Former Power Minister Highlights Leadership and Reforms for Stable Electricity
Goddy Jedy-Agba, the former Minister of State for Power, has articulated a clear roadmap for Nigeria to achieve a stable electricity supply, emphasizing the critical roles of strong leadership, sustained reforms, and strategic investment. Speaking at the signing ceremony for his memoir titled "Grace Unspeakable" in Abuja on Tuesday, March 31, Jedy-Agba expressed optimism about the nation's power sector while addressing broader developmental challenges.
Leadership and Mentorship as Foundations for Progress
Jedy-Agba underscored that Nigeria's advancement hinges significantly on the quality of its leadership and the deliberate mentorship of younger generations by experienced professionals. He articulated a vision where leadership transcends mere position-holding to embody impact, accountability, and genuine service to the populace.
"Leadership is not just about occupying positions; it is about impact, accountability, and service to the people," Jedy-Agba stated. "We must be intentional about raising a new generation of leaders who are grounded in integrity and committed to national development."
He identified mentorship as a pivotal yet often neglected element in nation-building, advocating for continuous knowledge transfer and guidance to foster sustainable progress. "Mentorship is critical. We must invest in people, guide them, and prepare them to take on responsibility. That is how institutions grow, and nations develop," he added.
Pathway to Reliable Power Supply
Reflecting on his tenure in the power sector, Jedy-Agba conveyed hope that Nigeria can overcome its electricity challenges through consistent policy implementation and adequate investment. "I remain hopeful about the power sector. With the right policies, consistency, and investment, we can overcome the challenges and deliver reliable power," he asserted.
However, he pinpointed gas supply constraints as a major impediment to electricity generation, linking inadequate payments to gas producers as a primary cause of supply limitations. "If you don’t pay for gas, producers will not supply, and without gas, you cannot generate enough electricity," he explained, noting that efforts were made during his administration to prioritize payments to sustain generation levels.
Jedy-Agba also highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria's energy mix, mentioning that groundwork for alternative energy development had been initiated before his departure in 2023. He emphasized that consistent policies and effective execution are essential to unlocking growth across sectors and ensuring long-term national development.
Broader Developmental Insights and Personal Reflections
Beyond the power sector, Jedy-Agba called for sustained investment in critical areas like healthcare, stating, "A nation’s strength is measured by the health of its people. We must continue to invest in healthcare systems that are accessible and efficient." He urged Nigerians to reject the glorification of ill-gotten wealth, advocating for hard work and integrity over corruption.
"Today we celebrate thieves and rogues. Once we see a rich person, we don’t care how the money was made, but you can make money from hard work instead of stealing. You can still give your best without being corrupt," he remarked.
On a personal note, Jedy-Agba shared that his memoir aims to inspire younger generations with lessons on integrity, resilience, and hard work, drawn from his own experiences. He recounted a near-death incident where seeking a second medical opinion saved his arm from amputation, illustrating the value of determination and faith.
"Life is not measured by the certainty of our plans but by our resilience when fate interrupts them. Every interruption is a lesson that should make us emerge stronger and more determined to fulfil our purpose," he reflected, describing wisdom as a priceless asset that shapes character and leadership.
