A’IBOM SSA ON POWER URGES STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE POWER SECTOR
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Power, Dr. Victor Udo has urged students to be actively involved in the sustenance of uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State, especially in the power sector.
Speaking at an event organized by the University of Uyo Student's Union Parliament, the SSA implored youths in the State to be knowledgeable about the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan and the uncommon transformation of Governor Godswill Akpabio.
He lauded Governor Akpabio for the uncommon transformation of the State. He said “we appreciate His Excellency for the level of development we have seen across different sectors of our State”
The SSA mentioned that “infrastructural development such as roads, flyovers, the international stadium, E-library, international Airport, and the Millennium Hospital are easier to see than other sectors like education, health and power”
He therefore seized the opportunity to enlighten the students on the uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State's power sector.
The Governor's aide said “Akwa Ibom State has the building blocks (Gas, Generation and Transmission) to demonstrate what Mr. President envisions for Nigerians in the power sector”.
He mentioned that “distribution asset in the State is currently run by a private company.” The SSA stated that “there is the need of operational excellence for effective management and service delivery to ensure steady power supply”.
Dr. Udo who spoke on “the role of youths in the sustenance of uncommon transformation” expressed dissatisfaction that the students did not know the company responsible for the distribution of electricity in the State.
He therefore charged the youths to “expect Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to provide improved power supply and service delivery in the State”.
The SSA informed the youths that “complaints can be written to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to report cases of excessive billing or poor service delivery”.
He said “the sustainability of the developments in the power sector and across other sectors in the State should be the concern of every one of us”.
Speaking further he urged the youths to be involved in the “public policy, technical and business aspects of the power sector”.
Dr. Udo challenged the youths to “take active part in the legislative processes by attending public hearings for law making, demanding effective oversight of the executive arm and ensuring adequate constituency empowerment”.
He concluded by encouraging the youths to “support legislations such as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Anti-vandalism and effective legislations. He said “These types of legislation will help to sustain the power sector reforms at the State and National levels”.