BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has bagged an “Exemplary Leadership in Public Service Award” and for ensuring a robust transformation and revitalization of Nigeria’s power sector.
The award presented by the Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper during the celebration of its 14 anniversary at the weekend was received by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Hon. Bolaji Tunji.
The event which took place at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos State was attended by dignitaries from government representatives, industry and private sector stakeholders.
The organizers of the award emphasized that its decision was informed by the assessment of a joint committee comprising of our editorial board, NELGA committee members, 14th anniversary committee members and a survey among Nigerians.
“Following the findings submitted, the management acknowledged the strides recorded by you in ensuring a robust transformation and revitalization of Nigeria’s power sector.
“Notably, under your leadership, the nation’s power generation surged to 5,500 megawatts with more than 40 per cent of Nigerians now enjoying 20 hours of power supply daily.
“You have also demonstrated wisdom in handling stakeholders and the legacy problems that have affected the sector. One of such instances is the settlement ofN205 billion from the NI .3 trillion debt owed Generation Companies (Gencos) to raise the level of liquidity in the power sector.
“Another instance is the bold leadership in also ensuring a transparent tariff plan where Nigerians pay exactly for what they consume with the Band stratification has eased the burdens on many SMIEs. It is on this precedence that we are bestowing on you this prestigious aforementioned award”, the media organization said.
Responding, the Minister who spoke through his media assured Nigerians of a more vibrant and responsive approach to electricity supply.
He said the power ministry under his watch is dedicated to making electricity supply available to the served, unserved and underserved communities as efforts are being intensified to ensure the availability of alternative source of electricity to millions of Nigerians through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an agency under the ministry.
The minister extolled the role the media has played in ensuring that government officials were put on their toes in ensuring that the dividends of democracy were delivered to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This award is dedicated to all Nigerians who have stood by the ministry in the various reforms being undertaken to ensure regular electricity supply for businesses and households in the country. This will spur and propel us to do more in delivering the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformation agenda in the power sector.
“The media has been very critical in this drive and we want to say here that we are more dedicated in this agenda and vision of the President in making electricity available both on and off grid to Nigerians,” the Minister said.
He also called on Nigerians to key into the reform programs being undertaken by President Tinubu, in ensuring that the nation is taken out of its present economic and social predicaments.