*Says ‘institutional memory’ key to fixing Nigeria’s power sector
By ROMANUS OJOTULE
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged retired professionals in Nigeria’s power sector to deploy their experience and institutional memory to support ongoing electricity reforms.
Ododo made the call on Monday at a meeting with retired leaders and veterans of the defunct National Electric Power Authority, NEPA, in Lokoja.
The Governor said the sector could not achieve meaningful transformation without the input of those who understand its history and challenges.
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“No meaningful transformation of the power sector can be achieved without the contributions of those who understand its evolution and challenges,” he said.
Quoting Winston Churchill – “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see” — Ododo noted that nations make lasting progress by building on the wisdom of those who laid institutional foundations.
As a former NEPA staff, Ododo described the meeting as a reunion with mentors and colleagues.
He said the discipline, integrity and pressure – management skills he learnt in the power sector still shape his approach to governance.
“NEPA was more than an organisation. It was a family united by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national service,” he said.
He added that despite retirement, the professionals remain “custodians of knowledge that cannot be replaced by policy documents or technical manuals.”
The Governor described reliable electricity as central to industrialisation, investment, job creation, healthcare, education and security.
He said improved power supply would also expand opportunities for youths and reduce conditions that fuel crime.
Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “bold leadership” in repositioning the sector, and Minister of Power, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for adopting an inclusive, stakeholder-driven approach.
He urged retirees not to see retirement as the end of service, but to continue contributing through mentorship, technical advisory and policy engagement.
“The nation needs your expertise. The nation needs your institutional memory. The nation needs your guidance,” he said.
Dr. Samuel Agbogun, speaking for the retirees, praised Ododo’s governance and security record in Kogi.
Engr. Akin Bada commended the establishment of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, saying it would strengthen regulation, attract investment and leverage Kogi’s strategic location.
Engr. Hope Toru on his part, said Ododo’s performance reflects the technical competence he acquired in NEPA, while Engr. Ibrahim Hashim delivered the vote of thanks.
The meeting had in attendance the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Professor Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam; Commissioners for Rural and Energy Development, Works, Information, Solid Minerals, the Auditor-General for Local Government, and the Chairman/CEO of Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulwaaris, among other officials.
