of the power sector does hamper economic activities which are vital tools for development. The impediment experienced in the power sector contributes to the low standard of living we experience and makes this place less attractive for investors.
This pathetic situation has forced struggling Nigerians to use generators for running their businesses and establishments, as well as for home use. A major effect of generator is that, it increases the rate of environmental pollution and biodegradation, with great environmental consequences (spilling carbon monoxide in the atmosphere) thereby reducing the amount of blood transported to the brain. Of course we all know what that means! While those who can cope with the energy crises remain in town, other companies are now relocating to neighbouring West African States, especially Ghana. Besides, increasing unemployment, it has also given room to nefarious activities. A lot more people who could have been productively engaged are now jobless giving room for all kinds of criminal ventures.
Stable electricity supply is a veritable tool for the growth of any nation’s economy. The presence and proper management of appropriate technology will help lay to rest our energy dilemma, improving inflow of investments and human capital, ultimately resulting in improved quality of life; which is the yearning, aspiration and hope of every Deltan.
However, this sustainable development doctrine must concern itself with utilizing alternative sources of energy with minimal social and environmental impacts. This will leave His Excellency’s name on the foot-print of time for future generations. This sustainability must take a new dimension to meeting the people’s agitations- ‘improved standard of living through basic amenities.’
Nigeria indeed is slow to adopting new technology leaving her at the mercy of ‘faster-running counterparts.’ South Africa, one of the youngest African Nation States has far outgrown Nigeria in that they are willing to change and enhance their talents. Today she generates electricity in a capacity which exceeds that produced by several African countries put together. South Africa is not necessarily richer but has the most stable economy in the region. Most of the developed countries do not rely on a single source of energy as it is here. Efforts must therefore be made to introducing new energy sources. Solar, thermal, nuclear, wind energy just to mention a few, are waiting to be used in Nigeria.
Delta State is the big heart and can set the pace for other states to take cue. Let’s join hands to build a better state where economic activities can thrive. Let’s attempt to celebrate like Ghana and Niger did after 10 months of good power supply. They once, if not now got some megawatts of electricity from Nigeria but they are ahead at the moment. We can achieve a lot more if our goals are strategically aligned. A re-orientation must not be over-looked, with several TURBINES (15) lying waste at DELTA AREA 4 and 5, we must learn to adopt a maintenance culture.
I see a much better state if we can harness our resources into result- oriented targets. I want to rest my case, pray and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks once again to the D3 initiative. God bless Delta State, God bless the Governor.
Truly yours,
Ukwe Felix Okeoghene, Electrical/Electronic Engineer, +234 (0) 803 784 7198, +234 (0) 808 753 5058. Erirhowere Street off Ejemudaro, Okumagba lay-out Warri, Delta State . E-mail: felipao4a@yahoo.co.uk
I thank his Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for the D3 initiative, which is the fuel for this forum and medium. With many challenges facing the power system in Delta State and Nigeria, there have been calls for a better approach to the power problem much more than investing huge sums of money into the moribund Power Holding Company of Nigeria. It is sad to note that more than 8 billion naira has been injected into it during the past few years to boost the power situation. However, the expectations of the people have been cut short as a result of the ineptitude of our engineers and greed of their masters who award contracts without giving them proper attention/monitoring.
This slow growth (or stagnation) of the power sector does hamper economic activities which are vital tools for development. The impediment experienced in the power sector contributes to the low standard of living we experience and makes this place less attractive for investors.
This pathetic situation has forced struggling Nigerians to use generators for running their businesses and establishments, as well as for home use. A major effect of generator is that, it increases the rate of environmental pollution and biodegradation, with great environmental consequences (spilling carbon monoxide in the atmosphere) thereby reducing the amount of blood transported to the brain. Of course we all know what that means! While those who can cope with the energy crises remain in town, other companies are now relocating to neighbouring West African States, especially Ghana. Besides, increasing unemployment, it has also given room to nefarious activities. A lot more people who could have been productively engaged are now jobless giving room for all kinds of criminal ventures.
Stable electricity supply is a veritable tool for the growth of any nation’s economy. The presence and proper management of appropriate technology will help lay to rest our energy dilemma, improving inflow of investments and human capital, ultimately resulting in improved quality of life; which is the yearning, aspiration and hope of every Deltan.
However, this sustainable development doctrine must concern itself with utilizing alternative sources of energy with minimal social and environmental impacts. This will leave His Excellency’s name on the foot-print of time for future generations. This sustainability must take a new dimension to meeting the people’s agitations- ‘improved standard of living through basic amenities.’
Nigeria indeed is slow to adopting new technology leaving her at the mercy of ‘faster-running counterparts.’ South Africa, one of the youngest African Nation States has far outgrown Nigeria in that they are willing to change and enhance their talents. Today she generates electricity in a capacity which exceeds that produced by several African countries put together. South Africa is not necessarily richer but has the most stable economy in the region. Most of the developed countries do not rely on a single source of energy as it is here. Efforts must therefore be made to introducing new energy sources. Solar, thermal, nuclear, wind energy just to mention a few, are waiting to be used in Nigeria.
Delta State is the big heart and can set the pace for other states to take cue. Let’s join hands to build a better state where economic activities can thrive. Let’s attempt to celebrate like Ghana and Niger did after 10 months of good power supply. They once, if not now got some megawatts of electricity from Nigeria but they are ahead at the moment. We can achieve a lot more if our goals are strategically aligned. A re-orientation must not be over-looked, with several TURBINES (15) lying waste at DELTA AREA 4 and 5, we must learn to adopt a maintenance culture.
I see a much better state if we can harness our resources into result- oriented targets. I want to rest my case, pray and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks once again to the D3 initiative. God bless Delta State, God bless the Governor.
Truly yours,
Ukwe Felix Okeoghene, Electrical/Electronic Engineer, +234 (0) 803 784 7198, +234 (0) 808 753 5058. Erirhowere Street off Ejemudaro, Okumagba lay-out Warri, Delta State . E-mail: felipao4a@yahoo.co.uk
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