……Says Institutional Knowledge Critical to Sector Reforms
Emmanuel ClementÂ
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on retired professionals in Nigeria’s power sector to lend their wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to support ongoing efforts aimed at transforming the nation’s electricity industry.
The Governor made the appeal on Monday during a meeting with retired leaders and professionals from the power sector, where he paid glowing tribute to their years of dedicated service and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s electricity industry.
Describing the gathering as more than a reunion, Governor Ododo said it provided an opportunity to harness decades of practical experience and technical expertise that remain essential to achieving meaningful reforms in the power sector.
He stressed that no lasting transformation of Nigeria’s electricity industry could be accomplished without the input of professionals who have witnessed the sector’s evolution and understand its challenges.
Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see,” Governor Ododo noted that sustainable national progress is built on the wisdom and sacrifices of those who laid the foundation of key institutions.
Reflecting on his own career in the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), the Governor described the meeting as a reunion with mentors, supervisors and former colleagues who played significant roles in shaping his professional life.
He said the discipline, integrity, teamwork and commitment to service he acquired during his years in the power sector continue to influence his approach to governance and leadership.
According to him, the pressure management skills developed while working in the electricity industry have proved invaluable in navigating the responsibilities of public office.
Governor Ododo described the old NEPA as more than an organisation, recalling it as a family bound together by patriotism, professionalism and a shared commitment to national service.
He emphasized that although the professionals have retired from active service, they remain custodians of knowledge and institutional memory that cannot be replaced by policy documents or technical manuals.
The Governor noted that improving electricity supply remains one of Nigeria’s most critical development priorities, stressing that reliable power is fundamental to industrialisation, investment, job creation, quality healthcare, education and increased national productivity.
He added that enhanced electricity supply would expand economic opportunities for young people while addressing some of the underlying factors contributing to crime and insecurity.
Governor Ododo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating bold leadership through strategic reforms and institutional restructuring aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s power sector.
He equally praised the Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for adopting an inclusive approach by engaging stakeholders across the sector, including retired professionals whose expertise remains vital to current reforms.
The Governor urged the retirees to view retirement not as the end of national service but as an opportunity to continue contributing through mentorship, technical advisory services, policy engagement 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 commended Governor Ododo’s leadership, describing his administration as focused, disciplined and committed to sustainable development across Kogi State.
Speaking on behalf of the retired power sector professionals, Dr. Samuel Agbogun praised the Governor’s achievements, particularly in governance and security, noting that his leadership continues to inspire confidence.
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 power sector development in the state.
He added that Kogi State’s strategic location positions it to benefit significantly from emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving electricity industry.
In his remarks, Engr. Hope Toru attributed Governor Ododo’s impressive performance in office to the discipline, technical competence and leadership qualities he developed during his years in the power sector.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Engr. Ibrahim Hashim expressed appreciation to the Governor for maintaining close ties with his professional roots despite occupying the state’s highest political office, describing the meeting as a fitting demonstration of gratitude and respect for retired professionals whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s electricity industry.
Investigator news gathered that 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 Nigeria’s power sector.