The government of Gombe State in northern Nigeria is collaborating with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) with the intension to snap up any opening in the national and international energy organisations and ensure that the state government achieves its policy initiatives on energy.
The Director-General of the Commission, Professor Eli Jidere Bala, dropped the hint after a meeting with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Gombe state governor’s Lodge in Abuja last weekend.
He stated that the meeting was aimed at fostering a robust partnership between Gombe state government and the Energy Commission of Nigeria in order to actualise the governor’s initiative of making the state the energy hub of the northeast.
The collaboration, the Commission’s boss stated, will cover conventional energy source and maximising the use of the Dadin-Kowa Hydropower plant as well as the deployment of other variable renewable energy sources that will assist the development of the state.
Bala told newsmen after the meeting that the governor has demonstrated uncommon desire and commitment to making Gombe State the energy hub of the northeast.
He also said that “having realised the importance of energy to the socio-economic development of any society, the Gombe state governor has reiterated the need for a sound partnership between the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Gombe State Government”.
To this end, Professor Bala said his “The disposition of the governor towards making Gombe the energy hub of the northeast is very positive.
“He wants the best for Gombe and he needs external support and collaboration with other agencies both at the federal and international levels, and we are ready to provide such”.
He added that the visit to the Gombe State Governor has encouraged him to play his role as the chief executive officer of the energy commission and to continue to support in the growth and development of Gombe State.
Professor Bala said before now, the commission had intervened to address the energy needs of some institutions, including the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State University and the Federal Polytechnic Bajoga where solar street lights were installed to improve security on the campuses.
He further informed that the ECN has equally drilled some solar-powered boreholes in Balanga local government Area and installed a solar mini-grid to provide electricity to the Tallasse General hospital and a community clinic in Gelengu.
He said that with the level of encouragement he received from the state governor, his Commission will stop at nothing to ensure that Gombe State continues to benefit from its projects.
“In my discussion with him, I have seen a man who has a lot to give to Gombe state and with a burning desire to make the state great,” he said By
Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja
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