By Thompson ABISOLA
Executive Director of Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Adjogbe, has called on the federal government and states in the Niger Delta region to focus on renewable technologies for revenue generation.
Adjogbe made the call at an award ceremony organised by the Delta Heritage Group in Asaba on Thursday to honour Nigerians who contributed to the Niger Delta development.
He explained that the region and the country in general must seek other sources of revenue as crude oil is gradually being phased out as source of fuel.
According to him, it is becoming increasingly urgent for the Niger Delta region and the states to find other sources of revenue generation.
“Since 1956, Nigeria has grown steadily dependent on oil and gas for over 600 billion dollars or 65 per cent of federally-distrusted revenue.”
The executive director said the revenue was generated from the time oil was first discovered in Oloibiri community, Bayelsa in 1956.
He said many European and Asian countries had made huge investments in renewable technology with intent to move from crude oil and biogas to renewable energy sources.
“We live in changing times; driven by advancements in technology, alternative energy, Information Communication Technology and agriculture and processing.
“We should ask ourselves what happens when we no longer have crude oil on our land. Oil and gas are exhaustible commodities.
“There is need for us to open new frontiers to enable us drive the economy outside crude oil production. The private sector is key in this quest,” he said.
The executive director said Nigeria must rely on the private sector’s inventiveness to help create new avenues to grow national and regional economies.
Adjobe, who bagged “Delta Man of the Year” at the award ceremony, said it would encourage awardees to make more contributions to rebuilding the country and particularly the Niger Delta.
TBI Africa reports that highlight of the ceremony was presentation of awards to some Nigerians for their contributions to development of the Niger Delta.
Other beneficiary of the award include Tara Durotoye, who received the “Role Model to the Female Child” award and Jude Sinebe who was honoured with the “’Outstanding Commissioner of the Year ” award.
Others are retired Navy Commodore Nesiama Omatseye, who received “Creativity in Leadership”; Evelyn Omavowan Oboro was honoured with the “Delta Women of the Year” and Bridge Radio, Asaba got the “Listener’s Choice Radio Station” award among others.
