Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on retired professionals in Nigeria’s power sector to contribute their wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to support ongoing reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s power sector.
Governor Ododo made the appeal during a meeting with retired leaders and professionals in the power sector.
He paid tribute to their years of dedicated service and acknowledged their lasting contributions to the development of Nigeria’s electricity industry.
He described the gathering as more than a reunion of distinguished retirees, saying it provided an opportunity to harness decades of expertise that remain critical to achieving sustainable reforms in the power sector.
Governor Ododo noted that lasting national progress is built on the wisdom and sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for strong institutions.
Drawing from his personal experience as a former employee member of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), the Governor said the discipline, integrity, teamwork and commitment to service he acquired during his years in the power sector continue to shape his leadership and approach to governance.
He recalled that the NEPA was more than an organisation, describing it as a family united by patriotism, professionalism and dedication to national service.
Governor Ododo stressed that retired professionals in the power sector remain invaluable custodians of institutional memory whose expertise cannot be replaced by policy documents or technical manuals.
He noted that reliable electricity supply remains central to Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic growth, investment, job creation, quality healthcare, education and improved national productivity.
According to him, improved power supply would also create greater opportunities for young people while addressing some of the socio-economic challenges that contribute to crime and insecurity.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to repositioning the power sector through strategic reforms, institutional restructuring and the appointment of competent professionals to manage the sector.
He also praised the Minister of Power Joseph Olasukanmi for adopting an inclusive approach by engaging stakeholders, including retired experts, in the ongoing reform in the sector.
He urged the retired professionals to continue to serve the nation through mentorship, technical advisory roles, policy engagement and knowledge sharing.
“The nation needs your expertise. The nation needs your institutional memory. The nation needs your guidance. We look up to you as custodians of knowledge whose contributions can help shape the future of the sector,” the Governor said.
Speaking on behalf of the retired professionals, Dr. Samuel Agbogun commended the Governor’s achievements, particularly in governance and security.
Meanwhile, one of the stakeholders, Engr. Akin Bada praised the establishment of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, describing it as a strategic step towards attracting investment and accelerating access to electricity in the state.
speakers at the meeting commended Governor Ododo’s leadership, describing his administration as visionary, disciplined and development-driven.
The meeting was attended by the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, commissioners and top officials of the Kogi state government
