By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State Government has disclosed that it is in talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to harness the state’s water resources to generate electricity.
This was disclosed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, when he received the Coordinator and Officers of the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) during the group’s courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.
Obaseki said the partnership talks with the UNDP on electricity generation is to strengthen the state government’s efforts to promote economic activities.
He said, “We are currently working with the UNDP to develop a mini-hydro project from the water resources in the state, specifically from Ovia and Ikpoba Rivers.
“We have identified two major projects. The state government will take advantage of the opportunity provided by these water bodies to generate electricity to boost economic activities in the state.”
According to Obaseki, “this administration is open to collaboration with relevant groups and agencies to complement government policies designed to grow the economy of the state and secure our internal waterways.”
The governor added that his administration supports the bill for the establishment of the Maritime Security Agency as the creation of the agency will safeguard internal waterways across the country.
Coordinator and facilitator, Maritime Security Agency, Bishop Goodluck Akpore, commended the governor for his drive in promoting economic development in the state, noting “your effort in promoting economic development in the state is visible to all.”
Akpore said the objectives of the agency include to provide security, information and mechanisms to protect national maritime zones in the country, coordinate Nigeria’s Maritime security in collaboration and consultation with the relevant agencies.
