Dakar, 11th October 2023 – A technical training organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the RES4Africa Foundation on “Promoting the openness, attractiveness and readiness of electricity markets in Africa through policy and regulatory reforms to crowd-in private sector investment”. The program commenced today at the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) in Dakar, Senegal with the participation of experts from national electricity regulatory institutions and Ministries of energy from eight member States, namely Algeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal.

This is the second edition of the training programme which was previously delivered from 29 to 30 March 2023 at ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa. Jointly organised by the Private Sector Development and Finance Division (ECA) and the RnES4 Africa Foundation, the first edition took place on the margins of the High-Level Public-Private Dialogue on Private Sector Investment in Electricity and Infrastructure Development in Africa, which fall in the portfolio of capacity building programmes delivered by IDEP.

One-fourth of the world population by 2050 will be African, along with 950 million new people living in African cities. Furthermore, 7 of the 10 fastest urbanizing countries by 2050 will be in Africa. One of the underlying critical conditions to meeting this prospect is putting in place infrastructure that supports growth and prosperity. African countries should also address the critical challenge of millions of the continent’s populations lacking access to electricity coupled with key challenges in our electricity sector requiring major investment.

Speaking at the opening session, Karima Bounemra, Director of IDEP underscored that “Africa is facing today multiple challenges, in a complex global and regional environment. The United Nations has prioritized urgent actions in the areas of energy and food security, as well as macroeconomic stability as critical challenges of our time, along with the long-term risks of climate change.” As a result, she urged facing these challenges by mobilizing the required investments and the building the necessary capacity to guarantee our sustainable development, economic and social transformation and long-term prosperity.

“These investments must also help us close existing gaps and position us to successfully transition to a sustainable development path. To pursue these goals, we need conductive policy and regulatory environments encouraging investment”, she added.

Furthermore, Yohannes Hailu, energy policy expert with the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at ECA highlighted that “broadening the scope for private sector investment participation in Africa’s electricity markets through policy and regulatory improvements is essential for sustainable financing in the sector.” He indicated that ECA cooperation with member States in this regard is on-going through development and delivery of conducive regulatory instruments, capacity development efforts and technical support towards closing the investment gap in the sector.

“Now more than ever, energy pathways need to be shaped together, and the private sector needs to be a significant driving force behind the roll-out of RE projects in Africa. However, to date, the contribution of the private sector in African energy infrastructure development has been marginal.” said Roberto Vigotti, Secretary General of RES4Africa, “RES4Africa is pleased to be working together with ECA and its African partners, the private sector, and civil society on furthering the energy transition and is eager to continue supporting the creation of opportunities for dialogue to design the most effective ways of tackling persistent challenges and taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities on the continent.”

During the technical training on regulation and private sector investment in the energy sector, the Regulatory Review of Openness, Attractiveness, and Readiness (R.O.A.R.) tool for the analysis of national regulatory preparedness and reform scenarios, jointly developed by the ECA and RES4Africa, was launched for use by experts in national policy and regulatory institutions in Africa and by the community of energy experts at large.

Onyeme’s Mother-In-Law Burial: Manifestation Of Goodwill
By FIDELIS EGUGBO

WHEN a thanksgiving service was held in honour of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, I wrote a piece titled, “Onyeme: When God Blesses A Man …” and gave several reasons why people will turn out in their large numbers for the thanksgiving service.
One reason that came out strong was charity. The Deputy Governor’s works of charity have become legendary and his level of identifying with the masses is unrivalled as he dines with the rich and the poor without discrimination. He is one politician that can visit anybody without considering where such person lives – whether it is a farm hut, mud house or palatial home, Sir Onyeme would readily visit a person and will be at home with the host.
That he is a cheerful giver is no longer news; his multifarious philanthropic activities are summed up in the Bible book of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
As such, the turnout of people for his thanksgiving service was unprecedented in the history of Onicha-Ukwuani, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State where he hails from and where the event took place.
Most people felt that since they have no cash to give him in appreciation for all that he has been doing for them, the only way that they could say “thank you” or reciprocate his kind gestures was by attending his ceremonies. So, when the programme for the burial ceremony of his mother-in-law, Ezinne Gold Obinnaya Catherine Egege, was released, there were some uncertainties.
Yes! Uncertainties because, the venue for the burial ceremony was the heartland of Nigeria’s South-East, Abia State, and those travelling there from Delta State, would require passing through Anambra and Imo States, especially given that the security reports from that area would make the lily-livered to shudder and find excuse to stay away from the trip to the Ibo heartland.
The question was ‘would the burial ceremony be elaborate knowing the nature of the person of the deputy governor or would it be a low-key event?
However, from the condolence visits and assurances by individuals and groups that they would attend the burial ceremony, it soon became obvious that no matter the situation, people were ready to stay with Sir Onyeme.
Some of us left Asaba earlier than the date to the commercial city of Aba which was the nearest city to Amuke Autonomous Community, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, where the burial ceremony took place. We made it clear that it would be a hitch-free journey and encouraged those in Delta that while the roads were motorable from Asaba to Aba, there was no sign of security threat and, of course, at the burial ceremony proper, the people of South-East felt the presence of Delta State.
Almost all the major hotels in Aba and its surroundings were fully booked by people who came but those who passed through Port-Harcourt complained seriously about bad portions of the road.
It would be recalled that Sir Onyeme had on many fora, played down on the issue of security threat on the road saying, “there is no fear; it is only those who hurt others that are afraid and the burial ceremony would be hitch-free.” And so it was… a very successful event..as the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, led the team from the state which included the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other top politicians to the burial ceremony while his counterpart in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti, led members of the Abia State Executive Council to the event.
Naturally, Sir Onyeme has very wide tentacles and it did not come as a surprise when the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu made available some of his aides to be part of the organisers of the burial ceremony and in all, all hands were on deck to ensure a successful ceremony.
The joy of seeing the huge turnout of people at the burial, no doubt, excited the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori whose activities with his deputy could be easily deduced as an elder brother working in union with his younger brother to deliver the goodies of democracy to Deltans.
Oborevwori, who mobilised his Abia State counterpart to the occasion and obviously, contacted his counterparts in Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, and Imo, Mr Hope Uzodinma, that he was passing through their states, in his speech at the occasion, said, “You will not be remembered for the wealth you have acquired or the things you have achieved but for the lives you were able to touch and impact in the community.”
His statement elicited a lot of applause from the people as it also showed that those who are in charge of the affairs of Delta State are humanists.
The presence of Oborevwori at the burial ceremony was electrifying and it is possible that through his efforts, Otti visited the community for the first time as a Governor. But again, it shows that Delta is at peace because, when the leaders are working together as members of one family, the people that they have taken oath to serve will be relaxed.
Otti also alluded to the peace that exists in Delta State when he spoke profusely and thanked Oborevwori for informing him about the burial ceremony.
He said, “I didn’t know about the burial and little did I even know that our daughter is a wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State until you, my brother, the Governor of Delta State called me.
“So, I said if you are coming to Abia, just come, we will go together. But I am very happy to be here, that is what it is about, life is about relationships.
“So, I want to thank you for the privilege, my colleague, Governor Sheriff, because, you could have come in, attended the burial, and gone back and I will hear days later that you were here, but you are my brother you can’t come without letting me know that you are in my state.
“I am happy that you are here, and I celebrate Ezinne that was laid to rest not too long ago for producing a wonderful Catherine Oyeme, who is the wife of Monday Oyeme, the Deputy Governor, I also met him today.
“Even what I know about the choice of your Deputy Governor must be something that is well considered, all the story I hear is that he is very loyal, and I pray he remains loyal till the end.
“The truth is that it is not an easy thing. If it was the Deputy Governor’s mother, yes, but the Deputy Governor wife’s mother; so, if he hasn’t been what he is to you, you could have just sent a commissioner to represent you.
“But because you came in person, you redefined everything. If people have doubts before now, I think those doubts have disappeared and you didn’t come alone, you came with Her Excellency, your wife
“I want to thank you, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,for the important things you are doing for Deltans, especially your care and love for human beings.
“It has come to my knowledge that you have set aside so much money in paying salary and pension arrears and even supporting struggling families.
“That is what governance is all about because each time governance moves from human being to some other things, you have failed as a leader.
“This is not about stomach infrastructure but a structured system to move people out of poverty and a system where people will have money in their hands to buy whatever they want.”
Sir Onyeme spent days in Abia State, and, of course, he was not there alone. His friends from all walks of life were with him. He has, in practical terms, lifted a lot of people up and he is still doing that which greatly contributed to the hitch-free burial ceremony.
Kudos must be given to those who worked behind the scene for the success story of the burial and in particular, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, who was seen on her feet ensuring that everything went well.
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington

COMRADE FIDELIS EGUGBO, IS THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT, MEDIA TO THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE

JULIUS BERGER CSR: ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION LEADER AGAIN RENOVATES, RESTORES AND DELIVERS CLASSROOM BLOCKS FOR SCHOOLS IN NIGER AND KANO COMMUNITIES

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc improved her Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio of initiatives to benefit its host communities across the country recently, when it donated a block of classrooms and Principal’s Office to Government Day Junior Secondary School, Boyi, Gurara L.G.A, in Niger State.

At the event, after a brief introduction of the Julius Berger team and opening remarks by the leader of the company’s CSR team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Mr Bala Ishaku Dodo said, “the importance of education and a conducive learning environment cannot be overemphasized. Before now, this building was an incomplete one, and there was not a roof and chairs for our classrooms,” adding that, “…initially, we had to wait for the primary school students to finish their classes to enable the junior secondary students go in for their classes in the afternoon.

Bala Ishaku Dodo further stated that, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc came to our school’s rescue and not only gave us this beautiful structure, but also provided us with students’ and teachers’ chairs, a Principal’s office, and a toilet. The excitement on our children’s faces clearly shows that Julius Berger has given them an amazing gift and we cannot be more grateful. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to Julius Berger.”

Speaking at the event, the Acting Village Head, John Nasara JP, who couldn’t withhold his excitement said, “Words aren’t enough to express my excitement. With this donation, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has not only touched the hearts of the students, but also left an indelible mark in the hearts of our community. Through this donation, Julius Berger has showed us the actual meaning of kindness and has exhibited it by giving back to the society. We are grateful and may God bless the company with every good and kind gift.

The Secretary of the Hausa Community, Umar Abdulkareem Kauru, who was also present at the handing over of the project said, “…we are very excited for the helpful actions taken by Julius Berger. Looking at the smiles on our children’s faces gives me so much joy. We appreciate God first and then Julius Berger for what they have done today. We are so grateful.”

The Head Boy of the school, Michael E. Daniel, who was also present at the event said, “I want to thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We appreciate how much Julius Berger is concerned about our education and all the company’s efforts towards our community. On behalf of my fellow students, I say thank you to Julius Berger.”

At the company’s next donations stop at Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, Kura L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the school management and the students.

The Principal of the school, Falalu Kabiru Ahmed, was effusive with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger. “…I want to specially thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We had just two classroom blocks and could not afford to admit more children into our school due to lack of learning spaces. Thankfully, this very thoughtful gesture came to us at a time when we really needed it, and we do not take this for granted. God gave us what we really desired and He did that through Julius Berger. On behalf of the staff, parents and the pupils of Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, I say a very big thank you to the company.”

The Village Head, Abubakar Tijjani Abubakar, said, “I am extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for this significant contribution made to our school and also our community. I also want to take out time to also thank the entire management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. This company, indeed, has written its name boldly in our community anals.”

The College Director, Mr. Salisu Kura, who was present at the event, thanked the company also for the CSR donation gifted to the school, adding that, “Asides this, Julius Berger also helped to repair certain areas within the school premises which had potholes and were water-logged and as such, the students were previously restricted from accessing certain points in the school. He added that with Julius Berger’s intervention, the bad portions had been repaired for free and easier movement. We are happy. I pray God reward and bless the company continuously.”

The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Manager, Finn Drosdowski and ably supported by the Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other Julius Berger officials at the events in Niger and Kano States include Akeem Lawal, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma.