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ENGR. ALABI RECEIVES HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVED WELFARE
The Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi has reiterated that the Ministry shall continue to embark on projects that would make life easy for the average citizen in the state.
He made this assertion during the oversight visit by the House of Assembly Committee on Energy to the ministry, in Akure, wherein the focus of the visit was on assessing the ministry’s activities and performance as well as progress in promoting the welfare of the citizenry.
During the engagement, Engr. Alabi gave a brief preamble to the reason why the ministry was established saying ‘’It was created to attend to the energy needs of Ondo State residents and to explore the potentials of hydrocarbon, solid minerals, clay, limestone, bitumen as well as other mineral resources to ensure proper development and exploitation in a sustainable manner for enhanced socio-economic development of the State’’.
Speaking further, the Commissioner presented other core responsibilities of the ministry which included the recent achievements in the Energy sector; Mining sector initiatives; Areas of development in bitumen, CNG Vehicle Conversion Initiative, Oil Inspection and Community relations; Operational departments in the ministry and continuous community cum stakeholder’s engagement to ensure a crises free environment for investors.
Engr. Alabi hinted as part of the challenges that caused low efficiency in the mineral exploration sector saying that it was due to the fact that it is on the exclusive list of the Federal government. ‘’The State government cannot be blamed for that’’ he added.
In the meantime, he mentioned that the ministry was ensuring compliance with rules and regulations likewise, other extant laws on mineral sites in the State and is determined to strengthen platforms for increased productivity.
The House Committee on Energy, led by the Chairman, Hon. Tope Komolafe, informed the management team and other members of staff that there had always been a synergy between the executive arm of Ondo State and the legislature, under the Aiyedatiwa-led administration.
Hon. Komolafe commended the Ministry’s ongoing efforts in mapping out policies for sustainable and reliable energy supply for the people of the state, however, he also identified key areas needing improvement and reaffirmed readiness to collaborate closely with the Ministry to enhance its impact on citizens livelihood and to build public trust.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf, expressed gratitude to the House Committee for the visit saying, it afforded the ministry the opportunity to enlighten them with the activities and achievements.
“Despite the newness of the ministry, it has great potential to grow into one of the most viable ministries in Ondo State; We need your support so the ministry can achieve more life changing programs for the state going forward”, he said.
According to a statement signed by the Information Officer in the ministry, Debbie Funmilayo, Present at the meeting were: State Cord. OSERB, Engr. Bolawole Stephen; Acting MD OSPC, Engr. Mayowa Ajumobi; Admin Sec. Ondo State Rural Electrification Agency (OSREA), Mr. Adejube Samson; Directors from various departments in Energy and Mineral Resources, Bitumen, Gas Expansion Unit and Planning, Research and Statistics.
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