Monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government area, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, Obi of Issele-Uku has stressed the importance of renewable energy in the overall development of Nigeria, saying the need for it now globally cannot be over emphasized.
Obi Nduka spoke on Thursday September 28, 2023 while playing host to a team of Field Researchers from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies NIPSS Kuru led by Prof. Abraham Chioji Mai who were in his palace at Issele-Uku on a courtesy call.
The renowned traditional ruler articulated factors for the urgent need for renewable energy and said constant burning of fossil fuel that included Premium Motor Spirit, Diesel and Gas in the Country has helped in no small measure in depleting the ozone layer which he noted resulted to Climate change not only in Nigeria, but globally.
“With the burning of fossil fuels, all around the world, our climate is becoming hotter and scientist are forecasting that in the next few years, if we do not combat the rate at which our climate is changing, it is going to pose great denger to us all, animal and human being alike,” he warned.
The monarch also drew the attention of his guests to the exorbitant cost of fossil fuels in the country and said it has gone beyond the reach of the people, most importantly, those at the grassroots, even as he decried its negative impact on the life of the common man and the economy.
Obi Nduka, therefore advocated massive investment in renewable energy, especially solar energy, maintaining that initially, the cost implications of having renewable energy are quite high, but that the long term benefits cannot be compered, juxtaposing it with the disadvantages inherent in conventional power sources.
At the same vein, the monarch called for a policy that would make renewable energy available and avoidable to the people, particularly the common man, saying it would be of no benefit after all efforts, its cost implication becomes out of reach, only for the rich in the society.
While affirming renewable energy to be the best alternative to the conventional power sources, Obi Nduka who is a member of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, also recommended Federal Government partnership with States and most especially the Local Governments for massive investment in renewable energy sector through building of renewable energy projects, such as Solar Farms and WindMills in various areas across the country, even as he pledged his kingdom’s readiness to make available land for that purpose in Aniocha North Local Government area.
Obi Nduka, however noted the Federal Government Master Plan on renewable energy in the Country, initiated in 2005 and said for over 18 years, much have not been done in terms of implementation, basically for lack of commitment on the part of the Federal Government and partly for lack of awareness.
He however said with modernization that comes with social media, and hardship occasioned by raising cost of fossil fuels, the people are begining to look inwards for alternative sources of power and said renewable energy comes handy in that regard.
Obi Nduka said the country has lacked behind in the renewable energy sector, therefore called on the Federal Government to accelerate more work on the national renewable energy master plan for the overall benefits of the country.
He commended the Senior Research Fellows from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, for their efforts in researching for the good of the country, urging them not to relent, even as he wished them the best.
Earlier, the leader of the Field Researchers from the National Institute, Prof Ibrahim Chioji Mai explained to the traditional ruler, the objectives of the National Institute, describing the Institute as a national think tank.
Prof. Abraham Chioji revealed that every year they take up a particular sector or area of human endeavors to research on and said they tour many places, nationally and internationally to look at best practices on the chosen sector, saying this year, renewable energy and climate change is their preoccupation.
He said Nigeria, having a National Renewable Energy Master Plan 2005 – 2025, they are a four – Man team of Field Researchers in Delta State just as some of their colleagues in other states, to interact and intorogate the level of implementation of the master plan in the country.
He said after the interaction with stakeholders, they would do their report and present to the President for his necessary action.
While commending the traditional ruler for the warm reception accorded him and his colleagues in his Palace, Prof Ibrahim Chioji said they are worried about renewable energy because of the crises in the conventional power sector.
He noted the negative impact of gas flaring, constant grid breakdown and raising cost of fossil fuels and affirmed renewable energy as the best alternative and assured that all recommendations would be articulated in their report and present in November to the President.
The four Man term of researchers were led to the traditional rulers Palace by the representative of the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Mr. Kennedy Okoh, the Head of Personal Management of the Council, Mr Bartrend Ojeh and other top management staff of the Council.
