Many Nigerians are of the notion, that once one is appointed into government at any level, it is to feather one’s nest and not necessarily to serve. This notion does not stand true in the light of Jedy Agba’s accomplishments and giant strides, as Minister of State for Power.
Jedy’s foray into politics started after decades of accomplishments in the oil and gas sector. Goddy Jedy Agba OFR, born, 20 August 1958, started his public service life in 1984 where he served meritoriously in different positions in the Federal Civil Service and rose to the rank of Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Little wonder during his screening in 2019 on the floor of the National Assembly, Jedy who is a seasoned technocrat and a trained lawyer, left no one in doubt about his readiness to deliver. During that screening session, he displayed a good grasp of broad knowledge about the Nigerian socioeconomic dynamics. This left many of his admirers with high hopes and expectations.
Being an astute politician, who is reputed for his people-centered ideology and passion for public service, Jedy wasted no time when assigned the portfolio of Minister of State for Power by President Muhammadu Buhari. He began immediately by visiting desolate sites of major power facilities across the country and began outlining measures on how to revamp this facilities.
Two years down the line, Jedy has left no one in doubt that, he truly understands the import of electricity in stimulating the economy and bringing restitution to the teaming populace.
Jedy in that short period of time, has initiated and commissioned a plethora of people’s targeted projects. A few are highlighted below:
- 60kWp Solar Hybrid Mini Grid Project at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Obudu, LGA, Cross River State.
Zone: South South - 60kWP Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid Electrification project by Rural Electrification Agency, REA, at Okangha Mkpansi, Ikom, LGA, Cross River State
- 8.25MW of Solar Hybrid Project to the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM), Benue State.
Zone: North Central - 100KW Solar hybrid mini-grid in Adebayo Community in Ovia South West Local Government Area, of Edo.
Zone: South South. - 1.35MW Solar Hybrid Power Project at the Federal University of Petroleum, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State.
Zone: South South. - 30kWp solar hybrid mini-grid project in Mbela Lagaje community in Adamawa State.
Zone: North East - 234KW solar hybrid mini grid power plant in Shimankar Community, Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Zone: North Central. - 30kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid Bambami village, Batangarawa LGA, Katsina State.
Zone: North West. - 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid
Ijebu-East, Ogun state.
Zone: South West.
10 7.5KW solar mini grid at the popular Joint Hospital, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Zone: South East.
- 25KWp Solar Hybrid Mini Grid to COVID-19 Health Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos.
Zone: South West.
The magic behind what the Minister has been able to achieve in such a short period of time with scarce resources, has been high level of probity and accountability, highest level of transparency, highest level of compliance with the principle of fiscal responsibility and procurement, dedication to duty, and passion for service delivery.
Jedy will on August 15th 2021, clock 2 fruitful years on the saddle as Minister of State for Power. We his admirers can not but ask God to re-energize him, and crown all his efforts. This is no time for the Utugwang born technocrat to rest on his oars, but rather a time to gather momentum from the resounding cheers and accolades coming from friends and well wishers, in ensuring that a relative constant power supply becomes part of our lives.