Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta state governor
Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, says the state is committed to scaling up investments in renewable energy.
Oborevwori spoke on Wednesday at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) state-by-state roundtable held in Abuja.
The event was themed, ‘Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State’.
The governor described renewable energy as a “cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods” of residents.
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He said Delta will fully take advantage of national energy initiatives, noting that renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass are no longer marginal options but key drivers of inclusive growth, business development, and rural transformation.
He said his administration has rolled out a decentralised energy strategy to supply power to major government facilities, including the government house, the new state secretariat, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Airport, and state universities, using integrated renewable energy systems.
“As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable, Delta State sees renewable energy as the future,” he said.
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“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 a profit while Delta gets powered.”
The governor noted that other initiatives to bring power to villages and schools in the state are underway.
Oborevwori said the state is wooing potential investors with a business-friendly environment and promising returns, emphasising the rapidly growing demand for off-grid and mini-grid renewable energy in rural areas, schools, hospitals, and small enterprises.
Abba Aliyu, managing director of the REA, said Delta is taking a progressive approach to power supply, focusing on decentralised renewables, small-scale grids, and private investment.
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Aliyu said the REA has substantial resources to boost renewable energy projects nationwide, noting that successful implementation depends on strong collaboration with state authorities and private investors.
He encouraged the governor to attract such initiatives to Delta.
Doris Uboh, executive director of the Rural Electrification Fund, said expanding electricity access across Delta through mini-grid initiatives could generate significant employment and attract major private-sector investment.
Barry Gbe, the governor’s chief economic adviser, called for a partnership to help Delta make the shift to a sustainable energy future.
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The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding on renewable energy projects between the REA and the Delta state government.
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