Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has called on retired professionals in Nigeria’s power sector to bring their vast experience and institutional memory to bear in the ongoing efforts to reform the nation’s electricity industry, describing them as indispensable partners in the quest for reliable and sustainable power supply.
Governor Ododo made the call at a meeting with retired leaders and professionals of Nigeria’s power sector, where he paid glowing tribute to their years of dedicated service and acknowledged their enduring contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s electricity industry.
The Governor said the gathering was not merely an opportunity to honour distinguished retirees but a platform to tap into a reservoir of knowledge accumulated over decades of service, stressing that no meaningful transformation of the power sector could be achieved without the contributions of those who understand its evolution and challenges.
Quoting British statesman Winston Churchill’s famous words, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see,” Governor Ododo said nations attain lasting progress when they build on the wisdom and sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for their institutions.
The Governor, who previously worked in the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), described the meeting as a reunion with mentors, supervisors and colleagues who helped shape his professional life.
According to him, the discipline, teamwork, integrity and commitment to service instilled in him during his years in the power sector continue to influence his approach to leadership and governance.
Governor Ododo said the pressure management skills he acquired while working in the electricity industry have also proved invaluable in navigating the demands of public office.
He described the old NEPA as more than an organisation, recalling it as a family united by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national service.
The Governor noted that despite retiring from active service, the professionals remain custodians of knowledge and experience that cannot be replaced by policy documents or technical manuals.
He stressed that Nigeria’s electricity challenge remains one of the country’s most important development priorities, noting that reliable power supply is fundamental to industrialisation, investment, job creation, quality healthcare, education and national productivity.
Governor Ododo said improving electricity supply would also strengthen economic opportunities for young people and reduce the social conditions that often fuel crime and insecurity.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating bold leadership in repositioning the power sector through strategic reforms, institutional restructuring and the appointment of competent hands to drive the transformation agenda.
The Governor also applauded the Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for adopting an inclusive approach by engaging stakeholders across the sector, including retired professionals whose expertise remains relevant to current reforms.
He urged the retired professionals not to regard retirement as the end of service to the nation but to continue contributing through mentorship, policy engagement, technical advisory services and knowledge sharing.
“The nation needs your expertise. The nation needs your institutional memory. The nation needs your guidance. We look to you as custodians of knowledge whose contributions can help shape the future of the sector,” the Governor said.
Earlier, speakers at the meeting paid glowing tribute to Governor Ododo’s leadership, describing his administration as one driven by vision, discipline and purposeful governance while commending his efforts to reposition Kogi State for sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the retired power sector professionals, Dr. Samuel Agbogun said members of the association were proud of the Governor’s achievements, particularly in the areas of governance and security, noting that his leadership continues to inspire confidence across the state.
Also speaking, Engr. Akin Bada commended the establishment of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, describing it as a strategic initiative that would strengthen electricity regulation, attract investment and accelerate the development of the state’s power sector. He added that Kogi’s strategic location places it at the centre of emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s electricity industry.
In his remarks, Engr. Hope Toru said Governor Ododo’s outstanding performance in office reflected the discipline, technical competence and leadership qualities he developed during his years in the power sector.
In a remark, Engr. Ibrahim Hashim expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for maintaining close ties with his professional roots despite occupying the state’s highest office, describing the meeting as a fitting demonstration of gratitude and respect for retired professionals whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s electricity industry.
The meeting was attended by the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam; the Kogi State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib; the Commissioner for Works, Barr. Momodu Ozigi Deedat; the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo; the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu; the Auditor-General for Local Government, Hon. Yakubu Adabenege; the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulwaaris, alongside other senior government officials and stakeholders in the Nigeria’s power sector.
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