In a bid to overcome the technological challenges and lack of technical jobs within the oil companies in the Niger Delta, an energy expert in the region has suggested the implementation of the Niger Delta Energy Corridor to tackle the problem.
Engr. Pedro Egbe dropped the hints at the sideline of the 2nd South-East, South-South Development Forum in Port Harcourt, recently with the Theme: A New Roadmap for the Regional Integration And Economic Development of the South-East and South-South.
The energy strategist in his presentation enumerated the economic benefits of the energy corridor, saying it will propel economic prosperity in the area with gas turbine, petro-chemical plants, sea ports, good road network that will create employment among the youths.
He stated that the governors in the region can do it if they have the political will and are willing to change the misfortune of the people noting that there will be a need to convert the skills needed by the industry to grow the sector.
The oil mogul explained that the skills set in the hands of the private sector and such skills have the propriety software and hardware to unlock the potentials of the youths, as the skills is not to train them and left them alone but will galvanise them to acquire knowledge that will sustain other projects in the corridor.
“There are many areas of negotiations the government and the private sector must be interesting because of its benefits while you pay a premium to get the technology transfer,” he stated.
Explaining further Engr. Egbe said the skilled people who build the plants within the corridor would have became an expert over time that will manage and continue to build other plants within the Niger Delta which will reduce cost of bringing foreign expert all the time.
Engr. Pedro Egbe who is also the Managing Director of Welteg and Techder Energy Plc maintained that the establishment of the Niger Delta Energy Corridor will stimulate jobs and economic growth of the regions.
Earlier, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo represented by his Senior Special Assistant on trade and investment, Dr. Mrs. Jumoke Oduwale in his goodwill message thanked the organizer for the regional integration which will generate massive job creation, wealth and attract Direct Foreign Investment.
In their separate speeches, the president of the South-East, South-South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSAPN).
Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju and the chairman of the organizing committee, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa stated that there are lot of human capital potentials and natural resources to end poverty but lamented that criminality such as kidnapping, militancy, sea pirates and oil thief must be address to bring foreigners into the area.
Barr. Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State represented by Mr. Kenneth Kobani secretary to government assured the regions of government commitment to economic integration to speedy development.
On his part, Prof. Pat Utomi has tasked private sector and the political leaders to think out of the box as the oil drop is a wake up call while calling for global competitiveness, saying infrastructures is the key.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of development agenda for 2035 for the regions and the Niger Delta energy Corridor. ###
Pius Dukor
